By Rich Larson
The Northfield Public Library is heading into spring with a packed calendar of programs and a renewed focus on accessibility as demand for events grows.
Natalie Draper, the Northfield Director of Library Services, said that the talk of a local option sales tax has increased awareness of the library’s needs — from the aging “storybook steps” on the west side of the building to opportunities to expand community space to the necessary work on the building’s foundation. If the proposal moves through the state legislature and other city council approvals and then appears on the November ballot, voters would have the chance to weigh in.
Inside the building, Draper said the library is tightening how it manages attendance to keep aisles clear, preserve wheelchair seating, and ensure visibility for services like captioning or ASL interpreting. She urged patrons to register when sign-ups are offered — and to cancel if plans change — so staff can better gauge demand and, when possible, add another session.
A key upgrade is coming early next month: the Bunday room, which is the library’s main meeting room will be unavailable for the first two weeks of April while crews install a hearing loop under the floor and replace the room’s carpeting with easier-to-clean flooring.
Before that, March brings multiple highlights. Navajo elder, storyteller and cultural historian Lupita McClanahan will speak on Hózhó (“the Beauty Way”) at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8, in the library atrium.
The bookmobile will return to A Great Day Farm — a free, accessible recreational working farm for people with disabilities and their families — from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, March 18.
Spring break programming also ramps up across locations, including activities at the Library Oasis. Kids can drop in at the Oasis between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on March 26 to build LEGO “glasses,” while adults are invited to an Adult LEGO Craft Night at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, with limited supplies.
Looking ahead, the library and partners will host a free screening of the documentary “Join or Die” at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Viking Theater at St. Olaf College, followed by discussion and chances to connect with local civic groups. Full details and registration links are available on the library’s online calendar.
Rich Larson is the owner and General manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
