New Great River Regional Library director highlights record use and local programs in Sherburne County

Brandy Caner, the new executive director of Great River Regional Library, told Sherburne County commissioners on March 17 that 2025 was a strong year for the six‑county system and outlined a strategic plan that prioritizes learning, storytelling and partnerships.

Caner said the regional system had nearly 98,000 cardholders and about 2.28 million circulations in 2025, and that the library network launched a 2026–2030 strategic plan focused on core literacy services, technology and greater outreach. “I am the new executive director for Great River Regional Library. I've actually been with the library for 25 years,” Caner said, and described plans to expand programming and community partnerships.

Hillary Dawson, library services coordinator for Becker and Big Lake branches, described local activities that extend beyond traditional collections, including storytimes with schools, study‑room demand in St. Cloud, circulating nontraditional items such as ukuleles and snowshoes, and outreach events. Dawson said libraries are being used as safe public meeting spaces and for services like online job interviews and tutoring.

Local highlights cited to the board included a 5.9% circulation increase in Big Lake, completed facility improvements in Elk River, rising study‑room use that prompted purchase of study pods, strong summer and winter reading participation and digital circulation that now outpaces many physical branches. Caner and Dawson emphasized the library’s role in digital literacy and in providing nontraditional circulating items and community programming.

The board thanked library staff for the work and congratulated Caner on her new role. The director said she looks forward to continued collaboration with county partners.