Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Jill Burggraf exhibit



Here is a sample of the Jill Burggraf paintings currently on display at the Sorenson Gallery. They should be there through the end of the year.


Monday, November 30, 2015

December happenings

Although the song says, “Cold December flies away,” the month is just getting started, so how fast December will fly remains to be seen. I can suggest that you fly to the Fosston Community Library Arts Center to take in some of the December events that are scheduled.
Writers’ group will meet Thursday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. New members are always welcome so if you feel you need help with your Christmas letter, you are welcome to run it by the group.
On Sunday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. Orland Aspen’s vocal students will be presenting their annual Christmas recital. It’s always a good way to get into the holiday spirit and hear all your favorite Christmas songs. It’s free and refreshments will be served.
Sunday, Dec. 6, is a busy day at the art center, as earlier (5-7 p.m.)  there will be an artist’s reception for Jill Burgraf whose paintings are currently on display in the Sorenson Gallery. Painting is a relatively new endeavor for Jill and she has done some very nice work. Stop by to visit with Jill and see her paintings, as well as enjoying some refreshments.
Book club will meet Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. December’s book is A Winter Dream by Richard Paul Evans. This will be our Christmas get-together so everyone is asked to bring a treat to share.
The chess club will also be having a special holiday get-together on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 3:30. Children are asked to bring snacks to share, and I’m sure they will still be playing chess.
The library will be closed December 24 and 25 to observe the Christmas holiday, and will also close at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Friday, October 30, 2015

Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibition mini touring show



A variety of art work is currently on display in the upper gallery.

Currently in the Sorenson Gallery



Laura Rach creates mixed media artwork with a positive message using paper, layering techniques, and acrylics. Her work is currently on display in the Sorenson Gallery.

November at the Arts Center

November is almost here - the month to give thanks. At the Fosston Library Arts Center, we have a couple of new employees, and for that, the rest of us are very grateful.
The new library assistant is Erin Beattie, who comes here from Texas, where she grew up in Ovilla, a small town south of Dallas. A recent graduate of Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Erin has been in Minnesota since August.  She has an education degree. While this is her first experience working in a library, one of her hobbies is reading, certainly an important interest for a librarian. She also enjoys kayaking, swimming and traveling and has been to Australia and Europe, as well as traveling quite extensively in the United States and Canada.
The library also has a new sub - April Wedin - who grew up in Fosston, but has lived in other locations in Minnesota, most recently Marshall, before moving back here this past summer. She and her husband Mike have three children ranging in age from 4 to 11. While she has not worked in a library before either, she also enjoys reading and walking. Her previous work experience was in the insurance and human resource fields. She is a graduate of Northwest Technical College in Moorhead.
The other big news for November is the Auction for the Arts scheduled  for Sunday, Nov. 29, at 2 p.m. Items may be previewed beginning at 1 p.m. so come early to look them over. Once again there will be a wonderful array of items for your bidding pleasure, including a load of gravel, a Girltime getaway, hand-carved fishing decoys, beauty products, and home-canned goodies. Committee members are Sarah Steinbrenner, Sandy Johnson, JoAnn Papke, Michelle Johnson and Wonell Miller. The auction does have its own Facebook page so check that out to see more of what’s available.
I should also mention that LARL has recently switched over to a different software system for the on-line catalogue and for library transactions. Evergreen, as the new system is called, will probably be even better than the old system, but  any time there is a changeover, it takes awhile to get all the bugs worked out, so be patient if things don’t always go smoothly.
Book club will meet Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7:00. This month’s book is Night Stranger by Chris Bohjalian. It’s described as a “paranormal thriller.” That may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you enjoy reading that type of book, feel free to join us.
If you haven’t had a chance to view the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council mini touring show currently on display in the upper gallery, I urge you to take a look before it moves on to another location. There is a variety of  lovely small works - paintings, photography, drawing, printmaking, mosaic and even wood burning. The show will be here through Nov. 14.
Also coming up before the end of the month will be a new exhibit in the Sorenson Gallery. There will be paintings by local artist Jill Burggraf. They should be up in time for the Auction for the Arts.

Dates to Note:
Wednesday, Nov. 11 -Veterans Day -
 library closed
Thursday, Nov. 25 - Thanksgiving Day -
library closed
Thursday, Dec. 3 - Writers’ group 7:30 p.m. (No meeting in November)
Sunday, December 6 - Christmas vocal recital - 7:00 .m.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

October at the Art Center

October brings colorful leaves, pumpkins and Halloween. At the Fosston Community Library Art Center, it also means the annual used book sale. There will be a wide variety of books, magazines, DVDs, and CDs with nothing priced over $1. The only bargain better than that is your library card. Proceeds from the sale go toward library programming.
The pottery exhibit at the Sorenson Gallery is gone, but a new exhibit was scheduled to begin on Monday, Oct. 5. Laura Rach creates mixed media artwork with a positive message using paper, layering techniques, and acrylics. She is a native of Fergus Falls, but currently resides in Fargo, North Dakota.
I’m sorry to report that LoraLee Saeter has taken a new job and will no longer be giving piano lessons at the art center.  However, I’m happy to report that Molly Peltier, one of the FCLAA board members, has stepped up to the plate so to speak, and will be available for lessons. A graduate of St. Olaf College, Molly also plays the flute. She and her husband Paul have two young daughters. Her phone number is 701-230-2214.
The Fosston Library Book Club will meet Tuesday, October 13, at 7 p.m. This month’s book is Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. Set in Australia mostly in the 1920s, the plot involves a lighthouse keeper and his wife who decide to keep the baby girl they find in a boat that washes ashore on their island. It’s a good read.
Writers’ group is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, at 7:30 p.m. No dues - no pressure - but if you enjoy writing or even think you might enjoy writing, come and see what it’s all about. If you have something to share with the group, that would be great; if not, you are welcome anyway.
Looking ahead to November, this is the year for the Auction for the Arts fundraiser, which is held every two years.  The date is Sunday, November 29; the time 2 p.m., although the doors will open at 1 p.m. for a preview of the items. There are always many wonderful things to buy and refreshments to enjoy, so mark that date on your calendar and plan to attend.
One last item - the library will be closed on Monday, Oct.12, as the staff will be attending a workshop.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Pottery display in the gallery

The exhibit featuring the pottery of Warren MacKenzie will be in the Sorenson Gallery through next week. There will be a reception and film screening on Friday, September 25, at 5:30 p.m. Pictured below are a few of the pieces on display.





Monday, August 31, 2015

September at the Arts Center

September - back to school - and at the Fosston  Community Library Arts Center, it’s back to music lessons and back to a number of other  activities as well.
Music instructors who will be resuming lessons some time this month are:
Scott Paavola(guitar)  218-556-8669 or scottpaavola@gmail.com; Eric Olson (guitar, bass and drums) - 218-694-2687 or pastorericolson@gmail.com ; Jeff Menten, member of American String Teachers Association, (violin, viola, cello, mandolin, upright bass)  218-255-0087 or jeffmentenmusic@hotmail.com; Orland Aspen (voice) - musicman56@gvtel.com or 435-6791;
Kay Carlsen (piano) - aagekay@gvtel.com or 435-6710;  Lora Lee Saeter (piano) -lsaeter@yahoo.com or 435-1422. If you or your child are interested in lessons, please contact one of the instructors directly.
By the time you read this, there should be a new display in the Sorenson Gallery, “Warren MacKenzie: a Potter’s Hands.” MacKenzie is considered an American ceramic master. After many years of teaching ceramics at the University of Minnesota, he now lives near Stillwater, and at the age of 90 continues to maintain a studio there. Mark Lambert is the director of a documentary about the potter.  On Friday, Sept. 25, the film will be shown at the arts center at 7 p.m., preceded by a reception beginning at 5:30.  Also, earlier in the afternoon Lambert will be conducting a pottery  workshop at the school. Watch for more information.
Not in September, but rather the very first day of October, there will be another special event at the library when Steven R. Hoffbeck gives a presentation based on his book, The Haymakers - a Chronicle of Five Farm Families. Farming has changed considerably in the last 150 years, and Hoffbeck, who grew up on a farm in southwestern Minnesota, brings a unique personal perspective to his subject. The program is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
In addition to the new library card club that will be meeting on Thursdays at 1 p.m., a number of other activities will resume after taking a summer break (just like school).  Youth chess club also meets weekly, at 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, and every Wednesday at 3:30 there will be a family fun activity scheduled. The library book club resumes on Tuesday, September 8, at 7 p.m. The book for the month is Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury. Also writers’ group will resume on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7:30. New members are always welcome for all of these activities.
We will start the month of September without one of the long-time library employees, as Gina Gensburger is moving on to a new job after 10 years at the Fosston Library. I know she will be missed and we wish her the best.

Monday, August 3, 2015

August is here

Once again August is here - a month known for no special holidays, unless you count the whole month as the last gasp of summer before school starts. At the Fosston Community Library Arts Center, there will still be plenty of activity, as the summer reading program, “READ to the Rhythm!” will continue throughout the month. There should still be time to read enough books to be entered in the grand prize drawings at the end of the month. Prizes include a child-sized drum kit for ages 0-6, a disco light karaoke system for ages 7-11 and a 7” tablet PC for ages 12-18. Those are some pretty nice prizes.
There are only two Wednesday programs left, however. On August 5, kids will have the opportunity to make their own wind chime. Then on August  12 comes the grand finale event - a pool party at the Fosston Civic Center pool. There will be snacks and door prizes. Signed permission forms are required - pick one up at the library. Preschoolers must be accompanied by an adult and non-swimmers are required to wear a life jacket. Both events are scheduled for 2 p.m.
There will be a pottery exhibit coming to the Sorenson Gallery sometimes towards the end of the month. Watch for more information.
Looking ahead to September, there are some exciting opportunities coming up. Beginning Thursday, September 3. at 1 p.m. a library card club will meet weekly. Possible games are canasta, gin rummy, or whist - or whatever the players decide (well, maybe not poker unless it’s played for buttons.) If you enjoy playing cards, stop by and see what it’s all about.
The library book club will resume meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The book is Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury so you may want to request it at the library soon.
While you are there, you can check out some other books as well or do some research on the computer in air-conditioned comfort. Enjoy August - fall will be here soon enough.

Friday, July 10, 2015

It's July

It’s July - and the only downside I see is that the summer is a third over, June has been very pleasant so I’m hoping for more of the same kind of weather in the weeks ahead.
The big event coming up at the Fosston Community Library Art Center is the performance of Swingtime Canteen, this year’s summer musical. Directed by Michelle Marx, this USO show is filled with music from the 1940s. The publicity says, “Join MGM star Marian Ames and her live band from the Hollywood Canteen for the ‘rip-roaringest’ canteen show of them all. “ Dates are July 30 and 31, and August 1 and 2 with showtime set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Advance tickets are available at Generations (435-1676).
In conjunction with the musical, veterans (or their families) are invited to submit a paragraph about their service along with a picture for display during the production. These may be e-mailed to Michelle Marx at pianogirlmarx@gmail.com or dropped off at Generations. Veterans (plus one guest) will receive $1 off their ticket price, and Quilts of Valor will be presenting several quilts to chosen veterans at some of the shows.
The summer reading program, READ to the Rhythm!, continues at the library and there is still time for children to read enough books to be eligible for the prize drawings at the end of the summer. (And if you don’t want your child to win a drum set, just get over it.) Special events on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. included rhythm crafts with Cheryl Winkelmann on July 1, a dance party on July 8, Birding Beat with Itasca State Park staff on July 15, Zumba with Heidi Danos on July 22, and an instrument petting zoo with Paul and Molly Pelletier on July 29. Lots of fun things for the kiddies to do!
I’m happy to report that the bathroom remodel project in the library basement is nearly complete. They are useable (water, working fixtures and doors) although still lacking some finishing touches (mirrors, towel and toilet paper holders, etc.).
Also up and running is the new FCLAA Web site at www.fclaa.org .
The library was closed on July 4. You probably found something else to do that day anyway.

Monday, June 8, 2015

Joanie Kramer Exhibit


Currently on display in the Sorenson Gallery - Zentangle-inspired works by Joanie Kramer

Thursday, May 28, 2015

June, June, June

June is one of my favorite months. With long days, pleasant temperatures and green everywhere, what’s not to like? Add to that some of the goings-on at the Fosston Community Library Art Center, and it’s just about perfect.
The summer reading program, READ to the Rhythm!, is up and running.  There are special programs every Wednesday at 2 p.m. Professor Marvel’s Magic Show is scheduled for June 3. I'm sure that will be an entertaining program for all ages.
On June 10, the Poco Fuego Steel Drum Quintet will make its presence known with the tropical sound of those unique instruments. The group is composed of students from Minnesota State University Moorhead  and is directed by Dr. Kenyon Williams. This program will be held outside, weather permitting.
June 17’s program is entitled  Music and Mascots. Here’s a chance for kids to dream up and draw a library mascot. Simple drawing techniques will be presented.
Drum craft will be on tap for June 24. Here’s the opportunity to make a mini drum which can be used as an instrument or as a keepsake box, which would be a quieter option.
The program on July 1 will be either a dance party or a karaoke party. Which will it be? That will be determined by a penny war held during the month of June. There will be two jars for money. Pennies count as positive points, but silver coins, paper money and checks count as negative points. If this sounds too complicated, ask the library ladies to explain it.  The money collected goes to buy refreshments for the party.
Remember to have your child sign up for the reading program. If they complete and turn in a reading log, they are eligible for a prize drawing at the end of the summer, and there are some extremely nice prizes: a child-size drum kit, a disco light karaoke system, and, for the teenagers, a 7” tablet PC.
There will be a new display in the Sorenson Gallery by Joanie Kramer, JK Zentangle Inspired Sea Creations. The works are intricate designs on paper and on seashells. Kramer lives on a farm southeast of Bejou, but spends her winters in Florida. She enjoys all sorts of art and craft activities, from oil painting to wool appliqué.
The children’s theater production, The Granny Awards, will feature 35 local children and will be directed by Abby Faldet. The performance is Saturday, June 6, at 7 p.m.

Monday, May 4, 2015

Festival of Tables 2015


The 14th annual Festival of Tables featured 14 beautiful tables. Money raised goes to benefit and the FCLAA building and arts programing.


Butterflies in Summer - Mary Hanson 

A Stormy Sea - The Red Poppy/Meghan Palubicki

Through the Eye of a Camera - Lisa Rosendahl

Table of JOY by Mitzi, Marlys, Sydney and Katlyn Balstad

Auction Treasures - Molly & Paul Peltier

Read to the Rhythm - Tammi Jalowiec, Librarian, Fosston Public Library

Revolutionary War, Lace and Tin by Gerry LaVoi

Evening Campfire by the Ladies of the Lake

Awaiting spring! by DeAnne Klemmetson and Ione Tangen

Cherry Blossoms by Quinn Olson/McIntosh Bakery

Greyhound Pride by the Steinbrenner Maidens

Keeping it Simple by Dirty Knees Soap Company/Heidi Danos

Country Garden Chicken Rancher by Carrie Danielson

Tea Time by Gloria Steinbrenner, Mary Steinbrenner and Dorothy Killian
Photographs taken by Lori Balstad.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

May Days at the Art Center

It’s May, and while we seem to be still waiting for the April showers, I have seen some dandelions in bloom as well as someone else’s daffodils. If you left May baskets on anyone’s doorstep, it was a beautiful morning for it.
May at the Fosston Library Arts Center often brings music, and this year is no exception.
The recital for Orland Aspen’s vocal students is scheduled for May 3 at 7 p.m., and my piano students will be performing at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 10. Along with my piano students, there will also be numbers by a couple of Jeff Menten’s guitar students and a couple of his violin students. Everyone is welcome.
Also on May 10, at 3 p.m., there will be a Scandinavian program featuring storyteller Stina Fagertun and singer Ross Sutter. Fagertun  was named best storyteller at the 2011 International Storyteller Festival in Oslo. Sutter, who accompanies himself on guitar, dulcimer and button accordion, appears at Scandinavian festivals across the country and has performed on the Prairie Home Companion radio show. The program is free although donations are accepted.
Jeff Olson’s metal sculpture is currently on display in the gallery. Olson has been creating contemporary works of art since he returned to Fosston in 2009 after working in Iraq as a civilian contractor. The show will be up until May 15, so if you want to see it, do it soon.
The summer reading program, “Read to the Rhythm!” will kick off with a rock star party featuring Kayton Lane on Wednesday, May 27, at 2 p.m. Kids from babies to age 18 can sign up for the program and  win prizes throughout the summer. There will be special events every Wednesday at 2 p.m. through August 12.
The Festival of Tables held on Saturday, April 25, was once again a huge success. I was unable to attend this year, but am hoping to get pictures of the tables to post on this blog.
Looking ahead to summer, tickets will go on sale in June for the summer theater production,  Swingtime Canteen, a 1940s USO show set in London to entertain the American troops. Veterans and their spouses are will receive VIP seating.
The painting and redecorating project in the library has been completed and looks very nice. The basement bathroom project seems to have come to a standstill again.
Other events:
Tuesday, May 12 - Library book club - 7 pm. The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand
Monday, May 25 - Library closed for Memorial Day
Thursday, May 28 - Writers’ group - 7:30 p.m

Friday, April 24, 2015

Decorating project at the library

The library has a new look thanks to the recent painting and redecorating project.

Metal Sculpture by Jeff Olson in the gallery


The Sorenson Gallery currently has a display of metal sculpture by Fosston artist Jeff Olson. Olson has been creating contemporary works of art since he returned to Fosston in 2009 after working as a civilian contractor in Iraq.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

April at the Library Arts Center

“Oh, to be in England now that April’s there.” That’s what Robert Browning once wrote. I guess I won’t see anything of April in England this year, but I’ll be quite satisfied to be in Fosston  where I can take in the upcoming events at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center.
Minnesota native Todd Menton will be appearing in concert at the arts center on Tuesday, April 14, at 7 p.m. Menton performs Celtic and other folk music, as well as some of his own compositions. He sings and plays guitar, mandolin and tin whistle, and also the bouzouki. I had to look that one up - it’s a Greek instrument similar to a mandolin. This free concert is supported by money from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
Auditions for the summer musical theater presentation  Swingtime Canteen  will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, April 7 and 8, 3:30-5:30 Tuesday and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. This show has an all female cast. Anyone wishing to try out must prepare a song to sing or an instrumental number to play (clarinet, bass clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, banjo, guitar, bass or trumpet).
Festival of Tables, the annual arts association fundraiser, will take place Saturday, April 25, with 15 tables to enjoy. The menu includes chicken salad, fruit kabobs, croissants, pickles and dessert. Tickets are available at the library (435-1320), as well as from Joan Dufault (435-6986) and Kim Wilson (435-6753).
National Library Week will be April 12-18 so if you haven’t been to the library recently you better go then.
Book club will meet in Tuesday, April 7, this month, a week early because of the Todd Menton concert. Time is still 7 p.m. This month’s selection is Where We Belong by Emily Griffin.
Writers’ group will be meeting Thursday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. New members are always welcome.
While it’s not a library event, there will be a library presence at the intergenerational health fair on Thursday, April 9. Librarian Tammi Jalowiec will be there with a display. Hours are 3:30-6:30.
The interior of the library is getting a new coat of paint. It’s quite a project as the library remains open while this is happening.
Also, work on the basement restrooms is progressing sporadically. I trust they will be finished eventually too.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

We are marching into March

March is a month noted for its winds. Hopefully, it will be somewhat different than February which this year has been a month noted for its wind chills.  However, whatever the weather, there are good things going on at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center.
First of all though, I need to apologize for an omission in last month’s column. When I listed the new FCLAA board members, I left out Joann Papke,  Joann has been a member of the theater committee for a number of years, but this is her first time on the board.  A teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing who is employed by the Area Special Ed Cooperative, Joann and her husband Jim, who is a special ed teacher in the Fosston school system, have three grown children who live and work in Montana.
Michelle Johnson, another of the new board members, is no stranger to the Fosston Library, having worked there for several years on a part-time basis. Although she is currently working at Nord’s in the retail gift department, she still subs at the library now and then. She is looking forward to serving on the board because art, music, and the theater are all important to her. She and her husband Bruce are the parents of three grown children and they also have four grandchildren.
The other two new board members are a married couple, Paul and Molly Peltier. They moved to Fosston a couple of years ago when Paul was hired to teach vocal and instrumental music at the Fosston school. Graduates of St. Olaf College, the Peltiers moved here from Mott, North Dakota, which is Molly’s hometown. They have a 19-month-old daughter, Emma, who loves to go to the library. Molly plays the flute with the Bemidji Symphony, and Paul has a busy schedule with his teaching duties.  They are looking forward to serving on the FCLAA board.
Both Joann and Molly, along with Keri Mireault, are working with Katie Krogstad Roed developing a new Web site for the FCLAA. Watch for more information down the road.
There will be a special author event on Tuesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. when Lorna Landvik will be at the library to speak and sign books.  A Minnesota author, Landvik has written a number of books, including this month’s library book club selection,  Oh, My Stars. She was actually born in Grand Forks to parents who at that time lived in East Grand Forks. In addition to being an author, Lankvik is also a comedian so it should be an entertaining presentation.

Other March events
Wednesday, March 4, 3:30 p.m. - Illustrator Nicholas Jackson
Tuesday, March 10, 7 p.m. - Library book club
Tuesday, March 17, 6:30 p.m. - Essential oils presentation by Kristina Semerikova
Thursday, March 25, 7:30 p.m. - Writers’ group

Friday, February 20, 2015

Currently in the Gallery


Works by Fosston  artist Karen Dearing are now on display in the Sorenson Gallery. She describes her style as “abstract and organic,” and uses paint, grout, sand , plaster , and egg shells to create texture. 





Sunday, February 1, 2015

February Happenings

February is a short month, but there are plenty of good  things afoot at the Fosston Community Library Art Center.
At the recent FCLAA annual meeting, the following officers were elected: Wonell Miller, president; Keri Mireault, vice president; Becky Overmoe, secretary; and Orland Aspen, treasurer.  Four new board members were welcomed. They are Paul and Molly Peltier, Michelle Johnson, and Phil Juve.
Phil is a hometown boy, even though he did spend some time elsewhere, working in the restaurant business. However, he changed careers when he moved back to Fosston, and has now worked in law enforcement for the past 17 years, currently for the Polk County Sheriff’s Department. His wife Laura is a teacher at the Fosston High School. They are the parents of three sons, the youngest a senior in high school  and a wrestler. They also have one grandson. Phil has been involved in theater productions here in the past and particularly enjoys musicals. He said he is looking forward to serving on the board and will contribute any way he can.
Look for more information about the other three board members next month.
There is special Legacy event coming up at the library on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 1:30 p.m. Mountaineer and Arctic explorer Lonnie Dupre will be sharing stories of his Arctic adventures. In January he became the first person to make a January solo ascent of Denali. He was here several years ago with a very interesting presentation. This is one you don’t want to miss.
Works by Fosston  artist Karen Dearing are now on display in the Sorenson Gallery. She describes her style as “abstract and organic,” and uses paint, grout, sand , plaster , and egg shells to create texture. Her pieces bring some welcome color to the gallery.
On Thursday, Feb. 26, Jennifer Moan will be doing a health & wellness program at 7 p.m. Here’s what she has to say about it:  “We are assaulted daily by toxic chemicals, pollutants, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, and stress as well as being bombarded by ever-increasing natural alternatives, detox fads, diets to counter the effects of all these harmful stressors…we (will) wade through the good, the bad and the ugly in the alternative/natural health movement.”
Saturday, Feb. 7, is National Take Your Child to the Library Day. Any child who checks out a book or gets a library card that day will get a special treat.
A youth chess club for kids eight and up is being organized at the library. The group will meet once a month during family fun time, which is on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.
Other February events:
Tuesday, Feb. 10 - Book Club at 7 p.m. discussing A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
Monday, Feb. 16 - Presidents Day,  library closed
Thursday, Feb. 19 - Writers’ group - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 3, 2015

January 2015 is here

A new month - a new year -
January 2015 is here.
We can’t tell what it will bring
Reasons to cry or reasons to sing.
And that’s probably more than enough doggerel so I will switch to prose to tell you about some of the things I do know will be happening this month at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center.
Hot Reads for Cold Nights, the annual winter reading program for adults, started January 2 and will continue through March 15. You may register either on-line or at the library. For every four books you read (or listen to), you have a chance to win a prize. No entry fee; no reports, and there will be some cold nights.
During the month of January, Food for Fines will be in effect. Bring in a nonperishable food item and $2 of your fine will be waived. All food will be given to the local food shelf.
The library book club will be meeting Tuesday, January 13, at 7 p.m. This month’s book is The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult. It’s an absorbing book although at times a disturbing one, with graphic descriptions of the Holocaust. The story raises some fascinating questions about the capability for good and evil found in each one of us. It should be  an interesting discussion.
Writers’ group will be meeting Thursday, January 22, at 7:30 p.m. If you think you may be interested, just show up - with or without some writing to share. This may be the time for you to get involved.
Work has started on the restrooms in the basement at the art center. This renovation was badly needed and should be a big improvement.
Hopefully the work will proceed steadily if not swiftly and things will be finished up in not too long a time.
The annual meeting of the FCLAA is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan  14,  at 7 p.m.
This is your chance to learn more about the organization, what it does and what is planned for the coming year. The meeting is open to all members and prospective members as well.
Just a reminder - Monday, January 19, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the library will be closed.