Cokato Public Library
The Cokato Public Library has been able to offer a mixture of free programing for the community this past year due in large part to the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.
“We have had a cornucopia of programs for every level of interest, whether you’re a book person or not,” said Sheila Rieke, Cokato branch manger for the Great River Regional Library (GRRL) system.
Such programming has ranged from Minnesota authors and musicians to theatre performers and historians with such topics as German World War II POW camps in Minnesota, to gangster stories told by Chad Lewis, author of “Minnesota Road Guide to Gangster Hot Spots.” Also, musical acts by the Half Steps a cappella group and Paul Imholte, who performed contemporary and traditional folk songs using a variety of string instruments, have been offered.
“There really is something for everyone,” Rieke said.
Aside from the free programming, the Cokato Library offers its patrons a variety of resource tools that includes access to more than 32 libraries in the GRRL system.
There are 850,000 items in the GRRL collection to share among its branches, including fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, VHS tapes, music CDs, audio books, magazines, and newspapers. Patrons also have access to a number of databases to use for research and entertainment.
The Cokato branch has two computers for the public to use and also offers free wireless connection.
There is also a number of programs offered throughout the year including book clubs, children’s summer reading programs, and a preschool storytime, which takes place the first and third Wednesday of the month during the school year. Check the library for summer storytime schedules.
The Cokato Public Library’s web site provides a schedule of events and the ability to order items online. Visit www.griver.org (click “Location and Hours” to find Cokato).
Help the library by joining FOCAL
Friends of the Cokato Area Library (FOCAL) was founded in 2004, as a way to volunteer for the different library events throughout the year and promote the library. Anyone can be part of FOCAL and be as active as they would like.
During the Cokato Corn Carnival each year, FOCAL hosts a book sale, with the proceeds going toward programs for children and other needs of the library. There is another book sale in April.
The library’s main fundraiser each year is its annual tea party, which takes place in March and includes a silent auction, light lunch, and, of course, tea.
The Cokato library is located on Broadway Avenue and Fourth Street. Hours are: Monday 2 to 6 p.m., Tuesday 2 to 8 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to noon, 2 to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to noon. Visit its web site at www.griver.org or call (320) 286-5760.
