Monticello
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2026
Plenty of room to learn and grow at library
The Monticello Public Library is a branch of the Great River Regional Library( GRRL) system, based in St. Cloud. Located near the Monticello Community Center at 200 W. Sixth St., the library serves residents of all ages with a wide range of programs, resources and services.
The library is open 10 a. m. to 7 p. m. Monday and Wednesday; noon to 7 p. m. Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. Friday; and 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.
The Monticello Public Library offers a robust schedule of weekly and seasonal activities for children, families, teens, adults and seniors. Regular programs include Family Fun Storytime for young children, Take & Make Tuesdays for all ages, teen-focused activities and an adult book club that meets the second Wednesday of each month for discussion and coffee. The summer and winter reading challenges continue to be popular annual traditions for both youth and adults.
Special programming and hands-on learning opportunities are a hallmark of the library’ s offerings. Crafting programs, including the popular ProCRAFTinators series, encourage creativity in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Newer initiatives such as STEM Saturdays invite families to explore science, technology, engineering and math concepts together through interactive stations and challenges.
Therapy animals are also a familiar and beloved presence at the library. Regular visits from trained dogs— and even
12 | MONTICELLO COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2026 the occasional miniature horse— help young readers build confidence while adding an element of joy to the experience.
The library continues to expand its role as a technology and digital-access hub. In addition to public computers and free Wi-Fi, including access from the parking lot, patrons make extensive use of the library’ s digital collection. Readers can borrow eBooks, audiobooks and other digital materials alongside traditional print and media collections.
Strong partnerships help extend the library’ s reach into the community. The library works closely with local schools, hosting student visits and supporting literacy initiatives, as well as collaborating with the Community Center, Senior Center and family engagement programs.
In 2024, the library completed an interior refresh that included new carpeting, fresh paint, reorganization and improved use of space. Additional facility upgrades are planned, including infrastructure and parking improvements funded in part by a state capital grant.
Many library programs and enhancements are supported by the Friends of the Monticello Library, a volunteer organization formed in 2004. The Friends host used book sales twice a year and help fund library supplies, scholarships, furnishings, new materials and early literacy programs such as“ Books for Babies” and“ 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten.”
Visit https:// griver. org / locations / monticello or call 763-295-2322.