The Best Deal Around
For the love of information. Despite having worked in a public library for a considerable length of time, I am still amazed at the incredible resources a person can access with their library card. You often hear the phrase that we live in the information age; I might add that the public library is a disseminator of that information, and so much more.
The value of information is, let’s just say, priceless. Misinformation (which is in no short supply) is costly. Librarians can assist you in locating reliable information in print and online. The plethora of resources available at or via the public library, free to you, is a treasure.
The library subscribes to several newspapers. Every day, as soon as we open, patrons head directly to the newspaper section to catch up on the news. “The Wall Street Journal,” “Washington Post,” “New York Times,” “USA Today,” “Minnesota Star Tribune,” “Fargo Forum,” “Daily Journal,” “Battle Lake Review,” and “Grant County Herald,” can be read at the Public Library.
The library subscribes to over 90 magazines available for checkout. Titles such as “People,” “Time,” “The Week,” “The National Review,” “Magnolia Journal,” “Consumer Reports,” “Hemmings Motor News,” and “Psychology” show the range of subjects in the collection. You can access 4,000 more magazines through the Libby app. For more information about digital content, visit our webpage, call, or stop in for help.
With more than 80,000 books, a large selection of games, puzzles, artwork, and equipment, including cameras, projectors, hotspots, and record players to check out, your library card is probably the most valuable card in your wallet.
The physical library space is yours too; seating areas, conference rooms, study rooms, and play space provide options for working independently, working with others, and meeting new people. Public access computers, printers, and fax services are available. You are welcome to bring your own devices and connect to the library’s Wifi. Even after hours, the WiFi is available outside and in the parking lot.
Your library card has additional perks, like access to every library in the state and beyond. I know, impressive, right? Be sure to visit MNlink.org, a library catalog that includes the holdings of almost every public and academic library in the state.
Library programming and events are so popular that we frequently offer programs twice, allowing more people to participate; still, people often find themselves on a waiting list. A recent guest speaker garnered an audience of more than 55 people. The enthusiasm for library programs and events inspires us to continue to provide these opportunities.
Library users are the greatest encouragement for our work. We are fortunate to have such dedicated patrons. We register an average of 119 new library cards each month and have an average of 410 visitors each day. Without a doubt, public libraries are one of the best deals around.
Gail Hedstrom – Library Director