International Falls Public Library Happenings

Winter Reading Reviews!

2012-01-27T11:58:00.002-06:00

The library is offering a Winter Reading Program for adults for the first time! We are asking readers to write a short review of books they finish reading between January 14 - March 10, 2012.

Here are the first reviews received.

The Captive Heart by Dale Cramer
A very different view on Amish life, a group of Amish from Ohio move to Mexico to start life anew. They are tormented by the bandits. But life goes on and they welcome more newcomers from Ohio.

The Journal of Otto Peltonen by William Durbin
Interesting insight on life in 1900 at the ore mines in Hibbing. A time of strikes, the first Carnegie library, the start of United States Steel and lastly life on the farm.

My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren
Issy, an agoraphic, runs a radio show about romance from her home. Caleb moves next door. He's a wounded vet trying out for the coaches job. Can these two help each other recover?

Special Visitor

2012-01-19T11:52:00.005-06:00

The library had a special visitor at the library today. Flat Browser the library cat from Pine River, Minnesota is traveling to libraries all over the world.

Here is what he did while at the library:

I visited the International Falls Library on the coldest morning of the year so far. I was very glad for my thick coat as the temperature was -23. But 14 children (only 9 were willing or interested in being photographed) and their parents or grandparents came out for storytime! We heard stories about winter and then they wanted a picture with me and the storytime cat Tabitha.

I also got to spend a few minutes talking with the new American Girl doll McKenna. She is a door prize when the author Mary Casanova, who lives in International Falls, comes to talk at the library on January 24th.

And then I went and spend some time with all the animals in the comfy, cozy reading area in the junior room of the library. It was fun chatting with them about their favorite stories and who they like to have read them stories.

The librarian said she was tempted to have me visit one of the second grade classes at the elementary school as they had just read Flat Stanley and created their own flat characters to send off to friends and relatives.

To learn more about Browser the library cat and his adventures, visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/browser.cat
Browser also has a blog at http://www.library-cat.blogspot.com/

Last of the Library Commercials for now!

2011-12-12T15:19:00.002-06:00

Here is the last of the commercials created by library patrons as part of a class the library offers to anyone interested in checking out a video camera and using a mac editing computer.

Library Commercials Part 3

2011-12-09T10:25:00.002-06:00

And one more library commercial. Still have one more to upload but need to get the file converted to a .mov file, so will have to wait for another day.

Film Commercials Part 2

2011-12-09T10:12:00.004-06:00

Adding a couple more library commercials. I'm having to learn a new way of uploading videos so I'm doing two to a post.

Film Commercials

2011-12-06T09:49:00.006-06:00

We have had several more people complete the film class and their short library commercials are below:

Teen Book Review

2011-10-27T16:38:00.001-05:00

Abandon by Meg Cabot
A popular author with a great new book. Pierce, a young girl dies, nothing too dramatic until she is revived an hour later. In this thrilling story we watch as Pierce tries to battle the underworld that never wanted her to leave. It is a riveting, must read book!

Final Summer Reading Reviews

2011-08-22T08:51:00.002-05:00

The teen and adult summer reading programs concluded on Friday with the drawing for prizes this morning, but before I draw I need to post the final reviews submitted by summer readers.
A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf. A very good retelling of the biblical story of Queen Esther.

Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson. It was an exciting and intriguing book. Pretty graphic at times so not the most appropriate for those with sensitive stomachs. Well written.

Strange Candy by Laurel K. Hamilton. I picked this book because I really like her Anita Blake series. I didn't really like these stories mainly because that was what I had in mind (stories similar to Anita Blake), but they really weren't bad either, just not what I expected.

This may be the last of the summer reading reviews but I hope to have slips available the beginning of September for readers to submit reviews of library materials that I will post here monthly.
Stay tuned!
Diane

Summer Book Reviews

2011-08-11T11:14:00.002-05:00

Lots and lots of reading is happening in International Falls this summer. We have summer reading programs for everyone and the adult readers are encouraged to write reviews of what they are reading to share on the blog. Here are the latest received.

100 Things Twin Fans Should Know Before They Die by Alex Halsted is a very good book.

Gone by Mo Haydee. The reviewer says "The ending was a real surprise!"

Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri.This is a book of 8 short stories. Very well written, a tough book to put down.

The Perfect Blend by Trish Perry. Too predictable and ordinary, but good recipes in back!

The Reading Promise by Alice Ozma. Good book!

Demonic by Ann Coulter. Reviewer says "now I know the difference between liberals and conservatives."

Lists to Live By by Alice Gray, Steve Stephens and John van Diest. Very interesting - I'm a list person too! says the reviewer

Quicksand by Iris Johansen. I love this series.

Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman. Wonderful book.

Medical Error by Richard Mabry. Great Book!

Pursuit of Justice by Diann Mills. Too drawn out and predictable but good.

Moon's Web by C.T. Adams and Cathy Clamp. The Sazi is a whole new twist on the supernatural I haven't seen before Quite refreshing to find new twists.

Bliss, Remembered by Frank DeFord. This was a good book and the ending made it great! The ending was totally unexpected and enjoyable.

Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost. Another Great Night Huntress Novel.

Hit List by Laurell Hamilton. Another great Anita Blake.

This Side of the grave by Jeaniene Frost. Can't wait to check the spin off series!

Seducing the Vampire by Michele Hane. I didn't really care for this writer, although it was one of those stories you don't care for but have to know how it ends.

One Foot in the Grave by Jeanniene Frost. Good story with great humor.

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost. A new author for me, very pleased.

Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost. Another great Night Huntress novel.

Amish Midwife by Mindy Clark. Very good Amish story with a touch of mystery!

Captive Moon by C. T. Adams and Cathy Clamp. Good story in the Sazi series. Sad to see character changes though.

A quick reminder that the last day to turn in bookmarks for the prize drawing is Friday, August 19th.
Diane

More book reviews!

2011-07-21T15:12:00.002-05:00

A few more reviews are trickling in...

Catered Thanksgiving by Isis Crawford
Didn't like this. Dull, cliche-ridden character, thin and poorly formed

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
Didn't like it as much as the other Sookie Stackhouse stories. Seemed somewhat long and dragged out. Still worth reading tho.

Dead Man's Island by Carolyn Hart
Great mystery offering! Exciting. Best of the Henrie O series.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The book was deep, dark and created a vivid story between a boy and his father trying to survive post apocalypse. There's hope and purity mixed with the evil that presents itself when all else is gone in the world. Great book! Parallels the movie closely.

A Bitter-Sweet Season by Jane Gross
I found this book to be very helpful.

The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan
Interesting format. It's a good idea for a book, however it doesn't seem to be finished.

The Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick
The Daughter's Walk begins with a mother and daughter walking across the country in the late 1800's in hopes of saving their farm. The story spans many decades as the daughter seeks financial independence. I found the story to be sad in parts and enlightening in others, and just plain fascinating as it is based on a read woman's story (life).

The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card
Funny, interesting, but he left a lot unanswered at the end, enough for a sequel. Hero is a young teenage male so this would be a good recommendation for teen readers.

Music of the Distant Stars by Alys Clare
Very Well Done! Ms. Clare brings the people and events of ancient Egypt to life. Gripping murder mystery.

A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell
Good story about 3 young Italian immigrant girls and their families. Showcases the prejudices that existed against Italians in the early 1900's Well written with both suspense and romance.

Fire in Ember by Diann Mills
The sequel to A Woman Named Sage. Very good story about the Timmons family and 'Bert" the boy John Timmons rescued from a hanging.

Thornyhold by Mary Stewart
Amusing sentimental tale.

Letter from Home by Carolyn Hart
Excellent story! Riveting colorful portrait of a small town during World War II and the murder mystery that changed the lives of 2 young girls forever. If you enjoy mysteries, get this one!

The Corpse Wore Tartan by Kaitlyn Dunnett
Fun mystery. Villains are totally villainous with no redeeming features. Interesting bits of Scottish folklore.

Summertime and the reading is easy!

2011-07-21T12:13:00.002-05:00

Looking for some great summer reads! Then look no further than your local public library patron. They do lots of reading (and could win prizes for it!) and occasionally they'll write a review of what they've read. Below are the reviews received from summer readers.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Heard a lot about his new book and it lived up to expectations. If you're interested in fantasy, vampires/witches you'll like this. Great love story, too. Will definitely read the rest of the series.

Hurting Distance by Sophie Hannah
I wanted a book that would keep me occupied during an illness - I read it in two days! Don't try reading this book if you have anything else to accomplish. :)

The Dead Lie Down by Sophie Hannah
Good book - but not her best

The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent
A good insight to the Puritans of Colonial America.

Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Haller
A good read!

Endless Nights by Agatha Christie
Agatha blows my mind. You never know 'who's done it' or you think you know wrongly.

Sins of the Flesh by Eve Silver
Loved it! I hope she writes more.

Dark Warrior Unleashed by Alexis Morgan
A new side to the paranormal I haven't seen before. Fresh and new. I'll be sure to check out others in the series.

Sins of the Soul by Eve Silver
Another great Eve Silver.

Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper
Loved this series. Hope she writes more.

Infidel by Aayan Hirsi Ali
I couldn't put this book down.

In Spite of Myself by Christopher Plummer
Excellent book. His sparkling wit and dialogue made it a joy to read. Would recommend reading it.

Dark Secret by Christine Feehan
Good as always. but with Feehan a little long.

Sincerely Yours by Al & Joanna Lacy
A Christian-based book set at the end of the Civil War. The theme of the book is knowing God has a plan even when we don't understand it. This is book one in the 'Mail Order' series.

Look to the East by Maureen Lang
Very good World War I story.

A Walk on the Beach by Joan Anderson
A true story of friendship between a middle-aged woman and a ninety year old woman. The wisdom of the older woman is priceless and her example of living life to the fullest is seen throughout the story.

Nice Girls Don't Live Forever by Molly Harper
I really like this series. I hope she's going to come out with more.

Wild Rain by Christine Feehan
Good book, but did seem to drag on.

Dark Dreamers by Christine Feehan and Marjorie M. Liu
Short Stories, ok but not great.

Hunter's Moon by CT Adams & Cathy Clamp
I read this book once years ago but didn't remember it till I started reading it this time. I loved it just as much this time as last time. I even found out there was a sequel.

Sarah's Gift by Marta Perry
One of the better Amish books I have read lately.

The Flipside of Feminism by Phyllis Schlefly and Suzanne Venker
Very good book on what feminism did to men and their lies about the role of women.

High country by Nevada Barr
Love this author!

Seer of 7 Waters by Juliet Marillier
Good fantasy offering. Parts of it are rather slow. Will likely read more of this author.

The Fort by Bernard Cornwell
A different point of view on the Revolutionary War. A book to make you think about certain events and how they are portrayed in history.

The Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick
Historical information sound but storyline left me empty

The Gift by James Patterson
It was really good. I couldn't stop reading it and was upset when I read the words 'to be continued.'

Right Hand Magic by Nancy Collins
Loved it! Can't wait for the next in the series.

Bound by Dreams by Christina Skye
Was good but not interested in reading any other Daycott Abbey books.

Sins of the Heart by Eve Silver
Loved it! Can't wait to find the rest of the books in this series.

Burn by Nevada Barr
Nevada Barr is a fabulous author. You never know what's going to happen.

Death in Paradise by Carolyn Hart
Good effort from this very prolific author. Main character (Henri O) is an older woman - a nice normal person who has a very good detective's mind (like Christie's Miss Marple). Held my interest and I didn't guess ending. Set in Kauai.

The Wrong Mother by Sophie Hannah
It kept you guessing from page to page - nothing is what you think.

Angel Sister by Ann Gabhart
First book I have read by this author. It was a wonderful rainy day read. I will be looking for more books by Ann Gabhart.

The White Queen by Phillipa Gregory
Did you know about powerful family's other than the Tudors? You will learn about the family Plangets in this novel. I enjoyed this discovery as well as the turbulent ruling time this family faced. I will follow up with The Red Queen.

On the Edge Film Festival

2011-05-10T12:02:00.003-05:00

The first of what we hope will be many film festivals is in the books. We had seven great films submitted for our first year and showed them all in the course of 2 days. We are in the process of sending out prize money to the entrants.

Thank you to those who attended the showings. Get out there and make films. We'd love to see more next year!

Here is a shot of the new screen in the Backus Auditorium.

And the winners are:

Best Documentary: "The Last Days of Extraordinary Lives" directed by Randy Bacon
Viewer's Choice - Thursday night "Sweet Little Lies" directed by Joe Saunders
Viewer's Choice - Friday night "Johnny" directed by D. David Morin
Best Short Feature - "Murdoch" directed by Landon Perry
Best Student Feature - "Life of a Relationship through TXT message" directed by Rachel Adams

All of these films will eventually be added to the library collection (once we get them cataloged and covers created).

Stay tuned for the next film festival and if you are interested in making your own films contact the library for information about our film classes.
Diane

Teens create video for contest

2011-04-28T18:36:00.003-05:00

Two locals teens created a video for the American Library Association "Why I Need My Library"contest. It is posted on You Tube and can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c2D95bQUug

Take a look. They'd love to have more people view their short movie and say if they like it. Beware! It is a mock horror piece.

Diane

5th Annual Edible Car Contest

2011-02-24T16:18:00.004-06:00

On February 22nd almost 40 people gathered to build cars. Cars built entirely out of food and then raced on an old boy scout pine wood derby track.

Great fun was had and hopefully a thing or two was learned about physics and engineering and the science of building.

We're 100!

2011-02-18T16:27:00.004-06:00

On Tuesday, February 15, 2011 the International Falls Public Library turned 100! On February 15, 1911, 10 people signed the legal documents at the Koochiching County Courthouse creating the International Falls Public Library.

Here are a few pictures from our small party on the evening of February 15, celebrating 100 years of existence. Make plans now to join us on June 15, 2011 for the celebration of having our doors open to the public for 100 years. We're hoping you will all join us.

The library is excited about having served the community of International Falls for 100 years and looks forward to the next 100 years.

Film Festival Here we come!

2011-01-28T08:28:00.002-06:00

More Library Commercials

2011-01-28T08:17:00.002-06:00

Two more short videos as International Falls residents learn and explore using a camera and editing footage.

Diane

Library Commercials 2

2011-01-25T18:58:00.002-06:00

The last two videos tonight. Tomorrow I have to drive to Mt. Iron and back so hopefully I can do the last four videos on Thursday. Support your local library.

Be sure to check out our website for the local film festival coming May 5 and 6. http://ontheedgefilm.org/

Diane

Library Commercials

2011-01-25T18:21:00.002-06:00

I can only seem to load two videos per blog post and I have six more videos to post. So keep checking and watch these great library promotions created by local residents.
Diane

Video course

2010-07-27T16:03:00.004-05:00

The Library now offers a basic camcorder and movie editing course to interested library patrons. Once you complete the three hour course, patrons are able to check out the library camcorders with tripods or use the editing computer here at the library.

As part of the course, patrons create a brief library promotional video. Three patrons have completed promotional videos for the library. Here are two. Return for more videos as videos are completed.

If you are interested in taking the course, please contact the library and leave your name, phone number and a good time for you to take the course. We'll get back to you with a date and you'll be on your way.

We are looking for local people to make movies to submit in the "On the Edge" Family Film Festival which will premiere May 5-6, 2011.

Film Class Now Avaiable

2010-07-19T09:44:00.003-05:00

The first film class and local instructor being trained.

The International Falls Public Library now offers a three hour crash course in using a digital video camera and editing the footage to create a film. Once you have completed the course you are eligible to check out the digital cameras for a week at a time and reserve the meeting room to use the editing computer.

If you are interested in learning to use the digital cameras and editing computer please contact the library and we'll get a class scheduled. We are currently offering the class about once a week until we get through the waiting list. Once we are through the waiting list we'll offer the class on an as needed basis.

Library Support

2010-07-06T14:58:00.001-05:00

With thanks to Apple for the idea and "Stars and Frogs" for the implementation. Here is a fun video about what libraries can do for you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awNYHFXX0Uo

Visit the library today if you haven't already!
Diane

Icebox of the Nation in the News

2010-02-26T09:20:00.002-06:00

The Icebox of the Nation is in the news again. This time on the Morning Show on NPR. Icebox Radio Theater was a feature story this morning. A link is below. And links aren't working on my blog at the moment so you will probably have to copy and paste to view the story.

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/02/26/icebox-theater/

And in the interest of full disclosure, my husband is the director of Icebox Radio Theater.

But it is always good to see positive stories about our town. And I am proud of the work they have done to get the word out.

Diane

Edible Car Contest 2010

2010-02-17T14:30:00.006-06:00

It's National Engineer Week again and that means the library just held its annual edible car contest. Almost 40 people participated this year in a fun evening of food, racing and more than a little eating. Here are some of the great cars created. My favorite was the little boy who made sure I noticed his car's exhaust pipe.

See all the photos from the night at the ifallslibr flickr account.

Fall Weather

2009-09-21T11:57:00.002-05:00

We are finally getting our summer here in the Northland and we are seeing fewer people at the library. But don't let the nice weather stop you from visiting the library. We have great books and more to offer regardless of what the weather is doing. So on your way to the cabin or the lake, swing by the library and pick up a book or two to wile away the time on these lazy days of summer.

Tomorrow evening, Tuesday, September 22nd from 6 - 8 pm the library will be having its monthly Family gaming night. Bring the family and enjoy playing games together, whether board or electronic. No registration necessary, but all children need to be accompanied by an adult.

Tomorrow will also be the monthly Friends of the Library book sale from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Stop in and select a book or two to stash at the cabin for hunting season or last sunny summery weekends away. All sales are by donation with proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Library and their support of the library and its programming.

Diane

More Patron Reviews of what they are Reading

2009-07-31T10:27:00.002-05:00

Scat by Carl Hiassen. Learn about Florida's endangered species, a missing teacher, the class delinquent and a stuffed rat. Nick and Marta, of Naples, FL have adventures with all of these. Very clever, very funny with characters you come to admire and care for.

Northern Lights by Nora Roberts. I like Nora Roberts and this was one of her better stories - interesting cast of characters, teasing plot for a mystery and wonderful descriptions of Alaska. Reminded me of Northern Exposure! A good lake book for a rainy summer vacation.

A Darker Domain by Val McDermid. A great mystery. Set in present day England and Scotland. You follow along as cold cases in the crime unit are explored. Twisty and turny, it will hold your attention.

The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner. Good book. Three generations of women tell their stories. The story of the past was as good as the present.

Apologize, Apologize by Elizabeth Kelly. Since when did books have to be all swear words, and vulgar language like the movies. Hated this book, with the author kept the swearing to a minimum and the story more about the main character, Collie. Poorly written.

Wild Water Walking Club by Claire Cook. Real women, real friends who push their limits, get of the box.

The Keepsake by Tess Gerritson. Complicated mystery involving archaeologists and Egyptian mummies.

Domestic Pleasures by Beth Gutcheon. Story of the daily events families deal with... marriage, divorce, death, raising children and the interconnection between families. Wonderful descriptions of growing up in the teen years. Not a book I could sit and read straight through. Enjoyed reading a few excerpts periodically, just to see what was happening in the families.

Nothing is Quite Forgotten in Brooklyn by Alice Mattison. Not a great story, not a good book. The author goes on and on about nothing.

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. The author offers explanations for achievements that fall outside of normal experiences. Absolutely fascinating, especially the theory of 10,000 hours. "How old is this guy, anyway? He looks about 15!

Heroes by Robert Cormier. Who is the hero? The author doesn't answer this question for us but challenges us to question our beliefs and find our own answers. Francis Cassevant returns from WWII missing a face after falling on a grenade. His plan is to kill a man who betrayed his trust, a man who had previously been his hero. This man saved many lives during the war and was hailed as a hero by the townspeople. Who is the real hero? Thought provoking, disturbing and beautifully written.

Gravity by Tess Garrison. Bad stuff happens on the space station - single celled organisms multiply, become deadly, threatening earth. Jack has to save his estranged wife Emma, before she dies. Scary!

Life in Rewind by Perry Yeible Murphy with Ed Zine and Michael Jenike. I was the first one to read this new book. I had a hard time putting this book down. And there were a couple of surprises. She is a very good writer!

How to Talk Minnesotan by Howard Mohr. What a hoot! We read a chapter or two a night for our Kentucky guest and just laughed and laughed. Now she can say 'whatever' with the best. We're going to throw in 'Uff Da' as a special treat. Oh for fun!

The Haunting of Josie by Kay Hooper. The last series romance by Kay Hooper. Josie vindicates her father accused of arson, meets the man of her dreams and hangs out with a ghost. Gives a hint where the author's interests will go in her future novels. Ok for a series romance. Candy reading.

Born on a Blue Day by Daniel Tammet. A very detailed memoir of living with savant syndrome. Valuable insight into living and communicating with the "average" individual. My favorite quote - You don't have to be disabled to be different... we're all different.

In God We Trust by Eric Dregni. I enjoyed this book very much! So down to my way of thinking and speaking - humorous parts!

Skies over Sweetwater by Julia Moberg. 15 year old girl loves to fly with her father. When he is killed following a bad landing, her mother and sister pull away from her, feeling she was the cause of the crash. But her love of flight continues and she joins the women pilots who transport planes and materials so that male pilots can fight in WWII. Based on true events. Very interesting!

Extreme Measures by Vince Flynn. Another great book - good story line - different but similar!

Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs. A predictable storyline. The kind of book you pick up when you need a relaxing read - just want a story. My first book by this author. I would probably read another written by her but wouldn't be anxiously waiting for her next book.

Get a Clue by Jill Shalvis. Stupid, highly unlikely. Even the gorgeous naked man (a burned-out nice cop) can't redeem the inanity of this book. A total waste of time, about on a par with daytime TV. Mia culpa.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. Brian Robeson, 13, struggles to survive in the Canadian wilderness. Scary, uplifting, thought provoking. How will being so close to nature - pared to the essentials for life - change our protagonist? It was fun for us Southerners to look up birds, mammals, fish, and berries to learn about the northern habitat.

What's being read? See below for reviews

2009-07-22T12:25:00.002-05:00

Terminal Freeze by Lincoln Child. This was a fast read. I found it hard to put down. The plot was well written with a lot of twists and turns. The ending was surprising and thought provoking.

The Laws of Money & The Lessons of Life by Suze Orman. Good straight forward approach. Lots of reminder lessons and ideas for dealing with money in these economic times.

Super in the City by Daphne Uviller. A funny, bright, sexy read. I didn't think I would like this one as I don't usually agree with critics who rave how good a book is, but I was wrong. Only regret that it's a short book at 292 pages. I will definitely check out other writings by this author.

The Final Planet by Andrew M. Greeley. I prefer his "Blackie" mysteries and the Nuala Anne series.

The Glass Lake by Maeve Binchy. Binchy brings her characters to life. You become so immersed in their lives, its hard to put the book down, although its a small town in Ireland without much drama.

Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter by Blaize Clement. Quick, fun read combining mystery with facts about pets.

Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. "Is your life out of control? Do people take advantage of you? Do you have trouble saying no?" Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. This book explains, in detail, how physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual boundaries can be set up and maintained. I wish I'd read this book when it was first published in 1992.

Winter Rose by Patricia McKillip. A retelling of Tam Lin.

Spindle's End by Robin McKinley. A wonderful retelling of Sleeping Beauty.

The Watsons by Jane Austen and Joan Aitken. As with most posthumous publications, it just isn't Austen.

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult. The basic premise of the impact of brittle bone disease and its impact on a family was well done. By the end of the story with yet another social/ethical issue thrown in I found myself saying "enough." Speaks well of the author's ability to tell a story that keeps you wondering where this tale will lead. Evidence of research before writing. However, enough Jodi Picoult for me for a while.

A Thread of Truth by Marie Bartwick. A tale blending domestic abuse issues, breast cancer, quilting and the bonds of friendship. Pleasant reading, but unfortunately poor editing with many instances of incorrect words, missing words and words in the wrong order.

Trust No One by Gregg Hurwitz. Good book, easy read. Had some twists and turns that were unexpected.

Sweet Wells by Elizabeth Gill. Ugh - Just wanted to get through the book. Boring, plus I think the author needs to go back and read the descriptions of her characters (one she describes as trustworthy, together helpful and courteous was very, very mean).

Book Reviews

2009-06-24T13:03:00.003-05:00

Here are some more reviews of books by fellow library patrons. See what others are reading and commenting on.

Welcome to the Departure Lounge by Meg Federico. A funny/sad story regarding caring for one aging mother and the sometimes hopeless situations that arise.

Dying for Chocolate by Diane Mott Davidson. I very much like the entire series of books about Goldy the caterer; however, her being assaulted in every book gets a little old. If this author would discontinue that practice, I'd rate the books 5 for enjoyment.

The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule. If all I do as a mother is "keep up" with my kids, what will I take away from their young years? The arts equals time spent with my children as well as tangible, creative and personal creations to take away with. This book also helped me to realize it is ok to have a messy home. It just means our home is filled with creative life!

Partner in Crime by J. A. Jance. J. P. Beaumont and Joanna Brady together! This book kept me up reading all night. I just couldn't put it down.

Birds of Prey by J. A. Jance. Great story, but I did miss some of the characters J. P. Beaumont interacts with in the rest of the series. Didn't disappoint though.

Desert Heat by J. A. Jance. Love this book. You have to love the characters. Keeps you turning pages and wanting more. Great twist at the end!

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. The book was amazing. It is really interesting how the book was based on Mrs. Dean telling a story about Catherine and Heathcliff.

Cat Sitter on a Hot Tin Roof by Blaize Clement. Nice, fun, easy read. Cute mystery.

Second Time Around by Marcia Willett. 3 strangers - a 22 year old woman, an elderly widower and a retiring prep-school matron discover they are related and inherit a house in England that they decide to share rather than sell. Follow their life experiences where even the dogs have dialogue. Very descriptive of the English countryside. Theme: How do you define happiness?

A Cousin's Promise by Wanda Brunstetter. A pleasure trip to Hershey Park ends in tragedy for an Amish couple and friends and relatives. For some - life is over - the rest must live with the consequences. Very good.

Adultery for Beginners by Sarah Duncan. Thought this would be a "lighter" happier read. Was very serious and not a great story.

Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Cruise and Bob Mayer. Great Book. Funny with a little mystery thrown in.

Bright Hair about the Bone by Barbara Claverly. Interesting book. Kept my attention.

Broken Wing by Thomas Lakeman. Well-written. Held my attention, set in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

The Black Tower by Louis Bayard. Fictional account of the Bourbon Restoration after the French Revolution.

Mercy Me by Margaret A. Graham. a nice book - seeing how God can change people's hearts and the results of God's work on people.

The Laws of Harmony by Judith Ryan Hendricks.
A little mystery, romance and self-discovery. A page turner for me with unexpected events. (I didn't read the back cover.) I'll definitely consider reading more books by this author. A good summer read.

Breach of Trust by Diana Mills. Very intriguing. Small town librarian, Paige Rogers has a secret, she is really a CIA operative hiding from her past - but now the past has caught up to her - who can she trust?

Summer Reading Kickoff - with Cheney & Mills

2009-06-16T14:56:00.001-05:00

More Reviews

2009-06-12T14:11:00.002-05:00

Hurry Down Sunshine by Michael Greenberg. A father's memory of dealing with his daughter's psychotic breakdown and diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett. The main story is about the "negra" housekeepers secretly telling their stories about the households they work, which will be published. Addresses civil rights activities in the 1960's, class struggles in the south, both between black and white southern. Also a southern young woman returning home after college and dealing with attitudes learned growing up and the struggle to develop her own identity/values.

Leepike Ridge by N. D. Wilson. Fun, adventure book for boys. But gets you thinking too.

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien. This story takes place before the popular trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. It explains how the one ring of power came to be in Bilbo Baggins possession and details his adventure to the Lonely mountain.

The Testament by John Grisham. Another lawyer case involving a paranoid billionaire and who he's willed his money to. A good description of the Pantanol in Brazil.

Stitched in Time by Alicia Paulson. Great, innovative ideas for memory keeping - not just scrapbooking.

The Creative Family by Amanda Soule. Chock full of ideas to bring creativity into your household.

Book Reviews

2009-06-12T13:20:00.002-05:00

Here are a few reviews written by library patrons of what they are reading this summer. Enjoy!

The Brethrenby John Grisham. Excellent in how he intertwines so many assets and people into the plot. His lawyer experience helps alot!

The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier. Thought provoking book. How many people do you remember, but not necessarily know personally? Also, what will major companies do to increase revenue - do they realize (or care) that they have crossed the line? If your memory of someone sends them to heaven, how many will you send?

The Bright Side of Disaster by Katherine Center. Great Summer Read! Funny and honest, into the woman/man relationship stereotypes and truths.

Little Dorritt I & II by Charles Dickens. For his day and age, I don't know how the author did it without a computer. The book had chapters but no paragraphs and was 800 pages total. Every person that was mentioned in the story had an ending and were woven thru the whole book.

Rosie Dunne by Cecelia Ahern. I liked it more than P.S. I Love You, also by the same author. I think there is a new one printed with the Rosie Dunne character in it. Looking forward to reading that one.

A Claim of Her Own by Stephanie Grace Whitson. 20 year old Mattie is running from her past. She hopes to make a new life by joining her brother in the gold fields of Deadwood, S. D. Upon arriving, her dreams are dashed as her brother is dead. Can Mattie make a life for herself as a prospector? She finds friends and love and danger. A very good read.

The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton. A wonderful tale of 5 women who meet in the park where they take their children. The gathering to watch the Miss America pageant in the 1960's drew me into the story and then they began meeting weekly (Wednesday, then Sunday @ sunrise) to write. The history of the changes in women's rights makes me want to recommend this book to my daughter's "30 something" book club.

Summer Reading Kickoff - 6/9/09

2009-06-10T12:35:00.001-05:00

Summer Reading Kickoff - 6/9/09
Originally uploaded by ifallslibr

Summer reading involves programs for children, teens and adult. Stop by the library to get all the information about these programs today.

On June 9th, the children's summer reading program kicked off with a performance by jugglers Cheney & Mills. They were terrific and 200+ people enjoyed their show. Check out our flickr account to see a few photos of the great time had. And make sure you check the calendar for all the great programs.

Geo-Caching

2009-06-01T16:17:00.001-05:00

If you have a GPS and know what Geo-caching is, then you should know that the library now has its very own cache. It can be found at www.geocaching.com and searching for "Ice Box Bookworm by Oma & Opa G (GC1R3CE)".

If you don't then read on for a brief description of this "sport."
Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing) is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place a geocache in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache's existence and location online. Anyone with a GPS device can then try to locate the geocache.

Diane

Spring in International Falls

2009-04-23T14:30:00.003-05:00

The National Honor Society chapter at Falls High School has worked with the library to create a display about their "Leap Into Green" program. They are encouraging recycling as well as walking or biking to school. Below are pictures of the displays at the library about their program.

October at the Library

2008-10-08T12:03:00.002-05:00

We are having a month full of activities at the library.

Storytime occurs each Thursday morning at 10:30 am. We are exploring the themes of bears, forest animals, dinosaurs and then slightly scary stories.

Teen gaming will take place two more times this month. Thursday, October 16th is in the middle of teen read week and MEA weekend. So anyone in grades 7 and above is welcome to join us from 3 - 7 pm for games, pizza, drinks and door prizes. We will also have a regular Tuesday evening game night on October 21st from 6 - 8.

So that younger siblings don't feel left out, we are now hosting a monthly game night for families. The first one will be Tuesday, October 14th from 6 - 8 pm and any is welcome to come and try out the gaming equipment. All children in grades 6 and under need to be accompanied by an adult.

Our documentary film night with discussion will continue on October 27th at 6:30pm with the showing of "Granny D Goes to Washington". Join us for the movie and discussion. Refreshments will be provided.

Family Night in October will be the 28th at 6:30pm with each family getting a chance to make a life-size scarecrow. The library will provide shirt, pants, stuffing and a paper bag for a head. You bring the manpower and creativity to decorate your one of a kind scarecrow.

Family Night September 23rd, 2008

2008-09-24T16:12:00.003-05:00

Last night we had fun celebrating fall with stories, games and crafts. Here are a few pictures of the event.

The October Family night on the 28th will involve making life-sized scarecrows. Plan now to join us

Fall Happenings!

2008-09-23T11:48:00.002-05:00

The library has lots on the schedule for fall. Tonight is Family Night and we will celebrate fall with stories, games and crafts beginning at 6:30 pm. The Friends of the Library book sale is also this evening from 5:30 - 7:30.

If you belong to Facebook join our International Falls Public Library group on Facebook and get notified of upcoming events at the library. I will continue to try and post events here as well.

The first movie and discussion night will be Monday, September 29th at 6:30 pm and we will be showing "The Future We Will Create" a documentary from the 2006 TED (technology, entertainment and design) conference. Join us for the movie, discussion as well as coffee and cookies.

Tuesday, September 30th from 6 - 8 pm will be the next teen game night. Anyone in grades 7 and above is welcome to spend a couple of hours hanging with friends and playing on the Wii, or playstation 2 as well as a variety of board games.

Diane

Gaming at your library

2008-07-15T08:46:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since I've posted here. But maybe as the library continues to make advances in technology this space will get read. So here goes.

Gaming at your Library
Tuesday, July 15th
6 - 8 pm
Anyone in grades 7 and above

Come play on 2 playstation 2's and a Wii. We have a variety of games including Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Dance Dance Revolution, Wii Play, Wii Sports, and Mario and Sonic at the Olympics.

Book Review pictures

2008-03-12T14:29:00.001-05:00

I am also learning that to see the notes attached to the picture you have to be in Flikr. So if you'd like to put one of the titles on hold (or at least the two that have links) click on the picture, you will be taken to the picture on the Flikr site and then when you move the mouse over the page you can see the notes to request the item.

Diane

Book Reviews 3/13/08

2008-03-12T14:28:00.001-05:00

Book Reviews 3/13/08
Originally uploaded by ifallslibr

Here is a picture of the books reviewed in the Daily Journal on Thursday, March 13, 2008. I am making progress but not sure how, the two books on the lower shelf, right hand side have links to the Arrowhead Library System Catalog that will allow you to request the item be saved. I can't get the remainder of the title notes to work, they just show the code for the link and are not recognizing the link as a link. I don't know what I've done different because I thought I did all the notes the same. So you can link directly to the catalog to reserve Chasing the Flame and Closing the Food Gap but will have to go to the catalog on your own to request the other items.

Diane

Reviewed Titles - 3/6/08

2008-03-03T12:10:00.001-06:00

Reviewed Titles - 3/6/08
Originally uploaded by ifallslibr

Here are covers for this week's books, reviewed in the column coming on Thursday, March 6, 2008. I am posting it today so that I can spend the week trying to figure out how to add a link to the library catalog so that you can find out if the book is in the library or if another patron has already checked the book out.
Next week I probably won't add the picture to the blog until later in the week.
Diane

Edible Car Night

2008-02-28T15:59:00.002-06:00

National Engineers' Week is February 17 - 23 and the library celebrates by hosting an edible car contest. Families are invited to come in and create one or more cars using all edible items. The vehicles are then raced down an old pinewood car track and prizes awarded for distance.

Here are a few photos from this year's contest on Tuesday, February 19th.

Debate still available

2008-02-22T16:25:00.002-06:00

The debate between democratic candidates for US senate representing Minnesota held on Monday, February 11th in International Falls is still available for viewing at electioninfo4u.com. Check out the cool things happening in the community and check out the resources available at the library in the Vigilance collection that will help you stay involved in and informed about your community, your state, your country and your world.

Exciting Debate

2008-02-06T15:38:00.000-06:00

The International Falls Public Library Vigilance Collection with arrangements provided by the Koochiching County D.F.L. is sponsoring a debate among the three DFL candidates for U.S. Senate. This debate will be held at Rainy River Community College on Monday, February 11th at 7:00 pm in the college theater. All are welcome and encouraged to come and hear the candidates views on issues affecting this country. A reception will follow the debate.

Questions may be submitted until noon on Monday either via email to Diane Adams at dadams@arrowhead.lib.mn.us or may be dropped off at the library.

The debate will also be streamed via the Daily Journal's bronco radio site and will be available on that site as an archived program.

We're On!

2008-01-25T12:38:00.001-06:00

We have successfully set up a debate between the leading democratic candidates for U.S. senate from Minnesota. We convinced the candidates to come on up to the northern edges of the state and talk to us in a debate.

So mark your calendars and be prepared to attend this exciting evening on February 11th at 7:00 p.m. at Rainy River Community College Theater.

If you have questions you'd like to ask one or all of the candidates please either email them to me at dadams@arrowhead.lib.mn.us or drop them off at the library by noon on Monday, Feb. 11th.

Hope to see you there.

Diane

Welcom 2008!

2008-01-11T08:12:00.000-06:00

It has been a while since I last posted and want to try and start 2008 on a better note. So to get everyone up to date here are upcoming programs at the library:

"Escape with a Book" Winter Reading program 2008 for families begins, Monday, January 14th and will continue through March 1, 2008. Pick up your reading adventure and escape.

Family Night, Tuesday, January 15th at 6:30 pm will be a Beach Party to kick-off the Winter Reading Program. Join us for stories, volleyball, limbo, "sand" castling, digging for treasure and more.

Borderland Reads Winter 2008 title is "After This" by Alice McDermott. A story of family and growing in the post World War II era and into Vietnam. Grow with a family as they try to grow and change as the world changes around them.

And be sure to take a look at our new exhibit. Photos of fish houses from around Minnesota, taken for a new book entitled "The Fish House Book" by Kathryn Nordstrom.

Friday, November 9, 2007

2007-11-09T15:09:00.000-06:00

Hunting season is upon us and that signals that fall is winding down. I'm not entirely sure where the fall went. Next week will be a busy one at the library.

The library will be closed on Monday, November 12 in observance of Veterans' Day.

Monday evening the 12th Borderland Reads will host a showing of the movie "To Kill a Mockingbird" at the Falls High School library at 6:30 pm. Join us for the movie with a discussion to follow. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.

Tuesday, November 13th will be Family Night. We are celebrating Children's Book Week with stories, games and crafts. Family Night begins at 6:30 p.m. and families with children of all ages are welcome to attend.

Thursday, November 15th at 7:00 p.m. is the Borderland Reads fall discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Everyone is welcome to participate in the discussion. Refreshments will be provided.

Saturday, November 17th is the Friends of the Library benefit party. The Friends' want to say thank you for being a member. Stop in and enjoy coffee and a cookie. The monthly Friends book sale will also be from that day and a variety of book baskets will be available for sale. Friends members will also be able to order (and prepay) new books at a 30% discount.

Let the library be your source for recipes and more this holiday season.

Time Flies!

2007-10-19T16:34:00.000-05:00

Well maybe not literally but I'm not at all sure where the last month has gone. This coming Tuesday, October 23rd is Family Night. We'll start at 6:30 and have fun with scarecrows. We will read scarecrow stories, play games and allow each family to create a scarecrow to take home. Come join the fun.

The Friends of the Library will also hold their monthly book sale that evening from 7:30 - 7:30 pm. Stop by the book room in the basement of the library and see what's available. All sales by donation with proceeds benefiting library activities.

And if you haven't done so yet, be sure to stop by the library and check out the fall 2007 Borderland Reads title. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is the title of choice for this fall. The library and Community Education are hosting a showing of the movie on Monday, November 12th at 6:30 pm in the high school library. The library will hold a discussion of the book on Thursday, November 15th at 7 pm in the library meeting room. Make plans now to join us in discussion.

At the Library

2007-09-20T13:28:00.000-05:00

Fall is definitely underway in the northland and the library is in full gear with lots of fall programming. To get things started we have storytime every Thursday morning (through December 13th, when we'll take a break for the holidays) at 10:30 am. Children of all ages are welcome to come with their parents or caregivers and enjoy about 20 minutes of stories, songs and rhymes.

Tuesday, September 25th is Family Night and we'll celebrate the arrival of fall with games, stories and crafts. Families with children of all ages are invited to come and enjoy the fun. No registration necessary. That night will also be the Friends of the Library book sale from 5:30 - 7:30 pm.

And Borderland Reads is back with another book we encourage you to read and talk about in the community. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is the fall title. We are now attempting to do three Borderland Read titles a year. The summer title will be appropriate for families to read together and the reading age of the title is late elementary or early junior high. The fall title will be a classic and then we'll read something more contemporary for winter. Everyone is encouraged to stop by the library and check out a copy of the book and read or read it again before the discussion to be held on Thursday evening, November 15th at 7:00 pm in the library meeting room. Because the title is also a wonderful movie, we are working with community education and have arranged a viewing of the movie at the Falls High School Library on Monday, November 12th at 6:30 pm. Refreshments will be provided for both events.

Stay tuned for further upcoming events at the library.
Diane

Poetry Friday

2007-09-14T17:29:00.001-05:00

Well, autumn has definitely arrived in International Falls. Snow was flying through the air this morning. Here is an old classic by Carl Sandburg.

Harvest Sunset

Red gold of pools,
Sunset furrows six o'clock,
And the farmer done in the fields
And the cows in the barns with bulging udders.

Take the cows and the farmer,
Take the barns and bulging udders.
Leave the red gold of pools
And sunset furrows six o'clock.
The farmer's wife is singing.
The farmer's boy is whistling.
I wash my hands in red gold of pools.

Poetry Friday

2007-09-07T22:40:00.000-05:00

Madeline L'Engle died last night and being one of my all time favorite authors today's poem is by her and is definitely one of my favorites. If you didn't know Madeline L'Engle wrote anything besides children's books or even beyond "A Wrinkle in Time." Take time to discover her adult novels, her non-fiction and her poetry.

Act III, Scene II

Someone has altered the script.
My lines have been changed.
The other actors are shifting roles.
They don't come on when they're expected to,
and they don't say the lines I've written
and I'm being upstaged.
I thought I was writing this play
with a rather nice role for myself,
small, but juicy
and some excellent lines.
But nobody gives me my cues
and the scenery has been replaced
And I don't recognize the new sets.
This isn't the script I was writing.
I don't understand this play at all.

To grow up
is to find
the small part you are playing
in this extraordinary drama
written by
someone else.

Poetry Friday

2007-08-31T13:52:00.000-05:00

It is the Friday of Labor Day weekend. What better time to hear from a working man's poet, who understood the travails of hard labor, day in and day out.
Here is another poem by Joseph Kalar, International Falls' own poet from the depression era.

Testament

In the lean earth there is nothing,
Nothing by Life, a ball of horse's dung,
And I, a sparrow.

To my pecking and stratching here, leave me.
Leave me alone now.
Who can tell but that I will find
Some goodly oats to be uncovered here.

from "Papermill, poems, 1927-1935" edited by Ted Genoways

Poetry Friday

2007-08-24T16:09:00.001-05:00

The Bass Tournament is in town this weekend but I'm not going to try and find a poem suitable for a fishing tournament. Last week I said I was going to tell you about another new poetry book in our collection.

This book is entitled "Papermill: poems, 1927-35" by Joseph Kalar, edited by Ted Genoways.
Joseph Kalar was International Falls own poet. He is most well-known for the title poem "Papermill".

"Resignation"

Let there be no weeping, friends,
when I return to the ground,
just the sound of church bells calling
and the thud of hard clods falling
on my wooden box, scented and sound.
Let there be no weeping, friends.

What I found most fascinating was the introduction that included biographical information about Mr. Kalar, including the fact that he taught in a one-room schoolhouse, grades K-8, for a year in Wayland, a small town accessible only by traversing into Ontario and back. He found it too isolated and lonely even for a boy who had grown up in the small town of International Falls.

Database Trial

2007-08-17T11:59:00.000-05:00

The library is participating in a trial of four databases and we'd like your opinion. Take at look at the databases and stop by the library or make a comment here or email me and let us know what you think about these products. We need your input, if we don't here from people we will be assuming that no one is interested in these items.

Go to http://www.gale.com/PubLibtrial/confirm.htm?trial=PubLibtrial

to access Chilton Library, Thomson Gale legal forms, Thomson testing and education reference center and Price It! Antiques and Collectibles.

If you have trouble connecting to the database or it asks you for a password, please call the library and we will give you a password. We are having some trouble with the links and the company technicians aren't real sure why it isn't always working.

Poetry Friday

2007-08-17T11:51:00.000-05:00

It's Friday again. It continues to amaze me both how quickly Friday rolls around and how slowly. But I am also amazed easily and find wonder in the little things of life. Here is a poem that resonated with me, again from "To Sing Along the Way: Minnesota women poets from Pre-Territorial days to the present." edited by Joyce Sutphen, Thom Tammaro & Connie Wanek.

The Scholar in the Playroom

My father's head was propped up in his hands.
Around him chaos swirled; the cello played
off-key in practice, someone vacuumed sand
we tracked in from the beach. I was amazed

that he could concentrate through all of this,
scoring Shakespeare's words with yellow pen
and calmly reading as I wrestled with Fergus
while the youngest blundered through the den.

For years I've carried my father's image around,
the flame in the storm who loved the crazy wind
his children were despite the din of sound
he sometimes wished he could rescind.

He proved the ivory tower a myth, this anti-Lear,
who kept his children, his Cordelias near.

by Ethna McKieran (b. 1951)

Next week we'll begin a look at another new regional poetry book. So come back again.

Poetry Friday

2007-08-10T18:21:00.000-05:00

The Tire Swing

Winter-long against the snow
The black tire swing kept saying O.
Whenever you looked out over the sink,
there it hung like the missing link
from autumn past to spring ahead,
and O was all it said.

Sometimes motionless, hanging plumb,
sometimes blown like a pendulum,
ticking the days and months away
with "zero" registered every day -
till now the roots of the elm tree show,
and children run, and the big black O
has a pair of corduroy legs put through
and all the summer it's saying Q.

by Betty Bridgman (1915 - 1999)
from "To Sing Along the Way: Minnesota Women Poets from Pre-Territorial Days to the Present" edited by Joyce Sutphen, Thom Tammaro and Connie Wanek

Enjoy this Friday and may have tire swings in your life and may they say O to you.

Borderland Reads

2007-08-10T18:15:00.000-05:00

Our first summer Borderland Reads discussion occurred on Tuesday evening, August 7th and although we only had a small group, we had a good discussion. The danger with holding a book discussion or other programming in the the summer is the weather. After a rainy, drizzly morning the sun came out and we had a perfect weather evening and I don't blame anyone for not wanting to come down in to the basement of the library.

But don't fear, you can still participate in Borderland Reads. If you read the book, I'd love it if you stopped in the library and filled out a very brief questionnaire to help us plan for the future and while you are in the library take a look at the ballot for the fall Borderland Reads title. We are looking at reading a classic in the fall with a discussion to occur in mid-November. Voting for the title will continue until the end of August.

Poetry Friday!

2007-08-03T15:56:00.000-05:00

It is a gorgeous Friday afternoon and I find myself wishing to be outside and not in an air-conditioned building. But work must be done so here is an offering again from
To Sing Along the Way: Minnesota women poets from pre-territorial days to the present edited by Joyce Sutphen, Thom Tammaro and Connie Wanek.

Love

Some joys are soft as summer rain
And sift their sweetness
Through the silt
Of heavy days.

Other joy strikes hard
Till afterward...we ask
If it were joy...or pain.
And almost pray it may not come again.

by Mary Cummings Eudy (1874 - 1952)

Kind of makes you wonder what she experienced in her life in early Minnesota to bring about such words.

Summer Reading!

2007-07-27T16:17:00.000-05:00

Summer reading is wrapping up with our picnic scheduled for next Thursday, August 2nd at noon. All summer readers are invited to join the party. We'll serve hot dogs, sloppy joes, chips, pickles, kool-aid and banana splits to celebrate our summer of "Go Bananas!" This will be the first chance to pick up you summer reading t-shirt.

If you haven't finished reading 25 hours, don't despair. We will leave the book box available in the junior room until Labor Day. So keep reading, keep track and stop in and pick up your free book.

The teen summer reading program will continue until Friday, August 17th. All bookmarks recording the books you have read this summer need to be in the envelope of the prize you'd like to win by the time the library closes on Friday at 6 p.m. I will be conducting the drawing Monday morning the 20th and will post a list in the library and begin calling winners that afternoon.

Poetry Friday

2007-07-27T16:13:00.000-05:00

We have a new book of poetry entitled "To Sing Along the Way" Minnesota Women Poets from Pre-Territorial Days to the Present" edited by Joyce Sutphen, Thom Tammaro and Connie Wanek. I thought I'd give you a taste of what can be found in this volume over the next few weeks.

Black Crows

Crows upon a corn-field, fighting for their own,
Taking in a harvest where they have not sown,
knowing well their hunger, - knowing that alone.

Life at its beginning nothing but a maw!-
Fierce in its insistence on the primal law.
Crows upon a corn field! - More than crows I saw.

by Lily Long (1862 - 1927)

Poetry Friday

2007-07-20T16:44:00.001-05:00

It is Friday and that means I should be sharing a poem with you. We are in the lazy, warm days of summer and this seemed to express my feelings well.

Song of the Screen Door

The screen door sings a homey song
Of cozy creaks and crangs

That kids just love to puntuate
With nerve exploding bangs...

They wait until you're nodding off...
(As grownups often do)

Or better, 'til your coffee cup
Is full of scalding brew.

And then, just as if shot from guns
At deadly point blank range...

Wham! They're in!... Or, slam! They're out!
And splash!... You have to change.

by Tom Hegg from "Up to the Lake"

Hope you can all get out and enjoy a lake wherever you may be and enjoy the lazy, warm days of summer.

Poetry Friday Comment

2007-07-17T14:13:00.000-05:00

Well, it isn't Friday and it has been nearly a month since I last posted to this blog. In the past month the library has held an open house and a number of summer reading programs. It is a busy time at the library. If you haven't visited in a while stop in and check us out.

And speaking of programming.

Summer Safari storytime continues in Smokey Bear Park on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Join us for 30 - 40 minutes of stories, games and more.

This Thursday the library will celebrate the world of Harry Potter. The fifth movie was released last week and the final book comes out on Saturday. If you have kids anticipating the release of the final book bring them on down to the library at 1:00 p.m on Thursday for fun playing jeopardy, library quidditch and making wands, wizards and rings.

This morning I received a call from a gentleman who in the process of search out family history on the Internet ran across the blog posting from May regarding a Poetry Friday. The poem was by his grandfather and he wanted to know if we had any more poems by his grandfather and if we had a biography. I wasn't able to find anymore poems by the grandfather, but one of the sons had two poems published in the same volume and both had brief biographies available in the anthology.

It was fun to be able to help this gentleman and send him the information I could find. Let us know if you have needs for information that we might be able to help with. We love helping answer questions.

Poetry Friday

2007-06-22T15:21:00.000-05:00

I love frogs and listening to frogs at night. So here is one of my favorite frog poems.

"The Great Frog Race"
We used flashlights one night
to find them in the damp and secret
places in the garden.

We put the frogs in a cardboard box
and wet down the driveway.
The garden hose was the finish line.

One by one, we lined up the frogs.
(It wasn't easy.)
We yelled: Ready- Set- Go!

Seventeen frogs leaped in all directions,
croaking. Blurk. Blurk. Blurk.
The Great Frog Race was over quickly.

One by one,
all contestants hopped off
into the moonlight.

by Kristine O'Connell George
in "The Great Frog Race and other poems"

Summer Safari Storytime and More

2007-06-20T12:24:00.000-05:00

Stories in the Park begin this evening at 6:00 p.m. in Smokey Bear Park. We will meet more at the east end of the park so we aren't bothered by the evenings performers warming up. This summer come on a summer safari each week. Enjoy 30-40 minutes of stories, games, rhymes and general all around silliness. You are welcome to bring blankets or chairs to sit on and a picnic supper as well if you'd like. Then stick around for the Concert in the Park at 7:00.

Thursday, June 21st the library will Go Bananas for Monkeys at 1:00 p.m. Children ages 4 and up are welcome to join us as we explore the world of monkeys through games and crafts. Silliness will be the operative word as we GO BANANAS!

Borderland Reads - Summer 2007

2007-06-11T14:36:00.000-05:00

The title for the next Borderland Reads is "Code Talker" by Joseph Bruchac. This book while a novel recounts the story of the Navajos during World War II and their very important mission to serve as code talkers using their language in code to transmit messages that the Japanese couldn't break.

The title is appropriate for families to read together, especially for children in upper elementary and above. The library will hold a discussion of the book on Tuesday, August 7th at 7:00 p.m. in the library meeting room.

The Friends of the Library have purchased 25 copies of the book and they are available for checkout now. Spend some time this summer reading this wonderful book and discussing it with family, friends and strangers.

Go Bananas@ your Library

2007-06-08T13:18:00.000-05:00

Summer reading 2007 has begun! Stop by the library and pick up a summer reading bag for children grade 6 and under. Monday, June 11th children may stop in and report hours. When they have read five hours they may pick out a coupon from a local restaurant for a free treat.

This summer we have begun a teen summer reading. Teens fill out a bookmark for every book read and place it in an envelope for the prize they would like to win. All prizes will be awarded on Monday, August 20th so all entries need to be received by Friday, August 17th.

"The Reading Magician," Norm Barnhardt will perform at the library on Wednesday, June 13th at 2:00 pm. Come discover the magic of reading as presented through magic. Fun for kids ages 4 and up.

Poetry Friday

2007-06-08T13:09:00.000-05:00

The weather has been wild and so to celebrate here is simple poem about stormy weather.

Storm

In a storm,
the wind talks
with its mouth open.
It yells around corners
with its eyes shut.
It bumps into itself
and falls over a roof
and whispers
OH...oh...oh...

Adrien Stoutenburg

Poetry Friday

2007-05-25T14:22:00.000-05:00

In honor of Memorial Day on Monday and our thanks and appreciation for all those who have served, currently serve and will serve this country.

A HUMAN RACE

Many a man has risked his life,
To end the beginning of toil and strife.

For in our world of fear and doubt,
We ask ourselves why and what it's all about.
It seems each generation has to face a war
Of senseless killings for reasons we're not sure.

But it's our minds that are captured,
Like a helpless slave in this land of the free and the home of the brave.

And it's our hearts that are heavy
With pounding of sorrow while our
souls are searching for a better tomorrow.

But the Truth still remains that this country's people
Have fought and died for an "American Dream" of dignity and pride.

Written from the heart by Drew Berman

Thank you to all who have given to their country.

Poetry Friday

2007-05-11T15:11:00.000-05:00

It's Friday and that means time to explore the world of poetry again. I went out looking for a poem about fishing and didn't find anything right away. I'm preparing for class visits next week and didn't have time to do a thorough search so instead I pulled a poem from "Anthology of Minnesota Verse" copyright 1934. So enjoy your weekend of the fishing opener and enjoy the season of spring.

"A Song of Spring"

John Allison Haining

Out on the plain with the gray dusk falling,

Out where the landscape is sear and dun,

I hear the voice of the springtime calling

Its furloughed officers, one by one.

The lark with a voice like a silver bugle

Proudly marshalls his feathered clans;

On the arid wastes where the yield is frugal

And nature's bounty surpasses man's.

Down in the slough, with its new green cover

The wild duck stealthily builds her nest;

The prairie hen and the golden plover

Welcome the season they love the best.

Out where the sun is slowly setting

The prairie kisses the mountain's feet.

The frolicking winids are gay, and fretting

The purple sage that is pure and sweet.

Out on the plains with the new life springing

Forth at the beck of the glowing sun,

The world is filled with a joyous singing

For winter has vanished, his race is run.

I will be taking the top four titles from the Borderland Reads balloting and talk them up in the fifth and sixth grade classes next week and have them vote for their favorite. I will post here next Friday which title will be the summer Borderland Reads title.

Until then,

Diane

Poetry Friday

2007-05-04T12:44:00.000-05:00

It is time to resume posting poetry on Friday. If you enjoy poetry or write some of your own, feel free to forward me copies and I will be happy to share with fellow readers.

This week has felt a bit out of control so I thought I would share with you one of my favorite writers and one of her poems on life.

Act III, Scene II
Someone has altered the script.
My lines have been changed.
The other actors are shifting roles.
They don't come on when they're expected to,
and they don't say the lines I've written
and I'm being upstaged.

I thought I was writing this play
with a rather nice role for myself,
small, but juicy
and some excellent lines.
But nobody gives me my cues
and the scenery has been replaced
and I don't recognize the new sets.
This isn't the script I was writing.
I don't understand this play at all.

To grow up
is to find
the small part you are playing
in this extraordinary drama
written by
somebody else.

by Madeleine L'Engle
(from The Ordering of Love)

Have a great weekend and check back next week, unless I end up on jury duty in which case the blog will probably not be deemed important enough to be added to.

Borderland Reads Summer 2007

2007-04-30T10:28:00.000-05:00

Now is the time to vote for a summer Borderland Reads title. We are selecting a title appropriate for family reading with the reading level of the book late elementary or junior high level. Here are the titles we are selecting from. Leave me a comment or stop by the library and vote for up to two titles you would be interested in reading and then discussing with the community or your family and friends. Voting will continue through May 5th.

Bauer, Marion Dane Land of the Buffalo Bones

Polly Rodgers keeps a diary of her 1873 journey from England to Minnesota as part of a colony of 80 people seeking religious freedom, and of their first year struggling to make a living.

Birdsall, Jeanne The Penderwicks

While vacationing with their widowed father in the Berkshire Mountains, four lovable sisters share adventures with a local boy much to the dismay of his snobbish mother.

Bruchac, Joseph Code Talker

After being taught in boarding school, that the Navajo language is useless, Ned Negay and others are recruited by the Marines. Their job is to send messages during WWII in Navajo.

Draper, Penny Terror at Turtle Mountain

Tells the story of the Frank, Alberta landslide in 1903 that is still the worst slide disaster in Canadian history.

Durbin, William Blackwater Ben

In the winter of 1898, a seventh grade boy drops out of school to work with his father, the cook at Blackwater Logging Camp in Minnesota.

Durbin, William Song of Sampo Lake

In 1900, a family of Finnish immigrants begins farming on the edge of a Minnesota lake. Matti works as a store clerk, teaches English, and works on the homestead.

Holm, Jennifer L Boston Jane

Miss Jane Peck of Philadelphia finds manners are rarely used during her long sea voyage to the Pacific Northwest and while living among the American traders and Chinook Indians of the Northwest Territory.

Kadohota, Cynthia Cracker: the best dog in Vietnam

A young soldier in Vietnam bonds with his bomb-sniffing dog.

Kochenderfer, Lee The Victory Garden

Hoping to contribute to the war effort during World War II, eleven-year-old Teresa organizes her friends to care for an ill neighbor's victory garden.

Larson, Kirby Hattie Big Sky

After inheriting an Uncle’s home-steading claim in Eastern Montana, 16 year old orphan Hattie travels from Iowa in 1917 to make a home for herself. Hattie is driven to prove up on her Uncle’s claim and find a home for herself.

Peck, Richard On the Wings of Heroes

A boy in Illinois remembers the homefront years of WW II, especially his two heroes – his brother in the air force and his father who fought previously.

Smith, Roland The Captain’s Dog

Seaman, Captain Lewis’ dog, describes his experiences as he accompanies his master to explore the uncharted western wilderness.

Sommerdorf, Norma Red River Girl

In a diary covering 1846 – 1848, a young Metis teenager describes her journey from St. Eustace, Quebec to St. Paul Minnesota, where she settles with her family and decides to become a teacher.

Testa, Maria Almost Forever

A young girl describes what she, her brother, and their mother do during the year that her doctor father is serving in the Army in Vietnam.

Weaver, Will Memory Boy

Miles and his family must flee their Minneapolis home and begin a new life in the wilderness after a chaing of cataclysmic volcanic explosions create dangerous conditions in the city.

Yeah! Maybe someone will read this now!

2007-04-28T12:53:00.000-05:00

A big thank you to Chris Carlson for figuring out how to load our updated webpage. This will be the place to check for upcoming programs, news about the library and more. Stop by regularly and see what's happening at the library.

Diane

Poetry Friday

2006-12-01T12:11:00.000-06:00

A month has passed and I am no closer to updating the regular library web page so no one knows this is here.

But to try and learn to be regular about posting I'll add a poem for the day.

"This Morning"

The barn bears the weight
of the first heavy snow
without complaint.

White breath of cows
rises in the tie-up, a man
wearing a frayed winter jacket
reaches for his milking stool
in the dark.

The cows have gone into the ground,
and the man,
his wife beside him now.

A nuthatch drops
to the ground, feeding
on sunflower seed and bits of bread
I scattered on the snow.

The cats doze near the stove.
They lift their heads
as the plow goes down the road,
making the house
tremble as it passes.

by Jane Kenyon

November - Winter already?

2006-11-03T14:57:00.000-06:00

Well, the calendar may say November but the weather the last week has been downright winterish. We have been below freezing since Monday night and had snow showers or flurries for the last two weeks. But I am amazed at the number of birds hanging around our house, especially robins. So today's poem is for the robins.

"Something Told the Wild Geese"

Something told the wild geese
It was time to go.
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered, - "Snow."
Leaves were green and stirring,
Berries, luster-glossed,
But beneath warm feathers
Something cautioned, - "Frost."
All the sagging orchards
Steamed with amber spice,
But eacah wild breast stiffened
At remembered ice.
Something told the wild geese
It was time to fly, -
Summer sun was on their wings,
Winter in their cry.
Rachel Field

Poetry Friday

2006-10-27T16:17:00.000-05:00

"Unharvested"
by Robert Frost

A scent of ripeness from over a wall.
And come to leave the routine road
And look for what had made me stall,
There sure enough was an apple tree
That had eased itself of its summer load,
And of all but its trivial foliage free,
Now breathed as light as a lady's fan.
For there had been an apple fall
As complete as the apple had given man.
The ground was one circle of solid red.

May something go always unharvested!
May much stay out of our stated plan,
Apples or something forgotten and left,
So smelling their sweetness would be no theft.

Thank you Robert Frost for summing up autumn so well. The smells of unharvested life lead one to dream of so much.

Poetry Friday

2006-10-06T15:24:00.000-05:00

Somehow, somewhere I will find time to update this blog more than every two weeks. But in the meantime, here is a poem to celebrate the changing of the seasons and the wild weather that blows through.

The morns are meeker than they were,
The nuts are getting brown;
The berry's cheek is plumper,
The rose is out of town.

The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a scarlet gown.
Lest I should be old-fashioned,
I'll put a trinket on.

Emily Dickinson

So celebrate fall by putting on your own color today.

Last week I attended the annual Minnesota Library Association conference and attended a workshop on creating commmunity through the Internet. I will be attempting to make some changes to this blog and to the main library webpage to reflect some of what I learned and became excited about. Stay tuned.

Poetry Friday

2006-09-22T15:42:00.000-05:00

Someday maybe I'll get the hang of writing more than every two weeks in this blog.
Next Tuesday, September 26th is John Chapman's birthday. Most of us know him better as Johnny Appleseed. The library is having it's monthly Family Night and we'll celebrate his birthday and have some fun with apples. Join us at 6:30 for stories, games and crafts. The monthly Friends of the Library booksale will also be on Tuesday, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Now for some poetry fun by one of my favorite poets, Douglas Florian.

"Book Crooks"
They stole my pants,
Th y st le her purse.
T ey stol some let ers
From th s verse.

Happy Friday.

Poetry Friday

2006-09-08T16:39:00.000-05:00

Goodness, a week has gone by and I'm not sure where it went. So to to express my feelings regarding time here is X.J. Kennedy's 'The Purpose of Time is to Prevent Everything from Happening at Once.'

Suppose your life a folded telescope
Durationless, collapsed in just a flash
As from your mother's womb you, bawling, drop
Into a nursing home. Suppose you crash
Your car, your marriage - toddler laying waste
A field of daisies, schoolkid, zit-faced teen
With lover zipping up your pasts in haste
Hearing your parents' tread downstairs - all one.

Einstein was right. That would be too intense.
You need a chance to preen, to give a dull
Recital before an indifferent audience
Equally slow in jeering you and clapping
Time takes it time unraveling. But, still,
You'll wonder when your life ends: Huh? What happened?

So head off to your weekend knowing that regardless of how it feels, the time you get is two days before you go back to work or school. Enjoy the time!

Poetry Friday!

2006-09-01T13:36:00.000-05:00

As I continue to explore the world of blogs, I discovered two things recently. One, yesterday was BlogDay. I didn't discover it until today. So maybe next year, I will introduce you to five blogs I enjoy and follow. And who knows, by next year, maybe the blogs I read will be completely different than the ones I read now. Two, many bloggers have begun Poetry Friday. They post a poem on their blog each Friday to celebrate and share poetry with their readers.

It seems especially appropriate to begin Poetry Friday September 1. So check in each Friday for a new poem to read and share with those you love and care about.

Miss Misinformation

I'm Miss Misinformation,
it's my gratifying task
to tell you all you need to know,
you only need to ask.
The seas are thick with elephants,
the skies are purple straw,
you measure with an octopus,
you hammer with a saw.

I'm filled with facts and figures
I gratuitously share.
The stars are silver footballs,
tangerines have curly hair.
Gorillas fly at midnight,
and a month has seven years,
tomatoes play the clarinet,
bananas have long ears.

I'm Miss Misinformation,
and there's nothing I don't know.
The moon is chocolate pudding,
macaroni grows in snow.
A buffalo is smaller
than the average bumblebee -
if you think of any questions,
simply bring them here to me.

Jack Prelutsky in "A Pizza the Size of the Sun"

One of my favorite "librarian" poems. Enjoy

Fishing for books

2006-08-25T16:18:00.000-05:00

The 2nd Annual International Falls Bass Tournament is being held today and tomorrow. Sixty teams of two are fishing for small mouth bass. Half fish in Rainy river today and Rainy Lake tomorrow. The other half fish the lake today and the river tomorrow.

So I thought it would be a good idea to include fish stories in today's column. Of course, some of the best stories are true. For stories of how not to fish (well how to fish illegally) read Border warden : Warden Lloyd Steen's true tales from over 25 years battling poachers, wolves, bears and other troublemaker's along the Canadian border / by Murray Mills. or Poachers caught! Adventures of a northwoods game warden / Tom Chapin. and the sequel Poachers caught! : Further adventures of a northwoods game warden / Tom Chapin.. All three of these books contain stories of amazingly stupid people getting caught doing stupid things, including fishing.

The library has a number of books, videos and even a DVD or two about fishing. I'm not a fisherman so I don't know which are good. Stop into the library and I'll show you what we have and you can decide what works for you.

For kids there are a number of great books about fishing and boating to look at including Buck Wilder's little skipper boating guide : a complete introduction to the world of boating for little skippers of all ages / by Tim Smith & Thomas G. Mills. and Buck Wilder's small fry fishing guide : a complete introduction to the world of fishing for small fry of all ages / by Tim Smith & Mark Herrick..

I encourage to come on down to the Smokey Bear Park and take part in the festivities and discover the fun of fishing the Borderwaters of Minnesota.

Summer Reading

2006-08-07T16:40:00.000-05:00

The official summer reading program may be completed but that doesn't mean summer reading if over. Anytime is a good time to read and the dog days of August are no exception. Be sure to stop in the library and check out a book to carry around with you so that you are never without reading material. It is amazing how much reading can be done in 2 - 5 minute increments.

Wireless Internet access is now available at the library. You are welcome to bring a laptop computer into the library to use to access the Internet. We do ask that you do not have power cords spread across open floor of the library. The library has a number of outlets within chair or table reach or you can use the computers internal powerpack. Please help us keep the library safe.

Summer Reading

2006-07-20T11:33:00.000-05:00

Summer is in full swing and so is the reading. I have been engaged in what I call my guilty pleasure reading. Reading that I probably won't write a review about for the weekly newspaper column but that I really enjoy. Take a look at what some of my latest reading has been. Unfortunately, you will find that a number of these titles aren't available at International Falls Public Library, but can be requested through the Arrowhead Library System.

Taste of Home magazine and cookbooks - We have the magazine and many of the books here at the library and I learned something interesting about the magazine recently. The magazine is the magazine of choice for military families overseas looking for new recipes as the majority of the ingredients are common and can be found in foreign grocery stores. I heard of a woman who taught cooking classes in Turkey and used the magazine as the textbook for the class.

Seeker by Jack McDevitt. A great science fiction story about the search for a vessel that went missing 9,000 years previously at the beginning of humans expansion into space. This was my first exposure to Jack McDevitt, I then read Polaris and A Talent for War also starring Alex Benedict and his partner Chase Kolpath.

Changelings by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough. This is a return to the world Petaybee featured in the books Powers that Be, Power Lines and Power Play. This stars the next generation, those born on the planet to transplants and natives. Again a wonderful story full of adventure, risk, danger and politics.

A great new early chapter book for those girls just beginning to read novels is Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows. This is a terrific introduction to two girls who live across the cul-de-sac from one another and aren't sure they want to be friends because their moms think they should. But Bean's big sister brings them together as they try to bewitch her. Great fun, great plot and great friends.

Two short story collections that I'm just getting started reading, that were recommended to me include Elementals. The authors of the stories and the publisher are donating their proceeds from the collection to the Save the Children Foundation, Asia Tsunami Relief fund. All the stories deal with "natural" disasters. The other collection Firebirds Rising is edited by Sharyn November and is the second anthology by Firebird Imprint and features original science fiction and fantasy.

And finally, I am reading the poetry of Madeline L'Engle. I grew up on Madeline L'Engle and read a number of her poetry colletions and had very fond memories of them. But they were library copies and I didn't own them to go back to and read and reread as whim took me. Shaw Publishing has recently published a collection of all her poetry in one book entitled The ordering of Love.

Pioneering the West - Part II

2006-06-26T15:09:00.000-05:00

On Friday, I created a post with children's books about the settling of the west. Now that you've explored the basics, here is some heavier reading. Far From Home: Families of the Westward Journey by Lillian Schlissel, Byrd Gibbens and Elizabeth Hampsten provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of three families on the frontier. Letters and diaries are used to recreate the lives of these families as they ventured west.
Annick Smith has written a moving account of her families homesteading in Montana. Now this isn't 100 years ago, this is homesteading beginning in 1964, a not-so-distant West of outlaws and pioneers, range inspectors and cattle thieves. Homestead is a spirited read of a spirited land. Also set in Montana is Homesteading by Percy Wollaston. Wollastan chronicles the family's attempts to carve a successful homestead out of the harsh plains from 1910 to the late 1920's. Follow the forces that influneced the growing towns of the American West.
Children of the Western Plains: The Nineteenth Century Experience by Marilyn Irvin Holt explores what life was like for the youngsters who lived on the Great Plains in nineteenth century frontier life. She compares how their experience differed from that of the adult and how they adjusted and adapted to the rugged life.
Again, to acknowledge the presence of the Native American on the land long before the settlers here is a noteworthy account of their lives before Lewis and Clark. One Vast Winter Count by Colin G. Calloway.

Exploring the Past through Literature

2006-06-23T11:01:00.000-05:00

I had promised to write a bibliography of titles about the settling of the west by whites earlier in the week. Time has slipped away and here it is Friday and still no list.

When I want information quick one of the first places I look is to juvenile non-fiction. Much of todays juvenile non-fiction is well written and a good source for basic information. It starts me down the road and helps me figure out what I really want to know. Here are a few juvenile non-fiction titles about the explorers and pioneers to the west. "Cobblestone" magazine is a monthly magazine with each issue covering one topic about American History. The April 2004 covers "Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery." Thirteen articles cover the basics of their discoveries, their journey and a bit about the personalities of the members of the corp. Kids in Pioneer Times by Lisa A. Wroble is part of a series of books about kids throughout history. The book outlines typical experiences of a child crossing the frontier and building a home. Learn about clothes, food, work and play. For a title specific to America's Heartland try Homesteading: Settling America's Heartland by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent. This is one of my favorite non-fiction authors. And this book is no exception for great information about the challenges of settling what had been called "The Great American Desert." And finally, we can't forget those who lived here before us. See with the Heart by Judith St. George is a moving biography of Sitting Bull.

More titles next week. We'll explore some of the adult non-fiction works.

Return to the Northwoods

2006-06-19T16:43:00.000-05:00

It has been a little over two weeks since the last post as I have traveled with my family approximately 4,500 miles to the west coast and back in that time. Today was spent catching up on correspondence, miscellaneous chores and various other sundry tasks. Tomorrow I hope to find some great books to tell me more about the country we saw and the stories the people living there have to tell. We live in a huge country with awesome and terrible beauty. The land can be harsh, or lush and everything in between. As a family we talked about those who walked across the land in days past and wondered if we had what it took. Could we have traversed this country on foot?

Icebox of the Nation!

2006-05-30T15:22:00.000-05:00

Well, we are supposed to be the Icebox of the Nation. Some of us are quietly wishing we could be that cold. We had two days with temperatures above 90 degrees. Today is a pleasant 76 degrees. I shouldn't complain, I do work in an air-conditioned building that stays at a relatively steady temperature all year round.

I spent the weekend browsing new cookbooks. There are some great recipes out there. Taste of Home has a beautiful new cook book called "Garden-Fresh Recipes" that uses garden ingredients like tomatoes, asparagus, rhubarb, beans, zucchini and other squashes. The library also has two new cookbooks about church suppers. Mouthwatering recipes for foods you might find at those infamous church potlucks.

Enjoy great food this week and try something new.

Library Resources at Home and Work

2006-05-26T16:42:00.001-05:00

The library has begun its summer hours and that means we are closed Saturday and Sunday. But if you have access to the Internet and if you are reading this you do, the library can be utilized from home. You can have access to the Arrowhead Library System catalog, magazine indexes and articles, newspaper indexes and articles as well as a variety of additional resources like Novelist.

To access these resources visit the Arrowhead Library SystemSystem webpage or the International Falls Public Library webpage and see what you can do from the comfort of home.

Great New Book!

2006-05-23T15:11:00.000-05:00

I just finished the third book by Megan Whalen Turner. I loved the first two, but the third might be my favorite. She has written three books set in a Byzantine type world with guns and cannons. The books center on Eugenides. He is "The Thief" in the first book, a mysterious character capable of seemingly impossible deeds. His life is drastically changed in "Queen of Attolia" and in "King of Attolia", the book I just completed he has to come to grips with his current place in life. Something we must all do, if we are to do our best in life. Ms. Turner keeps you guessing at every page and the suspense is great. I would love for life to continue in this world and hope she has more books to come.

Last Saturday before Summer Hours

2006-05-20T11:46:00.000-05:00

It is Saturday and I'm working. But it is the last Saturday the library will be open until after Labor Day in September. So if you need a library fix on the weekends this summer be sure to check out our online resources. You can access the catalog, place holds, search the magazine indexes and more, all from the comfort of your home. The International Falls Public Library webpage may be found at www.arrowhead.lib.mn.us/ifalls

2006-05-19T16:20:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the first posting by the International Falls Public Library! Check back for news about upcoming programs, library resources available to you the library patron, and of course reviews. Reviews will be of new books, old books, DVDs, whatever might tickle our fancy. Just keep coming to take a look.

International Falls Public Library Happenings

Winter Reading Reviews!

Special Visitor

Last of the Library Commercials for now!

Library Commercials Part 3

Film Commercials Part 2

Film Commercials

Teen Book Review

Final Summer Reading Reviews

Summer Book Reviews

More book reviews!

Summertime and the reading is easy!

On the Edge Film Festival

Teens create video for contest

5th Annual Edible Car Contest

We're 100!

Film Festival Here we come!

More Library Commercials

Library Commercials 2

Library Commercials

More Videos

More Library Promotional Videos

Video course

Film Class Now Avaiable

Library Support

Icebox of the Nation in the News

Edible Car Contest 2010

Fall Weather

More Patron Reviews of what they are Reading

What's being read? See below for reviews

Book Reviews

Summer Reading Kickoff - with Cheney & Mills

More Reviews

Book Reviews

Summer Reading Kickoff - 6/9/09

Geo-Caching

Spring in International Falls

October at the Library

Family Night September 23rd, 2008

Fall Happenings!

Gaming at your library

Book Review pictures

Book Reviews 3/13/08

Reviewed Titles - 3/6/08

Edible Car Night

Debate still available

Exciting Debate

We're On!

Welcom 2008!

Friday, November 9, 2007

Time Flies!

At the Library

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday

Database Trial

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday

Borderland Reads

Poetry Friday!

Summer Reading!

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday Comment

Poetry Friday

Summer Safari Storytime and More

Borderland Reads - Summer 2007

Go Bananas@ your Library

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday

Borderland Reads Summer 2007

Yeah! Maybe someone will read this now!

Poetry Friday

November - Winter already?

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday