Grand Marais, MN, December 17, 2024 — The Grand Marais Public Library will be closed for three days – from Monday, January 6, through Wednesday, January 8, 2025. In the event of adverse winter weather, the closure will be rescheduled for the following week.
During this time, the library will complete the final phase of an energy-efficiency upgrade. This upgrade represents a significant step in the library’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, and it will also help the City advance its environmental goals.
An upgraded heating and cooling system
The Board of Trustees initiated this effort in 2022, when they approved the replacement of three outdated mini-split air conditioning units with energy-efficient air source heat pumps. During their September 26, 2024 meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to complete the remaining two-thirds of the project.
The upgraded heating and cooling system will efficiently regulate temperatures throughout the building, be more cost-effective than traditional gas heating systems and significantly reduce energy consumption.
New LED lighting
The upgraded system will complement recent lighting updates. Beginning in 2020, it became difficult to replace burnt out fluorescent bulbs with new bulbs of similar temperature. As a result, the overall lighting was an uncomfortable mix of warm and cool light.
In addition, several ballasts, the devices controlling the lights, were also burnt out. So in 2024, Trustees approved the replacement and retrofitting of fluorescent lamps with advanced LED technology.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
According to Nancy Kelly of the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA), the improved lighting and the installation of the heat pumps will have reduced the library’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to planting 12 acres of forest. The completed upgrade will further reduce the library’s energy footprint, and visitors will enjoy a more consistently comfortable environment year round.
Amanda St. John, Director of the Grand Marais Public Library, noted that this project was made possible by generous donors. SMMPA also helped the library pursue energy rebates, which made the upgrades more affordable.
“We are grateful for everyone’s support and patience,” St. John said. “And we are thrilled to create a greener, more energy-efficient space for our patrons.”
For updates on the January closure, visit grandmaraislibrary.org or check out the Library’s Facebook page. The library appreciates your understanding and support as they work to build a brighter, more sustainable future.
Explore, learn, create and connect with Grand Marais Public Library by calling 218-387-1140, or visiting online at grandmaraislibrary.org.
