Crosslake Area Library

Literacy cart

Check out our collection on our online catalog and remember, if we don't have what you need, use Kitchigami's Interlibrary Loan Services

 

COME EXPLORE OUR NEW LITERACY CART

Thank you to DollarGeneral Literacy Foundation for our 2026 summer reading grant! Funding received has not only helped support our summer reading programs with great raffle prizes and new books for children of all ages, but it has also helped fund our new Literacy Cart. The cart has loads of great books, games, and other learning tools to help your child on the various stages of their reading journey.   

If you've had a chance to use the literacy, please take two minutes to complete a very simple survey to help us provide you with the materials you need to get your child on the road to reading. Click here to access the survey.

LAST BOOK SALE OF THE SUMMER

Some amazing books have come in as donations, so you'll find great books at even better prices at our LAST  book sale of the summer.
September 3 & 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

AUTHOR LORI ANDERSON TO SPEAK WED. SEPT. 23 FROM 1-2 P.M.

Don't miss Lori Anderson as she discusses Unleash Your Pen, a devotional book she wrote with four other friends. 

EXTENDED HOURS

The library has extended its hours two days a week. On Saturdays, we will now be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Thursdays, we will have evening hours, so we will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

SUMMER STORY HOUR 

The Summer Saturday Reading Hour runs through Labor Day weekend. Kids of all ages are invited to listen to stories and participate in crafts every Saturday from 9:30–10:30. Whether you live here year-round or are just visiting, join us! There is no better way to start your Saturday morning.

GIVE A BOOK A "SECOND CHANCE"

Looking for a unique last-minute gift that supports a great cause? The Crosslake Area Library invites you to take a "blind date with a book" through our new Second Chance Book Sale.

Each book is hand-wrapped to keep the title a mystery, featuring only a few tantalizing hints on the cover to pique your interest. To make it a complete experience, every purchase includes a small journal, a pen, a beverage packet, and stickers. While these donated books are technically "Second Chance," every title is in pristine, like-new condition.

With options for both children and adults, it’s the perfect surprise for the readers in your life—or a treat for yourself! Cost: $5 to $15 except for several complete children's series which are priced differently.

EXPLORE MINNESOTA WITH THE LIBRARY'S HELP

Getting out and exploring the great outdoors has just gotten easier at the Crosslake Area Library. Not only have we started collaborating with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to provide a free, seven-day state park pass for library patrons to check out through the Minnesota State Park Library Program, but we also offer four themed Adventure Backpacks to give you the books and equipment you need to make the most out of the experience. Thank you to PAL for the funding to get these backpacks going!

Whether you need fishing poles and equipment for your next lake excursion, binoculars for bird-watching, nature books to help you identify all sorts of flora and fauna, bug collecting equipment, or even scavenger hunt challenges, the adventure backpacks are for you. Each pack comes with a first aid kit, mosquito repellent and high quality guides and books for both kids and adults. Ask at the circulation desk to check out our Fishing, Nature, Bird Watching or Scavenger Hunt adventure backpacks.

While you're at the library, ask us about the State Park Pass. The pass covers the vehicle entry fee to any state park or recreation area, making it easier to visit a new destination or an old favorite. The pass is checked out on a first-come, first served basis so feel free to call 218-692-7323 or visit us to see if it’s available. The pass should be clearly displayed on your vehicle dashboard so park staff can check for the expiration date. Passes only cover the vehicle entrance fee, so if you’d like to camp, reservations will need to be made and paid for separately. Finally, when you are finished, just recycle the pass! Learn more about the state parks library program at mndnr.gov/librarypass

BOOK DONATIONS

We appreciate your book donations, but ask that you donate only books that are relatively new and in excellent shape. We cannot store older titles or books that do not meet our donation policy. When preparing items for donation, please read the Donation Policy below before you bring your donations in.  Again, storage space is limited so make sure your books meet our requirements.  We will accept donations during library hours of operation only
*Please do not put donated items in the book drops.  They are meant for returning current collection items only.  Thank you.  

ABOUT US

The Crosslake Area Library offers area residents and guests access to more than 22,000 volumes, which includes books, DVDs, audiobooks, newspapers, puzzles and more. We also offer our patrons wifi and computer access, printing, and a quiet, relaxing place to read.  

Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow

It is a spring morning.  A woman reads a book to a little girl as they sit side-by-side on a landscaped, stone-laden hill.
Little kids are sprawled out on the floor of the library, each intently exploring a different book.
The warm, wood-accented interior of the Crosslake Area Library on a sleepy afternoon.
Author Laura Purdie Salas visited the Loon Center to talk about her two picture books about loons.
Visiting Author Darrell J. Pedersen
Crosslake artist Sonja Larsen demonstrates the Japanese technique of fish printing called Gyotaku
Demonstration of Fish Printing
Children's fish printing
Sparkle Theatricals
Climb Theatre
Author Kent Nerburn
Sign painting with "Mobile Sign Shop"
Author Eric Dregni
Winter State Park Pass
Second Chance Books Fundraiser
Book Sale Dates