Regional Public Library SystemsLearning Support :

MN Regional Public Library Systems

Regional Public Library Systems are multicounty service agencies organized under the provision of M.S. 134, M.S. 317, or M.S. 471.59. These systems are formed under joint powers agreements between cities and counties. Regions and their member public libraries provide free access to library services for all residents of the region without discrimination. Through cooperation, shared services, and reciprocal agreements, library users have access to a wide range of public library services and resources within the region and statewide. Through system collaboration, communities develop libraries that capitalize on economies of scale providing greater effectiveness, improved quality and access to more resources.

Twelve regional public library systems have been designated by the Minnesota Department of Education as the agencies charged with strenghtening, improving and promoting public library services in their participating areas and are eligible for state funding, including Regional Library Basic System Support Grants. The regional public library systems are known by their acronyms. The regions are:

• ALS         Arrowhead Library System   
• ECRL       East Central Regional Library 
• GRRL       Great River Regional Library
• KRLS       Kitchigami Regional Library System
• LARL       Lake Agassiz Regional Library 
• MELSA    Metropolitan Library Service Agency
• NWRL      Northwest Regional Library
• PLS          Pioneerland Library System
• PCLS       Plum Creek Library System
• SELCO    Southeastern Libraries Cooperating
• TDS         Traverse des Sioux Library System
• VLS         Viking Library System