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
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Free orchestra concert is August 13th
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.
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.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
A small town story about kindness
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”.
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
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Author Jim Proebstle at Pine River Public Library June 19
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
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
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Summer reading program starting up at library
“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
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
Thursday, May 27, 2010
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.
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:
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
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
Friday, April 23, 2010
Two exciting events coming to Library
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
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
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Library Fund Raiser and Free Concert coming to Pine River
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
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
Friday, February 26, 2010
READ THIS ! It's good for you
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
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
Thursday, February 04, 2010
A Taste of History comes to Pine River
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
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
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Redefine your New Year's resolutions
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.
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.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Please treat the library books gently
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
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
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Here's holiday ideas to battle the blues
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
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
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Minnesota Crime Wave Coming to Pine River
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
Thursday, October 15, 2009
October is cat month at the library
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
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
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Nope, it's just a roof
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
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
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Attention patrons: under construction!
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
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
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Time to plan for a Summer of Reading
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
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
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Write letters showing your support for Browser
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
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
Thursday, March 19, 2009
April is National Poetry Month
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)