Minot and Ward County Libraries Propose Merger

Voters may decide on combining the two public library systems in November election.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Discussions about merging the Minot and Ward County public library systems have been ongoing since the mid-1990s, and the topic has resurfaced again after a joint meeting between the Minot City Council and Ward County Commission in January. Studies have shown that consolidating the libraries could save money on staffing and eliminate duplicate volumes, with the Minot library site being the recommended location for a combined facility.

Why it matters

A merger of the two library systems could improve efficiency and cost-savings, but would also represent a significant change to how library services are delivered in the region. Voters will have the final say on whether the libraries should combine.

The details

The potential merger of the Minot and Ward County public libraries has been discussed for decades, with negotiations previously hitting roadblocks. However, the latest study has identified the Minot library site as the best location to consolidate the two systems, which could eliminate duplicate book collections and reduce staffing costs.

  • Discussions about merging the libraries began in the mid-1990s.
  • The topic was recently revisited at a joint meeting of the Minot City Council and Ward County Commission in January 2026.

The players

Minot City Council

The governing body of the city of Minot, North Dakota, which has been involved in discussions about merging the Minot public library with the Ward County library system.

Ward County Commission

The governing body of Ward County, North Dakota, which has also been part of the discussions around potentially merging the county's public library with the Minot library.

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What’s next

Voters in Minot and Ward County will have the opportunity to decide on the proposed library merger in the November 2026 election.

The takeaway

The potential merger of the Minot and Ward County public library systems could improve efficiency and reduce costs, but the final decision will be up to local voters who will have a say on the issue in the upcoming November election.