Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment raises revenue for Clean Water, Outdoor Heritage, Parks and Trails, and Arts and Cultural Heritage. Libraries are beneficiaries of a portion of the Arts and Cultural Heritage Funding.
Minnesota has a strong library presence with over 350 active public library buildings within twelve regional public library systems. Northwest Regional Library System (NWRL) is a consolidated regional public library system in upper northwest Minnesota. It has seven branch public libraries located in five counties: Kittson, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, and Roseau. NWRL was formed under joint powers agreements between cities and counties. NWRL and member public libraries provide free access to library services and program activities for all residents of the region without discrimination. Through cooperation, shared services, and reciprocal agreements, library users have access to a wide range of public library services, programs and resources within the region and statewide. Through system collaboration, communities develop libraries that capitalize on economies of scale providing greater effectiveness, improved quality and access to more resources.
Through the State Library Services Division of the Minnesota Department of Education, the regional public library systems each receive part of the $4.25 million Minnesota Regional Library Legacy Grant through a state formula program. Northwest Regional Library's share through the formula is $183,529 in 2010 and $174,499 in 2011. The funds enable NWRL to connect with authors, playwrights, musicians, story tellers, and other arts activities providing a strong program connect for all Minnesotans with the arts and cultural heritage activities.
