Library Friends of Cook County awards book grants to five area libraries

Five area libraries in Cook County recently received assistance grants totaling $4,850 from the non-profit Library Friends of Cook County. 

Jan Smith, a Library Friends of Cook County board member said grant funding is generated through individual donations and by volunteer time. Volunteers donate hours at area non-profit retail outlets, such as Odds & Endz, or other book related events.

The generous grants will support learning and growth opportunities for students at Cook County schools and community members at the Grand Marais Public Library. 

The five grant recipients for the winter grant cycle are:

• Birch Grove Charter School granted $1,000.00 for student and staff chosen book titles
• Great Expectations Charter School granted $1,000.00 for new non-fiction and naturalist books
• Oshki Ogimaag Charter School granted $1,000.00 to purchase new books, K–6th grade
• Grand Marais Public Library’s request for $850.00 to support the Friday Night Reels winter film series which begins January 6th, 2023 
• Cook County ISD 166 granted $1,000.00 to purchase new books for every reading level 

Smith said Library Friends of Cook County is looking at offering more small grant opportunities later this spring in March or April. 

“We’re always looking for volunteers or more board members,” Smith said. 

Smith added, the non-profit is actively looking for volunteers to help in the used book room at Odds & Endz. “If they have a few hours a month, we would be happy to have them join us.”

If you would like to volunteer your time at the store or assist our community of readers, writers and learners by serving on the board of Library Friends, please contact: library.friends.cc.mn@gmail.com. 

To support the work of Library Friends of Cook County, donations can be made through GiveMN.org, or by sending a check to PO Box 1234, Grand Marais, MN 55604. 

WTIP’S CJ Heithoff spoke with board member Jan Smith about the grant opportunities. Audio from the interview is below. 

Kalli Hawkins January 12, 2023