Great River Regional Library Legacy Grant SFY 2012 - SFY 2013
Minnesota’s 12 regional public library systems, which encompass 350 public libraries in all areas of the state, benefit from a portion of the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Through State Library Services, a division of the Minnesota Department of Education, each regional public library system receives a formula-driven allocation from the annual $3 million Minnesota Regional Library Legacy Grant.
Great River Regional Library (GRRL) is a consolidated regional public library system in central Minnesota. GRRL has thirty-two branch public libraries located in six counties: Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, and Wright. With Arts and Cultural Heritage funds, GRRL and its member libraries present an array of arts, cultural, literary, and Minnesota history programs in collaboration with arts and cultural organizations, independent artists, historical societies, and community organizations. Programs contribute to the cultural vitality of the region and build a lasting legacy.
Great River Regional Library accomplished a number of highly successful programs in fiscal year 2013.
The largest undertaking was a performance by Stroia Ballet of "Peter & the Wolf," a fully narrated ballet specifically for children. GRRL sent children from 17 schools to the performance, and tickets were also used by area families who homeschool their children. There were four performances on two dates in April, with nearly all 700 seats full for each performance. One attendee wrote, "Today we were able to go to the Paramount to watch the ballet of Peter and the Wolf. It was very extraordinary! Today we also learned the five positions in ballet. The costumes were fabulous! The whole show was just so tremendous! Thank you for our tickets."
GRRL also contracted with Paynesville-based artist Jennifer Anfinson to offer art workshops at various branches throughout the year. Anfinson offered workshops on a variety of art topics, including jewelry-making and using recycled materials to create art pieces.These workshops were very popular intergenerational programs that involved children, teens, and adults of all ages. "I just love Jen! She's a wonderful teacher. I would attend any class that she taught," wrote one attendee.
These amounts are appropriated to the commissioner of education for grants allocated using existing formulas under Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355, to the 12 Minnesota regional library systems, to provide educational opportunities in the arts, history, literary arts, and cultural heritage of Minnesota. These funds may be used to sponsor programs provided by regional libraries or to provide grants to local arts and cultural heritage programs for programs in partnership with regional libraries. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2015.
Total number of activities, programs, and/or events: 472
Total attendance: 2,699
Total number of partnerships: 85
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These amounts are appropriated to the commissioner of education for grants allocated using existing formulas under Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355, to the 12 Minnesota regional library systems, to provide educational opportunities in the arts, history, literary arts, and cultural heritage of Minnesota. These funds may be used to sponsor programs provided by regional libraries or to provide grants to local arts and cultural heritage programs for programs in partnership with regional libraries. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2015.
Total Number of Programs Held: 437 Total Attendance: 28,867 Total Number of Partnerships: 100
Great River Regional Library, In Kind - Branch staff's time planning and presenting programs, Finance department tracking of invoices, Communication department creation of promotional pieces/printing/distribution, and administrative oversight of all of GRRL's Legacy dollars.