In 2025 the Arrowhead Library System offered 40 Mini Grants. Presented here are the Mini Grants that have been completed so far.
Member Libraries of all types used their creativity and these funds to provide their community with helpful technology, programs, books, and more! Thank you to all libraries who applied for these Mini Grants in 2025. Read more to see the successful outcomes of this year’s Mini Grants, and to find inspiration for your own Mini Grant and project ideas!
Project Name: Library Signs & New Books
Breklin McCulloch, Marquette Catholic School Library
Outcomes of the Project:
Before the grant, our upper elementary students had difficulty finding books in our library and there were groups of students that left the library due to lack of interest.
After purchasing new books and signs that made the library easier to navigate, our 3rd & 4th grade classes were measured during a single library session. There are 22 students in 3rd grade and 14 students in 4th grade. Out of both classes, it took them 10-15 min less to check out books after being timed. Kids also began asking better questions about where they could find series in the library as they learned to navigate with the new signs. Interest in reading/checking-out books significantly increased with a gain of 7 more kids checking out books that didn’t check out books previously ( altogether from both classes).
Everyday I have continued to monitor how many kids are checking out books due to interest. Both classes in entirety have been checking out at least one book per student every week (not including absent kids, etc.) It also takes them less time to choose books in the library overall.
Project Name: Collection of Diverse and Inclusive Children’s Books
Kate Rolfe, Erickson Library/Lake Superior College
Outcomes of the Project:
These books will complement our current children’s literature collection at Lake Superior College with books that represent a wide range of diverse and inclusive characters. These books will reflect marginalized communities and how readers can identify with the characters and see themselves reflected back.
The President has said that the diverse and inclusive children’s picture books are a wonderful addition to the children’s literature collection we just unveiled a couple of weeks ago. Staff commented that the diverse and inclusive children’s books are so vital during these times of uncertainty.
Project Name: Cotton Candy Making Program
Lisa Pennala, Babbitt Public Library
Outcomes of the Project:
The Babbitt Public Library hosted a fun and engaging Cotton Candy Making Program for families and children, made possible through the ALS Mini Grant. This hands-on event allowed participants to watch how cotton candy is made, and learn about the science behind the process.
Family Engagement: The event brought families together for a shared activity, encouraging multigenerational participation and strengthening community bonds.
Sensory Exploration: Children especially benefited from the sensory aspects—sight, smell, taste, and touch—making it a valuable experience for early childhood development.
New Experiences: Many patrons, especially young children, had never seen cotton candy being made before. For some, this was their first time tasting it, turning a simple treat into a memorable, first-time experience.
Community Connection: Programs like this draw in patrons who might not regularly visit the library, helping to showcase the library as a vibrant community hub.
Increased Library Traffic: The event helped bring in new patrons, many of whom explored other library services and resources after attending the program.
Encouraged Future Participation: The success and enjoyment of the program encouraged families to return for future events and stay engaged with the library.
Project Name: STEAM Projects Supplies
Kelly Belleville, Greenhaven Elementary School Library
Outcomes of the Project:
Throughout the year, I do many STEAM projects with a total of 13 classes (6 Second Grade, 7 Third Grade). I do the same project with each grade level and we go through a lot of STEAM supplies. The students use various supplies throughout the school year. Some examples: Building a catapult for the Pigeon for the story “The Pigeon Has to Go to School, Creating a space shuttle to drop and have it land safely in the water, like Apollo 13 where Katherine Johnson (Story- “Counting on Katherine) had to redo the calculations to bring the astronuauts back safely.
Students are able to create a project using specific guidelines and materials tailored to each project. I would not be able to purchase enough supplies for the students with my small school supply budget. Many of my projects are funded out of my own pocket. This helps ease the burden of trying to fund a Specialist classroom (multiple grades/multiple classes)with supplies to create fun engaging projects that promote critical thinking and teamwork. My projects appear to be a success. I put many pictures up on the school district’s Facebook page and try to promote my classroom as much as possible with these projects. All supplies will get used and I am so grateful for the opportunity to receive such grants to help aid the learning process for my students.
Project Name: Creative Expression Cart
Janet Hart, South Ridge School Library
Outcomes of the Project:
[The Creative Expression Cart] calmed student’s minds and created a no stress environment for them to relax. Library tables full of students that have homework done and free time to play games, color and work on 1000-1500 piece puzzles. They have thoroughly enjoyed their time with each other.
Project Name: Informational non fiction books and Sensory Area
Joey Ruotsalainen, Cherry School Library
Outcomes of the Project:
Every year students are asked to do a book report, and we did not have many of the topics students have asked for. Based on input from our students, they came up with a number of topics to purchase and we were able to add a few new titles for them. We also have a few students who would benefit from a calming sensory area that we added as well.
We measured the success of the project by the excitement and use of the sensory area. So far it is a huge hit! We are able to look at the circulation reports to see what book titles are being checked out the most. They have been a great addition to our library.
Project Name: Building Decodable Libraries
Jennifer Kolodge, Cloquet Public Schools – Churchill Elementary
Outcomes of the Project:
We were able to purchase decodable readers for our elementary school classrooms that allowed our emerging readers to have appropriate reading materials! These books will be a permanent part of our classrooms that will impact students not just this year, but for MANY years to come!
Project Name: Building Decodable Libraries
Jennifer Kolodge, Cloquet Public Schools – Washington Elementary
Outcomes of the Project:
The grant allowed us to purchase decodable readers to help our emerging readers feel success as they begin to read. Not many books we have are considered “decodable,” so this grant gave us the opportunity to unlock the potential of our beginning readers and help instill the love of reading at an early age!
Our teachers are so excited to have these books available to help make their students believe they can learn to read! The books purchased complement our reading instruction and can be used daily to help teachers make reading fun! These books will not only impact this year’s students, but hundreds of students for many years to come!
Project Name: Early Childhood Book Project
Jennifer Kolodge, Cloquet Public Schools- Early Childhood
Outcomes of the Project:
This grant allowed us to purchase books to go along with activities we have prepared to help engage our preschool children in early literacy. We will measure the outcome by gathering feedback from our pre-school teachers on how it has impacted their instruction and the children in their classrooms.
Project Name: Decodable Book Collection
Lynda Norlen, Minnehaha Elementary School
Outcomes of the Project:
Our teachers were so appreciative to have more than two copies for small reading groups in all different decodable areas and levels. This purchase will help increase the students reading fluency. This will also go hand and hand with the LETRS Program our teachers are working on now with our students.
The amount of teachers and students already using the books for their classrooms and the library. We were able to purchase 41 new books. The use will continue to grow as students see how fun and exciting the books are, and staff are seeing how students in K-1st can pick up a book and read. To see the excitement on the students’ faces is priceless.
