Bemidji Public Library Cuts Staff and Hours Due To Beltrami County Budget
March 19, 2026 Bemidji, Minnesota: Due to budget cuts, the Bemidji Public Library has been forced to make the difficult decision to lay off two staff members, children’s librarian Michael Lyons and outreach/adult programming coordinator Kate Egelhof. Their last day will be Friday, March 27th.
In addition, the library will also be cutting its hours. Effective March 30th, Bemidji Public Library operating hours will be as follows:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10-7
Wednesday: 10-7
Thursday: 10-7
Friday: 9-6
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
These changes would not have to occur had the Beltrami County Board of Commissioners not cut the library’s budget by over 40% despite public outcry. If you disapprove of this decision, please contact the Beltrami County Board of Commissioners and urge them to restore library funding.