December is here!

And once again we have December, proving anew that time goes fast even when we are not having fun. I know this pandemic is getting tiresome with all the restrictions and changes to our lives, but time marches on, and we will get through this. Through the magic of technology, the Fosston Community Library Arts Association has some upcoming events to help you take your mind off your troubles. The theater production of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told and Then Some” has been rescheduled for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 18-19, and will be a livestream performance. Here is a little synopsis: “Instead of performing Charles Dicken’s beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told – plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung.” It should be great fun. Watch for details on the FCLAA website and Facebook page on how to watch. The Lake Agassiz Regional Library system, with funding from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund, is sponsoring a virtual presentation by author Lin Enger on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. Enger will discuss his new book American Gospel, which explores the United States’s obsession with apocalypse and the ways which religious extremists use fear and lies to manipulate. He is a Minnesota author and currently teaches English at Minnesota State University Moorhead. He is the brother of novelist Leif Enger. The presentation can be accessed by going to the LARL Facebook page. The other good news is that the library continues to be open its regular hours. Curbside pickup is also available if you do not feel comfortable going inside. While there is currently no preschool storytime, Storytime to Go kits are available for checkout. Each kit contains five books plus some related activities or crafts. For more information feel free to call the library at 435-1320. The Sorenson Gallery is currently closed. The Art of the Dress exhibit has been rescheduled for January. And, of course, the library will be closed on December 24 and 25 for Christmas. It will also close at 5 on New Year’s Eve and will be closed New Year’s Day.

November - Let Us Be Thanksful

November – let us be thankful for what we have in these uncertain times, and especially that the Fosston Community Library Arts Association is continuing to function, and the Fosston Library continues to be open for its normal schedule. If you have been in the library, you may not even have noticed that there is a new employee. Jill Rose is not new to the Fosston Library, having worked as a sub here (also in Gonvick and Bagley) for seven years. Now, however, she will be here on a regular basis. After growing up in Illinois and living in Missouri, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin, Jill and her husband David, who has Rosewood Construction, moved to Minnesota in 2003, hoping to find a place where winter was really winter and not mud season. Apparently, they found what they wanted, as they have lived on their place north of Gonvick since 2006. A graduate of Central Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln, Illinois, Jill worked at Deer Creek Church in University Park, Illinois, as an administrative assistant before her marriage. She homeschooled her five children, who are now all young adults. She enjoys reading and sewing, and her favorite part of working at the library is helping people find what they are looking for. Beginning November 9, the Art of the Dress will be in the Sorenson Gallery. This unique collection of wedding dresses from the late 1800s and early 1900s is sponsored by the East Polk County Heritage Center. The FCLAA winter theater production has seen a change as to the play. “Every Christmas Story Even Told (and Then Some!” will be presented in December. The cast of three has been selected and rehearsals will begin soon. Watch for more information about dates and tickets. Although the library is unable to hold the large scale used book sale normally held in October, there are still many used books for sale. Look for the table in the lobby as well as the shelves right inside the door. Nothing costs more than a dollar. While you are in the library, be sure to notice the new tables and chairs, donated by Ultima Bank. The 30-inch round tables make social distancing easy, and they are quite attractive. Lake Agassiz Regional Library is sponsoring two Legacy events during November. On Friday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m., Lalo’s Lunchbox will provide comedy and sing-alongs for children aged three and up. Then on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m., Professor Emeritus Dr. Mark Chekola from MSUM will share about the Red River Rainbow Seniors oral history project entitled “Breaking Barriers: Harvesting LGBTQ Stories from the Northern Plains. Just a reminder: The library will be closed for Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and for Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. It will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, but will be open regular hours on Friday, Nov. 27.

October's bright blue weather?

October is here. I am hoping for a month of bright blue weather and no snow yet, although I seem to remember the last couple of years, winter seemed to start in October. I cannot really predict the weather, but I can tell you about some of the happenings at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center. A theater production is planned for December, with tryouts to be held on Thursday, October 8, at 7 p.m. “Dixie Swim Club” has a small cast of five, all female roles. If you are interested in auditioning, come with a short monologue prepared. You may contact Abby Pearson at 218-280-0595 for more information. Laura Schmeling’s paintings will be in the Sorenson Gallery until the end of the month. There will be a giveaway of one of her prints. Stop by and vote for your favorite, entering your choice in the ballot box. You may be a winner, but not unless you enter. Good news at the library – hours of opening are finally back to normal. To refresh your memory, that means Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday, 12 noon – 8 p.m.; Thursday, 12 noon – 6 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. If you would like some materials from the library, but are not comfortable coming in to get them, home delivery is available within Fosston city limits. You may request specific books or trust the library staff to choose something for you. Call the library (435-1320) for more information or to make a request. For some years now, the library system has been privileged to offer several author visits, concerts, and other special programs as part of the Legacy series. This fall is no exception, the difference being that this year all the events are available on-line. The first of these is the opportunity to create loop earrings with Sister Beads. Beginning Oct. 13, pick up the necessary supplies from your library, then access the instructional video at larl.org. The instructor on the video is Tawny Trottier Cale, an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe as well as a descendent of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and the Spirit Lake Nation. On Monday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. journalist Sierra Crane Murdoch will be available to discuss her book, Yellow Bird: Oil, Murder, and a Search for Justice. It is the story of a murder on an Indian reservation and a portrait of the woman who becomes obsessed with solving it. On Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. there is another presentation about a murder: Secrets of the Congdon Mansion by author Joe Kimball, who covered the story as a reporter for the Star Tribune. These Facebook Live events may be found at facebook.com/larlmn/live/ One last bit of information: The library will be closed on Monday, Oct. 12, for a staff workshop (virtual, of course).

Laura Stewart Schmeling

September 2020

September 2020 – it has been a year to remember so far, so who knows what is in store as we move into autumn. I do know, however, that the Fosston Community Library Arts Association has a couple of good things to look forward to. Beginning September 1, the Sorenson Gallery will be reopening. The guest artist for the month is Laura Stewart Schmeling of Bemidji. Originally from New Haven, Indiana, Laura has lived in Bemidji since 2009. She has taught classes in the area as well as exhibiting her works in group and solo art shows. Her most recent endeavors include works painted on homemade paper derived from natural materials, including banana, pumpkin, pineapple, and asparagus pulp, which sounds interesting to say the least. You are welcome to enjoy the gallery during regular library hours. Please comply with the posted safety guidelines. On Friday, Sept. 18, the FLCAA will sponsor an outdoor concert by singer/songwriter Michael Rendahl, a Fosston native now living in Bemidji. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the East Polk County Heritage Center grounds in Fosston. There will be limited seating available with spaces for chairs marked. Bring lawn chairs or blankets – family members can be seated together. There may be a food truck set up prior to the concert so watch for more information on that. There is a charge for this concert, and tickets must be purchased ahead of time. They are available at Nord’s Pharmacy and Gift or online at www.fclaa.org. September usually brings the start of music lessons at the art center, and that will again be happening on somewhat of a limited basis. Jeff Menton will again be available to teach violin, viola, cello, mandolin, upright bass, and guitar. If you are interested, give him a call at 218-255-0087. There will be no piano lessons during September. I am still undecided as to what I should do, but may start lessons in October. Molly Peltier will be having a baby quite soon but indicated to me she might be ready to do some piano lessons in November, so watch for more information. At the library, the summer reading program is over, and the prizes have been awarded. Also, eight Monarch butterflies have hatched and been released. Now every time I see a Monarch, I wonder if it might have come from the library. Just a reminder – the library will be closed on Monday, September 7, for the Labor Day holiday.

August - heading down the homestretch to fall!

August – summer is two-thirds over, which means we are heading down the home stretch to fall. Yikes! While things are opening up somewhat, the coronavirus pandemic is far from over. However, if you need some diversion to take your mind off it, the Fosston Community Library Association has just the thing for you. On Thursday, August 20, there will be an online concert by Jeff Menten, who teaches violin and guitar lessons at the art center, and his collaborator Paul Nye. Their mix of funky folk, punky polka, cool classical, caffeinated Celtic, grassy blues, and gypsy jazz will be performed online through a blend of social media platforms including Zoom, Facebook video and You Tube. The concert will also be available for viewing later if you have a conflict. Keep your eye out for details and the link to the concert. The Fosston Library’s open hours have continued to increase and are now nearly back to normal. The schedule is currently as follows: Monday – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday – 12 noon – 7 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Thursday – 12 noon – 6 p.m. and Friday – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Curbside pick-up of library materials is still available if you wish. Remember, you are requested to wear a mask when in the library (most everywhere else too, I guess), and asked to use the provided hand sanitizer before you enter. Computers are available for public use. You may wish to call to reserve one. The library number is 435-1320. When you do come into the library, look at the Monarch butterfly caterpillar to see how that transformation is progressing. It was just a hungry caterpillar last time I looked. The summer reading program continues through August 15, so kids still have a chance to win some great prizes. Contact the library for more information. One other bit of information – MN Link interlibrary loan is once again available. This means you can request materials from any library in the state. Contact the library for more information or look at the LARL Website at larl.org. There is lots of other good information about what the library has to offer on the Website.

July!

July – one of my favorite months. I like summer, and I think we are going to have warm weather for a while, which will maybe prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The Fosston Community Library Association is sponsoring a couple more online art classes for adults during the month of July. DeeDee Narum will teach a class on making a glass mosaic, and Jess Aakre will guide participants through some art journaling. For more details and to register, go to fclaa.org.

Originally planned as a summer series of outdoor concerts, the Third Thursday Concert Series sponsored by the FCLAA is going online. On Thursday, July 16, Fosston native Michael Rendahl will perform beginning at 7 p.m. Again, check the FCLAA Website for details. A concert with Jeff Menten and Paul Nye is planned for August.

The most exciting news at the Fosston Library is that it is now open to the public. Currently the hours are Monday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (curbside pickup only), Tuesday, 12 noon – 7 p.m., Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday, 12 noon – 6 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. (curbside pickup only). Patrons are asked to use the provided hand sanitizer, wear a mask, and limit visits to 20 minutes. Three computers will be available for public use, but please call ahead for an appointment. (435-1320). Computers will be sanitized between appointments.

Explore, the summer reading library experience for kids through age 13, continues throughout the month. You may sign up and track your reading on the LARL Website, or you may obtain a paper log from the library if that is what you prefer.

Remember there is also a Solve the Mystery summer library experience for teens and adults. Information is available at larl.org.

If you need a way to connect to the Internet in places that do not have wireless access, the library now has some wireless hotspots that can be checked out for a period of two weeks. Wireless hotspots are portable internet access devices that allow you to connect to a Wi-Fi network using your computer, smartphone, or another device while away from you home, school or office Internet connection. Call the library for more information.

Happy summer and stay safe!

It is June

It is June, and the world is transformed, with green leaves and grass, blooming lilacs, and orioles at the feeder. Things are opening a bit on the pandemic front, but it will be some time before life goes back to what it was. In the meantime, The Fosston Community Library Arts Association will be offering a great line-up of on-line art classes starting June 15 and running for five weeks. There are classes for both adults and children. For details and to sign up, check the FCLAA website (fclaa.org).

Although the Fosston Library is still physically closed to patrons, library staff will be there so you can obtain books, magazines, DVDs, and CDs with no contact curbside delivery. Request materials on-line at larl.org, call the library at 435-1300 or e-mail to fosston@larl.org. A staff member will notify you when your selection is ready, and you can arrange a pick-up time. If you aren’t sure exactly what you want, they can make suggestions or even pick out some books for you. (And remember, if you don’t like what you get, you don’t have to read it.) There will be regular shipments of books from other LARL libraries, so you are not restricted to just the Fosston collection. No books from Northwest just yet, and no ILL books.

It is once again possible to have printing done at the library as well as sending and receiving faxes. Call the library for details.

Materials can now be returned via the book drop. However, if you have a box full, it might be good to wait until a time the librarians are working which now will be Monday through Friday, during regular library hours.

I would still recommend the LARL website(larl.org) as a place to access all the great on-line resources available. If you haven’t tried Hoopla, take a look at what is offered. You can stream movies and TV shows, as well as checking out e-books.

If you have questions and the Fosston Library is not open, try the toll-free hotline (833-522-5275). You may text if that is what you prefer.

Caese, Jen and Mavis will all be at the library during their regular hours, so request some books. We want to keep them busy. We would not want them just standing around twiddling their thumbs.

Stay well and safe and enjoy June.

Here We Are in May

      Here we are in May. The weather has warmed up, the birds are singing, buds are beginning to swell on the trees, and the library is still closed. However, there are plenty of assets still available from the Fosston Community Library Art Center and Lake Agassiz Regional Library.

      The FCLAA is sponsoring online art classes, for adults on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and for kids on Thursdays at 4 p.m. There is a charge for these, and you may register on-line at fclaa.org. The adult class on Tuesday, May 5, will be watercolor painting with Ivy Bailie. She will also be doing the kids’ class on Thursday, May 7, where the subject is a watermelon slice. On Thursday, May 14, Jessica Aakre will will work with the children on graffiti, text and hand lettering. Scholarships are available for the kids. Check the FCLAA Website for further offerings.

     While there are a multitude of e-books available through the Lake Agassiz Website (larl.org), if you are hungering to hold a real book in your hands, the library is now offering no-contact curbside service. Request what you want on-line, and when it is ready, you will receive a phone call to arrange for pickup from the picnic table in front of the library. Requests are usually filled once a week. Books may be requested from Fosston or from other Lake Agassiz locations, but not from Northwest.

       LARL also has a new service which enables patrons to borrow movies, music, e-Audiobooks, eBooks, comics and TV shows to download to your computer, tablet or phone. It is called hoopla, and it can be accessed by going to larl.org. There is a limit of 5 titles per month.

      While your little ones currently cannot come to the library for story time, they can watch story time at LARL at Home. The library system has a You-Tube channel with books read by librarians from throughout the system. There are also STEM activities available.

      If you are missing coming to the library to use the wireless access, it continues to be available from outside the building during normal library hours. No password needed.

If you have no library card, remember that you can apply on-line and be given a number that you can use to access all these free services.

     I would encourage you to go to larl.org if you have further questions. There is now a chat feature as well as a hotline number (833-522-5275).

     Stay safe, and  take advantage of all the wonderful resources available through the library system.

An April like no other

April – as I am writing on March 29, we still have snow although little by little it is melting. We are all staying home for the most part, because of the global coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, there are no activities scheduled at the Fosston Community Library Art Center and the library is closed.

However, the library has several on-line resources available at larl.org.  With a growing collection of more than 20,000 titles of downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks, there is plenty of reading material that can be accessed on your computer, your phone or your e-reader. And if you have some printed library books that are already checked out, don’t worry. Just return them when the library reopens and there will be no overdue fees.
You are required to have a library card to check out these eBooks. If you don’t, you can apply for one online (again at larl.org). You will be sent a library card number via e-mail within 24 hours. As always, library cards are free.
Also, on the library Website you can find links to a ton of online resources for kids. There are sites for early learners, for grades K-6, and for grades 7-12. Sites such as Tumblebook Library, ReadBrightly Storytimes, and Britannica School Elementary will help children keep learning from home.
If you are interested in genealogy research, with your library card you can have free access to AncestryLibrary and HeritageQuest. I just took a quick look at HeritageQuest and found the 1900 census page showing my grandfather, who at that time was single and living as a boarder in someone else’s home.
Magazine and newspaper articles from thousands of publications around the world can be accessed digitally. I looked at these two sites also. The amount of choices was a bit bewildering, but if one takes the times to look for something, you can probably find it.
For all you aspiring writers out there, this might be the time to sit down and write. After all, there is basically no place to go. MN Writes MN Reads is a resource for writers seeking free resources for publishing and sharing e-books and for readers interested in discovering books by local writers.
Take care, stay safe, practice social distancing and read a book (an eBook that is.)

March is here!

March is upon us – and we are that much closer to spring. Maybe by the end of the month the snow will be gone – or maybe not. I can’t predict the weather, but I can tell you about all the great things going on with the Fosston Community Library Arts Association.

The newest FCLAA board member is Maggie Stewart. Although she lived in Alaska for a bit as a young child and in Moorhead for college and awhile after that, Fosston is really her hometown and she has been back here for the last five years. An English major and a theater minor from MSUM, Maggie was involved with the Straw Hat Players during her college days. She currently works at a group home in Fosston as well as having an Etsy shop, where she sells paper crafts and knitted items. To find it go to etsy.com and look for MadeinMinnie. In addition to knitting and crocheting, her other hobbies include reading and scrapbooking. Maggie’s parents are Mike and Bonnie Stewart. She decided to join the board to become more involved in the local arts community.
Saturday, March 7, will be the Mystery Dinner Theater. Held at Ventures, the event begins with a social hour at 6 and the performance scheduled for 7 p.m. Tickets are available at Generations.
On Sunday, March 8, at 2 p.m., the fourth annual “Cans” film festival will be held at the library theater to benefit the Loaves and Fishes Food Shelf. Several short films will be shown. Admission is a non-perishable food item.
In the Sorenson Gallery March brings the second annual juried art show. An artist reception will be held on Thursday, March 26, from 5-7 p.m. Artists wishing to enter may apply on-line or pick up a form in the art center lobby.
The library book club will meet Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m. This month’s book is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. It’s an interesting book, with the narrator being a young teenager with autism. Refreshments will be served.
Writers’ group will meet Tuesday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m. February’s meeting didn’t happen because of several conflicts (among them precinct caucuses) so hopefully March will be better.
Here are a few facts about the library that you may not know:
1.       Library cards are free to those in the local area. If you don’t have one, bring proof of your address and apply at the library.
2.       With that library card, you will have access to books, DVDs, magazines and audio books.
3.       If you need to send or receive a FAX, you may do so at the library. There is a charge for this service.
4.       The library has a Facebook page (Fosston Public Library.) Follow it to get information about all the fun events.

February - still winter!

February – Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day, and still winter! This is Minnesota after all, so life doesn’t come to a standstill because of a little cold and snow.

The Fosston Community Library Arts Association elected officers and accepted new member Maggie Stewart to the board at its recent annual meeting. Other members of the board are Bonnie Stewart, Sarah Steinbrenner, Joann Papke, Molly Peltier, Dawn Skeie-Crane, Jason Steinbrenner, Barbara Johnson, and Abby Pearson.
The FCLAA will be celebrating 40 years in 2020. There will be a brunch reception (10 a.m.- noon) on Saturday, February 29. Plans are to include present and past directors, artists, musicians, board members and volunteers in the celebration. The gallery exhibit for the month will be a display of past productions.
The Fosston Library has a special promotion during the month of February. You are invited to go on a blind date with a book. Books will be wrapped up in paper with a few hints as to the contents. Pick one, read it, and make some comments on the enclosed card. You just might find a new favorite with no danger of involving yourself in unsavory situations.
The Book Blizzard adult reading program will continue through the month. Read four books for a chance to win a prize. (The blind date book will count.)
Book club meets Tuesday, February 11 at 7 p.m. to discuss A Fireproof Home for the Bride by Amy Scheibe. I enjoyed the book with its late 1950s Fargo-Moorhead area setting, although I was a little bit puzzled by the description with the discussion questions which said it was set in southern Minnesota. Anyway, new members are always welcome, and there are also treats.
Crafternoon for kids will be Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Make a fun Valentine craft. Those under eight must be accompanied by an adult or older caregiver.
Writers’ group will meet Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. New members are always welcome.
If you like to read the book before you see the movie, watch for a display at the library featuring books that are soon coming out as movies.  Or once you’ve seen the movie, you may want to read the book
Remember that the library will be closed Monday, Feb. 17, for Presidents Day.
And lastly, watch for upcoming details on the FCLAA’s first mystery dinner theater to be held March 7.

January 2020

January 2020 – how’s that? White and snowy for sure. It’s perfect weather for curling up with a good book, so you might as well join the Fosston Library’s Book Blizzard winter reading adventure, and you just might win a prize. Complete a reading log, available at the library, and every four books you read or listen to will put you in contention. You may also sign up online at larl.org/bookblizzard.

If you would like to know more about the Fosston Community Library Arts Association, here’s an opportunity for you.  The FCLAA will be holding its annual meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. The 2020 board of directors will be elected, and annual reports will be available. The public is invited to attend.

The library book club will meet Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. January’s book is After Anna by Lisa Scottoline. When Anna moves in with her mother and stepfather after years apart, things go terribly wrong. I have just gotten started reading this thriller and I can’t predict the ending, but it is holding my attention. We also get treats.

Kids’ Club will continue to meet on Wednesdays from 3:30-5 p.m. There will be crafts, Legos, games and bingo on a rotating basis. Children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult or older caregiver.

Writers’ group will meet Tuesday, January 28, at 7:30 p.m. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to write that memoir, this might give you the motivation to get started on it. Bring a sample of your writing to share, or feel free to just come and listen. We are a pretty easy-going group.

Remember that the library is closed on Monday, January 20, for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. If you are in dire need of something to read, the digital library is available on-line 24-7. You may ask your local librarian for help with that.

 

December is here!

December is here, bringing snow, cold and the holiday season. At the Fosston Community Library Arts Center. December will bring several fun events.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, there will be music in the air as Dwana Carroll’s piano students present their Christmas recital at 2 p.m. Admission is free and I’m sure there will be refreshments.

A new exhibit will go up in the gallery on Friday, December 13, featuring ceramic sculpture artist Hana Bibliowicz of the Twin Cities. Bibliowicz was born in Columbia to Polish and Mexican Jewish parents. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Albany State University and her master’s in sculpture from San Francisco State. She has participated in numerous shows, both in Colombia and the United States. There will be a reception that evening, and she will be teaching a class on Saturday, the 14^th. Watch for more details.

The library will be offering Kids’ Club activities every Wednesday from 3:30-5 p.m., with a special cookie decorating session on Dec. 11. Children under the age of eight are required to have a teen or adult supervisor with them.

The library book club will meet Tuesday, December 10, at 7 p.m. to discuss the book No Place I’d Rather Be by Cathy Lamb. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but the discussions are always interesting and the refreshments tasty.

The library will be closed on both December 24 and 25 for Christmas but will resume normal hours on Thursday, December 26. It will close at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and will also be closed on New Year’s Day.

Writers’ group will not meet during December, but will resume its normal schedule (7:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month) in January.

In closing, I will leave you with the little poem I wrote for our last writers’ group session:

                 Thanks

For turkey and taters and red ripe tomatoes

For hard candy, hamburger hot dish and ham,

For apples and apricots, artichokes too

For nachos and nuts and Nutella, yum, yum

For kiwis and KitKats and ketchup in bottles.

Salads and sausages, seafood and scones.

Thank you for all these wonderful foods

Only a few that my diet includes.

What Will November bring?

Will we get an Indian Summer in November, or will we have full-blown winter? I couldn’t tell you, but I do know there are some things to be thankful for at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center.

First and foremost, there is a new library associate. Mavis Haugom has been hired to fill the position left vacant when Caese moved into the branch manager slot. Originally from Zap, North Dakota, Mavis has lived south of McIntosh for the last 26 years with her husband Gene. She says she has always wanted to work in a library, and after a career in nursing and then one in accounting, she finally has her dream job. Most recently she worked in the finance department at Essentia Health, retiring about a year and a half ago. Her hobbies including reading, playing the piano and knitting.

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, everyone is invited to the library open house from noon to 8 p.m. There will be treats, coffee, hot apple cider and door prizes. Whether you are a regular customer or have never set foot in the library before, you are welcome.

Also on Nov. 12, the library book club will meet at 7 p.m. This month’s book is One Plus One by Jojo Moyes. I haven’t read it yet, but apparently it involves a single mother, a chaotic family, a quirky stranger and a comic road trip. Other readers have told me they liked it.

Writers’ group will meet Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 7:30 p.m. New members are always welcome.

The November exhibit in the Sorenson Gallery will be “Trades of Hope” featuring handcrafted jewelry, scarves, bags and home décor from artisans worldwide. A reception will be held on November 22 from 5-7 p.m.. Items will be available for purchase at that time with proceeds going to the Theater Elevator Fund. Abby Pearson is coordinating the exhibit.

The Daisy Hagen Auction for the Arts is coming up on December 1. Watch your local paper for more information.

If you have used markers that should be discarded, bring them to the library as there will be a drop-off box to collect them and send them to the Crayola ColorCycle program. They do not have to be Crayola markers. Highlighters and dry erase markers are also accepted.

On last reminder – the library will be closed on Monday, November 11, for Veterans Day, and on Thursday, November 28, for Thanksgiving Day.