2024 Evy Nordley Finalist Spotlight #1: Detroit Lakes, Minn.

The Detroit Lakes Chamber of Commerce proudly boasts: "It's not just Mother Nature that puts on a show around here." That tagline is a reference both to Becker County’s natural amenities and to the area’s robust arts and culture scene.

In addition to the “usual suspects” – like theaters and artist coalitions – Detroit Lakes owes its curb appeal to the equally creative volunteers behind the Detroit Lakes Public Library Foundation (DLPLF). In years past, the Friends have commissioned several public art installations in and around the library. Their latest venture is more than decorative and takes an unexpected form: a new, much-needed, and fantastically adorned drive-through book return.

In 2020, the Detroit Lakes Public Library conducted a community needs assessment to determine what residents require, want and expect from their public library. Among other “pain points,” patrons pointed regularly to the DLPL’s existing book return options. Located along a busy downtown street and a stretch of sidewalk prone to icy slips, the library’s dated, drab dropbox left much to be desired.

When the City announced its plan to rebuild that street, DLPLF saw and seized on that larger project as the perfect opportunity to push for a change.

Detached, industry-grade book returns cost a pretty penny – a major unbudgeted cost. Fortuitously, the largesse of a donor made it possible to secure a new model.

In addition, the City proved a willing partner in the proper siting of the library’s replacement dropbox. In practice, this proved surprisingly difficult. “We needed to identify possible locations residents frequent, but which would satisfy requirements for drive-side access without impeding traffic,” explained DLPLF chair Terry Kalil. “It turns out that we needed a one-way street – and Detroit Lakes has exactly one!”

In most communities, the purchase and placement of a book return is the end of the story. In Detroit Lakes, though, the Foundation viewed it as a can’t-miss opportunity to beautify downtown’s newest public amenity and draw some always-welcome attention to the library on Washington Avenue.

As means to that end, DLPLF consulted with an area arts organization, Project 412, to devise an RFP for distribution to area artists. In brief, they wanted artists’ ideas for how to distinguish the functional but nondescript dropbox.

Graphic designer Shelley Paxton submitted a proposal for a vinyl wrap featuring stylized artwork of all that makes Detroit Lakes special: wildlife, farm life, tourist draws, and much else. Naturally enough, this winning design also celebrated reading. Last but not least, the key donor’s own beloved pet makes a cameo appearance!

After installation, DLPFL volunteers partnered with the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce on a ribbon-cutting ceremony – “with the shortest ribbon ever cut,” Kalil said.

DLPFL and library staff also repurposed Paxton’s artwork on bookmarks and print pieces promoting the library, its foundation, and public art across Detroit Lakes.

In the months to come, Library and City leadership will monitor traffic and parking patterns around the new book return to ensure that no adjustments are needed. However, Kalil and her colleagues are already confident that the investment is paying dividends: “It’s used by moms with hungry kids in the car and no time to go into the building, by elderly drivers on winter days – really, by everybody!”