Browser the Library Cat

Wine, beer tasting fund raiser Feb 10

2012-02-02T15:09:00.000-06:00

Hello fellow patrons of the Pine River Public Library.

February isn’t just for Valentine’s Day anymore.

Our library has several events in this month of hearts and flowers. It is, it happens, also a month of wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres. On February 10th Friends of the Pine River Library are sponsoring a Wine and Beer Tasting featuring wines from around the world. These will be provided by Quality Wine and Spirits. Our own Friends will be preparing the Hors d’oeuvres. There will also be a silent auction. This wonderful event will take place Friday, 2/10/2012 from 6pm to 8pm at the VFW Post in Jenkins. Tickets are available at Pine River Library in advance for a mere $15 or $20 at the door. Friends of the Library receive $2.00 off. Being a friend has benefits! The proceeds from this event will help pay for the roof over my head - the one at the library.

Think of this as a preamble to Valentines Day. Bring your sweetheart or your favorite neighbor or anybody remotely close to you who likes a little something to drink from time to time and needs to get out of the house…Don’t drink? There is food and the silent auction to consider. Something for everyone except for me. I will be left behind to guard the library against miscreants. I really don’t mind at all. Just save some food for me.

I remain,
Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 2 February 2012

Stop hibernating and come to the library

2012-01-26T14:21:00.001-06:00

Fellow hibernators and library lovers all,

Are we to spend our entire winter sleeping with the bears? It is tempting, but wishing or sleeping our lives away is wasteful in the extreme. I have been analyzing this and have a couple of solutions. First of all, of course, is taking this time to read, whether fiction or non-fiction. The process of reading is good for us all. Log on to krls.org and check all the features available to you, library patrons. The catalog is full of books on every subject. If you do not happen to have a home computer – some people don’t – call Pine River Public Library and reserve computer time or simply come into the library and look through the catalog computers and request reading material.

“Not active enough for me” you say? How about this: Start your garden now. What? You may ask. It’s cold and frozen outside. Yes it is, but that doesn’t need to stop you. Start some seeds growing inside. Peppers should be started now, anyway, but what about herbs? Start some and use them for house plants. My friend, Cora, at her website www.gardensbycora.com has a page under “calendar” that will help you to do this. The krls.org catalog lists 1087 printings under the search word “gardening”. Are you wondering what you might grow? There are untold numbers of seed companies, most of which have websites. Gurneys.com; burpee.com; gardensalive.com; jungseed.com; burgessseed.com; raintreenursery.com; parkseed.com; waysidegardens.com; kitchengardenseeds.com; dutchgardens.com. These are just a few of the sites that not only sell seeds but have information available on their sites.

Not for you? What about getting out all those boxes of photos and other keepsakes and do a little scrapbooking? krls.org lists 59 publications on this subject. Why not motivate yourself by inviting a few friends to join you. Bake something, make a pot of coffee or tea, get together a few simple supplies, and have some fun.

Winter won’t last forever. Make the most of it while you can.

Stop by Pine River Public Library and visit me.

I remain,

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 26th January 2012

International Falls Library on the coldest morning of the year!

2012-01-19T15:05:00.003-06:00

Hello Readers,

My latest visit was to 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 photograhed) 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, when she comes to talk at the library on January 24th.

And then I went and spent 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.

As always,

Browser

Visit to the Hoyt Lakes Library

2012-01-19T14:37:00.008-06:00

Our snowy owl took Browser under his wing during Browser's visit. He showed him the Teen area where they joined in a game of Wii Resort.

They visited a couple of kids coloring in the children's area. They napped on the giant foof chairs and then said their goodbyes.

Sue at the Hoyt Lakes Library was nice to send these pictures along to me. I hope your enjoying my journeys. My next stop just happened to take place on the coldest day of the year. Will keep you posted....

As always,
Browser

Good afternoon from the Hibbing Public Library

2012-01-10T10:47:00.004-06:00

Browser the Library Cat has come to us from the Pine River Public Library in Pine River, MN and has been traveling around to the different libraries within the Arrowhead Library System.On January 5th Browser made his way to the Hibbing Public Library and joined up with all the children at Story Time. Browser had a wonderful time playing with all the children in our indoor play park.

Attached are some pictures taken on his visit to the Hibbing Public Library.

Thank you for the wonderful visit Browser, we hope to see you again!

April

I would like to thank the Hibbing Public Library and April for having me at their library. I had great fun with all the kids!

Off to my next adventure,

Browser

'Snow Time' begins, WiFi available

2012-01-05T15:20:00.003-06:00

Hello friends,
Okay, so it’s winter with no snow. For me this is a definite plus. I get around a lot more easily, plus I am less visible. This situation may prove temporary, however. It is, after all, north central Minnesota. For this reason, many of us may be inside a lot. Time to read! Snow Time to reading starts January 1st, 2012, and ends March 31st, 2012. Since it’s called “Snow Time”, my guess is it will soon snow. I’m not sure how this works. It may be a case of which came first, the chicken or the egg? Bet we get a swell new cup if we read enough books! I still have all of mine from past years.

The operative word this winter is “change”. I typed in this word in the KRLS.org catalog. There were 1895 results for this search. Here some interesting entries:
• Change anything: the new science of personal success by Kerry Patterson
• Small Change by Sheila Roberts
• Change your brain, change your body by Daniel G. Amen
Here are some changes coming to Pine River Public Library in January 2012:
• WiFi: We have secured this. Patrons who wish to use WiFi will now need to put in their library card number and PIN to connect to the Internet with their laptops or other wireless devices. If a person does not have a library card they can get a guest card that will only work with the WiFi and not be used for checking out items. An ID will be required to get the guest card the same as when using one of the computers in the library
• Request pickup: You will not have 7 days instead of 10 to pick up requested items.
• Overdue items: Notices for overdue items will be sent after items are 29 days overdue. If the item is not returned, a bill will follow 14 days later.

•Loan periods:
-DVD’s 1 week, 7 item limit
-Magazines: 2 weeks
-Books on CD: 2 weeks, 7 item limit
-Playaways: 2 weeks, 7 item limit
-eAudiobooks: up to 3 weeks. Patrons choose the loan period
-Books: 4 weeks.

We at your Pine River Public Library hope all of you have had a wonderful holiday, whatever it was for you and with whomever you spent it. We hope you will enjoy our library for the coming winter season.

Sincerely,
Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 5th Jan 2012

Browser enjoyed his visit to the Carlton Library

2011-12-28T12:37:00.003-06:00

Browser enjoyed his visit to the Carlton Library. He met Georgia the giraffe. They spent the week getting to know each other. They played by the videos and watched everyone go by. They took many journeys into all the different books they read together.

Our guest Browser also got to participate in the tour the 3rd grade classes from South Terrace. He helped to tell 40 students about everything you can do at the library such as researching, games, hanging with friends, and reading fun books!

We look forward to hearing about Browser’s other visits!

Jodie Johnson
Library Director
Carlton Area Public Library

My visit to the Gilbert Public Library

2011-12-23T19:47:00.007-06:00

I loved padding my way through the Community Center which houses the Gilbert Public Library. Everyone flattered me with the attention due a special feline of my caliber. There is a bank of computers just purfect for a cat to stretch out on, which is just what I did.

As you can see, I made a new friend, Rudolph and I enjoyed our visit and he hopes to visit me next year.

Thank you Su and Ty for showing me around.
Until next time, Browser

Visit to Ely Public Library

2011-12-11T16:37:00.003-06:00

I had a great time exploring the Ely Public Library. The Staff there gave me the complete tour of all the different rooms in their old building, and the best place for a nap was on top of the sunny windowledge in the children's area that's right above the radiator.

My favorite moment of this visit is captured in the photo... meeting Amelia, the resident painted turtle. We exchanged tips on how to best greet library patrons - Amelia thinks waving your feet is best, while I like to purr and flick my tail.

Thank you Rachel and Ely staff for showing me around.

Off to my next adventure....

Browser

The library offers indoor winter activities

2011-12-08T09:36:00.001-06:00

It’s beginning to look like winter, friends and neighbors.

Because the temperatures are dropping, all my little furry and feathery friends are more difficult to find. Winter is a wonderful time, however, to do big things in doors. Here’s a stupendous example. On Friday, December 9th at the Warehouse at 7:00 PM, Tim and Cindy Rogeenkamp will perform an acoustic country and bluegrass music concert! What a way to spend a winter evening! Fine music played in the style when folks loved to stay indoors and entertain each other. Don’t miss this. Tim and Cindy founded the Lakes Bluegrass Festival. They know what they’re doing. Tickets are free at the Pine River Public Library, my home. Free is always good, but this is even better.

Soon the library will be erecting the Giving Tree. This is your chance to donate to your library so that we may offer you even better materials. Hard to believe, isn’t it? Even better!

There are some changes coming in January,2012, but since we’ve just entered December, the month of mid-winter celebrations, I’ll wait another month to drop these on you like so much snow.

Enjoy! Read some books. Listen to some music or books. Watch some videos and DVD’s.

Until later, I remain,
Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 8 Dec 2011

Browser in Cloquet, MN

2011-11-17T16:42:00.005-06:00

At the Cloquet Library in the Arrowhead System of Northern MN.

Browser sat in on lapsit story time. Here he is with a few of our friends.

National Gaming Day @ Pine River Public Library

2011-11-13T15:24:00.002-06:00

National Gaming Day @ your library was November 12th, 2011.

Here are some pictures of patrons who stopped in to play!

My Visit to the Chisholm Public Library

2011-11-09T13:49:00.002-06:00

It was a bumpy ride so I was thrilled when I arrived at my destination, and even more thrilled when I saw all the books! Books stretched from wall to wall, floor to ceiling! Could this be Kitty Cat Heaven???

The librarians in Chisholm were so helpful. First, they offered me a bowl of milk to help me warm up. Next, they led me to the Children’s Room where I could sprawl out and read books while being petted and played with by the visiting children.

I’ll be sad when its time to leave, but the ladies here reassured me I will have just as much fun at the next library I visit.

Until next time,
Browser the library cat

Join us for Gaming Day at your library

2011-11-04T10:16:00.003-05:00

Greetings, friends and neighbors!

National Gaming Day at your library is Saturday, Nov. 12. I have given thought to this from a feline point of view. Game? That would be "...wild animals, birds, or fish, hunted for food or sport..." [The American Heritage Dictionary]. My kind of game. Apparently, though, this is not that sort of game. I get vision of dozens of wild animals turned loose in the library and everybody chases them. Fun! But no, this isn't what is meant at all. "A way of amusing oneself; pastime; version." [American Heritage Dictionary]. Same thing, isn't it? Muriel say not. She says, "The library will have games out on every table on this day, so if you sit at a table we ask you to play a game." Come to the Pine River Public Library from 10 am until 1 pm on Saturday, Nov. 12 and have fun playing games. I'll be there trying to figure out why this is more fun than chasing wild animals, birds or fish.

Friday, Nov. 11 is Veteran's Day. Our library will be closed that day. Honor your veterans. They have put their lives on the line for you.

As always,
Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 3 Nov 2011

My visit to the Calument Library in MN

2011-10-31T11:49:00.002-05:00

Browser the Library Cat arrived at the Calumet Library on the day of our Halloween Costume Party. The teen book club was helping with the party sothey showed Browser around the party. Browser enjoyed all the games and the children's costumes.

Thank you for coming to the Calumet Library.

I like to thank the Calument Library for having me. The Library is located in Northern Minnesota in the Arrowhead System.

As always Browser

Happy Halloween, lost and found

2011-10-27T09:34:00.002-05:00

Helloooooo!

Halloween once again. for a black cat this is my big day! Unfortunately for me, the Pine River Public Library will not have a haunted library this year. I'm bummed! The library will, however, be participating at the Haunted Hallways at the AmericInn on Halloween night from 4-7 pm.

The important reason for this posting: Lost and Found. You lost stuff. We found it.

1. One pair really lovely purplish pink prescription eye glasses with lace design in the temples. found in the parking lot of the library.
2. Viking Jersey in kid's large, #28.
3. Black headband with black bow. My favorite!

Come to the Pine River Library and get your stuff!

Have a wonderful fall, or "autumn" if you prefer, It's fine weather for playing in the leaves.

Enjoy!
Browser, the library cat

My visit to the Buhl Public Library

2011-10-20T19:21:00.003-05:00

The Buhl Public Library is very pleased to have met the library cat named Browser, from the Pine River Public Library in the Kitchigami Library System.

Browser has had a wonderful time visiting us, he took a little nap in the Teen section on the bean bag chair.

Then after waking up from his nap he jumped up on top of the veterans case and stood in between the American Flags and posed for a picture, he seemed very proud!

After his picture being taken he met a library patron and volunteer Shayla.

They sat by the fireplace and she read him her favorite book The Last Straw )Diary of a wimpy Kid series) by Jeff Kinney, and had a wonderful time together doing so.
Thank you for visiting the Buhl Public Library Browser! We hope to see you again soon!

Reporting on my travels is April Larson, Library Director of the Buhl Public Library in Buhl, MN.

Thank you April for having me!

As always, Browser

My visit to Haywood County Public Library

2011-09-21T18:32:00.003-05:00

Browser and the Space Shuttle Tire at the Haywood County Public Library. "Purrrrrific"

The library is located in Waynesville, North Carolina

Browser in Babbitt, MN

2011-09-16T09:28:00.002-05:00

Greetings from the Babbitt Public Library!

What a great place! They have an impressive garden,

which is quite handy for a cat.

Their newly installed outdoor art was an ideal
place to test my camouflage skills for hunting.

Meowing under the library moon at night was fun but the temp dropped to 20 degrees last night. That said, I am ready to move on, maybe to a library with a nice fireplace.

As always,

Brrrrowser

My visit to the Eveleth Public Library, MN

2011-09-02T19:28:00.003-05:00

Maggie McLaughlin was nice enough to share her book with me while she was visiting the Eveleth Public Library in the Arrowhead System.

The Arrowhead Library System covers seven counties in northeastern Minnesota. There are 29 member public libraries and I hope to visit as many as possible.

Until next time, Browser

We are lucky to have the library in Pine River

2011-09-01T09:30:00.002-05:00

Greetings, Friends, and especially all you young people:

As summer winds down and we all prepare for autumn and winter, let us take time to reflect upon the success of our summer reading program. “One World Many Stories” ended with a pizza bowling party for those young people who finished all eight weeks of the reading program. They didn’t invite me, which is, I feel, rude, but I’m getting to an age where pizza doesn’t sit well and bowling isn’t really my game, so I guess it’s okay.

The winners of the grand prize drawing for the Summer Reading Program are: Lydia Johnson - $50 gift certificate from Alco; Carson Travis – Portable DVD Player; Rosalie Larsen – Ipod Shuffle. Congratulations, winners! Thank you everybody for participating. You are all winners!

Moving right along, school is starting. This can be really exciting for some and a downer for others. Let’s think about this a little. School is where your friends are. It is also someplace where you get to learn all sorts of cool stuff. Your library, Pine River Public Library, can help. Need reference materials? If we don’t have them on the shelves, we can get them for you. Need access to the internet for research? We have your computers. They are there for you. Missing anything? Make suggestions in writing and give them to your librarian. We are here because of YOU.

Have a wonderful year, everybody.
Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 1 Sept. 2011

My Visit to the Margaret Welch Memorial Library in Longville, MN

2011-08-11T16:23:00.002-05:00

When I arrived at the Longville Library, I found out that I was going to be part of their very last storytime of the summer. It was hard for me to wait until Thursday, but I knew it would be worth it, cuz I love books!

Storytime was really sweet because I got to sit with all the kids and listen to some great stories! Actually, I'm pictured with the kids surrounding me while the story reader holds me. After the reader was finished, we all enjoyed a tasty snack and then it was time for me to go.

I'm sure my visit to the next library will be fun too!

Until next time,

Browser

Where the Wild things are!

2011-08-04T15:47:00.002-05:00

At my Library!

Found this snake outside the library. I played with it for awhile but got bored and walked away. When I came back it was gone and I've been looking for it ever since.......

My Visit to the Blackduck Library in Blackduck MN

2011-07-30T18:00:00.006-05:00

Here in Blackduck I was able to help at the front desk with all the books!

I got to join the journaling workshop out on the outside deck of the library.

I joined the kids at the coloring table.

Of course I couldn't miss snack time!

I helped out volunteer Alex with the mancala games.

And I couldn't miss Storytime!

Volunteer Brock appreciated my help of course!

Nance and Jolene were very glad that I came to visit their small library in MN.

Off to my next adventure! Hope you're enjoying them as much as I am!

Until next time,

Browser

Kitchigami Library gets laptops for public use

2011-07-21T18:09:00.002-05:00

Hello, Friends all,

Our library – that would be Pine River Public Library – is certainly on the cutting edge of technology. Guess what we have to offer you now. Oh well. You don’t have to guess. I’ll just tell you. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has once again given our library a giant step in technology. Last year it was three touch screen computers. This year it is three laptops for in-house use! They are connected to the printer so you can, of course, print directly from them. They can be checked out for an hour at a time. Staff – the people who feed and house me – will answer your questions if you have any. You will need to leave your library card and personal ID at the desk until you return the laptop, but that is no big deal. Nobody can say our library is a day late and a dollar short.

Which comes to my next message. “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” is an amazing book by Terry McMillan, author of such books as “Waiting to Exhale” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back”. It is the story of a family headed by a matriarch with strong opinions about her grown children and what is wrong and right with each of them. Though the family as a whole may not be a reflection of your own, each of you will take away new insight into your family dynamics. That’s a promise. As the story line progresses, the point of view shifts from one family member to another, skillfully exposing knowledge and misinformation each has about the other. This is a good summer read, as it can be taken in small doses, each chapter taking only a few pages. The impact, however, is not small. Read this book. You won’t be sorry.

I remain,
Browser, the library cat

Bemidji Public Library and B.A.R.C.

2011-07-12T19:52:00.008-05:00

I really enjoyed my stay at the Bemidji Public Library, everyone is sooooo nice there! I got to hang out with famous authors of children's books, listen to a live concert by Paul Nye, watch a magic show and help out with the B.A.R.C. program. Now, even though B.A.R.C. (Bemidji Area Reading Canines) is where dogs come into the library to read with the kids...those canine cuties were so laid back and gentle they allowed me to snuggle right up with them so I could listen to the kids reading too!

I would encourage anyone traveling through Northern Minnesota to stop by the Bemidji Public Library and say hello to all of my new friends there.

Well...on to my next adventure. I'll tell you all about it soon!

Meeeoowww!
Browser

Summerfest Library Book Sale underway!

2011-06-24T12:07:00.004-05:00

Here I am helping out with the Library Booksale which is going on today. The sale runs until Sunday so if in the area stop in and say Hi!
I love my books!

Booksale is located across the street from the library next to the Catholic Church.

Look for the signs!

Friday 10am to 6pm

Saturday 10 am to 5pm

Sunday 10am to 2pm

Oh, the places I have gone! Part 1

2011-06-12T15:45:00.018-05:00

I did a little tour around my home town and I want to share my friends with you!

I stopped in at Leigh's Hair Affair to get pampered. It's right across the street from the library.
I had to make a stop at the Farmer's Market. Runs every Friday throughout the summer! This was the site of where the old library was and where I was first found!

At Griep's Jewelry you will find not just only jewelry but Mike repairs clocks and watches . You can even get your vehicle licenses here. I sometimes stick my head in through the back door. The Lotsa Stuff Store is brimming with stuff! Nettie is always there to greet you!
At Pine River Insurance, Carol always has a smile when you stop in.
I always come to the back door myself.

The Pine River Baker had donuts! Stop in and have one or two! They make wonderful cakes too!
Now if you stop at Gardiner's Hardware Hanks say hi to the boys, Beau and
Bud. Not only do they sell hardware but furniture and I just found out that they sell fishing licenses too! Mmmm fish.....

I had a seat outside Stone Woman Herbals. The smell of tea coming from inside made me thirsty!
One of the newest business in town is Jr's #19 BBQ. The place was hopping when I stop by but Ryan took some time from his bbqing to have his picture taken with me! Stop by if your coming through Pine River it's right on Barclay Ave inside Thrifty Living. It smells delicious and I'm sure it taste the same!

Of course if I visit with Ryan I have to see Nancy too at Thrifty Living. They have everything if your looking for anything! At bargain prices too!

My trip around Pine River and I still have more places to visit.

Until Next Time,

Browser

Browser crossing at the Cass Lake Library

2011-06-10T14:02:00.007-05:00

At the Cass Lake Library in Cass Lake MN, Browser got to sit and watch 5 groups of 1st graders come in and look at books. They liked having him there!

Summer Reading Program begins June 13

2011-06-09T09:20:00.003-05:00

A cheery how do you do.

What an odd phrase! How do you do what? This was the polite way to greet a total stranger in days gone by. Today it is more like “hey”. I’m not sure this makes more sense, but it is in the current common vernacular. Anyway, greetings!

It is time for the summer reading program at The Pine River Public Library. I know – or hope, anyway – that most children prefer to be outside during our short summer season, but we do have blustery days.

Also, reading before bed can be very relaxing. I know this to be true. This summer our title for our younger friends ages 5 to 12 is “One World Many Stories”. The dates are June 13th to August 6th. All of you small people who complete the entire program will be eligible for the grand prize drawing! I love drawings. Both kinds.

The older young people ages 13 to 18 will be reading under the theme “You Are Here!” Their reading dates are the same. They, too, will be eligible for the grand prize drawing if they complete the 8 week program. Need I say more? Yes! There will be an end of the summer reading program party at the Pine River Public Library for those who complete the whole program. Party? Do I get to go? Naturally. Be sure to register at the Pine River Library and be a part of something that can make your world a better place.

Speaking of worlds, my paper clone has been travelling. Grab your computer or use the library’s and log on to http://library-cat.blogspot.com/. He/I was able to go to the Indy 500 for their 100th birthday. My younger friends will be tracking these adventures during the “One World Many Stories” program.

Please note that I refuse to use terms such as “kids” and “teens”. From my vantage point you are all people of varying degrees of stature!

By the way, Author Jim Proebstle returns to Kitchigami Libraries with a new book, “Fatal Incident”. Google this and come to The Warehouse Saturday, June 11th at 2:30 to meet the author. This program like so many other really great programs is made possible with funding from the State of Minnesota Legacy Amendment, Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Thank you, Minnesota, for caring about us.

So long.
Another odd phrase. How long is it? And what is it?

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 9 June 2011

Browser visits the Walker Public Library in Walker, MN

2011-06-06T09:53:00.003-05:00

Browser makes a new friend named Clifford, and hears about all the fun stuff at the Walker Public Library from Peggy Trimble.

My last day at the Thorntown Public Library In Indiana

2011-05-31T18:45:00.009-05:00

On Friday, I completed my tour of the Thorntown Public Library. I visited the Secret Garden, which was inspired by the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Here I am visiting with the Garden Kids.

I decided it was too hot to be outside, so I decided to check out the rest of the library. They have a great big juvenile Bald Eagle. Luckily it's behind Plexiglas, so it's much safer than it looks.

I also tried my paws at Bossing the Thorntown Public Library. I wanted to see what it was like sitting at the Boss Tober/Assistant Boss Karen Command Center.

The Command Center worked really well. I declared Monday, May 30 as a Day Off and it actually happened. I finished out my day of working and visiting by running the Circulation Desk for a while. The desk is about a bazillion years old, but it looks pretty snazzy because it recently go refinished.

After the work-week was done, one of Tober's AABs took me on a special trip.

You see, the Indianapolis 500 was this past weekend. The Indy 500 is an auto race, and this year's race was pretty big deal -- the race is 100 years old! That's, like, eleventy billion in cat years! First we had to go to the store and get supplies.

They even got me some cat treats for munching during the race!

When we got there, it was very, very windy, so it was hard to get a good picture of me. The AAB and her friend held me close so I couldn't be blown away. But from my seats, I got to see the very first Indy 500 winning car go around the track, The first Indy 500 was way back in 1911, so seeing that car go around was very cool. After that we heard Jim Nabors sing, and they played Taps, and we all thought of all of the men and women who have served our country so we animals and people can enjoy the freedoms that we have. Then the cars started going around and around and around!

During the middle part of the race we got up and walked a bit, because it got very hot and I needed a break from all the noise (sensitive ears). We found some yellow shirts to take a picture with.

Yellow shirts are nice men and women who work as Safety patrol for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. They help with crowd control, help give people directions around the track, and pose for pictures with world-famous library cats.

After my big day at the race, I came back to the library to send my story home, to my Pine River Public Library friends.

I've had a fun holiday weekend in Thorntown, and at the race! Now it's off to my next stop!

Until next time, Browser!

My visit to the Thorntown Public Library

2011-05-30T20:12:00.013-05:00

I'm a little behind on my travel adventures so now trying to catch up.

My next stop is the Thorntown Public Library in Thorntown Indiana. The library is a 1914 Carnegie that was expanded in 2004.

The Staff was very excited when I arrived! At the end of the day I was placed in my "carrier" next to the Head Librarian's desk for safekeeping. I guess she didn't realized that she put me next to the trash can. Well the next morning Christine Sterle, the Head Librarian looked for me and I was nowhere to be found! She and a few of her coworkers went into a panic. Custodian Ritchie put me IN THE TRASH! Lucky for me that I was unscathed and a night out reminded me where I use to live before the Pine River Public Library gave me a home. The staff apologized profusely. Here I am pictured with Ritchie hiding behind me!

Here I got to meet Boss Tober. Like me he's a library cat! Tober was at first worried about my presence. Me being the new cat in his library, but he seemed to be coming to terms that I would only be visiting and not taking his job away from him.

While here I was made and Honorary Staff Member, since a library can't have too many cats!

If you want to hear more of my visit at Thorntown Public Library visit Tober's blog at http://www.tobersadventures.blogspot.com

Last Library in the EVPL: Oaklyn Branch

2011-05-30T19:43:00.001-05:00

Here I am finally outside at the Oaklyn Branch of EVPL. The library was built into the side of a hill.

A fine meadow of native prairie grasses and wild flowers sprouted when the new Oaklyn Branch of the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library opened in 2003.

The plants grow across the library's flat 17,250 square foot roof. Underneath 16 inches of soil, the library stays inherently cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The roof provides the ecological benefits that plants bring.

Come see this library if your in the area!

Continued Travels through EVPL: Red Bank Branch

2011-05-28T21:21:00.001-05:00

I was lucky enough to meet up with Heidi at the Red Bank Branch.

They have mice here but they won't come out to play. I wonder why?

Here's a nice map for me to look at. Have to decide where I want to go next!!!

More adventures through Indiana.......

EVPL West Branch Library in IN

2011-05-22T16:28:00.009-05:00

This is the West Branch Library of the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library.
It's an old Carnegie library.

I love this circulation desk and they are doing the same Reading Program as we are. How cool is that?

A world window map in the children's area.

Now off to some more libraries in the EVPL system.

EVPL Central Library in IN

2011-05-21T20:34:00.006-05:00

Visiting the Kids section here at the Central Library. Like being on a ship!

They have two Degus, (a small caviomorph rodent from central Chile. Sometimes referred to as the brush-tailed rat.) They are named Buttercup and Jerry.

This is a sculpture of a tree hanging from the ceiling.

At the library coffee shop called "The Cup and Chaucer Cafe" Great play on words don't you think so?

Now off to The West Branch Library......

Browser visits the North Park Branch of the Evansville Vanderburg Public Library IN

2011-05-13T12:52:00.014-05:00

I arrived at the North Park Branch of the Evansville Vanderburg Public Library. Here I got to meet Rudy the moose. He's dressed up for spring.

I got to spend the afternoon with the teens.

I got the grand tour of the library.

I hope the bear here isn't after me!

A visit with kids that came for a school tour.

Finished the day with a visit to the youth librarian, Stacy Jensen's office.

I would like to thank the North Park Branch in Evansville, IN for having me come visit their library. I had a great time.

Where to next? Maybe to your town!

Browser the library cat

Park Rapids, Dennis and the D's, and Mother's Day

2011-05-07T17:48:00.007-05:00

Dear Self (Browser),

I had a pleasant visit to the Park Rapids Library even though I spent the first day on the manager's desk (boring) because she ran off to an important meeting. She made up for it by inviting me to hear Dennis Warner and the D's in concert. Dennis and the D's are a charming group and they make wonderful music together. It was too bad the circus was in town the night of the show because I'm certain more kids would have come if it hadn't worked out that way. The audience made up for numbers with it's enthusiasm and I'm not sure how but I became an honorary member of the D's and was given center stage.

After resting up (fame makes a cat rather tired), I got to join the Friday morning story hour group. Of course, with Mother's Day right around the corner, the books were all about moms. It made me think about my dear feline mother and how she gave up her girlish figure to support my growth till birth. I also remember the endless supply of milk she provided until I was big enough to find my own food. "Meow" in your honor.

I'd better go get ready for the next leg of my travels. I'm sure there are many adventures ahead.

Browser Cat

PS Dennis Warner and the D's will be in Pine River, May 12 @ 6:30. The Warehouse, Come check them out!

Westward to Wadena

2011-05-04T18:43:00.003-05:00

I was in Wadena Friday, April 29 to listen to the Minnesota Percussion Trio with the 4th graders from Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary.

Wadena Rocks!

Spring welcomes two programs to library

2011-04-27T18:07:00.004-05:00

Smile! It's spring time. No thunder crashing yet? Well, try this next program sponsored by Minnesota Legacy for the Arts and Kitchigami Regional Library. CLICKS, CLAPS AND CLUNK! The Minnesota Percussion Trio will perform a the Life Center on Barclay on Saturday, April 30th at 3:00 pm. It is a free program for all ages.

Celebrate our warm season with this next offering from Minnesota Legacy! Mary Shideler, the Kayak Lady, will be at the Pine River Library on Saturday, May 7th at 2:30 pm. What better way to celebrate Mothers everywhere on the day before Mother's Day? Mary wrote a book about her adventures. "Mary the Kayak lady: One Woman, One Kayak,1007 Lakes." It chronicles her kayaking adventures in Itasca County over 15 years. If I were a water loving sort of feline just the title of Mary's book would have me heading for the water!

But enough about other people... Pine River Library is offering shirts with My Picture on the front! Certainly you can't do without one of those! Also, my paper clone will be traveling around the country. I (or rather my clone) set out April 21st, 2011, on my Minnesota tour. I will also be going across the USA and The World. My pictures and stories (or rather his) will be on my Blog and Facebook page. Follow the adventure!

All aboard.

Browser, the library cat
Printed in the Pine River Journal 28th April 2011

My first Travels outside of Pine River

2011-04-26T18:05:00.004-05:00

Today I visited the Brainerd Public Library. The kids had fun hearing about a real cat living at the Pine River Library. They were told the next time they are in Pine River to stop in and see me! They read books about cats in story time and had their picture taken with me afterwards. They were trying to hold up signs saying Brainerd Library loves Browser!

Thank you Brainerd Public Library for having me. Watch for my travels to other libraries.

Browser the Library Cat

Keep and eye out for Browser's One World, Many stories!

2011-04-20T18:47:00.003-05:00

My paper clone will be traveling around the country. Stay tune for pictures and stories of my adventures. Leaving the Pine River Library first thing in the morning!

Animal friendly spring tips, free musical concert April 18

2011-04-14T13:26:00.003-05:00

Happy spring, friends and neighbors and fellow library patrons. In spring a young man's fancy may turn to thoughts of love, but a bear's fancy turns to thoughts of lunch. For this reason, if you live in a wooded area, it is best to take down your bird feeders at night and make sure your trash can is tightly closed and strapped shut Another spring tip: Skunks are out in the fresh air after a long winter. they are sharing their perfume with ignorant doggies. These Doggies (and sometimes kitties, but not me!) come home and share this perfume with their families. Though there is a myth that tomato juice poured all over your pet will stifle the smell, it doesn't work all that well and is expensive and messy. Try this because it works: Mix a large bottle of peroxide with 1/4 cup of baking soda and a teaspoon of Dawn Liquid. (you might want to double this recipe if you have a large doggie.) Suds your pet. You'll notice right away that it is working. Leave this stuff on your pet for ten minutes and rinse. To make sure you get your pet's head, put a couple of drops of olive oil or corn oil in their eyes before applying to their head. This will protect their eyes.

In keeping with spring, Pine River Library is presenting a wonderful music concert. I know it is wonderful because I have heard form the children in the Pequot Lakes School when this man performed there that he was "awesome". His name is Todd Green. He is presenting a FREE Community Concert at The Warehouse in Pine River on Monday, April 18 At 7:00 pm. These FREE tickets are available at the library. We encourage you to pick up your tickets before the concert so that there is some sort of guess about how many of you will attend. Mr. Green brings with him over 30 musical instruments and 4 digital samplers. It takes him six hours to set up for this concert. You won't be disappointed.

Go outside and grow something!

Browser, the library cat Printed in the Pine River Journal 14 April 2011

We are lucky to have the library

2011-03-17T09:38:00.003-05:00

Ah, the Irish! Their special day is coming up on March 17th. The have parades and green stuff. They apparently have "luck". Ever heard of the "luck of the Irish". I, of course, have nine lives. Beat that, oh Irish friends. It was the potato famine that brought great numbers of Irish immigrants to our shores. Interestingly, in Kansas and farther south St. Patrick's Day is the day to plant potatoes.

But enough about food. Music! Let's talk about music. Northwind crossing, a quintet of northern Minnesota Musicians, will be playing for you at The Warehouse in Pine River, March 19th at 3:00pm.

Their music is primarily Irish and Scottish. This concert is, of course, brought to you by Kitchigami Regional Library in conjunction with Minnesota Library Legacy Fund. Celebrate our treasured immigrants. Come to this concert.

An additional special event sponsored by Kitchigami Regional Library and State of Minnesota Legacy Amendment and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund: King Tut exhibition at the Science Museum in St. Paul during the second half of March, free to Kitchigami Library patrons. Tickets are limited and registration is required. Contact your library for more information and to sign up. Weekday trips leaving from Bemidji and Brainerd are planned for seniors (60+) on March 18th. Saturday trips will leave from Bemidji on March 19th and April 2nd, and from Brainerd on March 19th and March 26th. From Pine River there will be a pickup stop on March 26th. A waiting list will be started for the next round of trips in April and maybe May.

Wow! While waiting for spring there is plenty for you to do, thanks to our wonderful library system.

I remain,
Browser, the library cat

PS. Don't forget to spay or neuter your pets. I'm one of the lucky ones. The library found and raised me.

Printed in the Pine River Journal 17th March 2011

Artists in residence Hart, O'Brien to host workshops

2011-02-18T09:43:00.002-06:00

If I were human, I’d want to be Irish. They even have their own day. I’d have to be black Irish. I am black.

In keeping with the coming of Saint Paddy’s day, as it is commonly called, we at the Pine River Public Library are offering a really great program. Kitchigami Regional Library in conjunction with Minnesota Arts and Heritage Fund is bringing you Erin Hart and Paddy O’Brien as “Artists in Residence”. Ms Hart has written a series of crime novels set in Ireland that revolve around archeology, forensics, history, traditional music and folklore. She will be offering a workshop called “Writing From Place: What’s in Your Site Kit?”” and will be accompanied by her husband, Paddy O’Brien, who plays button box accordion. What fun is this?

Be sure to call ahead – 218-587-4639 – and reserve a space. I already have mine. I didn’t even need to call. Ms. Hart will first give a talk and then the group break up into 2 workshops. Ever wanted to write a story about something close to home? Now’s your chance for guidance. A writer’s workshop! How great is that? And there’s more. Remember I mentioned 2 workshops? Paddy, who has been called a walking encyclopedia of Traditional Irish Music will offer an Irish music workshop during the same time period called “Sitting By The Fire: Where Irish Traditional Music Lives”. Which one to attend? I pick music. I already think of myself as a writer. Muriel will need to know which you choose. After the workshops Paddy will give us a bit of music. Mark this date and time on your calendar, and again, remember to call to reserve your place: Monday, Feb. 28th at 5:00 PM at the Pine River Library.

See you soon.
Browser, the library cat
Printed in the Pine River Journal 17th February 2011

Library offers free class, event

2011-01-20T13:49:00.002-06:00

FREE. How often to you hear this and it isn’t even true? As soon as they ask for your credit card number you begin to have doubts, don’t you? Me too, but luckily I don’t even have a credit card. I do, however, have a library card. Muriel keeps it for me behind the desk in the off chance that I would ever need to check something out of my home, the Pine River Public Library.

FREE with your library card is a class being offered at our Pine River Library teaching you to use your digital camera to do what you really want by processing your photos using Photoshop8 on the library computers and saving these fabulous results for yourself. This is funded by Minnesota Library Legacy Fund. It is truly free. We had originally planned to have this in January, but some of you forgot to call the library to sign up. Do it now! (218-587-4639).

FREE at the Warehouse Saturday January 22nd at 2pm is a visit by John Beargrease, Native American fur trader and mail carrier during the late 1800’s. John’s visit is sponsored by the Minnesota Library Legacy Fund and Kitchigami Regional Library System. Don’t miss him.

Hope to see you soon.

Browser, the library cat.

Printed in the Pine River Journal 20 January 2011

It's the season of giving

2010-12-23T11:06:00.002-06:00

Tis the season. Your Pine River Public Library has a Giving Tree with a minimum of a $25.00 donation. All donations will be used to purchase new library materials. A colored ball ornament will be placed on the giving tree with your name on it. The materials that are purchased will take up more of my bedroom space. Think I’m kidding? Every time Muriel gets in more stuff for people she takes up more shelves I can no longer use for my naps. I really don’t mind, though, sort of…

Our Christmas tree has presents for small children under it. These are the very same children who pull my ears and my tail to show their love for me. I thought they should have gifts. Bring them into the library so they can have a present.

And a gift to all of you with digital cameras who take loads of great pictures and not so great pictures and then….

In January Pine River Public Library in association with Kitchigami Regional Library and funded in part by Minnesota Library Legacy Fund is offering a FREE class. This will be digital photography and Photoshop8. The class will be in three parts. You will need your own digital camera. If you have taken holiday pictures and want to process them, so much the better. If not, we will discuss taking better pictures and making existing pictures better.

What to bring:
· Your digital camera
· Your manual if you still have it as all digital cameras are different
· The cable you use to connect your camera to the computer
· Yourself

Call Muriel at the library (218-587-4639) or your instructor, Cora Mitchell (218-692-3501) for further information and to sign up for this class. We have not decided on a day yet because we want to make this work for as many as possible time wise.

Photoshop is a really interesting and fun tool. It can be used simply to process your photos or to make them into more than the original image. Anyone with a basic knowledge of using computer software can do this. With practice you will be amazed what you can do with simple images.

Happy Holidays and happy picture taking,

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 23 December 2010

Attend Dec 11, author event at the library

2010-12-09T16:09:00.005-06:00

Friends and fellow Minnesotans,

What do coffee, cider, baked goods, and Ojibwe stories have in common? Mark an exclamation point on the date 12-11-10 on your calendar and then come to Pine River Public Library for…Coffee, cider, a bake sale and Anne Dunn, Ojibwe Storyteller. Anne is an Anishinabeg grandmother and elder storyteller. She is author of “When Beaver Was Great”, “Grandmother’s Gift”, and “Winter Thunder: Retold Tales”.

Those of you who are Ojibwe will enjoy stories of your culture. Those of us who are not – that would be me – will truly enjoy stories of a culture that was here long before we were.

Don’t miss this opportunity. I know I won’t - mostly because I live at the library, but I wouldn’t miss it anyway. That would be Saturday, Dec. 11th at 1:00pm at Pine River Public Library.

Once again this event is brought to you by Minnesota Library Legacy and Kitchigami Regional Library.

See you soon.
Browser, the library cat

PS. The bake sale proceeds will be used to help finance our new computer. If you would like to donate baked goods for this sale, please bring them to the library Friday December 10th before 3:00.

Printed in the Pine River Journal - 9 December 2010

I am so thankful

2010-11-26T13:39:00.002-06:00

I am thankful for my fine friends.
I am thankful for a warm place to sleep.
I am thankful for enough to eat.
I am thankful for time spent contemplating existence.
I am thankful for the care givers who have helped me through hard times.
I am thankful for the children.
I am thankful for the City of Pine River for allowing me to stay in residence at their Library.
I am thankful for the turkey you didn’t bring me yet, but are planning to bring.

Residents of Pine River and patrons of our wonderful Pine River Public Library, Thanksgiving is fast approaching. For what are you thankful? Many of our friends and neighbors don’t have enough to eat or enough warm clothing to help them through the winter. If each of us would remember one other person on Thanksgiving and throughout the year, imagine how much good we could do. Each community in our area has a Food Shelf. If you have no idea what to give, give a few dollars. The Food Shelf can use your gifts of money to buy in bulk and much more cheaply than you, yourselves, can. Many of our local organizations collect warm clothing for those in need. If you have good clothing that you aren’t using, donate it. Contact a Lion’s Club or social services organization in your town. They can direct you to a place where you can leave your items.

I am thankful for all who read my articles.

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 25th November 2010

Boo! Haunted Maze to benefit library

2010-10-28T09:24:00.002-05:00

Who ever decided that “boo” is what ghosts say? I've watched quite a bit of television lately and I haven’t found one single paranormal investigator record a single “boo” on his or her EMF recorder. Not one. They seem to say lots of other stuff, but not “boo”.

As a cat, I find this interesting on a whole different level. I have known very few cats that say anything close to “meow”! But I digress.

Halloween is upon us and “boo” or not, our Pine River Public Library is hosting Haunted Maze at the Wildwedge Mystery Maze next to AmericInn in Jenkins on October 29th, 30th and 31st, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Hours are 6:30PM to 8:30PM on Friday and Saturday. We’ll have a Special time on Sunday for the wee ones: 4:00 pm to 6:00pm. Then for the older kids: 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Entrance fee is $3.00 for all ages. All proceeds will go toward repaying the cost of the new library roof.

Halloween is not the end of the world, however, and on November 6th at 3:00PM at The Warehouse in Pine River, Kitchigami Regional Libraries and Pine River Public Library welcomes another renowned author through the Minnesota Legacy Authors program. Anton Treuer, on a reprise visit, “…explores the murder of the controversial Ojibwe chief who led his people through the first difficult years of dispossession by white invaders… “Chief Hole in the Day is a local historical figure. Don’t miss this talk. It is part of our local heritage.

I remain,

Browser, the library cat.

“Meow” to you.

Printed in part in the Pine River Journal 28th October 2010

Free genealogy program is Oct. 22

2010-10-14T09:41:00.001-05:00

Welcome, friends all:

As a feline, unless one has a pedigree, a family tree is nonexistent. I, for one, consider Muriel my family. I have lived at the library and, on rare occasions, at the home of friends since I was very young. I was adopted by the library. I take this for granted. People, it seems, are much more interested in their roots.

One of my human friends was recently united with her birth family. This was a big deal for her. For me it wouldn’t matter at all. With all this in mind, and because our library, though my home, was put in place for humans, Pine River Public Library is presenting a program on Genealogy. Entitled “Beginning Genealogy at Your Library” This program will take place Friday, October 22nd at 3:30PM. It is Ancestry Detectives 101. Finding your family roots is the thrust of this program. The project is funded in part or whole with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Pre-registration is required, since there is limited computer seating. I tend to occupy one of the computer chairs but will give it up for this program.

Looking ahead to my favorite holiday, Halloween, our Friends of the Pine River Library has a rare treat this year. They are sponsoring a Haunted Maze at the Wildwedge Mystery Maze next to AmericInn in Jenkins. The dates for this fun time are October 29th, 30th and 31st, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Hours are 6:30PM to 8:30PM. Entrance fee is $3.00. All proceeds will go toward repaying the cost of the new library roof.

If you need more information about the Haunted Maze, or if you need to sign up for the Genealogy session, please call the library at 218-587-4639.

I remain, your friend,

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 14th October 2010

A timeless treasure to be shared October 5th

2010-10-01T09:42:00.002-05:00

Hello, my lovely readers all,

The State of Minnesota Arts and Cultural Legacy Grant has another terrific program for you coming up on Tuesday, Oct. 5th at 6:00 PM at The Warehouse in Pine River. This time it is a portrayal of Maud Hart Lovelace (1892-1980), a well know Minnesota author, as interpreted by Laurie Johnson from the Minnesota Historical Society.

Vera Neville, author of the “Princess Diary” series says of Ms. Lovelace’s Betsy-Tacy series, “Slipping into a Betsy book is like slipping into a favorite pair of well-worn slippers. It’s always a pleasure to live in Betsy’s world for a little while…” The Betsy-Tacy series of books begins with children’s books as Betsy enters school and continues on to the end of high school years. These books, written in the 1940’s, are timeless. [They’d better be. That’s a couple of generations back for most of you and a whole lot of generations for a lowly feline like myself. ] The books are loosely autobiographical. Here’s a quote from betsy-tacysociety.org:

“In 1938 Maud began writing Betsy-Tacy, inspired by the oft-repeated stories about her childhood that she told Merian [her daughter] at bedtime. The book was wildly successful, and the rest of the series followed at a steady pace. The only pause came after Betsy and Joe, when Maud wasn't sure what to do next. Having not completed college herself, she didn't feel comfortable sending Betsy—but she could send Carney! And then after writing Emily of Deep Valley, Maud came to believe that a trip to Europe was surely as educational as going to college, so the next two books followed without a hitch. For Betsy's Wedding, Maud was especially delighted to be writing about Delos [her husband] over a period of time when she actually knew him.”

“Google” Maud Hart Lovelace and learn all about this extraordinary woman and her times. Then, come live for a while in the not so distant past and “speak” with an author well loved and long remembered.

Happy Reading!

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 30 Sept 2010

A Cat's view of the inside of the library

2010-09-15T15:26:00.003-05:00

Cat's eye view of the world

2010-09-14T14:39:00.005-05:00

Fall means back to school, musical performance

2010-09-09T09:38:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Minnesota’s perfect season, friends and neighbors. Fall colors are just around the corner. Those of you who love to grow things are harvesting the results of your summer’s hard work. School is beginning. “School” as defined by www.yourdictionary.com is “…any situation, set of circumstances, or experience through which one gains knowledge, training, or discipline…” This one of many definitions of the word would seem to include programs presented by our wonderful Pine River Public Library and the Kitchigami Regional Library System. On Tuesday, September 21st at 6:00PM at The Warehouse in Pine River, Loretta Simonet and Curtis Teague will present just such a “schooling”.

It is a program of traditional songs, period instruments and 1800’s costumes depicting the history of our Minnesota. A history lesson, as it was, presented in such a way as to make our past history come alive in a really entertaining manner.

History, after all, is about all of us. About our pasts. Sometimes, however, it can be presented in such a dry way that the eyes close and the earmuffs formerly used to keep us warm act as insulation against an endless parade of facts and dates. This is way more fun! Since School [note the capital “S”] has begun for our young people, and since many of our teenagers will soon be asked to write about our state of Minnesota, why not bring them to this program? It is a testament to the premise that history lessons can be fun.

As an aside, remember that our library has numerous books on the history of Minnesota as well as use of computers for research. Please call in advance to reserve your computer time. It will make things simpler for you and for your librarians. Your young people will need a library card in order to take books home for research and reading. This is easy. Just come with them to the library and sign them up! We are a public library. There is no fee for a card.

I remain,

Browser, the library cat

PS Free tickets for the Curtis & Loretta performance are available at the Pine River Public Library

Printed in the Pine River Journal 9 September 2010

Free orchestra concert is August 13th

2010-08-13T09:19:00.002-05:00

Friends and music lovers, all:

Our next feature brought to us by the State Of Minnesota Legacy Program is a free concert by Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, Friday, August 13th at 7:00PM at the **First Lutheran Church in Pine River. This will be preceded by a free workshop at the Pine River Library at 2:00PM the same day. The concert will present two pieces: “Appalachian Spring” by Aaron Copeland and a new piece, “Quiet Landscape” by Minnesota composer Joseph Adams. Mr. Adams will be attending the workshop. Mr. Copeland will only be attending in spirit as he died December 2, 1990. Dr. Beverly Everett, the conductor will be giving the workshop.

This brings to mind a couple of questions. Why is classical music called “classical”? It can’t be because it doesn’t involve lyrics because opera is considered classical and it has words. And what of orchestras? How are they different from bands? Number of instruments? I don’t think so, since during the “Big Band Era” bands were really big. Let us check this out in Wikipedia.org and see what they have to say…

Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 9th century to present times. The central norms of this tradition became codified between 1550 and 1900, which is known as the common practice period.

Pop music (a term that originally derives from an abbreviation of "popular") is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented towards a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple love songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes. Pop music has absorbed influences from most other forms of popular music, but as a genre is particularly associated with the rock and roll and later rock style.

Well, that seems to sort explain that difference, so on with the “orchestra” versus “band”...

An orchestra is a sizable instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The term orchestra derives from the Greek ορχήστρα, the name for the area in front of an ancient Greek stage reserved for the Greek chorus. The orchestra grew by accretion throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, but changed very little in composition during the course of the twentieth century.

A musical ensemble is a group of two or more musicians who perform instrumental or vocal music. In each musical style different norms have developed for the sizes and composition of different ensembles, and for the repertoire of songs or musical works that these ensembles perform.

This explanation isn’t quite as clear. I think perhaps the major difference between “orchestra” and “band” is that the one plays classical music while the other plays primarily pop music. Even this isn’t exact because I am relatively certain there are orchestral versions of, for example, Beatles music. Perhaps it hinges on orchestras playing an infinite variety of pieces while a band generally plays a particular repertoire???

Think about it and perhaps if you attend the workshop you could ask Mr. Adams or Dr. Everett. They might know.

**At the last minute the Concert had to be moved to the Mildred Bible Chapel, 4 Miles N of Pine River on HWY 371. Still @ 7 pm. If you do come to the First Lutheran church there will be a charter bus @ 6:45 to take anyone to Mildred.

Questions please call the library at 587-4639.

Happy trails.
Browser, the library cat.

Printed in the Pine River Journal August 12th 2010 without update about the concert location change.

A small town story about kindness

2010-07-08T09:41:00.003-05:00

Stories of good and evil appear throughout history. In this age of extreme evil, however, comes a little story that could only happen in small town America. It is not so much a story of good and evil as a story of sadness and joy.

A few weeks ago in our Pine River Library there was a large Peace Lily plant, resplendent with blooms. It was looked upon with pride and joy by all who visited our library and especially by Muriel, our Branch Manager. It seems, however, that these flowers were not loved by all. On a weekend a couple of weeks ago, all the flowers mysteriously disappeared. Mystified and somewhat miffed, Muriel began asking everyone she encountered who would whack off all those lovely blooms. The answer did eventually come, but the plant remained naked of its blooms.

Time passed and on a sunny afternoon last week Muriel began receiving at the library silk Peace Lily flowers. Each was labeled with the phrase “Please Return to the Pine River Library”.

Curious, Muriel began asking the delivery persons about their offerings. A story developed. It seems that a young woman, apparently with two small children in tow, was walking about Pine River carrying two bags, each marked with “Help Cheer Up Muriel”.

In these bags were many silk Peace Lily flowers, each with their label.

The woman handed these blooms to individuals on the street.

When she at last became tired she placed her offerings in flower boxes and other places of high visibility about our small town. She was giving back where someone else took away. Her identity is not known. She has brought a smile to our faces.

We give a heartfelt THANK YOU!

By Browser the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 8 July 2010

Author Jim Proebstle at Pine River Public Library June 19

2010-06-17T09:40:00.002-05:00

Welcome Readers.

We have another thrilling author visit scheduled for this month thanks to Kitchigami Regional Library made possible by the State of Minnesota Legacy Fund to preserve arts and cultural heritage. This time it is author Jim Proebstle, visiting our Pine River Public Library on June 19th at 11:00AM. Seating will be limited for this author talk, so please call our library at 218-587-4639 for availability.

Proebstle’s first novel set in northern Minnesota, “Absence of Honor” and published August 1, 2008, received a five star rating by reader reviews on Amazon.com. “Jim Proebstle has experienced northern Minnesota his entire life. He and his wife, Carole, now call it home for the warmer months. His love for the wilderness setting, fascination with Native American reservation life and continued corruption amid escalating casino profits fueled his imagination for In the Absence of Honor. Jim draws on his knowledge of the area and its history to weave a page-turning story with origins dating back 200 years and outcomes that could appear in tomorrow's newspaper.” (amazon.com biography)

He has recently completed his second novel, this time about his uncle who was a pilot during WWII.

Speaking of books, our book sale is scheduled for June 25, 26 and 27. We are, as always, looking for volunteers to help with the sale. It is, friends and neighbors, a swell way to have an inside track on the books in the sale. Also, the Library Board will be having an ice cream social on Saturday June 26th at the library to help raise matching funds for the Gates computer grant. I plan to attend. So should you.

Until next time I remain,
Browser, the library cat.

Printed in the Pine River Journal 17 June 2010

Summer reading program starting up at library

2010-06-09T17:13:00.002-05:00

“The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1797-98:
Day after day, day after day,
We stuck, nor breath nor motion;
As idle as a painted ship
Upon a painted ocean.

Water, water, everywhere,
And all the boards did shrink;
Water, water, everywhere,
Nor any drop to drink.

And why, you may ask, do I quote Coleridge? Notice this theme:

1. Life Jackets are again available for check-out at the Pine River Public Library

2. Summer reading program for 5 – 12 year olds = Make a Splash at your library

3. Teen summer reading program = Make Waves at your Library.

4. Kick off of this program is “A Splash of Magic” performed by Robert Holbrook on Friday, June 11 at 1:00PM. This is also open to the public but we encourage children to sign up.

The children’s and teens’ reading programs begin June 14 and run through August 7th. Sign up begins June 7th. Information packets are available at our library at that time. Additionally, activities days will be held from 1 – 2:30 on certain days during the week and advance sign-up is required. All this information will be given out when the young people register.

And then there is the book sale. It will be scheduled for the end of June. We are looking for donations. We are only moderately selective. Everything except “Readers Digest Condensed Books”, old text books, and encyclopedias will be accepted with open arms and cheers of thanks. Well, maybe not this last, but we could certainly use your donations.

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 3 June 2010

2010-05-27T09:41:00.002-05:00

Hello Legacy fans. Browser here.
Our wonderful state of Minnesota in conjunction with Kitchigami Regional Library is once again bringing you a program you won’t want to miss. “What is the subject this time?” you ask. “Ojibwe in Minnesota” published by Minnesota Historical Society Press.

I’ve always wondered about the Ojibwe people. Many of their ancestors still live in our area.

Our streets and lakes are named with words from their language.

Who are these people? Find out Monday May 24th at 6:30PM at the Life Center on Barclay Ave in Pine River.

The author, Anton Treuer, has been studying and writing about the Ojibwe people for many years. Here is his educational background in Minnesota:

Education: University of Minnesota
Ph.D. : History, September 1997
Dissertation: The Assassination of Hole in the Day
M.A. : History, July 1994
Thesis: Ojibwe-Dakota Relations:Diplomacy, War and Social Union, 1679-1862
GPA: 4.0/4.0
Fields: Ojibwe, Native American, United States, Canadian, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Fellowships: MacArthur, Institute for the Study of World Politics, Experienced Faculty Development
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

We are told that this man of letters is a very good speaker. His topic is pertinent to us all. I think you would be cheating yourself if you did not attend. It’s a question of knowing your neighbors!

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal May 20th, 2010

Two exciting events coming to Library

2010-04-23T10:07:00.002-05:00

Welcome Readers,

Because there is a lot of ground to cover [excuse the pun], I will briefly touch on each topic and leave it to you to search further. ..

Earth Day is April 22. The evolution of this event, which began in 1970 appears in an article written by Senator Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day. See earthday.envirolink.org/history for Senator Nelson’s article. This year is the 40th anniversary for those of you who aren’t solid in math. The purpose? Making our earth a better place for all of us by preserving our planet. I, for one contribute on a daily basis by depositing only bio-degradable products on the ground. Something that simple is so important in making our planet a better place, returning it to its pristine form prior to you guys – people. A local girl scout troop will have a display at our Pine River Public Library which will focus on recycled materials. It will be displayed until the end of April.

The next program sponsored by Kitchigami Regional Library made possible by the State of Minnesota Legacy Fund to preserve arts and cultural heritage, will be Saturday May 1st at 3:00 PM at The Warehouse in Pine River. So far I don’t think any of us have been disappointed by any of these programs. This one promises to be hugely interesting. Barbara W. Sommer, a Minnesota native and oral historian for more than 30 years (www.barbarawsommer.com) will speak to us about her book, “Hard Work and a Good Deal: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Minnesota” This is hugely timely. It is about a time in our history when jobs were scarce and people were going hungry and what one state – our state - did to help its people. Don’t miss this program. The CCC provided more than 77,000 people with jobs during the dark days at the height of The Great Depression.

Keep on keeping on.
Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 22 April 2010

Library Fund Raiser and Free Concert coming to Pine River

2010-03-06T17:23:00.006-06:00

a) WINE
b) BEER
c) FOOD
d) LIBRARY
e) NONE OF THE ABOVE

Which of these items is not like the others?

The answer is e)! Pine River Public Library's Friends of the Library Foundation is once again having their annual Wine and Beer tasting Fund Raiser! This means an evening of tasting wines and beers brought to you by Ultimate Liquors in Pine River and wonderful Hors d' oeuvres provided by Lakes Latte' in Pequot Lakes.

This is being held once again at AmericInn Lodge and Suites in Jenkins.
The date is Saturday, March 13th from 6 - 8 PM.

AmericInn is offering special room rates for this event, so stay afterwards and enjoy a mini-vacation. (Let them know you are attending the Library
Wine Tasting when booking.)

There will also be a Silent Auction, which is always fun. Currently we are still accepting offerings for this auction. Your business card will be displayed with your item.

The cost of admission is $15.00 in advance at the Pine River Library, Ultimate Liquors and Lottsa Stuff Store in Pine River. Tickets at the door will be $17.00 and Friends of the Library will receive $2.00 off the ticket price.

And as if that wasn't enough, Kitchigami Regional Library System in conjunction with a Legacy Grant from the State of Minnesota is presenting system-wide concerts by Elsa Korenne. She will appear in Pine River a the Life Center on Barclay Ave on Monday evening March 8th at 6:30. Ms, Korenne was originally Commissioned by Minnesota to perform in the State's 150th birthday celebration, Minnesota's Ordinarily Unsung.

"Elisa Korenne now lives in New York Mills but has been performing her original songs at concerts and festivals around the world for over 10 years..."

Thank you, my library, for making our town a better place to live.

Browser, the library cat

READ THIS ! It's good for you

2010-02-26T10:39:00.003-06:00

Having attended some of the elucidating programs sponsored by Kitchigami Regional Library made possible by the State of Minnesota Legacy Fund to preserve arts and cultural heritage, I was utterly stunned to discover that no one in the group who attended had read about the program in the paper. This can mean only one of two things. Either no one is reading this column, in which case what’s the point, or no one who reads the column is taking advantage of this incredible opportunity to visit with writers and other talents from here in Minnesota . Do you honestly think all other states and communities offer this kind of privilege? Not so much.

The next program being offered is a meeting and presentation by Bemidji author Kent Nerburn, author of twelve books on spirituality and Native themes, especially Native Americans of the northern plains tribes. This program will be presented in Pine River at The Warehouse Saturday, February 27th at 3:00 PM. This author is extremely popular and well known. Having glimpsed his ratings on amazon.com, I found nearly all were five stars. Don’t miss this program. I don’t think you’ll be sorry. Besides, it’s winter. Go forth and learn stuff. Cabin fever is bad for you.

As an aside, I will be giving out Valentines for the whole month to those from whom I receive these cherished offerings of affection. My Valentine box is sitting on the front desk for all to see. Also, there will be some remodeling taking place in my home at the Pine River Public Library. Once again The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will be granting our library some new computers – three to be exact – for public use. They will arrive in March. A grant is not the same as a gift. Well, it is in a way. It is like the Valentines.

I’ll give you one and you give me one. The only difference, other than the obvious, is that all benefits stay in our library. I give you one, you give you one. We must give ourselves the same amount that the foundation is giving us. We are still seeking donations to match the foundation’s offering. Give generously. We are the ones who benefit.

Browser, the library cat

A Taste of History comes to Pine River

2010-02-04T16:43:00.002-06:00

Welcome, mes amis!

Today we are excited to announce that a Minnesota History Player program is being presented here in our beautiful Pine River. This program is being brought to Kitchigami Regional Library residents through the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Grant funds. What a marvelous thing!

A fur trader from the beginning of the nineteenth century will be visiting with us. No, he is not speaking from the grave, nor is he really old. This will be a presentation of the life and times of George Nelson enacted by a history player using props, artifacts and costumes. It will be as if you are visiting with George, himself. How amazing is that?

“On May 3 in the town of Lachine near Montreal, Canada, George climbed into a 36-foot, 600-pound canoe loaded with trade goods, food, and other supplies. He watched a dozen men called voyageurs take their places in the big Montreal canoes—five paddlers on each side, a steersman standing in the stern, another man at the bow to guide the canoe. George's fellow passengers most likely included a Scottish clerk and fur-company agents from London or Montreal.

"George's canoe and five others pushed off for Lake Superior. Ashore, people waved and called out goodbyes. Then the travelers heard only the splash and spray of the paddles and the silent forests along the Ottawa River.

"Meanwhile, in the wilderness to the west, fur traders at trading posts bundled the pelts they had acquired during the winter and loaded them into birch-bark canoes. Then the traders and their voyageurs pushed their 25-foot, 300-pound canoes into ice-cold streams and set out for Lake Superior. Ojibwe Indians also traveled to the big lake, which they called Gichi Gami, where they traded furs and canoes for goods. All the travelers were bound for the same meeting place—Grand Portage—for a summer rendezvous.” www.dnr.mn.gov Thus begins George’s amazing adventure. George was fifteen at the time.

Come to The Life Center on Barclay Avenue, Pine River, Monday February
8th at 6:00PM and meet George and ask him about his amazing adventures.

This program could be great fun for some of my younger friends.

This is a very busy month for our library sponsored programs. It is a wonderful time of year to have something really interesting to do! Here is yet another treat for you:

Pequot Lakes author Candace Simar will visit Pine River at the Warehouse on Saturday, February 13th at 3pm. Candace admits that Minnesota history is one of her passions. A life-long Minnesotan and grandchild of Scandinavian immigrants, she daydreamed growing up about life in the earliest days of Minnesota, and wondered how historic events impacted the lives of ordinary people. While researching family history, she learned about the 1862 Sioux Uprising, and that her great-grand father drove the stagecoach from St. Cloud to Fort Abercrombie in the years after the Uprising. She became entranced with the idea of what he might have experienced had he arrived in Minnesota one year earlier. Her book, Abercrombie Trail, is the story of Evan Jacobson, the story that might have been her grandfather’s.

Abercrombie Trail, published by North Star Press in June 2009, is the first novel in a series of three. Candace enjoyed searching museums, poring through newspapers, letters and records, and then weaving family history around what she found. It took her 8 years to research and write her three novels. Candace says that seeing her book in print is like “a dream come true,” and also a lesson in perseverance. Candace is currently working on a collection of poetry with her sister, Angela Foster.

Candace Simar’s author visits are part of the Kitchigami Reads/Kitchigami Writes project, made possible with funding from the State of Minnesota Legacy Fund to preserve arts and cultural heritage. Free Tickets available at the Pine River Public Library

Happy trails, my fine friends.
Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 4 February 2010

Redefine your New Year's resolutions

2010-01-30T08:21:00.004-06:00

Welcome, Friends all,

Browser, here. Happy New Year. You have now had time to digest the foolishness of you New Years resolutions. The typical list might be something like this:

1. Read"War and Peace"
2. Lose 25 pounds in the next month
3. Visit a nursing home every Sunday afternoon
4. Go to the gym everyday
5. Be nice to my sister

I have a suggestion...

1. Read one new author in the next year
2. Don't gain any more weight
3. Smile at my neighbor even if you don't especially like him/her
4. Go for a walk or go to the gym once a week
5. Be nice to my sister

My personal list involves more like taking a nap every single day and not biting anybody. Do-able.

How is your reading coming along? It's winter. Time to read. "Snow Time to Read", our adult reading program, is in full swing. You have until March 31 to read 15 books. That is do-able. You'll need to remember to write them down on a sheet provided for you at our Pine River Public Library. Having done that, you will receive a "Snow Time to Read" mug. Drink coffee from it or lemonade or pour wax in it and make a library candle or fill it with M&M's Mugs are good. Reading is also good.

What else are you doing to make winter fun? Fishing? Ice fishing? I personally love fish, though I don't ice fish, but you might. In keeping with this theme, a program is being presented on January 30 at 4:00PM at the Warehouse in Pine River. Greg Breining, Minnesota author of many outdoor books, will be discussing his book "A Hard-Water World: Ice Fishing and Why We Do It". This book was written in conjunction with photographer Layne Kennedy and was nominated for a Minnesota Book Award. Here is what Greg says about his writings:

"My articles and essays about travel, science, and nature have appeared in The New York Times, Audubon, National Geographic Traveler, Islands, and many other publications. I've traveled to the Gobi Desert to find the Przewalski's horse, the arctic plains of Ellesmere Island to count musk ox and wolves, and the caverns of southern Minnesota where an iconoclastic spelunker uses explosives to discover and explore new caves."

He sounds like a very interesting person and I think all of you, men and women alike, will certainly enjoy visiting with this author. This program is funded by The State of Minnesota Legacy Amendment. Visit Pine River Library and receive two free tickets with your valid library card.

Your library is here for you. Without you there would be no library.

Browser, the library cat.

Printed in the Pine River Journal, 28th January 2010

PS The Author talk has been moved to the Pine River Library, same time and date.

Please treat the library books gently

2009-12-28T11:01:00.002-06:00

Happiest of holiday seasons, friends, one and all.

Today I wish to address an issue that has arisen at our beloved Pine River Public Library. At least it’s my beloved Library. It is, after all, my home sweet home. In this age of disposable diapers, packaged meals, canned tire repair kits, throw away pens and the lot, it is sometimes difficult to understand that our books at Pine River Library are not disposable. They are not a one hit wonder. They are there for large numbers of patrons like yourselves to read and enjoy.

Here is what has been happening. People have been placing their books face down, marking their place, thus breaking the binding. They have been stretching the paperback books so they will lie flatter, thus breaking the binding. They have been dining while reading without benefit of napkin. They have been turning down pages to better mark their place.

Think of it this way… Suppose a large neighborhood was sharing a lawn mower. Everybody gets to use it for free. What if one person neglects to check the oil and damages the motor? What if somebody else mows right over large decorative rocks in their yard thus chipping the blade? What if somebody else leaves this gift out in the rain and it gets water in the gas or it rusts from exposure?

Our books are a gift. We should treat them with the respect they deserve and with a mind to others who also wish to enjoy this gift. The library has numerous book marks available if you need one. A Kleenex will also work, or a paper napkin, or the grocery list that is already filled.

You wouldn’t break the gift lawn mower. Don’t break the gift books. By the way, if you receive a book that is already damaged or losing its pages, please inform the librarians so that they can have it repaired or replaced.

Thank you for your attention.

Browser, the library cat

PS. The Pine River Library will be taking food donations for the local food shelf all winter. Please be generous and give.

Printed in the Pine River Journal 24 December 2009

Here's holiday ideas to battle the blues

2009-12-16T14:38:00.003-06:00

Dear Readers,

Normally during this season of holiday festivities I write about origins of winter festivals. Or I write about Santa. Or I write about short days and lighted nights. This year, however, I would like to address holiday blues.

For those of us who live alone the holiday season is not a perky time. It is a time of wondering what all the fuss is about. It is a time of mourning, on some level. Mourning the loss of sunshine. Mourning the loss of loved ones who once shared the season. Mourning the feeling of joy at giving the right gift or being surprised by someone bestowing on us some thoughtful present.

Fellow mourners, I have some suggestions.

1. Read a holiday inspired book. There are many at our Pine River Public Library. 3602 in all throughout the Kitchigami system with a “Christmas” theme. Some are fiction, some non-fiction. 1351 about winter solstice. 81 specifically about Hanukkah.

2. Take a drive after supper and enjoy the holiday lights. I can’t do that, being a cat, but you can, most of you. If you can’t, find a friend to take you or hire a taxi.

3. Buy a simple gift (a pair of socks will do very well), wrap it, and give it to a random stranger or visit a senior residence and bestow your gift upon an elderly person who is also alone. If you are shy, you needn’t stay for a long visit. The simple gesture will help cheer you and one other person.

4. Watch sentimental holiday movies on television. The nice thing about these is that the ending is nearly always happy. Light candles when you do in keeping with the holiday mood.

5. If baking isn’t your thing – it isn’t mine – then purchase some treat that you would not normally invite into your kitchen. You deserve it!

6. If baking is your thing, make cookies. (Try a new recipe from the many cookbooks at the library.) Bake loads of them. With sprinkles. Red and green ones. Take some to the neighbors or to your barber or hair dresser or…dare I say it?...the library.

7. If you go out to eat rather than cook at home, tip heavily. It’s the holidays. You are making another person smile and feeling the good feeling of giving at the same time. Waiting on tables can be dreary business, don’t forget. A surprise of appreciation is a wonderful thing.

8. Do you frequent coffee shops or taverns? Buy someone a beverage and include the phrase, “happy holidays”.

9. Even if you don’t normally go to church, this season is a wonderful time to go forth and visit a church in your neighborhood. It really doesn’t matter the denomination. Check the listing in “The Pine River Journal” or “The Echo”. There will probably be mention of holiday services. Many of these may include singing of carols. Not a singer? This is a good time to start, or just to listen.

10. Think of me! Alone in the library, sequestered because of the cold outside, I indulge in playing with the gifts under the tree. How fun is that?!

Happy Holidays!

Browser the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 7th Dec 2009

Minnesota Crime Wave Coming to Pine River

2009-10-22T09:54:00.004-05:00

PINE RIVER LIBRARY PRESENTS

Minnesota Crime Wave

MN Authors: William Krueger, Carl Brookins, and Ellen Hart

Book Signing Following the Program

Where: The Warehouse 307 Norway Ave, Pine River

Date & time: October 30th at 7pm

The Minnesota Crime Wave author Visits are part of the Kitchigami Reads/ Kitchigami Writes project, made possible with funding from the Minnesota Legacy Arts Fund.

Tickets are free but seating is limited.

Visit the Pine River Public Library to get two free tickets with your valid library card

October is cat month at the library

2009-10-15T09:44:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends, all,

There are no hyperboles great enough for me to express my enthusiasm for this event. October! That would be the entire month of October. It is, at the Pine River Public Library, CAT MONTH! Of course it is. Naturally it is. We all knew there must be a whole month dedicated to felines. We were, however, unaware that it would be October, but it is so obvious. To someone. Not to me, but who cares? I knew I was important, but an entire month? (Next time we'll shoot for two months, then six, and so forth.)

At this juncture I would like to interject a public responsibility message. Please have your pets spayed or neutered. It is important. I am one of the lucky ones. I was a stray and the library adopted me. Others are not so lucky. Enough said. On to cheerier topics:

"What, you may ask, is the Pine River Library doing to celebrate this most important event?" Funny you should ask that. We would love for you to bring pictures of your cats to the library so that we might post them on the bulletin board. I'm certain that there are many of you who have furry friends you would love to share on our "Friends of Browser" display. Let us make it a goal that we cover the entire space with pictures! As an aside, the library has been contacted by "Cat Fancy Magazine", a monthly publication dedicated entirely to cats and cat stuff. I have no idea whether I will appear in said publication, but at least they thought of me, a library cat of extreme beauty and cunning.

If you would like to take a moment in your reading and/or listening to dedicate a little time to cats, the Kitchigami Regional Library online catalog lists 1937 entries using the keyword "cat". I hope that within that narrow spectrum there might be something for almost everyone.

On to Halloween, a holiday I think of as "Black Cat Day".

This year we will not be having a Haunted House. I'm sad, but I am not usually allowed to attend. There will be a small celebration at The Pine River Public Library, but I have a suggestion. Nobody ever listens to me anyway, so I am able to express myself freely without fear of retribution! Since Halloween happens during cat month, why not bring your resident black cat a treat for Halloween? I feel this is a splendid idea.

Happy October to me! And many happy days to you.

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 8 October 2009

Nope, it's just a roof

2009-08-13T14:52:00.006-05:00

Browser is on vacation this week so I thought I would fill in with the news.

As most can see the new roof is on the library. I've had a lot of questions if we have a second floor here.

Well No! We just put a roof on the library. It was an odd shaped flat roof where it was low on the west and east side and high in the middle.

To be able to get a peaked roof we had the have the walls all the same size, this is where the so call extra room came from. There is no storage up there, just A Roof.

There is also the question about "the door to nowhere."

That door on the west side of the building is for access to the Roof area for maintenance of the Furnaces. Yes two of them on the Roof.

I hope this explains why it looks like we have more space but really don't.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Muriel / Branch Manager filling in for Browser the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 13 August 2009

Attention patrons: under construction!

2009-07-09T09:38:00.002-05:00

No, the patrons are not under construction. Rather our library is under construction.

This is, of course, temporary.

Temporary is a relative term. With luck my life span will be something close to twenty years. People, I am told, live a lot longer than that as a rule.

Temporary for people could mean several years.

This, however, is not the case here. Our nooks and crannies are closed to the public (That would be you.) right now.

That would be the two rooms at the end of the hall that have the sinks and little booths.

Bathrooms, they are called, though I have never seen anyone, person or feline, bathe in either of these rooms.

They are not useable right now. Soon. Very soon. But not now.

Also the book drop is temporarily indisposed. For the time being you will need to bring your books and tapes and CD’s and DVD’s inside the library to return them.

We are sorry about that, since we realize that it is not always convenient to come to the library during the hours we are open.

For your information, our current hours are as follows:

Hours:effective January 2009

Sun Closed
Mon 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tue 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wed 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thu 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fri 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sat 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Thank you. See you soon, I hope.

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 9 July 2009

Time to plan for a Summer of Reading

2009-06-18T09:51:00.003-05:00

Greetings and salutations and flowers and warm winds and boats and picnics and all the good things that happen when the sun is high in the heavens:

Although we are still a couple of weeks away from the summer solstice (June 21st, the longest day of the year), the season that I like to call “planning season” is upon us. This season generally begins as soon as the leaves appear on the trees. Living as we do in a northern clime, summer is foreshortened making it important to make the most of each “warm” day. By planning, we can cram as much as possible into this short but glorious season. (In North Dakota they call the seasons June, July, August, and winter…)

The term solstice can also be used in a wider sense, as the date (day) when this occurs. The solstices, together with the equinoxes, are connected with the seasons. In some cultures they are considered to start or separate the seasons while in others they fall in the middle. The English expressions "midwinter" (winter solstice) and "midsummer" (summer solstice) may derive from a tradition according to which there were only two seasons: winter and summer. (Wikipedia.org)

Taken in the English sense, summer has arrived and we had better make haste to enjoy it as long as we can. Here is what the library has for you:

The Summer Library Program at Pine River Public Library:

“Be Creative at Your Library” is the theme for the summer reading this year. How fun is that? Sign up at this writing was last week, the first week in June. Go sign up because the program officially starts June 8th and will run through August 1st.

Kids (This is not baby goats, though that would be fun as well.) program is for ages 5 to 12.

Thursday is activities day only for those participating in the reading program.

Teens program is for young adults (I refuse to call all of you “kids”. In days gone by you would be “young ladies and gentlemen”. Let us hope that you are still.) ages 13 to 18. This program spans the same dates as above. There will be special programs for the teen group.

Once again the library will be doing a “Mystery at the Library” for those participating in the reading program.

Construction on the new roof is moving right along. The hope is that this will not interfere with our reading programs, but if so, there is a plan “B”. Some programs might need to be held off site at Kitchigami Regional Library. (This is the headquarters for all the libraries in our region, not a lending library. It is, however, also located in Pine River. To some of you this may sound idiotically simplistic, but to others it may be illuminating.)

Be creative and enjoy our library at the same time! Who could ask for more?

I remain,
Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 11th June 2009

Write letters showing your support for Browser

2009-04-16T09:46:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends and Readers,

Because I love visiting with you so much and I know that you love visiting with me as well, would you please write a few quick notes to the newspaper expressing your fondness for moi. (That would be French for “me”.)

I could go on and on in French, but I’d have to study a little first and I wanted to invite your support post haste. (That would be Latin…)Being multi-lingual can be such a trial… Plain old American English would be just dandy in your notes to the paper and to Pine River City Council.

I, much like Dewey, was rescued from certain demise from the streets of Pine River and lovingly raised first in our old library building which is now a quilt shop and coffee house, then in our elegant new building that needs a new roof. I care not at all about the roof. Muriel seems to, so I try to support her in any way I can, having been fed by her for many years.

Muriel tells me there are some who visit the library exclusively to visit with me. No other reason necessary. I doubt this not at all. I am, after all, a fine fellow. Here are some anecdotes about library cats that may inspire your writings…

This is how Spenser, Iowa (population 11,317) responded to an errant kitten found in the book drop of their public library:
“Shortly after the kitten’s rescue, city officials approved the library’s cat-in-residence and a photo of the city’s “new employee” sitting on the card catalog appeared in The Daily Reporter in Spencer. Residents were invited to help name the kitty and 394 cast ballots.” That would be the famous Dewey. www.americanprofile.com

According to findings on www.ironfrog.com dated September 21, 2007, worldwide there are 744 known library cats, 608 of them in the United States. (I certainly hope they counted me!) I thought I was rarer than that, but apparently not. Some of these are former residents, but the current figures for that same year still list 214 as current in the United States. That would be 4.28 per state. I doubt any of these felines are split, so obviously some states have more than others.

Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia (est. 1836) features their library cat on their website (www.wesleyancollege.edu):

“The Wesleyan community mourns the loss of Squeakers, the Willet Memorial Library Cat-in-residence, who passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2008. If you've visited our library at any time between 1985 and 2008, no doubt you met her personally.”

Library cats are historically relevant. ” Did you know that library cats date back to the days when Monks kept cats in their libraries to save the books from being eaten by rats?” (www.alibrarycat.com) There are no rats in the Pine River Public Library. I have made sure of that.

Please help me tell the world (or at least the immediate vicinity) that I am a steadfast member of the community. Write letters. Tell a friend. Come give me a pat and a word of encouragement.

Sincerely, as always,

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 16th April 2009

April is National Poetry Month

2009-03-19T15:50:00.005-05:00

Roses are pink, violets are white
I am not a poet, try as I might.

Or how about this… A rose by any other name might be a turnip.

April is national poetry month. Write a poem. Bring it to Pine River Public Library, my home. Our vast staff will read the poems – keep them relatively short, by the way – and we will endeavor to publish some of them in my column! How great is that? I just thought of it. Muriel doesn’t even know yet. She’ll guess when she gets the rough draft of this epistle. Be sure to put your name on your poem and your age might be nice as well. We’ll post some on the board in the library, so make sure we can read them.

March is half gone. Bring a can of food with your poem or your return books. I would suggest not dropping any food down the book drop. You might squish a DVD.

Bonjour mes amis,
Browser here with a rousing bit of news. First, let me just say that the word for today is “issue”. This is a tricky word. It can be a noun or a verb. “The Merriam-Webster Dictionary” gives some of the following definitions:
· Egress
· Emergence
· Exit
· Outlet
· Vent
· Offspring
· Outcome
· Point of debate
· The act of officially giving out or printing

This last is the one about which I am writing today. Though I feel I am the king of Pine River, I am apparently mistaken. I did think it a bit odd that there were very few furry friends roaming the streets of our fair city. It seems that I must be restrained – not literarily, of course, but literally. I therefore appeal to you, my dear readers, for your assistance. I must be walked. On a leash! Who knew? Muriel has asked me to publish a request for volunteers who would be willing to “take the air” with me, as the British say. A brisk walk would be peachy. The more volunteers the better. Call Muriel at the library if you would be willing to take a stroll with a feline in tow.

Additionally, does any fine friend have an enclosure of some kind – a tent, a screened something or other – that you would be willing to loan the library to place outside so that I may be allowed out of doors without straying afield?

The time frame of this “loan” is a bit sketchy at this point. When the construction on our roof is completed there should be a sunny space for me to take the air without need of a temporary structure.

I know our parents taught us “neither a borrower nor a lender be”, but at this point I am in a bit of a bind. Besides that, it is the point of a library is it not? Borrowing and lending? So lend me your attention and any time you may have for a stroll, please, and if you or a neighbor has some sort of outdoor enclosure you would be willing to install at the library for the time being, that would be great as well.

That is the issue at hand.
I remain,
Browser, the library cat

P.S. Oops! I forgot. I mustn’t leave the premises of the library without my leash. It may take some time for me to remember this last bit, so I leave it up to you not to let me out accidentally.

Printed in the Pine River Journal 19 March 2009

Wine Tasting to benefit library

2009-02-26T09:27:00.002-06:00

Bonjour, Friends:

The Friends of the Pine River Library Foundation will be having a Wine Tasting and Silent Auction Saturday, March 7th at the AmericInn Lodge and Suites south of Jenkins.

Of course this made me curious. I wondered what it takes to become a wine taster. Do you just taste a bunch of wine and voila you are a wine taster? There are many theories on the subject, one of which includes tasting upwards of 500 wines per year and taking copious notes. One has to wonder about those notes after all that wine. What does “copious” mean, anyway, inebriated? From the website yedda.com I stumbled onto this paragraph written by somebody who apparently knows the answer to my searing question:

“I am a taster at several competitions and I also sell wine wholesale. There are only a handful of professional tasters in the world, and most of them make their living by tasting and rating wines and publishing their notes and scores. (James Laube, Robert Parker, Anthony Dias Blue, Michael Broadbent, etc.) Their careers are in the wine PUBLISHING business, so in addition to being extremely knowledgeable about wine also requires the same career track and skills as any professional writer.”

Maybe there is a simpler way. Why don’t you just go to the Wine Tasting and try a few of the wines being offered and see what you like. Did you know, by the way, that there are at least nineteen wineries in Minnesota? Visit this website and find out more: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/food/minnesotagrown. I was a bit shocked myself. I view Minnesota as more of a beer state. Speaking of which, there will be specialty beers served as well.

Lakes Latte will be making Hors d’oeuvres. I knew it, I knew it. Yes, Browser, there will be food.

Oh, and an auction. I do so love auctions. I have a close friend who sports a bumper sticker to that affect.

Proceeds from this silent auction will go to the Pine River Public Library roof repair fund! I love this fund because it means my ceiling won’t fall in. They are beginning, I am told, this coming summer. It would be best if they finished this coming summer…

Tickets will be available during February at the Pine River Public Library. Call Muriel at the library for more information. The number there is 587-4639. The advance tickets are $15, while tickets at the door will be $17.

Aren’t you tired of staying at home? I know I am. “Cabin fever”! Taste a little wine. You’ll feel ever so much better.

I remain your fun loving friend,

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 26 Feb. 2009

The amazing age of electronics

2009-02-07T20:07:00.003-06:00

Greetings and salutations, friends all:

I am considerably tempted to begin this particular column with something that sounds like an ad for “Charles Schwab”. Something like this: “During these troubled times…”. However, as a feline I have no immediate understanding of what “troubled times” are other than what I see on television. (Yes, I watch television occasionally.)In order to truly “grok” this situation I shall break it down to the lowest common denominator. Bet you are wondering what “grok” means. It is a made up word from Robert A Heinlein’s 1960’s classic science fiction novel, “Stranger in a Strange Land”, available in our krls.org catalog. (Read it. It’s great.) This word means to fully understand something to the point of becoming it.

But I digress. “…lowest common denominator.” Food. If finance becomes so convoluted that the library can no longer afford to feed me, that would be troubling indeed, especially to me! Why am I, a mere library cat, discussing high (or low) finance? Because “Value Line” is now available on-line to our patrons from home with the use of your library card. “Value Line” publishes more than a dozen print and electronic products for timely information on stocks, mutual funds, options, convertibles, etc. This particular service was once only available in book form, and then only at the Brainerd Library, part of the Kitchigami Regional Library system. My guess, though I don’t know for sure, is that it was at that time for in-house use only, as the book cost over $200 and needed to be constantly updated. Imagine! Times may be troubled on some level, but on so many others they are simply marvelous.

The age of electronics is so amazing! On another front, you can access all of “Chilton’s” on-line from home to help you fix your vehicle if you so choose. I know this because I have personally helped two patrons fix their vehicles with the help of this wonderful service. Doubt me? Don’t. You can print the useful pages and peruse them at your leisure! (This website is very well organized.) Small engine repair services are also available on-line through krls.org. By the way, Muriel has reminded me that you should book your computer time at Pine River Public Library in advance if you can. Our computers are in high demand, especially during the winter months.

If you recall, I mentioned food earlier in this column. I generally do in most columns. It is a particularly favorite topic of mine. Because of this I become rather corpulent during the colder months when very little exercise is at my disposal. With this in mind, the library staff has begun what they consider a humorous contest. Guess my weight. Now I ask you, would you want them guessing yours? I think not. Still, that is what is going on, and the person or persons who make the best guess will win a Browser key ring. Lucky you! They are simply terrific!

Reprise: “The age of electronics is so amazing!” The library will be having a teen and adult Wii day at the Pine River Library on Saturday, February 21 from 10 AM to 1 PM. I don’t personally participate in these games, but people seem to enjoy them. Bring a bag of groceries, if you’d like. (Food again.) The library is taking donations for the food shelf until the end of March.

Thank you, all, for being who you are.

I remain,

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 5 Feb 2009

Valentine's Day brightens winter

2009-01-15T15:12:00.003-06:00

Happy white time of year, friends all.

It’s hard to believe we could tire of the beautiful winter landscape of north central Minnesota. As a black feline, the contrast alone should ignite my spirits.

However… Thankfully February presents us with a red holiday. Yes, I am speaking of Valentine’s Day. A brief history is in order. “Which St. Valentine this early pope intended to honor remains a mystery. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, there were at least three early Christian saints by that name. One was a priest in Rome, another a bishop in Terni, and of a third St. Valentine almost nothing is known except that he met his end in Africa. Rather astonishingly, all three Valentines were said to have been martyred on Feb. 14.” (http://www.theholidayspot.com/) Have a peak at this website. It is really interesting. Upon searching krls.org I find that there are 219 entries using the simple search word “valentine”. Everything from “Clifford’s Valentine’s Day” by Norman Bridwell to cookbooks on how to prepare Valentine’s Day cookies is represented. I, however, prefer to “cut to the chase”, as they say.

Bring me a Valentine’s card! I adore them. They show me that you have thought of me and that you love me. Bring me one any time in February and I will give you one in return, expressing my affection for you!

We have another fun filled event at the Pine River Public Library other than bringing me, Browser, Valentine’s cards. It is a Wii Game Day. This should brighten our January, which, judging from our parking lot, could use a little brightening. On Saturday, January 24th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM our library will be having a game day. Games will include Wii sports, Wii Play, Rock Band, Dance Dance Revolution and Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz, just to name a few. Space is limited to 20, so you will need to sign up in advance. This gives me yet another opportunity to see you.

While the masochists of our community are standing out on the ice in Hole In The Day Bay (named after Chief Hole In The Day, born during a solar eclipse) fishing and freezing, you can be having a dandy time in the cheery, warm confines of our wonderful Pine River Public Library. The games are geared to ages 8 to 100, so bring Granny. (I especially like her since she doesn’t insist on carrying me around.) We will have teams. Teams are always good as they cause… teamwork! Go figure.

Smile! It’s winter. You can stay inside and read or come to the library and play games.

Affectionately yours,

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 15 Jan 2009

"Curl up with a good book' this month

2009-01-08T09:45:00.004-06:00

Hello!

It all happens so quickly. Out with the old, in with the new. But what about all those cookies and candies left from the previous holiday, getting stale on the kitchen counter? And what about the fruitcake?

I have a wonderful idea, but first let us explore the fruitcake in question. I began searching the internet for the history of this item but became immediately sidetracked. Google “fruitcake lady”. Turn on the sound on your computer. (I usually leave mine off so I won’t be bombarded by shockingly loud sounds during relatively innocent searches.) You will love this, I promise! But about those fruitcakes – they are for the birds. Literally. Take your fruitcake and place it on a high stump away from the neighborhood dogs and cats (well, maybe only the dogs) or stuff it inside one of those wire cages for bird cakes and allow the birds to feast on it. The rest of the cookies and other crumbs too mangled to identify can go the same place, perhaps stuck to the fruitcake. Wish those cold feathered friends a happy new year.

Now, on to what to do during the long, cold winter months in the North Country. Curl up with some light reading like “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy (1828 – 1910). I have read this fine literature several times, usually during the winter months.

But wait! January is a time for drinking from mugs after reading 15 books. Slightly lighter reading is more to the point. Pine River Public Library’s Adult Winter Reading Program begins in January and ends on the final day of February. “Anna Karenina” may take the whole time slot!

Incidentally, if you would like information on authors you may be considering reading, log on to online-literature.com or use your library card and log on to krls.org and go to the online services.

Novelist is a handy way to find books that may mirror authors you already like or to read reviews of books you may not have considered reading until now.

Our Library’s theme this year is “Curl Up With A Good Book”. After reading 15 books and delivering your list to the library, you will receive a mug. Limit of 2/person.

In addition to the above, there are a few changes for 2009 here at Pine River Library.

New hours, once again because of budget cuts. Hours remain the same, the exception being Monday 1PM to 5PM and Saturday 10AM to 1PM. Confused? Check our hours on krls.org under library hours.

In closing may I wish you and yours an informed and delightful new year, filled with the unexpected.

-Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 8 Jan 2009

Travel back in time with 'Land of Hundred Wonders"

2009-01-05T10:53:00.003-06:00

Browser here with another book review:

What of "Land of a Hundred Wonders" a novel by Lesley Kagen? The reviews on the back of the jacket say things like "...sensitive", "Poignant, compelling...", "...touch your heart", but this misses the point of this book entirely.

For anyone under the age of about 60, this book will transport you back to a time about which you know absolutely nothing.

If you haven't lived through it, you can't understand it.

This book will help you know much about this era, because its characters are sympathetic and authentic.

The book takes place in the early 1970s in a small southern town. On some level it is an historical novel. No, the characters are not based on real people, and yet they are. The town is divided between the haves and have nots, and it is sometimes difficult to tell which is which. It is also racially divided: physically, racially divided.

The southern sheriff is every bit as confused and corrupt as any you will find in the history of that era. The hero of the piece is a post-traumatic stressed Vietnam vet living in a tent in the woods in summer, a cave in winter.

Though immorality is studied in depth through the interaction of the characters, true immorality is not so easy. No right and wrong here, easily defined. What might seem terribly wrong in a different setting becomes perfectly understandable, and what is truly terribly wrong becomes clear.

I invite you to travel back in time and visit with Gibby, Clever, Billy and Cooter, lifelong friends to whom life has not always been so kind. You won't regret it.

As always, I remain,

-Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 1 January 2009

Have you finished your baking yet?

2008-12-23T13:05:00.002-06:00

Greetings, friends and neighbors and patrons all,

I am delighted that the winter season of lights is upon us. I absolutely adore the holiday adornments. I always have. They give me a variety of items with which to dally, often to Muriel's dismay.

Here is, however, a phrase I hear repeatedly here at the Pine River Public Library, usually uttered by the female of the human species, "Have you finished your baking yet?" "What" I ask myself "does this mean?" According to http://thesaurus.reference.com/browse/baking, this means, "...ardent, blistering, boiling, broiling, burning, fiery, heated, red-hot, roasting, scalding, scorching, searing, sizzling, sultry, sweltering, torrid."

I have studied these women both fleetingly and with blatant stares, and I see absolutely no signs of scalding, scorching, or any other form of burning. Apparently it is simply a human expression of greeting during this holiday season.

After you are finished scorching yourself, humans all, January is a time for drinking from mugs after reading 15 books. Yes, indeed, the library's Adult Winter Reading Program begins in January and ends on the final day of February. Pine River Library's theme this year is "Curl Up With A Good Book." After reading 15 books and delivering your list to the library, you will receive a mug. Limit of two per person.

Note the picture of the mug in question:

Recognize that handsome creature on said mug? One small thing, though. What constitutes a "good" book? I have no answer for this. Perhaps you do?

In addition to the above, there are a few changes for 2009 here at Pine River Library.
1. Now in place is a limit of audio and video materials a person may check out. Limit of 7 each. You may mix tapes and CD's and mix videos and DVD's to equal 7.

2. Patrons may now renew material over the phone or online. Renewal is for one time only per item as long as the item is not on the waiting list, a high demand material, best seller or book club in a bag. Renewal of books can be done within 7 days of due date. Other materials can be renewed within 4 days of due date.

3. New hours, once again because of budget cuts. Hours remain the same, the exception being Monday 1-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Confused? Check our hours on krls.org under library hours.

In conclusion, may I say, "Have you finished your baking yet?"

-Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 17 Dec 2008

Make Thanksgiving a time of giving

2008-11-26T10:12:00.003-06:00

I may be a four legged furry creature with whiskers, but I am not living in a vacuum.

I do realize that winter is upon us and with it comes the season of Thanksgiving. Traditionally Thanksgiving is a season during which we count our many blessings.

I don’t find this particularly difficult, since I once lived under an old car and now have a luxurious home in the Pine River Public Library.

For the uninitiated – I can’t imagine there are very many of those – the myth goes something like this: “…the American holiday has religious undertones related to the deliverance of the English settlers by Native Americans after the brutal winter at Plymouth, Massachusetts” [en.wikipedia.org]

But wait! Rather than gorging ourselves on more food than we would normally consume in a week and being thankful for Aunt Susan and Uncle Fred who recently arrived from Florida to share this holiday, why not approach it from the opposite perspective?

Instead of being the recipients, why not be the givers?

In terms of the myth, why not take the position of the Native Americans?

Embracing this theme, our Pine River Public Library will have a box available for anyone who would like to donate non perishable food for the local food shelf. Bring some food into the library for Thanksgiving and beyond. (The box will be at the library until spring.)Make it fun! Bring good stuff! Be creative! There are more things that come in cans than tomato soup and green beans!

In parting, let me just say that the holidays are a wonderful time to think of others. Of course, thinking of others needn’t be isolated in time, but for some of us a gentle reminder is helpful. I have my eye on a very tasty mouse for Muriel for Christmas. Shhhh. Don’t tell her. I want it to be a surprise. As many of you may know, traditionally cats were housed in libraries to keep the mice out of the books. This one will be boxed and wrapped festively and placed under the Christmas tree.

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 27 Nov 2008

Join us for Gaming Day Nov. 15th

2008-11-12T14:16:00.003-06:00

Okay, so what’s Pictureka? I honestly have no idea. I am, after all, a mere pussy cat. A feline. A tom cat, actually. Sure, I can use a computer and read and write a fairly coherent sentence, but I fail to recognize this particular word or [I assume] object anywhere in my lexicon. Perhaps I should do a little research… Here’s what Amazon.com has to say about this:
“Product Description:
Find it fast, find it first! Pictureka is the exciting game of visual hide and seek. Players compete to collect the most mission cards to win the game. Great for the whole family, and kids as young as six can play with older kids and parents. No batteries required. “

Apparently this is a game. This should have become immediately apparent since Hasbro donated it to all public libraries around the country. Since The Pine River Public Library is my home I should have noticed its presence. I have been sleeping on the job. Sorry. I find, upon further inspection, that American Library Association’s first annual National Gaming Day at your library will be Saturday, November 15th, 2008! Having gone through Muriel’s mail, I also find that we at the Pine River Library are participating and that the ALA is urging every public library to help set a record for the most number of people playing Pictureka. I should have snooped earlier. How illuminating!

And the fun never ends here at The Pine River Public Library! Other games will also be available! Monopoly Express, the classic game in a faster version for those who perhaps have ADD – and others, of course - as well as Hey That’s My Fish and THE a MAZE ing LABYRINTH will be available.

Join me and my friends for National Gaming Day at the Pine River Library during our regular hours Saturday. That would be from 10am to 2pm. Ah, that explains Monopoly Express! We would have to be open much longer for the regular game to be played to the bitter end!

Until next time, remain...

Browser, the library cat

P.S. (that means “post script” – stuff that comes after…) Most games are ages 8 and up, but Pictureka is age 6 and up.

Published in the Pine River Journal Nov 13, 2008

Haunted House fund raiser kicks off Oct 24

2008-10-23T16:21:00.001-05:00

Hello and happy haunting season, Yee of little faith.

But first: Is there somebody living near the library that has a really big bird in a cage? I ask this because our newspapers have gone missing quite a few times in the last couple of weeks. Sometimes they are returned in part, sometimes not. Or possibly you have a new puppy? Or is it that you can’t get your woodstove started and need a lot of paper for that task? Whatever it is, we actually purchase this newspaper for everybody in the community to come into the library and read. The operative word here is “into”. You, sir or madam, could be doing the same. If there is part of the newspaper you wish to save, two things might be possible. Either you could ask staff to save the paper for you for later or you could have columns you wish to save copied at the library. Either way, quit taking the paper! Thanks.

Now, about Halloween… . The Pine River Friends of the Library presents the Haunted House Fundraiser, indoors and out of the woods. This year it will be Friday and Saturday, October 24-25 and 31 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. It will be held at Cass County Fairgrounds. In my last column about this I examined goblins. Mossy rocks and tree roots, remember? This time let us examine ghosts. I am of two minds concerning this. Either they exist or they don’t. Duh! So which is it? I did a simple search on krls.org [Kitchigami Regional Library System] in the catalog using the search word “ghosts”. I found 545 volumes addressing ghosts. This is apparently a weighty subject. Think about it. If you piled 545 books, videos, DVD’s, and books on tape and CD, how much would they weigh? A lot! Do the research and decide for yourself. I watched innumerable television programs on the subject and have yet to see an actual specter caught on film. Still, there was one compelling piece where the “medium” asked the ghost to show its presence and right there on my TV screen a chair moved. Not a little. A whole lot. It wasn’t under any table where somebody could have moved it with their foot. It was out in the room. I have no idea what this means. Do you?

Happy ghost hunting and happy Halloween. Visit the Haunted House at the Fairgrounds. It’s a fun thing to do in late October!

Until next time, I remain,

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 23 Oct 2008

Pick up a book, join the Community Read

2008-10-16T19:38:00.002-05:00

Here is the latest on the Community Read, friends and neighbors. It will begin on October 13th and conclude on November 24^th of this very year.

I have indeed read the featured book, “Four Miles to Pinecone” by Jon Hassler (March 1933 – March 2008). Mr. Hassler was a teacher as well as a writer. He taught highschool . This may be why the main character in this book appears so natural. Mr. Hassler knew his teenagers. He mainly wrote about small town rural Minnesota. Interestingly, this particular book was originally written in 1977, yet it has a completely current feel. The only thing that might date it a little is the lack of mention of computers (which you don’t miss at all) and the lack of mention of cell phones (which wouldn’t get good reception in a tiny town in northern Minnesota on the Canadian border anyway). So much for being outdated. The basic conundrum is a moral question. Do you rat on your friends or not? And if so, when? And why? Though the book’s action begins in St. Paul, the main action (and I do mean “action”) takes place in the woods of northern Minnesota. It is a mystery story. It is credible. The characterizations are scrupulous. The setting is realistic. It is a one sitting read. I, personally, didn’t wish to leave my hero stranded by doing something as mundane as going to sleep in between chapters! He might need my input, like yelling out “upper left for first gear, you dummy…”.

Read this book, everyone. It was written for young adults. It is, however, ageless and genderless. If you are a cat, as am I, there are fish mentioned. A favorite of mine!

The conclusion of the Community Read falls during American Education Week. Kelly Virden of our Pine River Journal will have weekly “activities” in the paper to encourage participation.

In conclusion may I suggest that you turn off that box with moving pictures and pick up a book.

I remain,

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 16 Oct 2008

Halloween is nearly upon us

2008-10-09T09:07:00.003-05:00

Are you done with your Christmas shopping yet?

I personally am not, since the grass is still green and there are still a few hold outs in flower world.

However, since Muriel has been extremely busy, as she always is, she has made available for purchase at the front desk of the Pine River Public Library 2009 Browser the Library Cat daily pocket planners.

There are a limited number – more than 9, less than 9,000 – available, and Muriel assures me they would make great stocking stuffers, whatever that means.

And so on to the season that is actually upon us, Halloween, Ghosts and goblins.

We all have a vague idea about the “ghost” part of this, but what in the world are “goblins”? “The American Heritage Dictionary” characterizes them as “A grotesque elf said to work mischief or evil”.

Wikipedia.org states, discussing their roots “…One fabled origin for goblins is in France in a cleft of the Pyrenees, from which they spread rapidly throughout Europe. They hitched a ride with Viking ships to get to Britain. They have no homes, being nomadic, dwelling temporarily in mossy cracks in rocks and tree roots…”

I have seen creatures hiding in mossy cracks in rocks and tree roots, but I don’t think they were goblins. If this description is accurate, they had too many legs!

But let us not digress. The Pine River Friends of the Library presents the Haunted House Fundraiser, indoors and out of the woods. This year it will be Friday and Saturday, October 24-25 and 31 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. It will be held at Cass County Fairgrounds.

Wow! That’s different and interesting. I might have to wander over and have a look. I will have to dress appropriately in my black cat disguise…

According to the bulletin discussing this event, there will be ghosts, goblins, snacks and fun, so be checking in those mossy tree roots and rock cracks.

Cleo is once again the lady to call if you need more information or want to volunteer. I called her myself. This is her real phone number: 587-3996. I volunteered. She was non-plussed by my effort. Oh well. I’m certain you will fare far better.

One last bit of information before I close. Pine River Library and Pine River/Backus school are joining forces on a community read this month. The book will be “Four Miles to Pinecone” by Jon Hassler. I have begun to read this book and was immediate struck by the vivid descriptions and characterizations. I shall read on. It is not a thick book. Perhaps I’ll write a review for later publication. Call the library for more information about the dates associated with this community read. 218-587-4639.

As ever, I remain,

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal October 9th, 2008

What are the origins of "crying wolf"

2008-09-30T10:22:00.004-05:00

In an effort to better edify you, my trusted readers, I have decided to take a brief hiatus from my normally sardonic tone. Recent weather events have caused many to discuss the possible repercussions of crying wolf, but where does this phrase originate?

Once upon a time in the far off Russian satellite of the Ukraine lived a young composer, Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev (April 27, 1891 – March 5, 1953).

Prokofiev suffered persecution in Russia and was forced to flee to America for a time, returning to Russia in 1935. In 1936 Prokofiev wrote a piece for his son based on the story, “Peter and the Wolf”. This is the story from which came the phrase, “…cry wolf…”.

Here is the story quoted verbatim from Wikipedia.org:

Peter, a Soviet "pioneer" scout, is at his grandfather's home in a forest clearing. One day Peter goes out into the clearing, leaving the garden gate open, and the duck that lives in the yard takes the opportunity to go swimming on the nearby pond. She starts arguing with a little bird ("What kind of bird are you if you can't fly?" - "What kind of bird are you if you can't swim?"). Peter's pet cat sneaks up on them, and the bird – warned by Peter - flies into a tall tree while the duck swims to safety in the middle of the pond.

Peter's grandfather scolds Peter for being outside in the meadow ("Suppose a wolf came out of the forest?"), and, when Peter defies him, saying that "Pioneers are not afraid of wolves," takes him back into the house and locks the gate. Shortly afterwards "a big, grey wolf" does indeed come out of the woods. The cat quickly climbs into the tree, but the duck, who has excitedly jumped out of the pond, is chased, overtaken and gulped down by the wolf.

Pioneer Peter fetches a rope and climbs over the garden wall into the tree. He asks the bird to fly around the wolf's head to distract him, while he lowers a noose and catches the wolf by his tail. The wolf struggles to get free, but Peter ties the rope to the tree and the noose only gets tighter.

Some hunters, who have been tracking the wolf, come out of the forest ready to shoot, but Peter gets them to help him take the wolf to the zoo in a victory parade (The piece was first performed for an audience of pioneers during May Day celebrations) that includes himself, the bird, the hunters leading the wolf, the cat and grumpy grumbling Grandfather ("What if Peter hadn't caught the wolf? What then?").

In the story's ending, the listener is told that "if you listen very carefully, you'd hear the duck quacking inside the wolf's belly, because the wolf in his hurry had swallowed her alive."

Though charming in and of itself, the story is augmented by instrumental themes for each of the participants.

It is something once heard, never forgotten.

The Pine River Public Library has a copy of the CD, narrated (The story is told with a background of musical themes.) by David Bowie. There are also other renditions of “Peter and the Wolf” throughout the Kitchigami Library system.

Take a break from television and enrich your life and the lives of your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, neighborhood children, or anybody at all. Listen to “Peter and the Wolf”.

Until next time, I remain...

-Browser,

the library cat.

P.S. The cat’s theme is played on clarinet! How fitting. I am also black like a clarinet.

Printed in the Pine River Journal Sept 25, 2008

Take a nostalgic return to school days

2008-08-29T09:32:00.002-05:00

"School days, school days,
Good old Golden Rule days,
Reading and writing and 'rithmatic,
Taught to the tune of the hickory stick.
You were my queen in calico,
I was your bashful barefoot beau..."

HOLD THE PHONE!
Working backwards,

1. What young man would ever attend school without his trendy footwear. Ask any mother whose credit card is maxed out by the 1st of September.

2. I’d bet the youth of today has absolutely no idea with “calico” is. “The American Heritage Dictionary” characterizes calico as “..a coarse cloth usually printed with bright colors…”. And then there is the calico cat, but I don’t think they meant some child was dressed her in favorite pet.

3. How many of you think the teacher or some other individual at school is playing an exotic musical instrument called a “hickory stick”? You’d be mistaken. Once upon a time not so long ago children were given a good swat if they misbehaved at school, presumably with a hickory stick. Today those educators would be taken to court!

4. “Rithmatic”? Of course that is the shortened version of arithmetic, adjusted to fit. (Is it iambic pentameter? I’m a little obtuse when it comes to identifying various types of poetry. I just know what I like.) The question I have here is whether children actually work the problems themselves or whether they are trained in the finer art of working a calculator. I’ve never attended school so I honestly do not know.

5. Now to the most important and never out-dated portion of this rhyme. The Golden Rule. The rest of this ditty may seem like Grandma’s lexicon, but The Golden Rule should live forever. Wikipedia.org characterizes it as “the ethic of reciprocity”. They went on to say,

“…The ethic of reciprocity or the Golden Rule is a fundamental moral value which simply means "treat others as you would like to be treated." It is arguably the most essential basis for the modern concept of human rights …”

“Human” rights? I beg to differ. Feline though I may be, I feel obliged to suggest that I too be treated as you might wish to be treated. With deference.

And so back to school. Children, enjoy your school days. Learning is a gift.

Until next time, I remain,

Browser, the library cat

PS. I have lost my collar. By this printing it has perhaps been returned. If not, let me describe it as red with black paw prints and jangling tags attached. If you find it – I must have lost it when I was in the throws of some adventure or other – please return it to The Pine River Public Library.

Printed in the Pine River Journal August 28. 2008

Looking foward to 'Magical Cooking'

2008-08-11T09:47:00.003-05:00

Friends!

Thursday, August 7 at 2:00 PM the Pine River Library will present a program by performer Chef Roberto entitled “The Magical Cooking Show” as a part of our summer reading program with the theme of “What’s cooking at your library”.

An entertaining look at the wonderful world of cooking this exciting program, emphasizing books and reading, helps children to learn while having fun at the same time. A Chock-ful of Crazy Cookery, Unbelievable Magic and Terrific books.

Lots of audience participation (including some special fun for the parents). Come join us at the library!

In the interest of continuity I have decided to review a cookbook. Given the enormity of selecting a single volume among the many, I have chosen a compendium of deserts.

Fearless readers all, you may not realize that your resident feline has a taste for the sweet. Yes. I admit it. I am a lover of sweets. My personal preference, of course, is ice cream. However, for the sake of convenience (I am familiar with this tome.) I have chosen one of our more popular volumes here at the Pine River Library, “The Cake Mix Doctor” by Anne Byrn.

Given the title, one would suppose this book is simplicity itself. Page after page of a variety of delicious cakes made only from ingredients residing dustily in your cabinets waiting to be rearranged. Maybe, I shall open a page at random…

· 1 package plain yellow cake mix – check
· 1 cup smooth peanut butter – well, not quite a full cup and it has a tiny bit of jelly in it
· 1 stick butter – does it have to be butter?
· 2 large eggs – do they have to be large or would Jumbo be okay? Or medium?
· 1 package (12 ounces; 2 cups) semisweet chocolate chips – what if my bag is smaller? Or larger?
· 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk – who stocks that?
· 2 tablespoons butter – we’ve addressed this before
· 1 cup frozen unsweetened grated coconut, thawed – What?!
· 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – I’m pretty solid on that

I have tried several of the recipes in this book and they have proven to be better by-in-large than just dumping out a box of cake mix and adding the requisite water, oil, and eggs.

The key, as I see it, is to read the recipe before the fact – preferably before you go to the grocery store – and make a list of that elusive frozen coconut and any other ingredients not currently living in your kitchen. You might also wish to make sure you have the correct configuration of baking container such as a Bundt pan.

There are several recipes requiring one of those.

Many of the recipes come from friends, relatives and the odd step neighbor-in-law. All are given credit for their concoctions. (Some are better cooks than others.)This book is perfect for someone who bakes often for a family or for church potluck dinners and is tired of the same cake or bar recipe. There is quite a variety here and even suggestions for variations. A worthy perusal.

Thank you again for honoring me with your readership. I am humbled.

Remember to attend The Magical Cooking Show if you are able. I will be in evidence.

Until then, I remain

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 7 August 2008

Pine River Was Blessed by O'Brien

2008-06-28T18:52:00.005-05:00

Loyal Readers,

We have lost a good friend. Marlys O’Brien is the reason we have a library in Pine River. She is the reason we have a Kitchigami Regional Library system at all. As a young woman she rode around the countryside carrying books to farmers and their families when they were too busy to leave the fields.

During the 1960’s she worked with the state of Minnesota to create the Kitchigami Regional Library System which serves Beltrami, Cass and Crow Wing counties. The Head office was and is located in Pine River.

When I first came to live at the Pine River Library, the Regional Library had just move out of the building that was once an old clinic with the remainder of the librarians “headquartered” in a garage next door, the book mobile parked in a portion, the front of the building being The Pine River Public Library.

I lived in the alley behind. Muriel and then library assistant, Don Corbin, took me in. Marlys had already retired at that time, but she was a friend to all.

Among the wonderful things about her including her love of her library was her love of people. She loved to do story time for the children and was especially fond of stories about frogs.

There were birthday parties for the staff each month honoring whoever had a birthday in that particular month. Everyone would cluster around the table in the back of the building (garage) and have coffee and cake.

And! If you worked at the library you got your birthday off! That was Maryls’ doing.

Marlys had a book review program on the radio as well. She would check out piles of books looking for just the right one to review on the radio.

After we of the Pine River Library moved to our new building, Marlys would come in often. She always treated me well, saying, “Browser always knows how to make a friend.” So did you, Marlys. So did you.

Take a minute out of your day to thank your lucky stars that the world has been blessed by people like Marlys O’Brien.

Until next time, I remain...

Browser, the Library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 26 June 2008

'The Good Guy' is an excellent read

2008-06-20T21:10:00.007-05:00

Fellow readers! I recently read a book that knocked my socks off - or would have if I wore socks. Normally in spring I consider very carefully what I read. This time of year I spend a great deal of time out of doors. With the rains this year, however, I have read voraciously.

Dean Koontz has become a favorite of mine because of his Odd Thomas series, so when I had read all of those (except the new one, "Odd Hours," which just arrived on our shelves of our library and has a long reserve list). I tried another recent novel of his, "The Good Guy" had a certain appeal base on title alone. Who doesn't like a good guy? According to "The American Heritage Dictionary," the word "good" is defined as "superior to the average valuable," sound like me!

I gravitate to novels that chronicle an ordinary person doing extraordinary things. This book is certainly no exception. It begins in a bar with a very normal guy suddenly thrust into a situation that defies explanation. Our hero, Tim Carrier, is certainly no super hero. He's a brick and stone mason like his father before him. As he sits on the stool in his friend's bar drinking his simple beer, he is approached by a gentleman who mistakes him for a killer for hire. Money and a photograph are thrust into his hand. The gentleman leaves the bar quickly. Mulling over this development, Tim is approached by a second man. This man is the killer for hire, of course. Predictable? Not Dean Koontz! Never! Tim, posing as the hirer, insists that he has change his mind. The killer is welcome to the money but the contract is off. Not!

Thus begins a journey that kept me up all night. There is a girl, of course. There is always a girl. This one is not beautiful, thank goodness. I would have been disappointed in Mr. Koontz had the girl been ethereal or breathtaking. She is unusual, I like unusual. Gives me something to chew on and whispers of foreshadowing. She has a '39 Ford parked in her kitchen and a past about which she refuses to speak, though she assures Tim that is involves nothing whatsoever that would entice someone to kill her. Tim, too, is more than he appears, though we, the readers, are teased only with hints of what this might be. Classic Koontz.

This journey through a couple of days in the lives of two seemingly normal, even boring people, is fast paced and full of quick twists and turns. There are even a couple of dogs, though no cats, perish the thought. Unlike many Koontz classics, there is no supernatural of sci-fi intervention. No need for magic. The story is magic enough.

Happy Reading.

-Browser, the library cat

Published in the Pine River Journal 19 June 2008

Ah, the season of new beginnings: spring

2008-05-30T09:42:00.003-05:00

I had thought about beginning this epistle with something about being lost, but I stumbled onto a quote from J.R.R.Tolkien (1892-1973) on brainyquote.com. “Not all who wander are lost”.

Guess I wasn’t lost after all. You see, gentle readers, (or will see if you visit our fine Pine River Public Library) the library is rearranging a little at a time. Fine for you. You don’t live here. It is, however, a little confusing for me. I have therefore been wandering.

The young adult books are now mixed in with the adult books. The large print books are thinking of moving themselves to the area where the biographies now live. The tables are the old ones but the chairs are new and I understand that new tables are on the way. There is a new computer desk thanks to the City of Pine River.

The paintings on the walls have gone from snow scenes to spring ones thanks to the Pine River Art Club. I worry. Will they be moving my food next? Will I, in my wanderings, be able to find it? Would you be willing to volunteer to come to the library and help with all the changes? Will you please be careful not to hide my food?

All that aside, the summer reading programs are scheduled to begin June 9th and will run through August 2nd. Interestingly – or it is for me! - The theme this year is “What’s Cooking at Your Library”.

Kids can sign up the first week in June to get their reading program packets. There are two age groups. Teen Read with participants from ages 13 to 18 and Children’s Read with ages 5 through 12.

The younger group with receive prizes for each week they complete. There are also summer activities for these readers on Thursdays from 1:00 to 2:30. The final program, “Chef Roberto’s magical cooking show” is open to the public at 2pm on August 7th.

A list of all the fun stuff is available at the front desk of the library. The teen readers will also receive prizes, but finish all 8 weeks and receive a free personal size pizza coupon and your name will go into a drawing for a really good prize. I promise! The library is also planning one activity a month for the teens who wish to participate.

Hope to see you soon.
I remain,

Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal May 29,2008

Free downloads now available at Pine River Public Library

2008-04-03T09:34:00.002-05:00

Dear Readers, et al

As you may know, I often wander about on the front desk of the Pine River Public Library, sometimes looking for a comfortable spot on which to recline and sometimes just browsing. Recently, during such meanderings, I was reminded of many features at our library of which you may not be aware. Many of you may have looked at, but not seen, “Book Page”. This monthly book review circular is amazingly informative. I read it all the time for ideas for new authors or new books I wish to read. It addresses fiction, nonfiction, adult reading, young adults, and younger people. Your Pine River Library has purchased these to be free to you! Who knew? Something for nothing! Book Page is also available online at bookpage.com.

Another piece of information obviously visible on our front desk is a rack of leaflets. Because they are in plain sight, you may not have noticed them. (We all know that the best way to hide something is in plain sight!) One of the new ones is entitled “MyLibrarydv” It is a way to download movies, how- to videos, travel videos, etc. These are free downloads! Again, something for nothing! You’ll need to have your library card handy to access this service. It is available by accessing krls.org. KRLS stands for Kitchigami Regional Library System; in the off chance you didn’t know that. More information is easily available by picking up one of the flyers from our desk – my nap area.

Not enough cool stuff? This next is available to accessing krls.org and clicking on online services, the same place you found MyLibrarydv. “Net Library” is also new. You can download audio books – FREE! Just use your library card. Download them directly onto your MP3 players, if you’d like. (Sorry, IPods don’t work for this.) Or how about this: its spring and time to tune things up. How about “Small Engine Repair Reference Center”! Or “Auto Repair Reference Center” containing the complete automotive repair manuals that were originally published in the” Chilton Total Car Care Series”?

Make your life so much simpler. Use your library card. If you don’t have a home computer, come use one at the library, to see what’s out there for you, my library friends.
Speaking of library friends, we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to Eradelphian Club for their generous contribution of $1,000 to our roof repair fund. It appears we are well on our way to putting a new lid on our building!

Until next time, I remain,
Browser, the library cat.

Printed in the Pine River Journal April 3, 2008

PS. Be sure to read my new column of book reviews. I will try to cover a wide range of literature for all ages.

A look at "The Owl and the Pussy Cat"

2008-02-21T14:03:00.005-06:00

I have considered for sometime launching a column specifically for the purpose of reviewing literature. I am, as you must know by now, a voracious reader. Though future endeavors will be aimed mainly at current literature - fiction, non-fiction, and poetry - I have chosen to pick limb from limb - and to annotate - a timeless and absurd child's poem entitled "The Owl and the Pussycat" by Edward Lear first published in 1871. Some of the verbiage is antiquated or obscure. I often wonder what children make of this.

On the surface this poem should be a very short undertaking. Owls and cats are not the dearest of friends. Depending on breed and stature, they would either be worthy adversaries or the cat would be lunch for the owl. Not so. These two are sweethearts. I think not.

Stanza I

The Owl and the Pussycat went to sea

In a beautiful pea green boat,

They took some honey and plenty of money,

Wrapped up in a five pound note.

The Owl looked up to the stars above,

and sang to a small guitar,

'O lovely Pussy! O Pussy my love,

What a beautiful Pussy you are!'

Excuse me! I know of few if any pussycats who would venture forth in any boat, regardless of color. And furthermore, honey? Canned tuna, maybe, but honey? Both of these creatures are carnivores. And owls don't sing. So much for this stanza.

Stanza II

Pussy said to the Owl, 'You elegant fowl!

How charmingly sweet you ging!

O let us be married! too long we have tarried:

But what shall we do for a ring?'

Let me just interject that a ring is the least of their problems.

They sailed away, for a year and a day,

To the land where the Bong-tree grows

And there in the wood a Piggy-wig stood

With a ring at the end of his nose, his nose, his nose,

With a ring at the end of his nose.

This part is only plausible if you ignore the fact that the two of them lived on honey for a year and a day. I have read accounts of humans afloat on rafts in the sea for mere days or weeks, and the end result was not happy.

Stanza II

'Dear pig, are you willing to sell for one shilling

Your ring?'

Said the Piggy, 'I will.'

Ah! That explains why they brought all that money.

So they took it away, and were married next day

By the Turkey who lives on the hill.

Only a turkey would marry these two!

They dined on mince, and slides of quince,

Which they ate with a runcible spoon;

And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,

They danced by the light of the moon.

They dined on what? Minced, in and of itself, only means "chopped in fine pieces." I don't remember the mention of cutlery anywhere in the body of this poem. And a runcible spoon? this item, considering a possibly unmnetioned Swiss Army Knife (conceivably used to extract the ring from the pig), is not a common inclusion. It is, instead a very specialized slotted spoon.

I give this poem a rating of 8 out of 10. In spite of content it remains entirely entertaining (and you can dance to it).

Believe it or not, there exists Lear's unfinished posthumous "The Children of the Owl and the Pussycat." Never mind!

Until Nest time, I remain...

-Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Jounal 21 February 2008

Opportunites abound at library

2008-02-14T11:43:00.002-06:00

Our wonderful Pine River Public Library (my home) is hosting a talk by Craig Nagel. Craig is a writer for Echo Publishing & Printing - as am I - but Craig went the extra mile and actually wrote an entire book! Craig's column for the "Echo" is entitled "The Cracker Barrel". My column is in the "Pine River Journal", of course, you know: just look up. Craig, however, has been writing his column for 25 years! I can lay no claim to such longevity as I am much younger than 25. Time will tell in that respect. Craig's book is available at our library and is entitled "A Place Called Home: Moments from an ordinary life". On the surface this could be my life story here at our library. I'd better get writing! Here is the full article written about Craig and his book:

"... Nagel's observations of the world around him - sometimes witty, sometimes philosophical, always fresh and unique - have earned him a loyal following... Join him as he contemplates the mystery of the night sky on a midnight walk at 30 below zero, stares eyeball to eyeball in the chicken coop with an intruding Great Horned Owl, paddles his way through an autumn marsh as he and his wife harvest wild rice, and reflects upon the mystical resurrection of early-spring frogs, who days before were entombed in frozen mud."

Wow, Craig! I wouldn't care to encounter a Great Horned Owl. I might get carried away...

As Kilgore Trout would say, "and so it goes..." Kurt Vonnegut

Come to the library for the book talk. It is on February 20th from 6pm to 7pm. Bring your own copy of the book if you would like it signed. Come to the library at another time. Any other time.

We could use a few helpers here. We need a volunteer to help deliver books to our dedicated seniors who are "shut ins". These loyal men and women are avid readers. The Pine River Library has for many years had a senior outreach program but are currently in need of some helpful soul to take responsibility for this program. It's an every-other-week kind of deal. Contact Muriel at the library if you are interested. Also, we need somebody to come in and help put books back where they go after the rest of us are finished with them. The official phrase for this is "shelving books", but if this was only about putting books on shelves, any 6 year old could do it! They need to go where they belong. Come help. It's a nifty way to discover books. Somebody else may have read something you never thought of reading. In that case, don't put it on the shelf, check it out! This is a really good way to get out of the house, too, for something other than going to the grocery store. One to three days a week for a couple of hours would be a great help. Give Muriel a call about this as well. Keep that phone ringing!

Until the next time, keep reading those books.

Browser, the library cat

Read a perfect number of books this winter

2008-01-25T09:39:00.000-06:00

Hello, constant readers.
Today’s lesson is about numerology, a subject about which I have been reading. The key word here is “reading”. It is the season for “Hot reads for cold nights” at the Pine River Public Library. Winter, with the days shortened, is an excellent time to turn off the electronic devises and read something. I have been doing exactly that. Hot reads, for the uninitiated, consists of reading 15 books in the period of January 1st through February 29th, entering these books on a sheet provided by the library, and returning the completed list to the library. The first 24 individuals (notice I did not say “people”) who return their completed list will receive a coffee/soup/milk/whatever mug. After that, magnets will be given to the remainder of those returning their lists. There will be a drawing at the end for a key ring. All that aside, I think the significant number in all of this is the 15 books. Why this particular number, I ask myself.

“Numerology is one of the oldest of the psychic sciences…modern numerologists prefer a simplified numerical and alphabetical code, based upon the theories established by Pythagoras, the famous Greek mathematician and mystic, who rose to fame about the year 550 B.C.” Here’s what he said: “The world is built upon the power of numbers.” Each number has a particular significance attributed to it in numerology. The numbers 1 through 9 are the ones used. So what about longer numbers, you may ask. The answer is simple. Just add all the numbers together until you eventually have one number from 1 to 9. That is the power number for that particular longer number. Okay. On with this. 15 books. 1 + 5 = 6. 6 is the number we want focus upon. The significance of the number 6 is as follows:

“6 is the symbol of dependability. It is in harmony with nature, representing the six colors of the rainbow. It is the perfect number, being divisible both by 2, an even number, and 3, an odd number, thus combining basic elements of each.” (“The Complete Illustrated Book of the Psychic Sciences” by Walter B Gibson and Litzka R Gibson) Wow! The bottom line here is simple. Read a perfect number of books and get a perfect mug!

Oh… and if you want a copy of your list – or anything else, for that matter – Pine River Public Library has a fancy new copy machine. Black and white copies are $.25/page and color copies are $1.00/page. I’d invite you to sleep on it with me – it does make a nice warm bed – but most of you are probably a little large for that. I am not casting aspersions, only suggesting that most of you probably weight more than 15 pounds, the perfect weight!

Read on!
Until next time, I remain,
Browser, the library cat.

Printed in the Pine River Journal 24 January 2008

Christmas gift from the library!

2007-12-21T06:01:00.000-06:00

Felice Navidad! Oh humans from all walks of life! Pine River Public Library wishes you the most loving of holiday seasons. As a tribute to this season of lights we are keeping the lights on more at the library! (This may also have something to do with budget, but why question it?) New hours after January 1, 2008:

Monday: 12:00 – 5:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 5:00
Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 5:00
Friday: 10:00 – 3:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 2:00

I am sooo excited about this! It means more time for me to see you, oh valued patrons. More time for fresh water. More time for extra treats. More time for playing with friends. More time for… well, lots of things. I get lonely on those long weekends, especially during the dark days of winter. There are the “dog days of summer”, and then there are the “cat days of winter” when a cat likes to curl up in a comfy corner. I’m pretty sure this is a Christmas present just for me, this extension of hours. You may think it is for you. Not. It’s my gift this year. Thank you, Kitchigami Regional Library. Thank you Pine River Public Library. Thank you, patrons all. A special thanks to Muriel, head honcho of my home.

Have a wonderful holiday season, whatever that might mean to you. Say something nice to somebody else. Maybe even to a stranger! I do that all the time. It makes them smile and it makes me feel great.

Until next year, I remain,
Browser, the library cat.

Printed in the Pine River Journal Dec 19, 2007

Politically correct holidays

2007-12-13T09:51:00.000-06:00

I am a cat. What do I know about political correctness? I do read the newspapers that are readily available at Pine River Public Library. It astonishes me that celebrating Christmas or Hanukah or any other mid-winter celebration has become somehow negative. What could be negative about lighting the winter skies with colored lights? What could be negative about thinking about our friends and neighbors during the darkest days of winter and wishing them well? And what about Santa? Who is this guy, anyway? “…The American version of the Santa Claus figure received its inspiration and its name from the Dutch legend of Sinter Klaas, brought by settlers to New York in the 17th century…”http://www.the-north-pole.com/history/index.htm Visit that web page for a complete history of this tradition. We have computers at Pine River Library for that very purpose. Information. Information. Information. My mantra, as I have often tried to convey to you, my trusted friends, is: Reading will set you free! After all, I make my home at a library…

Meantime, during this special season of giving (I don’t care what’s politically correct. I’m a cat.) The Pine River Library will be collecting non perishable food for the local food shelf through the holidays. (What holidays? you may ask. My answer is simple. All of them!) Now, I don’t know a lot about canned food except for tuna, of course, but I’m pretty sure there’s more “non perishable” than green beans. Use your imagination. All sorts of great stuff must be non perishable. There is only so much nourishment in a can of beans! (“Green beans, while quite low in calories (just 43.75 calories in a whole cup), are loaded with nutrients — an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin A, dietary fiber, potassium, folate, and iron. And, green beans are a good source of magnesium, thiamin, riboflavin, copper, calcium, phosphorus, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and niacin.” http://health.learninginfo.org/green_beans.htm)

Mini Me Browser has been traveling Pine River. His first stop was to visit Beau. Can’t tell you where that is. It wouldn’t be correct, politically or otherwise – advertising without permission? Who knows! If you’re from Pine River you know where Beau lives. You could trip over him when you walk in the door of this business! Mini Me Browser’s second stop was where they sell pizza, coffee, and ice cream. Not too difficult to figure this one out either. Keep looking. He’s around town somewhere different each week!

A special thank you to everyone who donated to the Dorothy King memorial. Half the money went toward the library roof replacement fund. The other half went into the book account.

Have a very special __________ (Call it whatever makes you comfortable!)
-Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal December 13, 2007

Drip, drip, drip......

2007-11-15T12:34:00.000-06:00

Hello, fellow travelers on the quest for enlightenment. I am Browser, the library cat at Pine River Library, where enlightenment does not mean light shining through the roof! We wish to thank a few generous souls who have donated to our roof repair fund:

Thank you Pine River/Backus ATOD program for your donation of $25.00.
Thank you Marcella Fisher for your donation of $1,000.00.
Thank you Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe for your donation of $2,500.00.

As it happens, we are still $25,000 short of a new roof. If each of 25,000 people would donate $1.00, or 5,000 would donate $5.00 or … You get the picture. Let us all pitch in and get a new roof on our library. A library is a precious thing.

Speaking of our library, there is a new art exhibit adorning our walls. The Pine River Art Club has, for several years, made our library space not just a repository for books but a warm and inviting space with their manifestation of the creative spirit which lives within each of us. Thank you, Artists all, for your transformation of brick and mortar into lively and lovely display. Who knew? We thought it was a library. Turns out it is also an art gallery!

But enough about the rest of you… Here is something about me! We have started a feature called “Browser Mini Me”. There is a poster at the library about this. Here is how it works: Tell the staff at the Pine River Library in what Pine River business you saw “Mini Me” (that would be Browser, the library cat likeness) and receive one of 20 collectable limited edition Browser Trading Cards. “Mini Me” will be in a different location every week. Every time you spot me you can collect another trading card. Be sure to keep your eyes open. I’m out there in Pine River! One trading card per person per week. Limited availability.

And finally, a sad note in closing. We mark the passing of Dorothy King, a long time Kitchigami employee and ardent volunteer in both Pine River Library and in the Kitchigami Library system. Dorothy spent countless hours making our library a better place. She is remembered as the “Story Time Lady” at our library. She donated some of her quilted place mats and lap quilts to the Pine River Library silent auctions. That is the short list. The staff at Pine River Library and Kitchigami Regional Library will miss her greatly. A memorial fund has been set up at Pine River Library in her name.

With the coming of winter weather, stay inside and read a book!
I remain,
-Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal November 15, 2007

And another Haunting Hello

2007-10-18T09:32:00.000-05:00

Halloween is nearly upon us, and once again through a great deal of hard work, Friends of the Pine River Library have stirred up a brew of entertainment for people of all ages. I say people, because they never allow me to attend these gatherings. I liked it a bit better when it was held at the actual library where I could lurk in the shadows. Oh well. I suppose they know what of they do. But here’s the thing… This is a fund raiser for our wonderful Pine River Public Library. It is my home. It is your literary edifice. It is leaking! That is certainly a very good reason to attend the Haunted Forest, Oct. 19 – 20 & 26-27 6:30 – 10pm. It is being held now 2 ½ miles east of Pine River off State Hwy 84. There will be spider signs posted along the path to direct your passage. The proceeds will help put our library building to rights.

There is another, deeper reason to attend. It is for the pure adventure of the thing. I quote from “The Invitation” by Oriah Mountain Dreamer. “It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing. It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive…”

Scare yourselves a little. Take a risk. Traipse around in the dark for fun, “…for the adventure of being alive.” If you need more information, call Cleo (218-587-3996).

I remain, hidden in my haunted lair,

-Browser, the black library cat.

Printed in the Pine River Journal Oct. 18, 2007