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Library Friends pledge nearly $17,000 for public computers as library reports rising visits and circulation
Summary
The Library Friends of Cook County committed nearly $17,000 to replace public computers at the Grand Marais Public Library; director Electra Brannan also reported rising visits, stable membership and increased digital circulation, and previewed summer programming and local exhibits.
The Library Friends of Cook County will fund replacement of the Grand Marais Public Library's public computers, a contribution director Electra Brannan described as "almost a $17,000 contribution," the board heard at its regular meeting.
Brannan said the Friends also previously supported replacement of staff computers with more than $11,000 in funding. She told trustees the order for the public computers had been placed and thanked the volunteer group for sustained programming and technology support.
Why it matters: The board was presented with data showing strong local engagement. Brannan said more than half of Cook County residents hold library cards and the combined membership and visitor count exceeds 3,170. In-person visits have risen each year since 2021, reaching 46,342 last year, and total circulations were about 55,000, with roughly a third of those items delivered as digital content—up from about 25% in prior years.
Trustees also received a program update: Brannan highlighted recent successful events ("We Are All Storytellers" featuring author Margie Preuss), arts programming with poet and printmaker Shelley Getten, and a May traveling exhibit, the Cook County Hope Chair, created by more than 20 local artists and the Northwoods Fiber Arts Guild. She invited trustees to sit in the Hope Chair and contribute to a guest journal during the exhibit run.
Brannan previewed the summer reading program, which she said kicks off June 8 and will run into August with family-focused offerings—live reptiles, musical performers and an August season finale planned around Aug. 10. She also thanked the Friends for providing cupcakes and flowers during Library Appreciation Week and emphasized that the Friends' funding has been critical to both programming and technology upgrades.
On staffing, Brannan said finalist visits for open librarian positions are scheduled this month, one clerk candidate declined an offer and she anticipates extending another offer by the end of the week.
Procedural note: The board approved the consent agenda, including tonight's agenda, bills, and minutes from January and March, by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Next steps: The director indicated technology implementation (new public computers) is in progress and summer programming details will be finalized and publicized ahead of the June kickoff.
