2013 Minnesota Teen Video Challenge

The 2013 MN Teen Video Challenge has been announced. It is a national video competition for teens to get involved with reading and the library's summer reading program. Here's the gist of it: teens make a 30-90 second video interpreting the summer reading theme "Beneath the Surface" and they could win $275.00. Click on the links for entry form and model release form (for the actors/actresses in the film). Check out these links for rules, video creation resources, and prizes.

Civil War Soldier at the Grand Rapids Library

Life as a Civil War Soldier
Saturday, December 8, 10:00 am

Civil War soldiers had it rough, when they got hungry, they’d dip their worm-infested hardtack into a tin cup of coffee — coffee made by putting stale coffee beans inside a sock that hadn’t been washed for four months and pounding them with the butt end of a musket.
 Dressed as a Union soldier, Arn Kind talks about the Civil War so kids understand the soldiers' experience in this tragic war.
Kind is a member of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment, an authentic re-enactment group that has appeared in many documentaries and well known feature films.

The Civil War soldier who visited us on November 15th talked about hard tack as one of the rations for soldiers during the Civil War. If you want to try making the authentic version, or some variation of it, there are recipes and instructions at the Wikimedia cookbook and Wikihow and a great description and history and links to other resources in Wikipedia

Try making a batch and bringing it to the upcoming program with the soldier from the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment on December 8th!

Mason Jar Ideas at the Library

50 Gazillion things to do with a Mason Jar!
Tuesday, December 4, 7:00 pm

It's craft night at the library! Come for an idea exchange for ways to use a mason jar. Bring samples of your ideas and leave with inspiration from other's. The famous glass jar with a sealable screw lid can be used for practical or beautiful purposes; for gift-giving or garage. This is a show and tell program with full audience participation

Family Movie Night at the Grand Rapids Library!

Thursday, November 29, 6:00 pm

Join us for another installment in our Family Movie Night Series!  Bring dinner or a snack or a fluffy pillow for the floor, and join us for Arthur Christmas on the big screen in the community room.
          Santa's youngest son Arthur embarks on a magical adventure to deliver the final gift to a child to save Christmas.

Museum Passes Available

We still have a few Museum passes available that are good through November 30 at the Duluth Depot, Great Lakes Aquarium, MN Discovery Center, Judy Garland & Children's Museum and more! Stop in to pick up several if you can use them before next Saturday!
Storyland tickets
We just received tickets available for the Storyland exhibit at the Dutluth Children's Museum valid December 1, 2012 - January 20, 2013. Check the Children's Museum's web site for hours and other current exhibits and programs

Listen to MN History this weekend

Minnesota History opportunity
If you are interested in learning more about Minnesota History, tune in to This American Life on the radio this weekend.

Here is a message from Ben Leonard, Director of the Nicollet County Historical Society and a recent speaker on the U.S. Dakota War of 1862:
• "I’d like to tell you about an amazing opportunity for the Historical Society and upcoming event. The Treaty Site History Center and NCHS Director Ben Leonard are featured in an upcoming episode of the National Public Radio show “This American Life.” The episode will air over Thanksgiving weekend. Mankato native and Gustavus graduate John Biewen, now at Duke University, has created the hour-long radio documentary on the Dakota Nation, War of 1862, and the consequences that are still felt today.

• If you can’t listen to the show on your local NPR affiliate, please download the podcast on Itunes, or here: http://www.thisamericanlife.org/. It’s free if you download the week of November 25th."
In northern Minnesota, MPR broadcasts This American Life on Saturday at 1 pm and Sunday at 10 pm at 107.3 FM in Grand Rapids, 91.3 FM in Bemidji, and 92.5 FM in Virginia.

Mesabi Iron Range: History and People

Monday, November 19, 7:00 pm.
Hibbing author, Pat McGauley, is a historian, former teacher and taconite miner. He has a deep love for the colorful history of the Mesabi. McGauley has done extensive research for a series of novels that capture romance and drama while blending real and fictional events that shaped the region's landscape. He shares highlights of the Mesabi's evolution, the people that immigrated and the economic impact iron has had on northern Minnesota

Civil War Discussion Series

Civil War Discussion Part 5: War & Freedom--Emancipation


Thursday, November 15 @ 7:00 p.m

Jon Maturi, Discussion Leader & John Hayes, Guest

The discussion series "Making Sense of the Civil War," concludes with a conversation about emancipation-the uncompensated, immediate release of four million slaves. John Hayes, American history scholar and historical interpreter joins Jon Maturi in leading the discussion. He brings knowledge of the "history before the history" that influenced the war and its outcomes. He lends a deeper perspective about slavery and servitude and a viewpoint from southern states.
Recommended reading is America's War anthology, part 5. Civil War discussions will continue at the library through 2015 commemorating significant period events.

"Making Sense of the Civil War" is a 5 part discussion series funded by the National Endowment of the Humanities and the American Library Association.

Visit from a Confederate Soldier

Making Sense of the Civil War - Re-enacting a Southern Soldier -
         **Special Event for Families!**

Thursday, November 15 @ 6:00 p.m.

John Hayes, Civil War Re-enactor

John Hayes grew up in the state of Virginia, trapping, hunting and exploring in places like Bull Run-battlefields of the Civil War. His father and friends told stories of ancestors who had experienced the war first hand. As an adult he became a scholar of 18th and 19th Century history of the American continent. In this program, he dons period clothing and shares artifacts and stories to explain what caused the war, tactics used to fight and a soldier's life. Children and adults are invited to experience history from John's perspective.
 

Support your library: GiveMN.org

A Letter from the  Library Foundation:

Dear Friend,


As you know, the Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation is making a difference every day by helping the Grand Rapids Area Library maintain and grow its collection and provide children with story times, special computers, and activities. In addition, the Foundation works to secure grants and donations for the Riverfront Energy Center. Your generous support means the world to patrons of all ages and interests who use the library’s meeting spaces and computers, attend programs and children’s activities, get help finding information, and simply enjoy a quiet place to read.
Join us on November 15, Minnesota’s Give to the Max Day, and help us win a $1000 Golden Ticket. By partnering with GiveMN, an online giving website for Minnesota nonprofits, the Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation will have 25 chances to maximize your gift on Give to the Max Day and could help us win an extra $1000 for our work in the community.

At the end of Give to the Max Day, one donation from across Minnesota will be randomly selected for a $10,000 Supersized Golden Ticket! Help us increase our odds by making your gift, day or night, on November 15 by visiting www.GiveMN.org and searching for Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation.
Be one of the first 20 donors of $20 or more and there will be a $20 match made to your gift. Together we hope to raise more than $7500 on Give to the Max Day and we’re counting on your help!

Sincerely,

Kathy McCarty

President

Fleece to Felt at the Library

Make a felted butterfly

Tuesday, November 6   3:30
Wow! The Duluth Art Institute is bringing fiber art to the Northland. Learn how to transform fluffy, colorful sheep’s wool into a fun, felted butterfly. All it takes is a little soapy water and a lot of imagination. It’s a very interactive and accessible art project for all ages. This is a family event, so participants must be accompanied by an adult.  Space is limited to 20 kids, so sign up early!  327-8823

Cake Decorating for Kids!

Monday, November 5,  11:30 am
      Come and decorate a pumpkin cake! There is no school today, so why not come to the library? Curtis and Michelle will be here to help you decorate a pumpkin cake that you can take home! This class is open to kids ages 7-14. Space is very limited, so register early! 327-8823

International Games Day at the Grand Rapids Library

Fun for the whole family!
Your choice of many board games, or Wii video games.

Bhutan: A View from the Top of the World

Thursday, November 1, 7:00 pm

Professional photographer Cal Rice recetly tavelled to Bhutan where he spent 2 weeks documenting monumental cultural changes thaking place.  Through Cal's amazing photos  experience the beatury of a distant and mysterious land and its people.  Take a fascinating look at this Himalyan country as it transitions swiftly from a 17th century to a 21st century society. 

Bhutan wikipedia entry

Solar Sunflower

One completed solar sunflower!

The plan is to construct three sunflowers just north of the Library.  When all three are connected, they will generate electricity for the Library and serve as one of the educational componants of the Riverfront Energy Center.  The Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation is raising money for all of the educational componants, including solar and wind energy generation, and a dashboard showing energy consumption and savings.

Create a Storybook Theater at the Library

Kids Create! A Storybook Theater
Saturday, October 27    11:00 am


Come and create a book that becomes a stage, tells your story, and holds your puppets! Join the artists from the Creativity Tank as they teach us how to make our own Storybook Theater, while focusing on the art of author/illustrator Eric Rohmann. All ages are welcome, children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Please pre-register at the Children's Desk by calling (218) 327-8823

Family Movie Night at the Grand Rapids Library

Thursday, October 25,  6 pm

  The Pirates - A Band of Misfits 

Join us in the community room to watch this hilarious movie on the big screen.  Bring dinner, a snack, a pillow for the floor, or just yourself for fun evening of movie watching.

Friends of the Library Week!

Come and celebrate with the Friends of the Grand Rapids Area Library

 Wednesday afternoon October 24 from 2:30-4:30

Cake in the lobby

Watch for specials in the Friends of the Library Bookstore!

        October 21-27 is Friends of the Library Week, so I will take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to our Friends group. The Friends of the Grand Rapids Area Library was established in 1979 as a not for profit organization and has raised thousands of dollars for the library to date. Currently many community members contribute annually to the Friends and many of these contributors actively volunteer their time to assist the group.

       Fundraising efforts include the used bookstore in the lobby of the library and the sale of canvas book bags. The money raised by the Friends group enables our library to move from good to great -- providing the resources for additional programming, much needed equipment, and support for children’s summer reading. Our library would be much poorer without the Friends. The Friends also contributed to the Smart Play Spot recently installed in the Library, and to the Early Literacy Station full of educational games.

       The work of the Friends highlights the fact that our library is the cornerstone of the community, providing opportunities for all to engage in the joy of life-long learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others from ages past to the present; The Friends understand the critical importance of well funded libraries and advocate to ensure that our library gets the resources it needs to provide a wide variety of services to all ages including access to print and electronic materials, along with expert assistance in research and children’s services.

Support the Friends

     The Friends also maintain Bright Red Book Shelves at two locations for Project Read. If you have gently used books for toddlers or preschoolers, drop them off at the Library for placement on the bookshelves. Please stop by the library to learn more about the Friends' activities and find out how to become a member of the Friends.

Man Booker Prize

The 2012 Man Booker Prize winner was announced on October 16. This prize is given for the best novel of the year written by a citizen of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland. This year's winner is Hilary Mantel for "Bring up the Bodies." To request a copy click on this link to visit the Arrowhead Library System catalog.

National Book Award Finalists

The National Book Award Finalists have been named in four categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Young People's Literature. Visit the National Book Award site to view the finalists. Winners will be announced Wednesday, November 14.

Living More with Less: Author Ellen Sandbeck at the Grand Rapids Library

Author Ellen Sandbeck promotes a return to a simpler way of life - a life with more joy and fewer household products. She shares thoughts and excepts from her book, Green Barbarians demonstrating how, by relying less on modern conveniences, people can live happier, safer, more ecologically and economically responsible lives. Check out her blog on green living Thursday, October 18 7:00 pm

Minnesota History on Display at the Grand Rapids Library

We have an exhibit through the month of October about the Dakota – U.S. Conflict of 1862. Thanks to the Nicollet County Historical Society, we have a 12 panel display that chronicle the history of the conflict that took place in southern Minnesota during 1862. We also have books on display. Come to learn more about this often neglected chapter of Minnesota’s early history. Discussions of the Civil War will continue in November, and books are also available for background reading.

New YA books!

Check out some of these YA books we just received!

*Between the Lines* written by Jodi Picoult and daughter Samantha van Leer
*A Confusion of Princes* written by Garth Nix
*At Yellow Lake* written by Jane McLoughlin
*Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan* vols. 3-10

Library Challange: use vs funding

Open House

Smart Play Spot

By the Minnesota Children’s Museum

Grand Rapids Area Library

Wednesday August 22nd 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Please spread the word to parents, grandparents, teachers,  day care providers and everyone who loves to encourage young children to learn, that the Smart Play Spot is open!

Come to learn about and experience the interactive features that inspire a love of reading through play:



Explore the bait shop, listen for animal sounds and go fishing for letters to make words.


.


Play with puppets or curl up and read inside  the Peter Pan tree.




Bring Vegetables from the garden to the Farmers' Market

                                                            

Smart Play Spot was installed  by the Minnesota Children's Museum with funding from the Blandin Foundation, the Northland Foundation, the Grand Rapids Library Foundation and the Friends of the Grand Rapids Area Library

Around the world in 30 instruments at the Library

Four Shillings Short


Friday, August 10 at 11:30 a.m.

KAXE Rotary Tent (if inclement weather, the Library Community Room)

This is an opportunity for young and old to experience traditional folk music from around the world. A husband and wife duo introduces 30 different instruments, talking about the history of each and demonstrating the music it makes. These talented instrumentalists and vocalists play music from the British Isles to Medieval and Renaissance Europe, to the Americas and India capturing unique and unusual sounds of many time periods and cultures.

Civil War Discussion Part 2 at the Library

Making Sense of the Civil War ~ Part 2: Choosing Sides
Jon Maturi facilitates the discussion

Thursday August 9 @ 7:00 p.m.

The second in a 5-part series of book discussions about America's Civil War explores perspectives of those who had to decide where justice, honor duty and loyalty lay and which sides of the issues they would support, defend or oppose.
Selected readings from a collection of writings and articles entitled, "America's War," edited by Edward Ayers provides context for the discussion.
 Books, reading guides and an outline of the series are available on a special display in the library.

August Indie Films at the Reif

Films each Tuesday at 7:30 pm


August 7: Before Your Eyes (2009, Turkey, Kurdish, Turkish, 102 minutes)

Ten-year old Gulistan and her younger brother Firat live happily with their parents in Diyarbakir, the heart of Turkish Kurdistan. Tragedy strikes when their mother and father are shot down by paramilitary gunmen before their eyes. Traumatised and orphaned, Gulistan, Firat and their infant sister are placed in the care of their young, politically-active aunt Yekbun who soon disappears without a trace. As days turn into weeks, the money that their aunt left them runs out. Eventually, the children have to fend for themselves on the streets, where one day, Gulistan is shocked to come across the murderer of her parents

August 14: If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle (2010, Romanian, 94 minutes)

Silviu, a young man who has spent years in a youth penitentiary, is granted release. Before he can leave, his mother returns to Romania to bring his little brother to Italy with her, despite Silviu's objections. He meets a young woman, Ana, who is working on a research project in the prison, and becomes interested in her. In his desperation Silviu resorts to violence, and Ana becomes his hostage

August 21: The Piano in a Factory (2010, China - Mandarin, 119 minutes)

Steelworker Chen has a passion for music and plays the accordion in a local band with a close group of friends. When his estranged wife returns one day after years of absence, she demands a divorce and sole custody of their daughter. Chen is at a loss. He doesn't mind divorcing a woman who has become a stranger, but he can't bear to part with his daughter. Chen has worked hard to give her a respectable life and has taught her his love of music. When asked if she'd rather stay with her father or go with her mother, the girl gives a practical, devastating answer: she'll go with whomever can provide her with a piano. Chen cannot afford such a luxury item, but the piano becomes his last hope to save what little is left of his family. With the help of his loyal friends and the support of his lover - the singer in his band - Chen concocts several plans to fulfill his daughter's wish

Library Used Book Sale at Central Sq. Mall in Grand Rapids

 

Friday August 3 - Sunday August 5

 

Annual Used Book (and CD, DVD, Puzzle and Game)Sale!

 

Central Square Mall     201 NW 4th St.  Grand Rapids

 

Hours:

•  Friday 8:30-8:00,
• Saturday 9:00 - 6:00,
• Sunday 11:00 - 4:00 Bag Sale All Day Sunday

Come early for best selection!

 

All proceeds are used for Library materials and programs. Thank you for your support!

 

 

 

Library Program: Nuts and Bolts of Book Collecting

Steve Anderson, Owner, Ross & Haines Old Books

Thursday, August 2 at 7:00 p.m.

Whether you are a book collector or wondering about the value of what books on your shelf, this program describes what books are collectible and why. A book collector and appraiser explains how to identify valuable items and those that are not. He will describe current issues and problems in the book business and the impact of the internet on book printing, publishing and purchasing. Bring your questions and a book or two you are wondering about the value of.

Wonder Weavers Storytellers at the Grand Rapids Library

Tuesday, July 31 2:00 pm
Oh My! Hold on to your hats, because the Wonder Weavers are returning to Grand Rapids! Storytellers extraordinare, the Wonder Weavers will transport you to the worlds inside your imagination. Don't miss this program! Appropriate for all ages.

Family Movie Night at the Grand Rapids Library

Thursday, July 26  at 6 pm

Join us for another in our Family Movie Night series! This month we will present "Big Miracle" on the big screen in the community room. Bring dinner or a snack and join us.
The movie was inspired by the true story of the amazing rescue of grey whales trapped by rapidly forming ice near the arctic circle.

Teen Short Film Contest

Congrats to Noah O. and Marie N. for winning the teen short film contest at the library. Marie's film is titled "Angel Don't Care" and Noah's is "Love in Many Different Ways". Films will be shown at the Reif Center during Zombie Prom and on Tuesday July 31 before the Indies film at 7:30 pm.

Independant Films at the Reif Center

       Tuesday July 24 7:30 pm
Little Sparrows (2010, Australia - English, 88 minutes) In the midst of an Australian summer, we meet three sisters. Nina is widowed with two young children. Anna is an aspiring actress unhappily married to a filmmaker. Christine is a med student who is yet to fully come to terms with her sexuality. When their mother Susan's breast cancer returns, the family is faced with choices and the reality of their last Christmas together. Simple and sincere, Little Sparrows celebrates life and the unconditional love of a mother. http://www.reifcenter.org/   

          Tuesday July 31, 7:30 pm
A Screaming Man (2010, Chad - French, Arabic, 92 minutes) Present-day Chad. Adam, sixty something, a former swimming champion, is pool attendant at a smart N'Djamena hotel. When the hotel gets taken over by new Chinese owners, he is forced to give up his job to his son Abdel. Terribly resentful, he feels socially humiliated. The country is in the throes of a civil war. Rebel forces are attacking the government. The authorities demand that the population contribute to the "war effort", giving money or volunteers old enough to fight off the assailants. The District Chief constantly harasses Adam for his contribution. But Adam is penniless; he only has his son...

DVDs will be available for checkout at the Grand Rapids Library after the films are shown

Donate Books, CDs, DVDs for the Library's Annual Sale

Still taking donations!
Donations Accepted through July 31 at the Library or the Village Bookstore

Annual Used Book (and CD, DVD, Puzzle and Game)Sale!


Central Square Mall 201 NW 4th St.

       Hours: Friday  August 3 8:30-8:00,

                  Saturday August 4  9:00 - 6:00,

                  Sunday August 5  11:00 - 4:00 Bag Sale All Day Sunday

Fun with the Mad Scientist at the Grand Rapids Library

Tuesday July 24 1:00 pm
Join our very own mad scientist, Lori Kangas-Olson,and explore an afternoon of science fun! Wear old clothes, because who knows what the Mad Scientist has up her sleeve?
Please pre-register for this event by calling the Grand Rapids Children's Library. 327-8823
Everybody is welcome, children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult.

Itasca County Lake Challange presentation at the Library

Thursday, July 19 at 7 pm.
Dr. Mary Blickenderfer will present a variety of ways to keep Itasca County lakes and rivers clean and wildlife abundant. Water enthusiasts of all ages hear about programs and activities to engage kids through adults in being good stewards of our fresh water resources

Writing Workshops @ your library

• Creating a Character out of THIN AIR~ Writing workshop for teens


• Rebecca Fjelland Davis, Author of young adult books

Wednesday, July 18 @ 1:00 p.m.  Grand Rapids Area Library

Rebecca Fjelland Davis, Author of young adult books Starting a story? What's most important? What happens to WHOM? WHO is most important in any story? Learn to come up with a character sturdy enough to survive being in a story and to create a character out of nothing.

• Prairie-Dogging Your Way to a Story

~ Writing workshop for adults

Rebecca Fjelland Davis

Wednesday, July 18 @ 7:00 p.m.  Grand Rapids Area Library

Sometimes it's easy to get started writing a story, but not so easy to finish. Other times it's just hard to get ideas for writing, period. Get help and ideas to turn ordinary real-life non-adventures into extraordinary adventures in a story. Learn to use ideas from real life and mold them into fictional elements for novels.

Magician! @ your library

Magician Star Michaelina


Tuesday July 17, 2012 10:00 am  Grand Rapids Area Library

Don't misss this! A magician is coming to the library! Minnesota magician Star Michaelina has been presenting her comedy magic for 20 years. Her eye-popping magic, exhilaratingenergy and unique props make her one of the country's top family entertainers!

Sam Miltich & Friends @ your Library

• A Little Summer Jazz with Sam Miltich & Friends
KAXE/Rotary tent (next to the Grand Rapids Area Library)


Thursday, July 12 @ 11:30 a.m.

Back by popular demand, Sam Miltich and Friends play a fun afternoon, outdoor concert for all ages. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on by the KAXE Rotary tent. Watch the river roll by as you day dream to the rhythm of jazz. In case of bad weather, the program will be held in the library. Bring the entire family.
Ice cream provided by Cub Foods! Thank you!

Civl War Discussion @ your Library

Making Sense of the Civil War ~ Part I: Imagining War


Jon Maturi, discussion leader

Thursday July 12 @ 7:00 p.m  Grand Rapids Area Library

The first of a 5-part discussion series on the Civil War begins with a look at how fiction has imagined the war as captured in America's War anthology. Copies of three different books are available for check-out at the library to provide participants a shared context for the programs in this series.
March by Geraldine Brooks,
Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam by James McPherson,
America's War: Talking About the Civil War and Emancipation on Their 150th Anniversaries edited by Edward L. Ayers.

Indies on Tuesdays continue at the Reif

Independant Films  7:30   Tuesdays at the Reif Center
During July the following award-winning independant films will be shown:

July 10  Protektor (2009, Czech Republic - Czech, German, 100 minutes)
A Czech journalist joins a Prague radio station that broadcasts Nazi propaganda in order to protect his Jewish wife. However, as the Nazi rule over Czechoslovakia calls for more and more collaboration, his relationship with his wife spirals downward. http://www.reifcenter.org/

July 17     Vasermil (2007, Isreal - Hebrew, Amharic, Swahili, Russian, 93 Minutes)
The film is named after the local football stadium located in the town of Be'er Sheva in southern Israel. Vasermil tells the story of three teenagers who live in the same tough neighborhood, growing up in an unforgiving environment, pinning their hopes on football as a way out. Shlomi lives with his widowed mother, little sister, and step-father and works as a pizza delivery boy. Adiel, of Ethiopian descent, has to look after his young brother and sick mother. Dima, a new immigrant from Russia, has a father who is unemployed and a mother who works as a cleaning lady. The three teens are recruited by the coach of the local football team to take part in the Be'er Sheva open youth championship, held, traditionally on Independence Day at the Vasermil stadium . Learning to work together as a team is the key to success in the tournament and success in the tournament means getting noticed by the scouts of the local football empire - Hapoel Be'er Sheva... July 24     Little Sparrows (2010, Australia - English, 88 minutes)
 In the midst of an Australian summer, we meet three sisters. Nina is widowed with two young children. Anna is an aspiring actress unhappily married to a filmmaker. Christine is a med student who is yet to fully come to terms with her sexuality. When their mother Susan's breast cancer returns, the family is faced with choices and the reality of their last Christmas together. Simple and sincere, Little Sparrows celebrates life and the unconditional love of a mother

July 31  A Screaming Man (2010, Chad - French, Arabic, 92 minutes)
Present-day Chad. Adam, sixty something, a former swimming champion, is pool attendant at a smart N'Djamena hotel. When the hotel gets taken over by new Chinese owners, he is forced to give up his job to his son Abdel. Terribly resentful, he feels socially humiliated. The country is in the throes of a civil war. Rebel forces are attacking the government. The authorities demand that the population contribute to the "war effort", giving money or volunteers old enough to fight off the assailants. The District Chief constantly harasses Adam for his contribution. But Adam is penniless; he only has his son

Check the Reif Center Web Site for more detailed descriptions
http://www.reifcenter.org/   

New Interpretive Signs along Mississippi River

The Riverfront taskforce developed 3 signs for the walkway on the south side of the Mississippi River between the 7th Ave bridge and the Pokegama bridge. 

 Funding for the signs was contributed by the Grand Rapids Rotary and the Blandin Foundation. 

 The signs include information about the plants and animals along the river on one side of the sign, and about the history of this stretch of the river on the other side. 

The signs are located:

1. Near the sidewalk on Pokegama  between the bridge and the Blandin Foundation
2. Along the River Front trail at the East end of the Library
3. Along the River Front trail near the 7th Ave Bridge.

Poetry Workshop at Grand Rapids Library

Big Ideas, Small Packages: Writing Short Poems


Joyce Sutphen, Minnesota Poet Laureate

Friday, July 6 from 12:30-2:00 p.m.  Grand Rapids Library

• This workshop for teens through adults will play with writing short poems. Learn to condense your creative thoughts in "Tweet-sized" poems to fit in small spaces. Participants will write and share their work. Bring your questions about poems, poets and poetry!

• Sidewalk Poetry Contest  Downtown Grand Rapids

• Teams and individuals write original poetry on assigned blocks of city sidewalk. Complete contest rules available at the library. Must register at the library between 1:30 and 3:00 on Contest Day. Winning poems will be cast permanently in city sidewalks in 2012-2013. Judging 4:00-6:00 p.m. Awards at Central School at 7:00 p.m. Co sponsored by Grand Rapids Area Library and Grand Rapids Arts

• Artful Words and Poetry Readings

• Poetry readings featuring local poets during First Friday in July. Open mikes at Brewed Awakenings Coffee Shop 4:30 and at MacRostie Art Center 5:30. Minnesota Poet Laureate, Joyce Sutphen will read her poems at Central School in down town Grand Rapids at 6:30 p.m. followed by awards for Sidewalk Poetry contest

Great resource for encouraging young readers

Start with a book is a website companion to Reading Rockets that uses books as a launching pad for exploration, converstation, and real world learning adventures.  The free resources build on what young children already like - dinosaurs, building, animals, sports, superheroes and music - so that parents, camp counselors and other s can have fun and intersact meaningfully with children while helping to strengthen their reading skills. Print off a list of recommended books and head to the library.  While you're here, be sure to sign up for the Summer Reading Program.

Grand Rapids Rotary provides Early Literacy Station to GR Library

The Early Literacy Station is a touch screen computer that allows children to access 50 educational programs organized under seven categories: music/art, reading, social studies/geography, writing/computer skills, math, science and reference. Familiar characters such as word bird and Dora the Explorer make frequent appearances.

Funding for the ELS was provided by the Grand Rapids Rotary club. Throughout its 77 year history in Grand Rapids, the Rotary club has funded numerous scholarships, Leadership Camps, and a myriad of community based projects.

”This project will have an impact on children coming into the library, and will foster a love of reading and learning. We felt it would be beneficial to children and help them develop the skills needed for further educational success,” said Mike Arezzo, Grand Rapids Rotary Club President

 Children can select which activity they want to work on, or parents can help to select programs for their children by choosing a category and an appropriate age bracket. The Early Literacy Stations are also great for special needs children because they have a variety of activities at different levels.

The library has been focusing on promoting early literacy skills by providing preschool story times for children and their care-givers. Children can also sign up for the Library’s summer reading program and attend a variety of events this summer, including storytellers, music, magic shows and movies.
   

Teen Short Film Contest

It's the 1st annual Teen Short Film Contest in collaboration with ICTV and The Reif Center! Teens are invited to make short films (up to 8 minutes in length) in two categories: "Open" and "Zombies Own the Night".  Winning films will be shown at The Reif Center, on ICTV and uploaded to YouTube. Entries due by Saturday July 14 at the library. Click this link to get contest guidelines and submission forms.

Ellen Sandbeck Program Cancelled

Ellen Sandbeck will not be able to speak this evening due to a personal emergency.
We hope to reschedule her for later this summer. 

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

In addition to Ellens "Green Barbarians" book, we have other books on non-toxic cleaning, natural formulas, simplifying your life, and conserving energy.  Check out the display!

Author Ellen Sandbeck at Grand Rapids Area Library

Wednesday, May 16     7 pm.  Ellen Sandbeck on Living Simply
Author Ellen Sandbeck promotes a return to a simpler way of life—a life with more joy and fewer household products. Her book, "Green Barbarians" demonstrates that by mustering a bit of courage and relying less on many modern conveniences, we can live happier, safer, more ecologically and economically responsible lives.
Check out her web site and blog at http://ellensandbeck.com/
We also have a display of books at the Library about living simply, reducing consumption, and conserving energy.

Mixi Makesi Musica program at the Grand Rapids Library

Monday May 14, 10:30 am    Mixi, Makesi, Musica  with Richie Johnson
 Come, Mix and Make Music with Richie Johnson at your library! Johnson, a self-described  “singer-songwriter/comedian/historian/magician,” will teach children the art of storytelling through songwriting, create musical instruments from junk items in the recycling bin, and make new songs with audience assistance. Participants should bring a good imagination and love having fun! This program is sure to charm audiences ages 1-100. 

Phography for Everyone at the Grand Rapids Library

Saturday, May 12 10:30-12:00
Join John Gregor of Coldsnap Photography for an inspiring presentation of his photographs and ideas, tips and techniques that will help you become a better photographer. This two-part program will focus on nature photography and taking photos of people. It is geared toward teens and adults.
This program is funded in part or in whole with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Thursday Concert at Grand Rapids Library

7 pm  Thursday, May 3 Happy Days are here Again
        Enjoy the Spirited songs of the 1930s, 40s and 50s with acclaimed jazz vocalist Rhonda Laurie and her band. Join Laurie on a journey though the music of the Greatest Generation. “Sentimental Journey,” “Dream a Little Dream” and “My Favorite Things” are just a few songs that will inspire audiences to smile and sing along during this 90-minute show.
        The band will be playing in the Libary so audience members can enjoy a view of the river at sunset while listening!

 This program is presented by the Minnesota Regional Public Libraries in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society. Programs are made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund created through the passage of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment by the vote of Minnesotans in November 2008.

Music Around the World with the DSSO Woodwind Quartet

Wednesday,  April 25    1:00 pm
Join us for another of the Duluth Symphony Orchestra's "Music to You" programs! Appropriate for all ages, spend an hour learning about, and listening to, a woodwind quartet
Feel free to bring a lunch, relax, and enjoy the music!

Poetry Workshop at Grand Rapids Library April 10

On Tuesday, april 10 at 1:00 pm, join poets Sheila Packa and Michelle Mathees as they take young poets on a writing adventure! With guided writing exercises, older children will explore the role of roots and landscape in identity. This program is best suited for poets ages 10 and up, but younger siblings are welcome with a parent.
Please call the Children's Desk at (218) 327-8823 to register. Space is limited.
Poet Sheila Packa has a blog entry about the poetry of place at: http://sheilapacka.blogspot.com/2012/03/poetry-of-place.html

Teens are also invited to take part in a poetry scavenger hunt in the Library.  Stop by Teen Universe between April 10 and April 30 and pick up the list of  items to find.

Itasca County Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs)

During Kevin Proescholdt's Importance of Wilderness program several mentions were made of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Scientific and Natural Areas. But what is an SNA and how can we located them?

Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs): The MN DNR SNA program preserves natural features and rare resources of exceptional scientific and educational value. Timber harvesting is not allowed in SNAs. SNAs located in Itasca County include: Ladies Tresses Swamp, Lost "40", Wawina Peatland, Wabu Woods, South Piece, Botany Bog and Chisholm Point. For more information and directions check out the MN DNR Scientific & Natural Area page:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snas/index.html

Harry Potter downloads

All seven Harry Potter books are available for download via Overdrive at the Arrowhead Library System at http://arrowhead.lib.overdrive.com. All seven are available in MP3, Kindle, and EPUB formats.

The Importance of Wilderness

Thursday, March 29th - 7 P.M.

Kevin Proescholdt - author of "Troubled Waters: the fight for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness" - explores the importance of wilderness in Minnesota and beyond. Mr. Proescholdt has worked with Into the Wild author Jon Krakauer on environmental and wilderness issues. He is Spokesman for the Izaak Walton League and a national speaker on wilderness issues.

Rebate for Riverfront Energy Project - Grand Rapids Herald-Review story

Rebate for Riverfront Energy Project - Grand Rapids Herald-Review: Business: At the start of last Monday’s Grand Rapids City Council meeting, Jeff Larson from Minnesota Energy Resources presented a facsimile of a check …
read the story!

Into the Wild Film Screening

Join the Kick-Off to Rapids Reads by watching the film version of Into the Wild
 "After graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life."  (IMDB)

Screenplay by Sean Penn, Directed by Sean Penn, starring Emile Hirsch