More Than Just Books: Library Resources in the Grand Forks Region

Did you know that there are multiple public libraries in the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks area? While many people are aware of the amazing collection of books these libraries contain, it may be surprising to learn that these libraries are more than just a home to books. As an avid reader, I spend a lot of time combing the shelves of the libraries looking for my next read. And while I do find plenty of books from the bestsellers to the age-old sci-fi classics I enjoy (and don’t forget the endless cartoon dogs my children love to read about), my family and I also enjoy all the other services the libraries offer. Many of these services are lesser known than their sprawling towers of bookshelves, so I am going to outline a few of our favorites in hopes of spreading the love of the public libraries in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.

East Grand Forks Campbell Library (EGF Campbell)

Location: 422 4^th St N.W., East Grand Forks, MN. 56721 Phone: 218-773-9121

Website: https://www.eastgrandforks.us/185/Library

Hours: generally open from 9:00am until 8pm, although early closures on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays. Check the library website for updated hours of operation.

WHY WE LOVE THE EGF CAMBELL LIBRARY:

I may be biased as a resident of East Grand Forks, but I have to say that the Campbell Library is probably my favorite library to which I’ve ever been a member. It’s cozy and comfortable, and so easy to just sit down and soak in the comforting atmosphere. Plus, the librarians are so helpful and welcoming. If you ask my sons, the Program Coordinator Librarian, Andrea, is the coolest person they’ve ever met.

The Campbell Library has a smaller book collection than the other two public libraries in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, but they make up for this in the broad expanse of programs, activities, and services they offer. Don’t get me wrong; their book collection is still impressive and I always come away with an armful of books every time I visit. Plus, with access to ebooks and audiobooks through the Libby app, I am never without something exciting to read. We also enjoy borrowing video games for the Nintendo, which saves us so much and keeps our kids entertained all year round.

An article about the EGF Campbell library would not be complete without talking about the programs they offer. Honestly, I cannot even capture the magnitude of the programs and activities the EGF Campbell Library coordinates. Their schedule of events provides a wide breadth of programs and activities that allure to a variety of ages and interests including things like Puzzle Exchanges, TinkerTown activities for youth, regular Art Exhibits, Summer Reading Programs, Sensory Play Dates, Gamer Nights, Dial-A-Story, Lego-Club, Craft Social Hours, Cookbook Clubs, After School Programs, and so many more. The Summer Reading Program is my sons’ top priority for summer activities and is such a fun way to engage children’s curiosity about the world!

Also, keep your eye out for pop-Up programs that include things like a Community Table Garden Share, a Seed Saving workshop, scavenger hunts, author events, music showcases, and many more. Their Facebook page is well organized and provides a wealth of information on their burgeoning social calendar.

Grand Forks Public (GFP)

Location: 2110 Library Circle, Grand Forks, ND. 58201 Phone: 701-772-8116

Website: https://www.gflibrary.com/

Hours: generally open from 9:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M., although they close at 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday hours are from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. Check the library website for updated hours of operation.

WHY WE LOVE GFP:

A close second favorite library for my family is the Grand Forks Public Library (GFP). The GFP has an impressive book collection, expansive selection of ebooks and audiobooks through the Overdrive and Libby apps, a useful Library of Things (that even contains a Radon Detection kit, how cool is that?), video games and other media, graphic novels and magazines, and so much more. In addition to their items that can be checked out, the GFP has book clubs, Resources for New Americans, a Lit League Challenge, Adult and Teen Novel(ties) Book Boxes (depending on time of year and availability), Summer & Winter Reading Programs, Robotics and Coding Clubs for kids, STEM Kids, Storytime, Homework Help, Gaming Stations, Computers, Curiosity Club, Chess Club, Lego Club and First Lego League, and so much more. Seriously, check out their website for a full list of their awesome programs and services. And, stop by the library to check out their newly remodeled seating areas, and even the soundproof booth. I’ve found their updated spaces entirely too comfortable, and have been known to spend a Saturday afternoon lounging in a cozy nook while my kids play in the Children’s Department. And, with the swings on the main floor, who wouldn’t love to lazily swing while getting lost in an epic adventure or wander the pages of a fictional land?

A cool feature to mention is their recently remodeled Children’s Department, which is top tier. Upon entering the library, visitors will immediately notice the bright pink slide that descends from the upper level and empties out next to the circulation desk. The slide is a favorite part of the experience for my children, and I often have to set a limit of how many times they are allowed to use the slide or we would be there all day. Although, with the adjacent swings, I can keep an eye out for my kids while they wear themselves out going between the slide and racing (well, no running indoors, of course) up the stairs to jet back down the slide again. Upstairs in the Children’s Department, there is a playhouse with a slide, puppets, interactive magnetic boards on the wall, building blocks, and even an interactive science exhibit that functions by sucking up colorful fabric squares and sends them zipping through tubes until they explode out of the top and float down to the waiting children. We have spent many afternoons at this library exploring, reading, and enjoying the space with our friends.

All residents of Grand Forks County can get a membership to the GFP for free by filling out their form online or by visiting the library in person. Individuals who live outside of Grand Forks County (like we do) can purchase a membership for $5 per month, or $25 per year. This cost is insignificant given the endless possibilities that come with being a card holder.

My family and I live in East Grand Forks and have memberships to the Campbell Library and as a graduate student at UND, I have access to the UND Chester Fritz Library. But, we also sign up annually for a non-resident membership to the Grand Forks Public Library because it’s such a wonderful and welcoming place to be. I definitely recommend the annual membership because it’s worth it, whether you’re from the area or just visiting.

Location: 3051 University Ave., Grand Forks, ND. 58203 Phone: 701-777-4644

Website: https://library.und.edu/

Hours: generally open from 7:30 am until Midnight. Check the library website for updated hours of operation.

BEST ATTRACTIONS AT CFL:

The Chester Fritz Library is located in the heart of the University of North Dakota campus, nestled between the UND Law School and the Nistler College of Business and Public Administration, right across the street from Archives Coffeehouse and the Gro.UND Learning Garden. Its key features include a newly remodeled building with open spaces with plenty of natural light, private study rooms, and comfy reading chairs. They offer an expansive book collection in their general book stacks, as well as a pretty impressive Children’s and Young Adult Literature collection (check out the 4^th floor for these). Board games, ebooks and audiobooks, and a Library of Things are also available to patrons. I have been a student at UND for almost a decade and just recently learned that they have children’s books, games, and hobby kits available. Don’t be like me and miss out on all the cool things this library has to offer. Check it out today!

Community Members can get a CFL library card – If you’re not affiliated with the university as a student or staff/faculty member, you can still become a member by paying the $50 yearly fee. But don’t let that cost deter you – the expansive collection of books, media, board games, and Library of Things services are well worth it. Find out more info about a community borrower account on their website.

Now that you have an understanding of each of the unique public libraries in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, I want to take a moment to highlight why libraries are so pivotal to making our community so much cooler. Here are a few of our favorite things that the public libraries offer beyond the written word:

All three libraries offer a “Library of Things”. While each library offers different items in their collection, the gist of a Library of Thing collection is, as the Campbell Library explains, a “collection of non-traditional library materials.” And, as the Grand Forks Public Library notes, “why buy new when you can borrow?” Patrons can borrow a wide variety of items that may be cost prohibitive to purchase at a store, or they may be items that you would only use once or twice and therefore do not necessitate purchasing the item for yourself. Or, maybe you want to try a new hobby and don’t want to invest in your own materials until you are confident you are ready to commit to the craft. And, did you know that you can check out a 7-day pass to a state park?

What can you find in the Library of Things at each library?

GFP: Hobby exploration, Film Making & Photography, Parties and Celebrations, Memory Preservation, and more.

EGF Campbell: Arts and Crafts, Bakeware & Cookware, Recreation, Tech Kits, and more.

CFL: Board Games, Wellness Items (light therapy lamp, meditation mat, yoga equipment, stress balls, etc), Household Items (tools, crafting, and cooking equipment), Electronics (headphones, speakers, etc).

If you’re interested in gardening or want to try your hand at growing your own produce, you’ll love the new seed libraries that are springing up around town.

Both the East Grand Forks Campbell Library and the Chester Fritz Library offer Seed Libraries that are free and open to anyone (no library card needed). Visitors can forage through the catalog of seeds either in the vintage card catalog positioned near the South entrance of the CFL or peruse the selections the Campbell library offers (you may have to ask a librarian for the seed library if it’s in the off-season, as it’s tucked away during the winter months). If you have an overabundance of seeds and want to contribute to either growing library, you can donate seeds (sharing is caring, right?) by filling out this form for the Campbell Library, or by visiting the CFL and following the instructions on the seed library display.

My sons are obsessed with 3-D printing. The Campbell Library has a Silhouette Alta Plus 3D printer and offers one free 3-D printed design per week for patrons. Their printer uses white filament and can print designs up to 5 inches in diameter and 5 inches tall. Plus, if you’re a newbie to 3-D printing like me, their staff is very helpful in talking through how to submit a request for a design, and even offer advice on how to use online software to find the necessary design specs. My sons have collected an army of articulated dragons, and I’ve found a few designs for use with my plant propagations and fish tank.

The Grand Forks Public Library has two LulzBot 3D printers available for patrons to use to print objects that are no larger than 5.50 inches in height, diameter, and depth. There is a small fee for 3D printing ($2.00 per hour). They offer filaments in a variety of colors including orange, blue, light blue, green, black, and purple. Their website has helpful resources on how to learn to use 3D printers, how to navigate a variety of 3D printer software, and knowledgeable staff to assist you in getting your projects started.

I know that I mentioned at the beginning of this article that I would highlight only non-book related things at the public libraries in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. However, I’m a book nerd and really want to share about books. Books can be checked out in person, but all libraries also offer access to ebooks and audiobooks as part of their membership. I find this service incredibly beneficial because apps that provide audiobooks usually require costly monthly subscriptions. However, the libraries in the area offer access to ebooks through Overdrive and audiobooks through Libby. Both apps are wonderful and have saved me hundreds of dollars each year. Seriously, if you haven’t checked out this resource, you’re missing out.

One of the underappreciated things about libraries is their commitment to building a community of connection. As a teacher and an avid bookworm, I can appreciate the endless access to books and written materials that libraries provide. But the public libraries in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks offer much more than spine-tingling tales or access to physical items that you can use around your home (but those are important too!). Each library has programs and activities that encourage people to spend time together, whether it’s to meet up with friends for playdates, make new acquaintances, or get together to participate in book clubs or group activities like a walking tour or puzzle exchange, or learn new recipes in a cookbook club.

Reservable public meeting spaces also allow for groups to congregate in safe and comfortable spaces. The Grand Forks Public library also has a People First food box where food donations are available to anyone, as well as the seed libraries at the CFL and Campbell Library, all of which help tackle food insecurity in our community. And, each and every librarian is committed to helping our community through the amazing things each library provides.

As you can see, I am kind of smitten with the public libraries in the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks area. But, don’t take my word for it; go check out (see what I did there?) the East Grand Forks Campbell Library, the Grand Forks Public Library, and the Chester Fritz Library.