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.