Great River Regional Library
On September 25, 1969, Great River Regional Library (GRRL) was formed, creating a regional public library system with Benton, Morrison, Stearns, and Wright counties. It has expanded to include library service in Sherburne and Todd counties. We now serve over 95,000 registered borrowers in a 5,000 square mile area of Central Minnesota.
Within these six counties, we provide library services in 32 branch libraries and one to-go system. GRRL2GO is a locker system that allows you to pick up items at the Sartell Community Center. View our service map to find the location nearest you.
Learn more about Great River Regional Library by reading the library's latest Annual Report.
Our Vision
The Neighborhood Gateway: Inspiring Central Minnesota to shape the future through exploration, knowledge and connection.
Our Mission
Explore. Learn. Connect.
Library Offers Books and More for Free
Library card holders have access to early 1 million items from any GRRL branch library. Our collection features books in print -- nonfiction, fiction, reference, young adult, children's, and large print. Our collection is patron driven, meaning we want to hear what you want on the bookshelves. Plus, access our Digital Library with e-books and e-audiobooks!
Beyond books, the library offers magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, databases, music, movies, kits, and much more. Browse our online catalog to see everything available for checkout.
Plus, library staff are here to help and as a resource. Our services include Ask a Librarian information assistance, public Internet computers, business services, online databases, wireless Internet service, book selection advice, the educator request form, tours, language learning software, genealogy resources, and library events. See the services listing for more information.
Apply for Your Library Card
People living in Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright counties are eligible for a free GRRL library card. Apply for your free library card by presenting at any branch library your completed library card application and identification with your current address information. Your GRRL card can be used in virtually any Minnesota public library
Our Core Values
Great River Regional Library is a PATRON-CENTERED organization, and we express this commitment through three Core Values:
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
- We are an empowered, knowledgeable staff.
- We speak and act with honesty and integrity.
- We operate with respect for all, and appreciate our opportunity to serve.
- We provide free and equal access to information.
FORWARD THINKING
- We challenge ourselves to always do better.
- We explore innovation and new ideas.
- We are responsive to a changing world, and will build on past success.
- We promote lifelong learning.
- We anticipate future service needs.
COMMUNITY FOCUS
- We build trust with one another, and operate as a team.
- We communicate openly.
- We create partnerships throughout the communities that we serve, to promote our libraries and services.
- We are inclusive, and embrace diversity.
Our Plan
Great River's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Our strategic priorities are:
- LITERACY - All users will have the resources they need to develop and improve their literacy skills in order to succeed in school, meet their personal goals and fulfill their responsibilities as students, parents, citizens and workers.
- ACCESS - All users will have access to reliable sources of information in welcoming virtual or physical spaces that support community connection and engagement.
- LIBRARY AWARENESS - All users know about and use their library and its services.
- OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE - We will use resources effectively in order to be adaptable to future needs.
Theory of Change: People in our communities can find and use trusted information they need to thrive.
- CULTURE OF LITERACY - Our communities develop a strong culture of literacy.
- COMMUNITY COLLABORATION - Community members facing financial, social, or health issues are provided with helpful resources.
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - Community members will view the library as a trusted instituion in which to meet and exchange views.
Our Board of Trustees
GRRL is a joint powers organization with six member counties of Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright. Each county provides representatives for the GRRL Board of Trustees, and the Board develops and administers one comprehensive budget (2016) for the system. Meeting minutes are also available.
Our Funding
GRRL depends on a funding partnership between government agencies and private donors to remain a recognized source of knowledge and information in serving Central Minnesota. Our six member counties provide the primary funding for GRRL staff, services and programs. Thirty-two area cities are our partners in providing the physical library building which host GRRL library services and from which our staff welcome the public. Additional essential funding is provided by local, state and federal funds such as the Library Services and Technology Act, and by contributions from individuals and organizations.
Tell Us How We’re Doing
Tell us how we can improve your library experience! Use our convenient online feedback form, or contact us at:
Karen Pundsack
Executive Director
Great River Regional Library
1300 W. St. Germain St.
St. Cloud, MN 56301
320-650-2512
We welcome all of your comments and suggestions.