Boys & Girls Book Groups

NORTHFIELD READING RAIDERS!
Join Northfield dad Patrick Ganey in reading "The Whipping Boy" by Sid Fleischman. The boy's reading group will meet Monday nights at 7 beginning January 5th. They won't meet the 3rd Monday of the month.

ADVENTURE GIRLS!
Join the St. Olaf volunteers from Story House as they explore books
featuring exciting stories about girls. The book for this session is "The Face on the Milk Carton" by Caroline Cooney. Thursdays starting 7 pm.

New memebers always welcome!
Programs at the library are free and open to all. For more info or details please email or call 645-1894

"One stop shopping" for great kid's sites on the internet.

The sites can be found by clicking on the picture. They were compiled by the ALA (America Library Association).

Here's a link to try out! Many children's activities.

This site is all based on children's books and has great simple games for preschoolers.

These are just a few of the links available just click here!

The Magic of Model Trains 2008!

Click here to see more photos!

Thanks to all the volunteers who made the event possible!

December's Calendar

Story times will resume the week of January 5th.

Happy Holidays!

click on image to enlarge

The model trains will be here! Winter Walk 2008

Northfield's Winter Walk will be Thursday, Dec. 4th. Once again model trains will take over the library! Everyone can see the trains which will be in the lobby and upstairs at the library from 5 to 8:30.

The Teen Advisory Board will be selling yummy train shaped sugar cookies. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Thanks to the FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY we have new shelves in the children's area!

Aren't they lovely!? This shelving unit replaces those pesky spinners the books on tape/cd used to be on. These are one of the benefits of the Friends of the Library's Spelling Bee in 2007. The couch and music CD holder are the other new elements from the Friends!

It took a team to get the shelves together! Thanks to Bill North, David Geist, Steve Schmidt, Larry Morgan and Bernie Shakel for helping Leesa and me.

Kathy Here's the link to the Friends you can thank them if you'd like!

THANKS to the Cocoa Bean!!!!

Eileen and Marvin from the Cocoa Bean present a $400 check for Booker the Book Bus to library staff members Leesa, Kathy and Diana.

Thanks to all who purchased Hawaiian Shaved Ice at Books and Stars this summer it was a great way to help keep Booker rolling!

Thanks Cocoa Bean!

Children's programs

Patty Cake Infant Lapsit
10 am Tuesdays
Infant Lapsit is specially designed to encourage development of language and motor skills by incorporating books with simple songs, rhymes and fingerplays.
For ages 6-18 months with parent or caregiver.

Toddler Rhyme Time
10 am Wednesdays
Is a time to encourage development of language and motor skills by integrating movement, songs, books and rhymes for kids ages 2-3 with parent or caregiver.

Story Time for 4’s and 5’s
10 am Thursdays
Stories and a craft for the “just about ready for school crowd.”
For those who are ready to sit and listen to a picture book, sing songs and create a small art project.

Carleton ACT Story Hour
TBA Saturdays
Saturday morning stories and crafts. during Carleton’s school year.

First Steps Early Literacy Center
Monday, Friday and Saturdays 10 am to noon
A parent or caregiver-directed activity center where toddlers and preschoolers are surrounded by alphabet manipulatives, concept books, board books and puzzles, all designed to be a fun learning experience. In the library’s meeting room.

HELP WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO KEEP 1ST STEPS OPEN!
call 645-1804 or email Kathy

Lemonade for Booker!

Click on picture to inlarge.

Thanks Jane!

The last Books & Stars of the year featured "Tales with Tails" naturalist Kevin Strauss

Books & Stars featured naturalist Kevin Strauss!

He told stories that took us to the forests of long ago and into a world where animals can talk. A rather small but appreciative audience enjoyed the stories and the beautiful evening.

Many thanks go a grant Southeastern Arts Council that made this year's Books & Stars possible. Thanks also to Marvin & Eileen from the Cocoa Bean who where back supporting Booker with their sales of the cool Hawaiian shaved ice!

Thanks also goes to the Northfield Parks & Street crew for setting up the showmobile. Diana on Booker checked out and in LOTS of books on Booker. Thanks Diana! Thanks also go to Kelly, the community services intern and Ana, Nicholas, Tate, Claire and other library pages who helped at Books & Stars. We had a great 2008!

Fun at the pool with Hans Mayer!

We had a beautiful summer evening at the pool with talented musician Hans Mayer. Over 300 people enjoyed the entertainment and free admission to the pool - thanks to a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council with support from Northfield Public Schools Community Services Division and the City of Northfield Library.
Click here and here see more photos!

Our last MN History Player Virginia Mae Hope

We met Virginia Mae Hope, and heard exciting stories of women flying airplanes and serving their country during World War II.

Virginia Mae Hope, a native of Winnebago, Minn., was a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. The WASP performed wartime duties in the United States, thus freeing male pilots for combat. Hope was one of only 1,074 women to recieve the WASP silver wings after completing rigorous training at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. After graduation, she was assigned to the Weather Wing and stationed at Patterson Field in Dayton, Ohio. She died on Dec. 7, 1944, in Omaha, Neb., when the plane on which she was a passenger crashed after takeoff.
Virginia Hope was known to say, "Isn't it just wonderful!" about her WASP career, though she and other female pilots faced blatant discrimination simply because they were women. Not until 1977, 33 years after the program was disbanded, did Congress recognize the WASP as military pilots and grant them veteran status.

Her visit was our last in our series celebrating Minnesota's Sesquicentennial. The Minnesota History Player visits where made possible by a grant from the Northfield Area Foundation.
Thank you!

THANKS 2008 Library Pages!

Pictured above are most of the 2008 Library Pages who helped make the library's summer reading program a success! From the left are: Lily, Tate, Dave, Anne, Annika, Emma, Claire, Nicholas and Easton. Not pictured are: Ana, Rachel & Naomi. The library couldn't have a summer reading program without these dedicated volunteers! They are very special.

Thanks for making this summer fun and exciting! Kathy Ness

Caitlin is the last Reader of the Week for 2008!

Books & Stars KID POWER July 23

We had lots of fun and dancing with Rachel Kroog's KID POWER at Odd Fellows Park.

Click here to see more photos!

July 30th's Books & Stars will be
Tra Ti Ti Tran Tran Toro
Zorongo Flamenco puppet theatre – a taste of Spain!
7 pm at Greenvale Park

Honoring Rachel & Naomi who have volunteered for 8 summers as Library Pages!

Current library pages and library staff gather to thank Rachel & Naomi for their 8 years of volunteering at the library. They will be missed! We wish them luck as they venture out away from Northfield.

Maud Hart Lovelace visits the library!

Author Maud Hart Lovelace told us about her life in Mankato and about writing her books. This Minnesota 150 program was made possible by a grant from the Northfield Area Foundation.

Click here to see more photos.

Books & Stars with Bob & Gail- old timey, fun music!

On a rather steamy evening Bob Bovee & Gail Heil performed at Sibley school. The kids danced and the adults had fun and everyone enjoyed the music!

Click here to see more photos.

The 6th Reader of the Week is Cricket!

The 5th Reader of the Week is Maxwell!

Minnesota 150 talk "Dakota Children 1860's"

Tami from the Minnesota History Center told us about what Dakota children did 150 years ago. From how diapers worked (baby bunny skin with cattail lining), baby cradle boards to what games they played. It was very interesting!

This was sponsored by a grant from the Northfield Area Foundation.

Click here to see some pictures.

JUSTIN ROBERTS was here!

This special Books & Stars was sponsored by the

Friends of the Library.

Many, many people came out on a georgeous evening to see Justin. It was a great concert!

THANK YOU FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

Click here to see more pictures!

Mary Dodge Woodward tells about an 1880's Bonanza Farm

In the 1880 Dakota Territory it took many days to get your mail, they are dressing to travel to Fargo to pick up the mail in the winter. Mary Dodge Woodward kept a journal of her years working on a huge Bonanza wheat farm. She cooked for the farmers who numbered over 3o at harvest time.

Click here for more info on her and Bonanza Farms

Harry is the 4th Reader of the Week!

Books & Stars was great with Charity Kahn! July 3

We did some fun dancing and singing at Spring Creek Park! Click here to see more photos!

Tonya is the 3rd Reader of the Week!

Harriet Bishop visits to tell us about 1874 Minnesota

Harriet arrived in St. Paul via canoe in July of 1874. She came to the early frontier town to teach school. The mosquitos attacked, her school had an animal skin for a door, a chicken running loose and 7 students. Only 2 of her students spoke English, but luckily one could translate for her into French and Dakota. She stayed in St. Paul and taught and wrote books and poems for many years. Click here for more information about her life and work.

Thanks to the Northfield Area Foundation for making her visit possible.

See more pictures at the right-

Books & Stars was super at Way Park! June 26 With funny guy Dave Walbridge

A perfect night for Books & Stars! Library Pages Nicholas, Anastasia, Annika & Lily introduced Dave Walbridges Big Fun Show!
We had a great turn out and lots of laughs.

Learn a little Minnesota History every Thursday at 11:30!

MN 150 at the library!

Special 150 Minnesota History talks!
Characters from the Minnesota History Center, The Mill City Museum and the Northfield Historical Society will present weekly programs.
Thursdays 11:30 to 12:30 pm in the library’s meeting room. Each program is unique! These professional re-enactors will take you back to various times in Minnesota history. The programs are free and open to all but are structured for children K-5th grade.

Click on flyer to enlarge.

2nd Reader of the Week is Karly!

Minnesota 150 Talk featured Northfielder Francis AnDyke

Jeff Sauve aka Francis "Frank" AnDyke presented a great program on living in Cannon City in the 1860's and what it was like to dig ginseng, deliver mail & thrash wheat. He later lived in Dundas then opened his own blacksmithing shop in Northfield. He later retired and started candy making!

Thanks Jeff and thanks to the Northfield Historical Society for co-sponsoring the event.

Books & Stars with Stompin' Dixie

We had a super evening of stompin' fun with Stompin' Dixie!

It was great to have the Cocoa Bean back. $.50 from each shaved ice sold will be donated to Booker.

Thanks Eileen & Marvin!

1st Reader of the Week!

Fur Trade Clerk George Nelson visits the library

George Nelson(1786 - 1859)Fur Trade Clerk
Told us about:
His life as a fur trade clerk for the XY, North West and Hudson Bay companies.
The roles of traders, clerks, voyageurs and Indian suppliers in the Great Lakes fur trade.
The cultural and economic exchange between the Dakota, Ojibwe and Europeans.
He had sample trade goods from around the world and we guessed the value in pelts. For more pictures click here.

It was very interesting and entertaining.

Thanks to the Northfield Area Foundation for the grant to make his visit and the other Minnesota 150 History talks happen. Next week's program will feature Francis AnDyke an early settler and blacksmith in Northfield! Thursday, June 19 at 11:30.

June 11th BOOKS & STARS

Books & Stars was inside at the high school, and it was as fun as ever! Click here to see some photos! The sing-along with the Good Time Trio of Mike Hildebrandt, Graig Wasner and Jessy Shouler was great!

A Newbery Medal Award Challenge Finisher!

Super Reader Lisa Wheeler has completed all 86 Newbery Award books! The award was created in 1922 and is given annually for outstanding children's fiction. Lisa completed the Newbery Challenge in 2 years!

Congratulations Lisa!

Click here to see all the books!

Merlin Mondays- the book group for boys continues all summer

Merlin Mondays- a special book group just for boys who like wizards, magic, The Renaissance, books & fun! Monday evenings at 7 pm. New members always welcome.

Lead by dedicated volunteer leader Deb Clark. For boys 9 and up!

Free. In the library’s meeting room.

Summer Reading Program Schedule

Summer Schedule
Pick up a Investigation sheet anytime after June 2.

Program begins June 9 and goes to July 25.

Mondays
June 16 at 3 pm Nuts about Newbery Book Group
“Strawberry Girl” by Lois Lenski

July 21 at 3 pm Nuts about Newbery Book Group
“Story of Mankind” by VanLoon

5 pm -8 pm What’s Buzzin’ Investigation Time

Tuesdays
10 am Patty Cake, Patty Cake Infant Lapsit

1 pm- 4 pm What’s Buzzin’ Investigation Time

Wednesdays
10 am Toddler Rhyme Time

1 pm- 4 pm What’s Buzzin’ Investigation Time

6:30 Booker opens for Books & Stars
7:00 Books & Stars great performers for all ages at various parks in parks in Northfield.
Books & Stars is made possible by a grant from the Southern Minnesota Art’s Council

Thursdays
10 am Pre-School Story Time for 4 and 5 year olds

11:30 to 1 pm
Special Minnesota 150 History Time
Characters from the Minnesota History Center, Mill City Museum and the Northfield Historical Society will present weekly programs to celebrate our states 150th birthday.

1 pm Investigators Lunch! for kids who have met a weekly investigation reading goal. When you meet your goal you will get a special sticker that will get you into the Pizza lunch bunch.

Call 645-1810 or here for more details and updates.

Summer Reading Program Information

Read this summer!
Pick up a reading investigation sheet at the library starting June 2.
Read books and record what you have read (or what was read to you) on the sheet.
Bring it with you when you come to the library!

First Goal met get a free book pack courtesy of the Friends of the Library.
All goals met after that earn a badge for your book pack!
Goals:
Kids going into grades 1st to 3rd– complete 5 investigations.
Kids going into grades 4th and up– complete 3 investigations.
If you meet your goal for the week, you can come to the Investigators Pizza Lunch after the
Minnesota 150 History time!

Fill out a book slip for every book you read to enter for prizes and “Reader of the Week”
Remember to read books that challenge and prepare you for school!
Minnesota 150 History TimeCharacters from the Minnesota
History Center, Mill City Museum and the Northfield Historical Society will present weekly programs Thursdays 11:30 to 1 pm in the library’s meeting room.
Each program is unique! These professional re-enactors will take you back to various times in Minnesota history. The programs are free and open to all but are structured for children K-5th grade. Made possible by a grant from the Northfield Area Foundation.

Kids in the summer reading program who meet a reading investigation goal are invited to come to the program then stay and enjoy a free Investigators Lunch donated by Northfield’s Domino’s. (To have the pizza you must have read and met your reading goal!)

What's going on this summer-

First Steps Room will be open! Monday, Fridays & Saturdays 10-12.

Starting the week of June 9th
10 am Tuesdays Patty Cake Infant Lapsit
Infant Lapsit is specially designed to encourage development of language and motor skills by incorporating books with simple songs, rhymes and fingerplays. For ages 6-18 months with parent or caregiver.

10 am Wednesdays Toddler Rhyme Time
Rhyme Time is a time to encourage development of language and motor skills by integrating movement, songs, books and rhymes for kids ages 2-3 with parent or caregiver.

10 am Thursdays Story Time
for 4’s and 5’s Stories and a craft for the “just about ready for school crowd.” For those who are ready to sit and listen to a picture book, sing songs and create a small art project.

FIRST STEPS Early Literacy Center
Hand on fun and learning!
10 am- noon Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Click here to see Justin Roberts new music video!

Take a look here! Justin will be here July 9!

Special Performance sponsored by the Friends of the Library
7 pm at Central Park

Books & Stars 2008

Enjoy fun, free family entertainment at various parks throughout Northfield!
Booker, the Book Bus opens at 6:30 pm, the entertainment begins at 7 pm Wednesday evenings.
Booker has library materials for all ages. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for fun!
The Cocoa Bean returns to sell their refreshing Hawaiian Shaved Ice and the proceeds are donated to Booker! Click here to see some photos from last summer.
The show will always go on! *RAIN SITE: Northfield High School Auditorium Call 645-6606 for details or changes.

Schedule

July 9
Justin Roberts
Special Performance sponsored by the Friends of the Library
7 pm at Central Park

July 16
American Folk Music Heritage with fiddle, banjo, guitar, harmonica and autoharp with Bob & Gail 7 pm at Sibley School West Side

July 23
KID POWER with Rachael! Lively interactive musical fun with comedy, impressions and juggling! 7 pm at Odd Fellow’s Park

July 30
Tra Ti Ti Tran Tran Toro Flamenco puppet theatre treat –a taste of Spain! Zorongo Flamenco
7 pm at Greenvale Park

August 6
Hans Mayer! Lively music fun! **Free swim night at the Outdoor Pool starting at 6 pm** show starts at 7!

August 13
Kevin Strauss “Tales from Tails” explore the natural world with stories & songs .
7 pm at Central Park

This summer schedule of outstanding music and fun is made possible by a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council. With support from the City of Northfield-Library and Northfield Schools-Family Services Division.

Early learning fun

First Steps Early Literacy Center is open Monday, Fridays and Saturdays at 10 am. Families with little ones can have some quality wiggle and learn time. In the library's meeting room.

Emmet & Ralph

Emmet loves Ralph S. Mouse! He and his family donated books and a toy ambulance to create a new bookpack for all kids to enjoy!
Thanks Emmet!
The book back is called "Emmet and Ralph."