Dassel-Cokato Community Guide 2019 | Page 42

Dassel & Cokato LIBRARIES Libraries are known as quiet places, but that doesn’t mean they’re not bustling with activity. In Dassel and Cokato, library patrons have access to books, magazines, reading programs, children’s activities, computers with Internet access, downloadable e-books, and a wide variety of free programs. The Cokato Public Library is a branch of the Great River Regional Library System, which allows patrons access to more than 32 libraries in the GRRL system. The Dassel Public Library is one of 32 libraries in the Pioneerland Library System, which allows patrons access to 650,000 physical items, including books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and CDs. An assortment of e-books is also available. The Dassel branch has two laptops and an iPad that patrons can use in the library. Locations and hours The Cokato Library is located on Broadway Avenue and Fourth Street. Hours are: Monday, 2 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, 2 to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon. For more information go to www.griver.org/locations-and-hours/ great-river-regional-library-cokato or call 320-286-5760. The Dassel Library is located on Third Street in the same building as the city offi ces. Hours are Mondays and Tuesdays from 2 to 6 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays First National Bank of Cokato Trusted Community Banking for over 100 Years! Trust in the Best. First National Bank of Cokato Online Banking | Commercial Lending Programs Consumer/Real Estate Loans | Personal Deposit Accounts Commercial Deposit Accounts (320) 286-2191 www.fnbcokato.com 42 | DASSEL-COKATO VISITORS GUIDE 2019-20 File photo Both the Dassel and Cokato libraries offer programs and activities for children. Ralph’s World packed the house at the Cokato Library last summer. from 2 to 6 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, go to www. dassel.lib.mn.us or call 320-275-3756. Just for kids Both the Cokato and Dassel libraries have a variety of programs designed just for little ones. In Cokato, summer fun includes making crafts, putting puzzles together, looking for Declan the Monster, playing games, and participating in a myriad of programs and activities. Cokato’s 2019 summer reading program theme is “It’s Showtime at Your Library!” The program kicked off in June with a party featuring magician Nathan Stockwell and Cokato Corn Carnival royalty In Dassel, story hour takes place every Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. The theme for the 2019 summer reading program is It’s Showtime at Your Library! Children under the age of 18 are encouraged to participate. Those enrolled may earn prizes for reading all summer long. For more information regarding childrens’ opportunities, visit each library’s website. Friends of the library Friends of the Cokato Area Library (FOCAL), and the Dassel Area Friends of the Library are volunteer groups that help with library events throughout the year, and promote the library. FOCAL hosts a book club that meets the last Tuesday of the month at 12:30 p.m. at the Grounds Coffee Shop in Cokato. This is an open book club; all adults are welcome. Check in with the Cokato Public Library for the club’s book selections and other details. FOCAL also hosts a book sale during the annual Cokato Corn Carnival. Dassel Area Friends of the Library members help host an adult book club that meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. at the library. Book selections are available for check out. An adult winter reading program runs from January through March. For more information about joining either of the friends of the library groups, contact the Cokato or Dassel library.