Join us at the Houston Public Library at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, April 16th for documentary artists, James A. Bowey, who will share stories and photographs from “When Home Won’t Let You Stay,” his traveling exhibition about refugees in Minnesota. This compelling talk remind us all that empathy is an essential mindset for contemporary education, business, and democracy. This program was made possible by a SELCO Legacy grant through the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
Enjoy a rural journey exploring the greatest of all rural icons, the barn. Freelance photographer, author, and public speaker Doug Ohman tells the story of Minnesota from the early days of statehood through the era of agribusiness. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to the farm as Doug examines the importance of our rural roots. Ohman has degrees in both geography and history from the University of Minnesota. His work can be viewed at www.pioneerphotography.com. Questions about this or any other library program/ Give us a call at 896-READ!
In celebration of the 17th Annual International Festival of Owls, the Houston Public Library is hosting our third owl-themed StoryWalk, this time featuring “White Owl, Barn Owl” written by Nicola Davies and illustrated by John Michael Foreman.
What in the world is a StoryWalk? Well, imagine you and your kids are walking around downtown Houston and all along the way you keep coming across pages from a children’s picture book mounted in the windows of local businesses. Before you know it, you’re reading a story as you go! The concept of a StoryWalk was developed in 2007 by Anne Ferguson of Montpellier, Vermont, with the goal of “combining three critical elements for overall family health: early literacy learning, family engagement outdoors, and physical activity.”
Our StoryWalk begins on the front door of the Houston Public Library, crosses over Sherman Street to the International Owl Center, heads around the corner to Grant Street and comes back to Cedar Street– so basically a trip around Houston’s busiest commercial block. As the pages of “White Owl, Barn Owl” are prominently displayed in front windows/doors and are clearly visible from the sidewalk, you can go about your own StoryWalk at any time of day or night! Have fun on your StoryWalk, dress appropriately, and don’t forget to support Houston’s local businesses that are making this event possible. Questions? Call the library at 507-896-READ!
Introduction: Houston Public Library — 202 East Cedar
Pages 1-2: International Owl Center — 126 East Cedar
Pages 3-4: Bremer Bank — 108 East Cedar
Pages 5-6: Snow’s Beauty Salon — 134 South Grant
Page 7-8: United States Post Office — 127 South Grant
Page 9-10: American Legion Club — 121 South Grant
Page 11-12: H&R Block — 109 South Grant
Page 13-14: Cox True Value Hardware — 101 South Grant
Page 15-16: Carlson Coffee Roasting & Mini-Doughnut Lab — 101 West Cedar
Page 17-18: Barista’s Coffee House — 110 North Grant
Page 19-20: Mound Prairie Mutual Insurance — 115 East Cedar
Page 21-22: Root River Market Cooperative — 119 East Cedar
Page 23-24: JT’s Corner Bar & Grill — 125 East Cedar
THE END! THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!
W
Congratulations to the winners of the Friends of the Library’s 3rd Annual Quilt and Basket Raffle, which took place on Thursday, February 14th at 7 pm! Thanks to all of you who supported our upcoming 2019 Summer Reading Program by participating and donating! Special thanks go out to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for providing the seed money to get this project started, as well as to Janelle Kelleher for making and donating the quilt!
Here is a list of the lucky individuals:
Quilt: Jeanne Tippery!
Pioneer Girl Basket: Eileen Hegland!
Tea with the Queen Basket: Joan Redig!
Adventures with Gary Paulson Basket: Sarah Erdmann!
Happy Camper Basket: Jean Carlson!
Cozy Reads Basket: Lynn Carr!
Murder in the North Basket: Hein Bloom!
Family Science Basket: Amy Kulas and Helen!
Mini Maker Space Basket: Jean Carlson!
I survived Basket: Barb Swenson!
Day at the Beach Basket: Sarah Erdmann!
My First Easter Basket: Ann Markegard!
Get Gardening Basket: Eileen Hegland!
Never Quit Drawing Basket: Twyla Peterson!
Car Lovers Basket: Beth Peterson-Lee and John!
Zen/Meditation Basket: Averi Hunter!
Family Staycation: Amy Kulas and Aden!
Questions? Give us a call at 896-READ!
The Houston Public Library will be CLOSED on Monday, February 18th in observance of Presidents’ Day. Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone. We’ll see you on Tuesday!
The Houston Public Library will be CLOSED on Monday, January 21st in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone. We’ll be back to our regular schedule on Tuesday, January 22nd. Questions? Give us a call at 896-READ!
The Houston Public Library will be CLOSED this holiday season on:
Have a safe, peaceful, and happy end of the year, everyone! Please give us a call at 896-7323 if you have any questions!
Just a reminder a bit in advance: the Houston Public Library will be CLOSED on Thursday, November 22nd in observance of Thanksgiving Day. Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone. We’ll be back to our regular schedule on Saturday, November 24th. Questions? Give us a call at 896-READ!
Thanks to an army of volunteers and customers, the Friends of the Library’s annual fall book sale was a success despite the cold grey weather! We earned $365 which will all be spent on programming or collection development. Not bad for a half a day’s work! Thanks go out as well to all those of you who donated books for us to go through — some donations make it into our library collection, some are used to fill the five Little Free Libraries we host in town, and the rest form the basis of our two yearly book sales. Questions about this or any other library activity? Give us a call at 896-READ!
Join us at the Houston Public Library on Monday, August 13th at 7 pm for a presentation on incredible India during our 2018 Summer Reading Program, “Reading Takes You Everywhere!” Experience the wonder of India through stories and photographs with Kim Hammer, world traveler and owner of SUTRA global imports in Dakota, MN. Questions? Call us at 896-READ!