9 Reasons to Celebrate 121 Years of Sparking Curiosity in Grand Forks

Did you hear? We have a BIG birthday right around the corner.

Grand Forks Public is turning 121 years old, and we’re celebrating with a Birthday Party & Grand Reopening on May 21 from 3-5 p.m. We’ll kick off the party with a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m., followed by an outdoor storytime at 4 p.m.

Here are 9 reasons to join the fun.

1. Go down the slide.

Yes, it’s true. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, we’ll be opening the new pink swirly slide, as well as reopening the treasured pirate ship.

All ages are welcome to try it!

2. Enjoy the outdoor storytime.

At 4 p.m. we’ll host a live, outdoor, socially distanced, birthday-themed storytime with special guests from the Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Organization.

Bring your cozy blanket and listening ears as we gather (safely) for the first time in months and experience the joy of storytelling.

3. Tap your toes to live outdoor music.

Tap your toes… or dance like no one’s watching.

We’re excited to feature live outdoor music by Carson Rood, an independent musician from Grand Forks. Carson is an incredible singer/songwriter with a pure sound.

4. Grab a cupcake to go.

What’s a party without cupcakes? We’ll have a variety of pre-packaged cupcakes ready for you to grab and go.

5. Check out the new space.

Take a peek around the newly renovated library. In fact, we’ll have a scavenger hunt game to guide you through. Complete the scavenger hunt and turn it in for a prize… (see #6).

6. Be one of the first 121 guests.

We’ll have branded GFP_ baseball caps in a rainbow of colors for the first 121 guests! Show us your completed scavenger hunt to earn your choice of a cap.

7. Pick up a LEGO party favor.

Unicorn, whale, or alligator – what’s your pick?

As part of the 2021 Summer Reading Program, choose your favorite LEGO party favor to take home and enjoy. Registration begins June 1 and is open to everyone ages 0-121!

8. Celebrate a long history of reading.

Did you know… in 1892, a group of Grand Forks women contributed $5.00 for books, stored them in an office, and took turns as librarians? Or that children’s story hour started being offered on a regular basis in 1905?

Pick up a program and learn about the long love of reading in Grand Forks.

9. Say “hi” to your favorite librarians.

Say hello to your favorite librarians! We’re always excited to connect with our community and see your smiling… eyes. (Please wear your mask to make this gathering as safe as possible.)