In 2025 the Arrowhead Library System offered Special Library Grants for each of the region’s Special Libraries. Presented here are the Special Library Grants that have been completed in 2025.
Special Libraries used their creativity and these funds to connect with their community with promotions, programs, and more! Thank you to all libraries who applied for these Special Library Grants in 2025. Read more to see the successful outcomes of this year’s Special Libraries Grants, and to find inspiration for your grant and project ideas!
Project Name: Research Center Facelift
Cara Mooney, Iron Range Research Center
Outcomes of the Project:
This project was implemented to update the appearance of Minnesota Discovery Center’s (MDC) Iron Range Research Center (IRRC), an ALS Special Library. The space didn’t reflect MDC’s branding or mission, both of which emphasize the joy of discovery. The intent of this project was to design and install new, brightly colored vinyl wrap signage to visually tie the Research Center and Library in with the rest of MDC. Granted funds were matched by the Ironworld Development Corporation, and the remainder of the cost was paid from the Research Center’s annual budget.
Creating a more interesting visual appearance has encouraged guests who find the Research Center doors on their way to the Museum exhibits to feel more comfortable when entering our space. The bright visual and clear welcome of the new signage encourages visitors to ask questions and utilize the resources that are available. We have seen guests feel more comfortable asking questions, and have had several tell us that they stopped and engaged with family history materials even though research had not been the original purpose for their visit to MDC.
The new signage has had unanimously positive approval on MDC’s Facebook stories, posts (all positive reactions), and polls (100% in favor of new signage). In-person feedback, both solicited and not, from MDC staff and visitors has also been entirely positive.
Project Name: Annual Membership Meeting
Michele Lammi, Iron Range Historical Society
Outcomes of the Project:
IRHS had Aaron Brown speak at our annual membership meeting about logging and its history on the Iron Range. His talk was called “A World That Grew From Stumps and Slash.” He did an excellent job and he was very engaging. We provided drinks and snacks for those who attended. Additionally, we had four gift card door prizes.
With Mr. Brown’s presentation attendees learned about the history of logging on the Iron Range. This presentation touched on our mission of collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Minnesota’s Iron Ranges for the benefit of future generations. Additionally, attendees learned about the subject matter and about what the IRHS does as far as preserving our local history via the Society’s annual progress report.
There were 34 who attended. Twenty-four members and ten of the general public attended. We were very pleased to have ten people come and even got one membership sign-up.
Project Name: Library Pop-Up/Event Supplies
Alee Hill, Essentia Health Library Services
Outcomes of the Project:
The Essentia Health Library used grant funding to order professionally printed signage and desirable swag (i.e. branded pens and highlighters) to improve knowledge of our library’s existence and resources. Signage and swag will be used at library pop-ups in the hospital and annual employee events.
We’ve only been able to host one Open House since we obtained the pens. Still, the 250 pens are enough to help us sustainably schedule monthly events and pop-ups through June 2026, which our patrons greatly appreciate. The banners we purchased will serve us well during future pop-ups and events, as well.
6 colleagues attended our open house, and all were given pens and notepads. One patron was a former librarian, and she was thrilled with the branded swag, and she said she would also use it to help spread the word about library services for us.
