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Brainerd Public Library awarded Minnesota facility grant; plans to expand computers and meeting space
Summary
April, branch manager of Brainerd Public Library, told the council the library won a Minnesota Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects Grant to fund renovations including an expansion from 7 to 16 public computers, a larger third meeting room, and high-density basement storage with expected completion Dec. 20, 2026.
April, the new branch manager at Brainerd Public Library, briefed the City Council on June 15 about library services, 2025 usage statistics and plans for 2026. She said the library serves roughly 7,500 city patrons, recorded about 104,000 visits and 170,000 items checked out in 2025, and provides a range of circulating materials from books to Tonies and tabletop games.
April announced the library had been awarded the Minnesota Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects Grant through the city to support community revitalization, connectedness and equity. The project will expand the library’s public computer capacity from seven to 16 machines, enlarge a third meeting room, and install high-density storage in the basement; staff said the work is internal to the existing footprint and the anticipated completion date is December 20, 2026.
She described ongoing outreach and services such as a bookmobile, Hublet tablets for short-term checkout, and Bibliotheca lockers that allow patrons to pick up holds outside normal hours. Council members asked about accessibility resources and staff offered to provide guided, in-person assistance for patrons who need help accessing materials or technology.
April closed by asking the community for feedback and thanking the council and staff for support. The council took the presentation and asked staff to track project completion and community outreach as the grant-funded work proceeds.
