Pelican Rapids Public Library

Mission

The mission of the Library is to enrich individual and community life and serve as a community resource through materials, programs and service for all people throughout their lives."

"It is the vision of the Library Board and Staff to provide formats and tools to increase the efficiency and depth of materials and services offered and to carry out its longstanding mission of providing information to the citizenry."

Their community was the largest city in the state to be without a library. It was also the largest city served by the Viking Library Bookmobile. That dream began to take shape in 1986 when the city council agreed to appoint a seven-member library board. Two months later the club made the first donation to the library building fund with a check in the amount of $1500. Residents of the community planned, built and opened the public library in 1988-1989 and made that dream a reality. This effort resulted in an attractive, functional facility of 3,100 square feet. A major expansion project completed in 2003, making the facility a 10,100 square foot building. The Library is located at 25 West Mill Avenue, only a half block from main street. The Library serves the City of Pelican Rapids and the ten surrounding townships. According to the 1999 population estimates, as prepared by the Minnesota State Demographer (as of 4/1/98), the Library serves approximately 6,358 people within its geographical area. Based on growth trends, it is anticipated that the library will be required to serve a population of approximately 7,000 people in the years 2010 - 2015. The two largest population segments in the City profile are those in the 0 to 15-age bracket and those in the 25 to 44 year old category. Such an age distribution can be an indicator of higher than average library use. During the summer months, library use increases as people move to lake homes, visit resorts or stay with friends and relatives. The Pelican Rapids Public Library is also a member of the Viking Regional Library System.