The Two Harbors Public Library (THPL) is more than a place to check out resources; it is also a great place to connect with the community through volunteer opportunities. The THPL volunteer program offers a wide range of assignments for all ages. The organization’s goal is to find the best fit for both the library and each individual’s skills, interests, and time commitment level. Adults can choose from assisting with weekly special events to shelving books, or cleaning and organizing the children’s reading and exploration areas. Additional opportunities are also available for students under the age of 16 who are joined by an adult.
THPL Executive Director Madeline Jarvis says volunteers are an essential component of the library to ensure it runs smoothly and provides services to the community. There are only 3.5 full-time paid library employees, and Jarvis appreciates community members “who are willing to loan their time, talents, and treasures. We could not do what we do without our dedicated volunteers.” Jarvis says a perfect volunteer activity for all ages is the library’s quarterly tallying of visitors to the building. She reports that last year more than 60 people donated 1,103 hours through service in the THPL.
An important branch of the volunteer program is the nonprofit group Friends of the Library, which was established in 1997. A key task of this group is to raise funds for the library, bridging the gap of the general operating budget from the city of Two Harbors and meeting the needs of broader facility and community improvements. The funds raised help support special programming, upgrades to the books and materials inventory, and a variety of additional enhancements to the facility. This group also assists in community activities. Jarvis explains, “The Friends amplify the library’s reach into the community with the annual book sale, and bringing books and other resources to local assisted living facilities each month.”
THPL leadership is also made up of several volunteers serving on the board of directors along with Jarvis and a representative from the city council. The board members’ primary role is to carry out the organizational 3- to 5-year Strategic Plan and meet the needs of the community. This cycle of the Strategic Plan focuses on arts, atmosphere, and accessibility. In carrying out this plan, the bathrooms were completely renovated to provide higher standards for accessibility, and a new sitting area was created for a more welcoming atmosphere on the second level.
Providing access to art and creative expression has been a cornerstone of the library for years, offering many author talks and hands-on workshops, as well as monthly art displays featuring local and regional artists. Applications to be featured as one of these artists can be found on the library’s website. This year, a new creative component was implemented with the first Artist-in-Residence program, which kicked off this fall.
Board member Dan Thewis, who serves on the arts committee, says he is excited to continue bridging the gap between the arts and the community. “Art is so much more than a product to be peddled. It is meant to be explored and enjoyed by all.” Thewis has served on the board for four years. As a parent, he was aware of the many resources the library has to offer and knew it would be a great fit for a volunteer experience. He says, “Volunteering in this role is a way to support the common interest of keeping the library accessible—not only the ability to get in the door, but to continue to offer the resources, as well.”
The inaugural Artist in Residence is North Shore resident Eric J. Klepinger, a multimedia artist whose work reflects a deep reverence for the natural world. There will be several opportunities for patrons of the library to engage in the art process with Klepinger through workshops, pop-up activities, and open studio times through the end of May. For a full schedule of events, visit the THPL website:
twoharborspubliclibrary.com.
The library’s mission and values have the community rooted at the center of its focus through core goals of providing a place for learning, growth, connection, and curiosity. Jarvis explains that these connections and collaborations also reach beyond Two Harbors. “We have a strong partnership with the Silver Bay library, sharing grant opportunities and program opportunities.” THPL also works with local organizations like the Lake County Master Gardeners and the Lake County Development Achievement Center, and is part of the regional Arrowhead Library System.
The Two Harbors Public Library is located at 320 Waterfront Drive, and is open Monday through Friday. The phone number is 218-834-3148. The library can also be found on Facebook.
