Grand Marais Public Library reduces operating hours due to temporary staffing shortages

The Grand Marais Public Library has reduced its operating hours to overcome temporary staffing shortages.

Amanda St. John, library director, said two part-time employees have recently transitioned to other work, and one full-time employee is on leave.

Following the loss of staff in September, St. John decided to close the library on Mondays and Wednesday evenings. “Those were our two slowest times since the summer,” she said.

St. John said that the best way the community can help the library is “just to continue expressing patience and kindness toward their staff. It’s been a long ride with the flood and the pandemic, but we are moving toward the service levels that we all miss and cherish.”

The library will be posting job openings in the near future for those interested in applying.

Restoration work following spring flooding continues to be an ongoing process, said St. John.

The building is being excavated on the north side to improve and ensure foundational waterproofing measures. In addition, on the interior, the library is patching drywall and replacing the carpet.

St. John said as work is scheduled, the library will make announcements for library closures.

“I’m pushing so hard to see this wrap up by the end of the year. And I think it can happen,” St. John said.

During October, the library is co-hosting a virtual fireside chat with Angeline Bliss, author of “The Firekeepers Daughter.” The virtual event will take place on October 16 at 7 pm.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with St. John for an update on hours and restoration work at the library. Audio from the interview is below.

Kalli Hawkins October 8, 2022