February - good news, bad news

It’s February, and any rodent shadows or lack thereof notwithstanding, that must mean we are on the downward slide of winter. However, it’s not over yet, and at the Fosston Library, the Book Blizzard continues through this month. If you haven’t signed up for this adult reading program, there is still time. Read four books or complete two other challenges, and you may win a prize.

Let’s get the unwelcome news out of the way first. Because of a budget shortfall, library hours are going to be cut slightly.  The library will no longer be open until 8 on Thursday evenings, but will close at 6. Also, Saturday hours will be 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., so if you show up at 10, the doors will be locked. Staff hours have also been cut somewhat, specifically by eliminating a 12-hour assistant position, so there will not always be two people available to help you when you come into the library. Nobody has lost their job, as this position was currently unfilled. However, those hours have been covered by subs so you will see a reduction in staffing.

On a more positive note, Jane Bellify’s rosemaling exhibit will be at the Sorenson Gallery through February 14. Jason Steinbrenner’s abstract acrylic paintings will be going up Feb. 17 to be on display through March.

At its annual meeting in January, the Fosston Community Library Arts Association welcome Jason Steinbrenner to its board of directors and accepted the resignation of Michelle Johnson. Hopefully, I can tell you a little bit more about Jason next month. Also, the board is looking for volunteers to serve on the various committees. Check out opportunities at www.fclaa.org

Books club will meet Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m with coffee and most likely some treats. This month’s book is The Book Thief by  Markus Zusak. It’s an interesting read, and it should generate some lively discussion.

Because of the cut in library hours, writers’ group will be moving to Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. February’s meeting will be on the 20^th.

Watch for new activities coming up in March. The first Monday of each month, starting March 5, will be quilting/crafting day in the gallery. Come any time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and bring your own project. Maybe knitting or crocheting would be good. Here’s a chance to socialize while you work.

Also coming up in March there will be a special storytime in connection with the 1000 Books before Kindergarten program as well as an adult coloring activity. Watch for more information next month.

One final note – the library will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19, for Presidents Day.

Currently in the Sorenson Gallery

Rosemaling by Jane Bellefy

 

January is coming

Cold temperatures, snow, ice – it’s winter, and it’s almost January. If you are looking for something to take your mind off the weather, look no further than the Fosston Community Library Arts Center, where you will find some enjoyable activities as well as a wide variety of reading materials, CDs and DVDs.

Book Club will meet on Tuesday, January 9, at 7 p.m. This month’s selection is The Paris Wife, a novel based on the story of Ernest Hemmingway and his wife Hadley. There most likely be coffee and some sort of goodies as well as an interesting discussion.

Writers’ group will meet Thursday, January 25, at 7:30 p.m. If your New Year’s resolutions include finally getting those memoirs written, coming to this group might just give you the motivation you need.

The FCLAA annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 10, at 7 p.m. All members are welcome, and if you’re not a member, you are welcome to come and find out what it’s all about.

I’m certain you will want to be reading some books on these frigid winter nights, so you might as well sign up for the Book Blizzard, the adult winter reading program, to have a chance to win some cool prizes as well. Stop by the library and sign up. There will be drawings held every week through the month of February.

While you are in the library to pick up your books, be sure to look at the new display in the gallery, rosemaling by Jane Bellefy, from Shevlin. It should be up by January 9th.

For the younger set, preschool storytime is held every Friday morning at 10:30 a.m., and family fun time Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.

Just a reminder – the library will be closed on Monday, January 15, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

December

December is here, after a spell of mild late November weather, and while it’s nice today as I am writing this column, things will probably have changed by the time you are reading it. According to the weather forecast, subzero temperatures are in store for next week. Nonetheless, it’s always warm and cozy at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center.

                The Daisy Hagen Auction for the Arts was held on Sunday, November 26, and it was an enormous success. Carrie Carlin and Sarah Steinbrenner are to be commended for the great job they did to organize the auction, which raised approximately $12,500 for the FCLAA. Auctioneer Linda Lohmeir encouraged bidders to dig deep into their pockets, and once again the Athenians provided delicious refreshments. We also need to recognize all those who donated items and everyone who bought them.  Well done!

                The other big news is a new branch manager for the library, although she is already a familiar face.  Carol Ricke, who has worked there as library assistant since last January, has taken the position vacated by April Wedin. She has lived in Fosston since September of 2016 and is married to Kevin Ricke, superintendent of the Fosston school district. Carol invites you to come check out the library.

                The book club holiday celebration will be held Tuesday, December 12, at 7 p.m. Bring a treat to share. The book for December is The Life She Wants by Robyn Carr. It’s about women, friendship, and the complex path to happiness.

                Family Fun Time continues every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. with children’s activities for all ages. Special holiday events include Christmas crafts on Dec. 13 and Christmas bingo on Dec. 20.

                As you would expect, the library will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. It will be open for its regular hours Tuesday, Dec. 26, through Saturday, Dec. 30.

 

Quilt display in the gallery

November, November

November – the weather is colder, the days are shorter, and there could be snowflakes in the air. However, here are all sorts of fun events scheduled at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center, so we can forget about the less than ideal weather.

The new display coming up in the Sorenson Gallery is fitting for chilly weather, as the Clearwater Quilters Guild will have a display of quilted items – small quilts, wall hangings, etc. The group, which was organized in 1999, meets at the Gonvick Community Center. Their quilts will be on display from Nov. 4 through mid-December.

On Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. there will be a special concert by award-winning tenor J. Warren Mitchell. Mitchell, who formerly taught at Bemidji State University, is a rising star in the opera world and has recently returned to the area after performing in Germany. His first CD is entitled “The Aria Album.” Admission to the concert is by free-will offering.

The 2017 Daisy Hagen Auction for the Arts is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 26. This FCLAA fund-raiser takes place every two years, with donated items ranging from baked goods, rosemaling, rugs, soaps, gift certificates, and much, much more. Linda Lohmeier will be the guest auctioneer. Bidding starts at 2 p.m. with items on display at 1 p.m. The Athenian Club will be serving refreshments. If you have questions, contact Sarah Steinbrenner at 281-431-0473 or Carrie Steinbrenner at 218-358-0430.

Also coming up at the end of the month It’s a Wonderful Life, the Musical will be performed Thursday, Nov. 30, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2, at 7 p.m. In addition, there will be a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Dec. 3. Based on the 1946 film, the musical follows George Bailey’s life as he discovers he has made a difference. Abby Pearson is the director with Michelle Landsverk as the music director.

As exciting as all these events are, there are still more activities at the library arts center in November. On Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 p.m. The documentary film Thanks You for Playing will be shown. When Ryan, a video game designer, learns that his son has cancer, he and his wife develop a game called “That Dragon, Cancer.” The film follows the family over a period of two years.

The November book club meeting, originally scheduled for Nov. 14, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. to avoid conflicting with the J. Warren Mitchell concert. This month’s book is Room by Emma Donoghue.

 Writers’ group is scheduled for Thursday, Nov.30. New members are always welcome – no dues, no pressure.

Just a reminder – The library will be closed on Saturday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day and on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23.

Gallery display by Mitch Hilliard

Mitch Hilliard currently has a number of beautiful photographs on display in the gallery.