This month I’d like to address a potentially confusing issue (and, no, I don’t mean health care reform). There are three separate entities that are responsible for what goes on at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center. While they work closely together, each has its own area of responsibility.
The Fosston Community Library Arts Association (FCLAA) is the group on whose behalf I write this monthly column. Originally formed in 1980, it was instrumental in securing the former Bethel Assembly Church building to be used to house the Fosston Library and to provide a venue for community theater productions, concerts and lectures. More recently, efforts by the FLCAA resulted in the library expansion project which was completed in the spring of 2003.
Membership is the FCLAA is open to anyone who wishes to join. The organization is governed by an elected Board of Directors (all volunteer) who meet monthly. In addition there are several standing committees with FCLAA members who are not on the board.
The FCLAA sponsors the annual community theater production, as well as various concerts and lectures throughout the year. The art displays in the Sorenson Gallery and the music lesson program are also a part of its responsibility. Funding comes primarily from membership dues, fundraising events such as the Daisy Hagen Auction for the Arts coming up in November, and various grants. While all FCLAA events are open to the public, sometimes there is a charge, such as for the summer theater production, some of the concerts and lectures, and for music lessons.
The Fosston Library is part of the Lake
Agassiz Regional Library, a consolidated public library system serving the residents of seven counties in Northwest Minnesota. Its administrative office is located in Moorhead. LARL is responsible for the library collection; in other words, it owns the books, magazines, DVDs, etc., that those of us with a library card can check out from the library. It hires and pays for library staff as well as providing some programming - many of the summer children’s programs, for example. LARL-sponsored events are always free.
The third entity involved is the City of Fosston, which owns the building and pays for its maintenance, utilities and insurance. At the time the 2003 addition was built, the city provided $150,000 in matching funds for a $150,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning.
The end result of these three groups working together is a wonderful asset for the Fosston Community.
This month’s opportunities:
Sorenson Gallery - Paintings by John Kolb and Linda Ackland-Kolb (through Nov. 13)
Used book sale in the basement - also video tapes, DVDs, cassette tapes, CD’s, all under $1. Proceeds go toward library programming.
Music lessons are ongoing. There is a possibility of securing a violin teacher if there is enough interest. Contact me at 435-6710 for more information.