Stronger Together - Bringing the Library to You

Libraries are more than books — they are gathering places, resources for businesses and people looking for work, and spaces for children to learn. Not all of this happens in the library, though.

The Library On the Go van hit the road for the first time in January 2023. It travels throughout the county and partners with family and senior housing properties, food shelves like The Open Door, school resource fairs, and city celebrations. We work with these organizations to reach more residents, including some who don’t regularly go to the library.

Library On the Go visited 90 events last year and staff connected with more than 7,100 residents. They shared library information, offered book recommendations and talked with people who had never visited a library.

The library also partners with schools and cities to combine the love of reading with time in nature. Our Story Trails program features children’s book pages displayed along a trail, allowing young visitors to read a book as they enjoy the outdoors. Last year, the program had 16 partnerships and 52 requests for Story Trails.

We also work with community organizations to offer classes for older adults. This spring, we’re teaming up with West St. Paul police officers to lead a class on internet scams. A class on mental health will be led by the National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota. These partnerships provide more opportunities for residents.

www.dakotacounty.us/library