Tuesday, June 23, 2009

New Movies at the Library!

Twilight: All about teenage vampires in Washington.

Fireproof: Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) juggles his family and fighting fires.

High School Musical 3: Seen HSM 1 and 2? Senior Year and more music and dance.

Changeling: Los Angeles, 1928. Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) gets her missing son back but it's not him.

Gran Torino: Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) has a cool car and befriends the Hmong family next door.

Defiance: The Bielski Brothers keep alive Jewish refugees during World War II. Based on a true story.

Appaloosa: Marshal Cole and deputy Hitch protect town and citizens from ruthless rancher. Based on book by Robert B. Parker.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Splat!


Are you a frustrated artist? Do you have more creativity than you know what to do with? Do you have a thing for Jackson Pollock? Do you enjoy throwing paint? Or do you just enjoy getting messy?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then has the library got a program for you! On Thursday, June 25 at 1pm, we will host an art class for kids that will study the art of Jackson Pollock by, you guessed it, throwing paint.
This program has limited resources, so admittance will be first-come, first served. Also, dress in some sloppy clothes, because you WILL get paint on yourself...

SBA Small Business Interest Free Loan Program

The SBA is now accepting applications for a new loan program. If your small business is in need of short-term relief this loan may be just what will help. It is the America's Recovery Capital Loan Program (ARC). The best candidates are small businesses that in the past were profitable but are currently struggling because of the economy.

Act quickly! There is a limited amount of funding. Make a call to your current bank or lender. For additional details go to www.sba.gov and click on Arc Loan Program. You can also call Lori Fedo at the Hibbing Chamber.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Name your favorite books.

I have had many favorite books, starting with Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. When in high school, I enjoyed Zane Grey westerns and Agatha Christie mysteries. As an adult, I will read the occasional nonfiction survival story, but my favorites are still mysteries. Here are a few of my favorite authors: Martha Grimes, Christopher Fowler, Charles Todd, and James R. Benn.

So what are your favorite books?
Write in and tell us.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Historic England Comes Alive in These 3 Novels.

Martyr by Rory Clements
England, 1587
First Line: Rose Downie sat on the cold cobbles, cradling a swaddled baby that was not hers.
First in a series, John Shakespeare, investigator, older brother to William, is charged with solving the murder of Queen Elizabeth’s cousin and an assassination attempt against Sir Francis Drake.

The Devlin Diary by Christi Phillips
London, 1672 and Cambridge 2008
First Line: She leaves her house on Portsmouth Street carrying a wood box with a smooth ivory handle and tarnished brass fittings.
Hannah Devlin, physician when her only patients are the poor, becomes convinced that she has found a serial killer at work by the condition of the bodies. Claire Donovan in 2008 finds Hannah’s diary and discovers that the diary is dangerous when a rival is killed.

A Matter of Justice by Charles Todd
England, 1920
First Line: Ronald Evering was in his study, watching a mechanical toy bank go through its motions, when the idea first came to him.
Ian Rutledge, Scotland Yard Inspector, is sent to investigate a murder of a man named Quarles in a particularly vicious manner. Eleventh in the series, Inspector Rutledge is haunted by memories of World War I and the soldier he was forced to shoot for desertion.

Monday, June 15, 2009

253 and counting!

That's how many readers have signed up for the Summer Reading Program. Have you signed up yet? No? Well, don't delay! You have until July 24 to come in, sign up and set your reading goal to win prizes.

Like animals? Lucky you, because the Minnesota Zoo will be bringing the Zoo-mobile to the library on Thursday, June 18 at 10am.

Animal, book and prizes. How can you go wrong at the library this summer?

Book Review: Seth Bullock: Black Hills Lawman by David A Wolff


If you are planning to travel to South Dakota this summer and see the Black Hills, then you may want to read about Seth Bullock.

Part of the South Dakota Biography series, extensive notes, bibliography and index make this a must read for anyone interested in the history of Deadwood. As a student or traveler to South Dakota, Seth Bullock by David A. Wolff and Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane by James D. McLaird are not to be missed. The recent popularity of the HBO series Deadwood brings added interest to the history of South Dakota during the Gold Rush period.

Seth Bullock was already in his late twenties when he went to Deadwood with Sol Star to open Star and Bullock Hardware. Seth Bullock’s many accomplishments during his lifetime include: first sheriff appointed by Governor Pennington to bring order to Deadwood; the first Black Hills Reserve forest supervisor; and Bullock as U.S. Marshal for South Dakota appointed by President Teddy Roosevelt.

Seth Bullock died, September 23, 1919 in Deadwood at the age of 73 and is buried next to his wife, Martha, in the cemetery above Deadwood.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Microsoft's New and Enhanced Search Engine Named 'Bing' Debuts

Microsoft's new general search engine, named Bing, is now live and ready for use.

The ResourceShelf Newsletter offers the following comment:

"Overall, while it's good and important to have another unique database of web content out there, we are a bit saddened to see the lack of new feature and services with this first release of Bing as opposed to what was available with Live.com. Bing is worth knowing about and using, but getting the masses to switch to it as their default search tool will be a massive challenge. Time will tell. Expect to see a lot of advertising for Bing. Finally, Bing Maps (and imagery) continues to mesmerize, and the limiting functions for images and video are very useful."

So if you want to try something other than Google or Yahoo move on over a give Bing an try.

Monday, June 08, 2009

Don't call it "The Craft Van" anymore...

...because it is now "The Fun On the Run Mobile Playground Van!" And it will be making it's regular Wednesday stop at the library starting June 10. So, from 9am to noon, get a fun fix for free. Then see how many times fast you can say the new name!

Website of the Week

Check out the following website:
Dumb Little Man: Tips for Life http://www.dumblittleman.com/
“A handful of tips that will save you money, increase your productivity, or keep you sane.”

Today’s article: 15 Awesome Tutorial Websites You Probably Don't Know About. Check out the link to find video clips on a variety of subjects and brief easy to follow instruction.

Lists the categories available, including:
Business
Career
DIY and How To
Earning or Saving Money
Featured Sites
Food and Cooking
Health and Fitness
Lifehacks
Most Popular DLM Posts
Motivation
Personal Development
Productivity
Technology
Workplace
Writing and Blogging
Everyone needs a little help sometime.

Friday, June 05, 2009

The Nature Lovers Website

If you enjoy nature, spend some time browsing the Macauley Library at the Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology

<http://macaulaylibrary.org/index.do>

The Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is the
world's largest natural sound and video archive of animal
behavior. Its mission is to collect and preserve recordings of
each species behavior and natural history and to make them
available for research, education, conservation, zoos and aquaria,
wildlife managers, publishers, the arts, and both public and
commercial media. Since 1930, recordists of all backgrounds have
contributed their recordings, which now number to several hundred
thousand in total. A large percentage of the recordings can be
searched and played online.

The Library is a "Hot Spot"

The library now has a free wireless connection for the public to use. Explore the Internet using your own wireless-enabled laptop computer. Free Wi-Fi access is provided in the public areas on the main floor of the library. Simply launch your Web browser, read and agree to abide by our “Internet Use Policy”, and begin surfing.

Thursday, June 04, 2009

New Movies at the Library!

Bleak House by Charles Dickens, a BBC production. Part murder mystery, love story, comedy and edgy drama, Bleak House makes for gripping television.

Paul Blart, Mall Cop (Kevin James), wants to be a state trooper and gets his chance to become a real cop when the bad guys raid the mall and take hostages.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Benjamin Button is born in his eighties and ages backward. Daisy is the love of his life and childhood friend.

Bride Wars stars Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway. Two best friends find their weddings double booked on the same day at the same time.

Last Chance Harvey stars Dustin Hoffman and Emma Hoffman. Two strangers receive a second chance at love in London.

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

What others are reading

Many parents of our young patrons have come forward to recommend books. The list is getting pretty long, so it was decided to share some of them here. If you wish to add to the list, please do so in the "comments" section of this post. All books are available through the Arrowhead Library System.

One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey
Cousin Ruth's Tooth by Amy MacDonald
Wet Dog! by Elise Broach (art by Summer Reading Program illustrator David Catrow)
Chicken in the Kitchen by Tony Johnston
I Lost My Tooth in Africa by Penda Diakite

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Free People Resource

The editorial staff at ResourceShelf have recently recommended this free people resource. Take a look at the Who’s Who in America Experts Guide.

"You’ll find advice from familiar names here — e.g., Peter Greenberg and Arthur Frommer providing travel tips. You’ll also find interviews with folks who are not necessarily household names, but who are notable in their own fields, such as medicine and real estate. The site is divided into several sections, according to content:
Health
Travel
Food & Wine
Real Estate
Interviews
In the News
You can sign up for e-mail updates about new content in any or all of these sections."

Take a look and enjoy.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Plant Your Gardens With Tips From These Magazines

Hibbing Public Library has several magazines that will help you plant your gardens.

Fine Gardening
http://www.finegardening.com/
Check out the article: 100 skills that will make you a better gardener in the July/August issue.
A few skills are listed below:
1. Manage water during a drought
2. Buy good pruners
3. Find your hardiness zone
4. Create a focal point
5. Effectively battle deer
6. Tell the good bugs from the bad bugs
7. Install a rain barrel
8. Edge a Flower bed
9. Buy a shovel

northerngardener
http://www.northerngardener.org/
May/June features articles on Peonies, Roses and Bulbs. The Calendar of events include garden tours, plant sales and classes. For an event in our area, see Duluth Garden and Flower Society Bus Hop on Saturday, May 30 from 7:30 – 3 pm. Register online with http://www.bayfrontvisions/ or call 218-525-1717. A bus will leave from Mesabi Range Technical College in Eveleth.

Organic Gardening
May 2009
http://www.organicgardening.com/
Check out the article on Time Is On Your Side. “Does your spring “to-do” list grow faster than your bean plants? Use these tips we gathered from our test team and other experienced Gardeners around the country to get more done in less time.”

Planning
Organize before planting, choose plants that are hardy, group together plants with similar soil and watering needs, and plant close together to cut down on weeding.

Vegetable garden
Begin with started plants, consistent, deep watering once a week and mulch.

Flowerbeds
Plant long-blooming perennials, deadhead daily, and cover ground with short perennials like creeping thyme or phlox and they will act as mulch.

Weed and pest control
Weed when wet, deal with young dandelions, and plant pest and disease resistant plants.

Lawn Care
Leave the clippings on the grass, cut high and bag the leaves in the fall.

Reading the above magazines will turn you into a competent gardener.
Magazines check out for 14 days.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

14 Day Loan Periods for VHS Movies

Many of you asked and we listened. All VHS movies now have a 14 day loan period. Check out any VHS and keep it for 2 weeks.

Thanks to the people at the Lexington Public Library

This video was made at the Lexington Public Library to promote the 2009 Summer Reading Program. Their dates are the same as ours! Enjoy!

Friday, May 22, 2009

What is on your summer reading and viewing list?

Valkyrie: read the book, see the movie.

Valkyrie: the story of the plot to kill Hitler by its last member by Philipp Freiherr von Boeselager.
Valkyrie is the code name for the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler. Philipps Freiherr von Boeselager, author and last surviving member of the plot, and his brother joined a group of conspirators after discovering the cold-blooded brutality of the SS under orders from an increasingly unstable Hitler. First the assassination and then the bomb attempt failed, the SS launched an attack on co-conspirators. One by one the conspirators were caught, tortured and executed.

Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise and Kenneth Branagh
Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise,) joins conspirators to kill Adolf Hitler (David Bamber). Codenamed, Valkyrie, the assassination attempt fails and a second attempt is made. Another suspenseful war movie with well known actors, director Bryan Singer shows the point of view from the conspirators' camp.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Book Review: Wicked Prey by John Sandford

Minnesota author, John Sandford is back with Wicked Prey, the 19th book featuring Lucas Davenport, a former Minneapolis homicide cop, now working for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in Minnesota.
The story opens with the Republicans coming to St. Paul for their convention. Davenport, the BCA and local cops work security to keep the conventioneers safe from a few professional burglars and psychotic killers.
Read more about John Sandford and see his book tour schedule at: www.johnsandford.org

Monday, May 18, 2009

Are you ready for the Summer Reading program?

Ready for another great summer of fun and prizes at the library?

The Summer Reading Program runs June 1, 2009 through July 31, 2009. The theme this year is "Be Creative @ Your Library."

Prizes will be awarded in a different manner this year. Rather than a graduated system as in years past, this summer the kids will be encouraged to set a goal of books or pages to be read over the summer. Beginning July 1, 2009, those who have reached their goal may come in to the library and pick up a prize bag, full of great stuff.

Don't forget all the free programs! From jugglers to critters, it will be one busy summer. Make sure to stop by the library and pick up a program flyer.

See you there!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

2009 Dylan Days Benefit Concert

Don't miss this great event on Saturday, May 23rd in the Hibbing High School auditorium.

The Hibbing Arts Council and Dylan Days Benefit Concert Committee are pleased to announce that famed violinist Scarlet Rivera will headline the line up for the 2009 Dylan Days Benefit Concert at the Historic Hibbing High School Auditorium on Saturday, May 23, 2009. Rivera, violinist for Bob Dylan in the mid-1970’s, will be accompanied by Gene LaFond & The Wild Unknown.

Hurry, get your no-fee tickets today! Don’t miss this opportunity to see musical legends perform live on the historic Hibbing High School Auditorium stage.

Tickets are on sale now and are available by calling 1-866-420-1234 (toll free) or 651.209.6689.

Tickets also available Online at: Ticket Works

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Best deal in town!

“When I was young, we couldn't afford much. But, my library card was my key to the world.”
-Actor John Goodman

Spring Cleaning: Read about it and then do it!

Start spring cleaning by checking out the following books by Peter Walsh:

Enough Already! Clearing mental clutter to become the best you.

How To Organize (Just About) Everything.

It’s All Too Much: an easy plan for living a richer life with less stuff.

Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat?


Peter Walsh has been in hundreds of homes helping people with their clutter. He helps people look at the vision they have for their lives and helps people move closer to that vision. Organizing and decluttering the home is the first step to making changes and achieving a richer life.
Website: www.peterwalshdesign.com/

Monday, May 11, 2009

FREE Reverse Mortgage Seminar

Attention Seniors:

Security State Bank of Hibbing will be sponsoring a free Reverse Mortgage Seminar at the library. Alina Passarelli of Financial Freedom will be giving a presentation on how an FHA Reverse Mortgage can be of benefit. This workshop is for homeowners 62 and older. Friends and family are welcome to attend also. Refreshments will be provided.

If you would like extra income. Are tired of making monthly mortgage payments.
Call (218) 263-8855 to reserve a seat at this program.

Reverse Mortgage Seminar
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Hibbing Public Library Auditorium
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Friday, May 08, 2009

New Suspense Fiction

Lethal Legacy by Linda Fairstein
Eleventh in the series, Assistant District Attorney Alex Cooper tracks a killer after rare books and maps to the strange and wealthy Hunt family, major benefactors of the New York Public Library.
To read her series in order, see her website: www.lindafairstein.com

Deadlock by Iris Johansen
Emily Hudson and Joel Levy are artifacts experts for the United Nations who travel to warring countries to save priceless treasures. On their latest job, they are held hostage by a ruthless killer determined to find a legendary treasure. John Garrett, CIA and MI6 operative, is sent to find and rescue Hudson and Levy.
Check out her website: www.irisjohansen.com

Still Life by Joy Fielding
First line: “Less than an hour before the car slammed into her at a speed of almost fifty miles an hour, throwing her ten feet into the air, breaking nearly every bone in her body and cracking her head against the hard concrete, Casey Marshall was sitting in the elegant narrow dining room of Southwark.”
Lying in her hospital bed, unable to see or communicate, she can hear. Casey soon realizes that her accident may not have been an accident after all.
Joy Fielding has a website: www.joyfielding.com

Thursday, May 07, 2009

The Range Reads...and how!

The Mesabi Range enjoys a high density of libraries. By using information provided by the American Library Association, the Arrowhead Library System, and Wikipedia, these comparisons are made:

United States
Total square miles: 3,794,066
Public Libraries: 16,592
One public library for every 229 square miles

State of Minnesota
Total square miles: 87,014
Public Libraries: 309
One public library for every 281 square miles

Mesabi Range
Total square miles: approx. 400
Public Libraries: 17
One public library for every 24 square miles

New Baseball Biographies at the library.

Yogi Berra: Eternal Yankee by Allen Barra
The most popular Yankee since Babe Ruth, Yogi Berra was the cornerstone of the 1949-1953 Yankees , the only team ever to win five consecutive World Series. The greatest catcher of all time, read about the life of Yogi Berra.

Straw: Finding my Way by Darryl Strawberry with John Strausbaugh
The New York Mets drafted him in 1980 and Strawberry became the first National League player voted to the All-Star Game in each of his first four seasons. Strawberry’s professional achievements were often overshadowed by drug use, tax evasion and allegations of domestic violence. By 2006, after rehab and treatments for cancer, he has devoted his life to his church and children and adults with developmental disorders.

George: The poor little rich boy who built the Yankee Empire by Peter Golenbock
George Steinbrenner, team owner of the New York Yankees for 34 years, brought scandal and feuds including 6 World Series and 10 pennants to Yankee baseball. Inside stories about George Steinbrenner’s relationship with manager Billy Martin, and players Dave Winfield, and Yogi Berra plus many others make this a must read for baseball fans everywhere.

Friday, May 01, 2009

What are you reading?

On DorothyL, http://www.dorothyl.com/ , a website for writers and readers of mysteries, the question is often asked, what are you reading?

I am currently reading: A Beautiful Place to Die by Malla Nunn.
Detective Emmanuel Cooper, is sent to Jacob’s Rest, a small town on the border between South Africa and Mozambique in 1952 to investigate the murder of a police officer.

Write in and tell us: What are you reading?

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Bookish Websites:

Wiki Summaries
www.wikisummaries.org

WikiSummaries and its contributors have the goal of writing summaries for popular and classic books. Anyone can join and write summaries. Check out the 307 summaries available.

LibraryThing
www.librarything.com

Enter what you are reading, rate the book and write a review. Sign up for free books to review each month; your name goes into a drawing. Keep a list of what you have read and you can see what other people are reading. See what is hot this month and read reviews by other members. You can join a group, form your own group or talk about the books you have read.

Good Reads
www.goodreads.com

Get book recommendations, keep a record of what you've read and keep a list of what you'd like to read, and write book reviews. Online book clubs are available.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Crunch!

In honor of TV Turn Off Week, the library hosted the 2nd Annual TV Toss. Students in grades 4-6 were encouraged to write an essay, "Why Books are Better than TV," with the writer of the best essay winning a chance to ride up in the city bucket truck and throw out a TV filled with candy and prizes. This year's winner was Travis Balstad, a 5th grade student at Lincoln School.























The Literacy Action Center was also in attendence to give away free books. After the TV was destroyed and all prizes claimed, families were encouraged to come inside the library to play games and check out books.










Friday, April 24, 2009

New Movies at the Library!

Check out a DVD or Video Cassette today and keep them until Monday.
Current favorites:
· Marley & Me
· Twilight
· The Reader
· The Tale of Despereaux

If you liked the movie, you may want to read or listen to the books.
  • Marley & Me by John Grogan Compact Disc 636.752 GROGA
  • Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. First book in the Twilight Saga. Young Adult MEYER. Also available for download or j Compact Disc TWILIGHT
  • The Reader by Bernard Schlink. Fiction SCHLI also available for download.
  • The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo J Fiction DICAM or j Compact Disc TALE

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Free Downloads and Services from PC World

PC World recently published an article on “101 Undiscovered freebies: The List.” www.pcworld.com/article/161674/101_undiscovered_freebies_the_list
A few sites worth taking a look at are listed below or check out the entire list!
www.5min.com
A list of 5 minute instructional videos and DIY projects.
www.openoffice.org
Open-source office software suitable for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose.
www.evernote.com
Capture information in any environment using whatever device or platform you find most convenient, and makes this information accessible and searchable at any time, from anywhere.

Check out PC World magazine at Hibbing Public Library. Magazines check out for 2 weeks at a time.

Artists of the North Country 3rd Annual Art Exhibit

The Lake Superior Watercolor Society will be holding their 3rd annual art exhibit at the Hibbing Public Library, May 1st through June 1st. All works have been inspired by the life and lyrics of Bob Dylan. Art will be for sale and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Friends of the Hibbing Public Library.

A reception for the participating artists will be held on Dylan’s birthday, Thursday, May 21st from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Meet and talk with some of the artists and enjoy Dylan inspired refreshments.The Lake Superior Watercolor Society will be holding their 3rd annual art exhibit at the Hibbing Public Library, May 1st through June 1st. All works have been inspired by the life and lyrics of Bob Dylan. Art will be for sale and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Friends of the Hibbing Public Library.

A reception for the participating artists will be held on Dylan’s birthday, Thursday, May 21st from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Meet and talk with some of the artists and enjoy Dylan inspired refreshments.

Monday, April 20, 2009

New in tween fiction: Talia Talk by Christine Hurley Deriso

SO YOU THINK your mom is embarrassing? You won’t after you meet mine. She’s the co-host of a morning television show and her host chat has covered everything I’ve done from puking on my piano teacher’s shoes to gluing antlers on my head.
But I’ve got the microphone now and I’m doing weekly commentaries on my school’s broadcast/podcast. Don’t get me wrong—mom’s awesome, and I’d never really want to freak her out. But if viewers get to hear about my private life, why can’t I dish about Mom’s new boyfriend, or how dorky she is as a school volunteer? Did I mention my friendships with my loud, bossy BFF and former BFFs are in total flux? And what is this thing called middle school? Definitely stay tuned.
From the Hardcover edition.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Social Networks: Twitter

If you haven’t tried a social network site yet, Twitter is a great place to start.
Stay in contact with family and friends or people with similar interests by stating what you are doing in 140 characters or less. You can follow people with similar hobbies and interests, news stations like BBC, CNN and Fox News. If your interest in golf – look for golfers on Twitter. Follow the Hibbing Public Library’s twitter account: hibbinglibrary. Sign up and tell people what you are doing or post a link and tell people what you are reading: www.twitter.com

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Website of the Week: Nevada Barr, author

http://www.nevadabarr.com/
Nevada Barr is one of many authors who has a website to promote their books. Her main character, Anna Pigeon, Park Ranger, solves mysteries in each of the national parks where she is stationed.
In her latest book, Borderline, in the Anna Pigeon Series, Anna and her husband travel to Big Bend National Park for a rafting trip.
Part of the appeal of Nevada Barr’s books – beside the mystery – is that Anna is stationed in a different national park with each book: Isle Royale National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Yosemite National Park, to name a few.
Like most author websites, you can view her biography, her book lists with a link to purchase books, and her tour schedule. She also has a link to the National Park Website. You can even sign up for her mailing list.
On the Nevada Barr Blog, when asked how Nevada came up with the name “Pigeon” for Anna, this was her answer:
“When I lived in Minneapolis there was, across the river, in St. Paul, a fine children’s ‘touch and see’ museum. The woman running it was tall and beautiful and moved like a ghost. She had a square, strong face and shining brown hair to her waist. I was besotted. Her name was Anna Pidgeon. Years later, when I began the series, I thought of her and, would you believe it, misspelled her name.”

Attention Fans of the Betsy-Tacy Series

Fans of the beloved Minnesota author Maud Hart Lovelace and her somewhat-autobiographical books, the Betsy-Tacy series, plan to converge on Mankato, Minnesota for a convention taking place July 17-20, 2009 at the Alltel Center.

There will be a re-creation of Heinz's Ice Cream Parlor, a traditionnal Ray family breakfast, tours of Betsy's and Tacy's houses which have been preserved and restored, a Betsy-Tacy traditional picnic, games, storytellers, food, 5 k walk/run, walking tours, and much more.

Popular and prolific author Meg Cabot (The Princess Diaries) will discuss her love of Betsy and Tacy as the keynote speaker of the convention. The Maud Hart Lovelace Society is also planning a post-convention Twin Cities Tour of Maud/Betsy sites.

For more information on this exciting event and registration forms go to the Betsy-Tacy Convention site.

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Shmoop for Education

Try Shmoop, a new educational website for teachers and high school and college students. A bunch of Ph.D. and Masters students from Stanford and Berkeley have worked on this site for the past year-and-change. They recently posted the site for the public. Check out Shmoop: http://www.shmoop.com

They would welcome any feedback or suggestions for improvement.

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Book Review:The Lost City of Z: a Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann

British explorer Percy Harrison Fawcett disappears on his last search for the Lost City of Z which becomes the “Atlantis” of the Amazon region. David Grann, along with countless others in the last 80 years, goes on a quest to find out what happened to Colonel Fawcett, his son, Jack and friend Raleigh Rimell after their disappearance in the Amazon in 1925.
Fawcett, an intrepid explorer, had made countless trips to the Amazon under the funding of the Royal Geographical Society. He was the last of the great explorers and his exploits captured society’s imagination. While surviving hostile natives, insects, disease, and wild animals, Fawcett managed to map regions no white man had explored and he did it at such a rapid pace, he often left his fellow adventurers behind. He had little patience for physical ailments often suffered by others on his expeditions as he remained in remarkable health under the worst conditions.
David Grann interviewed Fawcett’s granddaughter and great-granddaughter and was allowed access to Fawcett’s diaries, letters and photographs. After extensive research, David Grann, with the help of guide Paolo Pinage, travelled into the area of the Amazon where Fawcett and companions were last seen and what he found was remarkable.
For more information about Percy Harrison Fawcett, see the extensive bibliography and one of many websites: www.colonelfawcett.net
For more information about David Grann, see: www.davidgrann.com

Monday, April 06, 2009

New Fiction at the Library

One Second After by William R. Forstchen
When an EMP or Electromagnetic pulse weapon is used to short circuit every electronic device in America, retired army colonel, John Matherson, is first puzzled then astounded when first the ceiling fan, the computer, the home security and then fire alarm system shut down. With a foreword by Newt Gingrich, the EMP weapon is all too technically possible.

A Knife Edge by David Rollins
Ex-Air Force special investigator Vin Cooper checks out the death of a scientist by white shark. Aboard a military research ship, Cooper soon realizes that this isn’t an accident but murder.

The Long Fall by Walter Mosley
First in a new series, Leonid McGill is a private investigator in Manhattan who after a life of working for mob bosses, decides to take a stab at redemption. He is a hardboiled detective stuck between the mob and a police lieutenant who is out to get him. Walter Mosley is best known for his Easy Rawlins series.

Smash it up!

Ever wanted to throw your TV out the window? Now is your chance!

April 20-24, 2009 is National TV Turn Off Week. During that week, the Hibbing Public Library wants you to switch off the TV and find other interesting things to do. Like come to the library! And read a book!

The library is having a big family event on Wednesday, April 22, from 3:30-7pm. We’ll be closing off 21st St. between 5th and 6th Avenues for a block party, complete with activities and concessions. But the best part is that someone will get the chance to ride up in the cherry picker and throw a TV out! How cool is that?

How do you get the chance to throw the TV? First, be a student in grades 4-6. Second, write a one-page essay on “Why Books are Better than TV” and bring to the Hibbing Public Library. We’ll pick the best essay and give the winner a call to let them know they won. At 4:30 on April 22nd, the winner goes up and throws the TV!

April 13-17 is National Library Week. The essays are due by 5pm, Thursday April 16 at the Hibbing Public Library, so don’t delay! Don’t miss your chance to brag to your friends that you got to smash a TV!

Not only will there be a TV sailing to its demise, but we plan plenty of other activities inside starting at 5pm and going till 7pm.

Local groups are encouraged to set up a booth outside from 3:30-5pm to promote their activities and maybe sell concessions to promote a picnic atmosphere.

Parents: Do you belong to an organization that wants to set up a booth, put on a demonstration or sell concessions at this event? Call Chuck at the Hibbing Public Library to sign up. He can be reached at 362-5959 or by e-mail, chuckbell@arrowhead.lib.mn.us

After 5pm, we’ll be moving inside the library for more fun! Puppet show, stories, games, crafts and more will be available for family fun! Groups are encouraged to participate inside as well. Call Chuck at 362-5959 to sign up!

The Hibbing Literacy Action Center will be giving away kid’s books as well. Get yours before they are gone!

Friday, April 03, 2009

Minnesota Author to Visit Ironworld

Minnesota Book Award winner William Kent Krueger will visit Ironworld
Saturday, April 18 and present "For Love or Money: Six Reasons to
Write." Krueger is the author of the acclaimed "Cork O'Connor"
mystery series set in northeastern Minnesota. His 2 p.m. presentation will
cover why he became a writer and the compelling reasons for writing
about this region. General admission applies; Ironworld members
admitted free. Call 800-372-6437 for details.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

America Through Native Eyes

PBS and American Experience present America through Native Eyes, We Shall Remain. This is a provocative multi-media project that establishes Native history as an essential part of American history.

Programming will begin on Mondays starting on April 13th at 8:00 p.m.

For more information go to www.pbs.org/weshallremain

Monday, March 30, 2009

New Audio Books

Check out or sign up for new audio books:
Divine Justice by David Baldacci
John Carr, alias Oliver Stone is on the run and the Camel Club members are risking everything to save him.
Arctic Drift by Clive and Dirk Cussler
Dirk Pitt and his children return to carry out a mission to find the Northwest Passage where a clue to reverse global warning may be hidden.
Cross Country by James Patterson
Detective Alex Cross must survive and catch a warlord known as the Tiger who takes him from the African underworld of Washington, D. C. to Nigeria.

Audio books check out for 28 days.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Vote for Minnesota's Top Book

Help pick the Minnesota Book Awards "Readers' Choice Award". Vote anytime before April 10, 2009. Choose your favorite from 32 award finalists.

To see the list and vote go to:

www.TwinCities.com
Click on the Minnesota Book Awards icon.

All voting for the Readers' Choice takes place online. The winner will be announced at the Minnesota Book Awards gala on Saturday, April 25, 2009. The Minnesota Book Awards is a project of The Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, with the Mayor's Office of the City of St. Paul and the St. Paul Public Library.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Book Review: Starvation Lake by Bryan Gruley

Gus Carpenter, returns to Starvation Lake from the newspaper business in Detroit, and becomes the editor of the local paper, The Pilot.
Ten years earlier, legendary Coach Blackburn, deeply mourned by the town, drowned in an accident when his snowmobile went through the ice.
Starvation Lake, in northern Michigan, is a small resort town barely surviving, where people relive the glory years and the jarring defeat of their one chance of winning the state hockey tournament with Coach Blackburn who raised young players to be great hockey players.
Within days of Gus’ return, parts of the coach’s snowmobile has surfaced, but not on the lake where the accident occurred. The accident turns into an investigation of murder when a bullet hole is found in the snowmobile.
Gus relives the past as he becomes reacquainted with the present town and people. He wonders what happened to his old coach during the years he was gone. Suspenseful with fully formed quirky characters often found in small towns and the violent action during the hockey games provide punch to the twist at the end.
First book in the Starvation Lake series by author, Bryan Gruley; visit the following websites for further information: http://www.bryangruley.com/ and http://www.starvationlake.com/

Monday, March 23, 2009

Bob Dylan & the Poetry of the Blues: An Evening with Writer Michael Gray

Author and Dylan expert, Michael Gray is coming back to Hibbing Public Library. His program will be a part of the annual Dylan Days celebration in May. Put the following date and time on your calendar and watch for more details:

Thursday, May 21, 2009
6:00 p.m.
Hibbing Public Library Auditorium

Friday, March 20, 2009

Events this Weekend at Ironworld

At a loss because it's snowing and you can't do yardwork?
Go to Ironworld and take in the exhibit:
Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American Recollections is a traveling exhibit comprised of photos, text in story form and 155 vintage aprons.

Also on Saturday from 2-3 pm, Frank Ongaro, Executive Director of MiningMinnesota, will present "The Next Generation of Mining: Opportunities, economic benefits, and challenges facing non-ferrous mining in Minnesota" in the Ironworld Theater.

Go to www.ironworld.com for information about admission prices and hours for the restaurant.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Mystery Series Website: Stop! You’re Killing Me!

Need help finding which book comes next in a mystery series? Know the name of a character but can’t remember the author? Then Stop! You’re Killing Me website is for you.
Go to: http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/
Look books up by author or character in a series. The books are listed by series and in order of date published. Subscribe to the newsletter, which is published twice a month and includes new authors and characters added to the website as well as announcements of new hardcover and paperback books.

Friday, March 13, 2009

New Movies at the Library!

Check out the new DVDs and Video Cassettes at Hibbing Public Library.

Video Cassettes by Disney include: Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, Melody Time, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Oliver and Co.

New DVDs include: The Final Season, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Get Smart and Mamma Mia. Check them out on Thursday or Friday and keep them until Monday.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Ann Bancroft Event Rescheduled

No Horizon is So Far
Meet Ann Bancroft
Explorer - Teacher - Author
The first woman to cross both North and South Poles

Monday, March 23, 2009
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Hibbing Community College Commons
(Please use the North Entrance)

This event is free of charge.

Showing historic still and video footage, Ann Bancroft tells her inspirational and motivational story - beginning with a childhood dream and culminating as she became the first woman in history to ski across Antarctica's landmass.

For more information call 218-322-2436

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Website of the Week

Books arrive in serial form into your email. According to DailyLit, the idea came after the New York Times serialized a few classic works in special supplements a few summers ago. By adding books to email, a person can read a short section of a book every day in 5 minutes or less. In the 19th Century, Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle often wrote in serials for popular magazines. The Internet encourages readers and writers return to the serial format.
Go to the website: http://www.dailylit.com/
Find a book you want to read, enter your email address and click to subscribe. It’s that easy.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Teen Tech Week and Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands
Tuesday, March 10th through Friday, March 13th
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Library Auditorium

Local teens will be able to tune in at the Hibbing Public Library and celebrate the second annual Teen Tech Week March 8-14, 2009.

Get some friends together and come to the library for “Battle of the Bands” as part of Teen Tech Week. Rock Band for the Wii will be available Tuesday, March 10 through Friday, March 13th from 3-5pm. This program is free but it will be on a first come, first served basis. Each “group” will be allowed 30 minutes to play.

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Website of the Week

Check out the following website www.metacritic.com for reviews on film, dvds, music, television shows, books and games. Since 2001, Metacritic’s objective is “ to help you make an informed decision about how to spend your money on entertainment. “
Book reviews can be found by clicking in the search area, selecting the book category, and typing in the title of the book you are interested in.
Hibbing Public Library has video cassettes, dvds, music and books that you can check out for free using a library card.

Governor Pawlenty in Hibbing

Governor Pawlenty will be in Hibbing to discuss the state budget with you and other business leaders on Tuesday, March 17 at 10:00 AM at the Advantage Billing Concepts Building. (located at 3920 13th Ave East on the Beltline across the street from Hibbing Chrysler Center) Seating is limited so RSVP's are required.
Call 218-262-3895 for a reservation.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

New Large Print Books

We have recently added several titles to our large print collection. Come in and check out: Fern Michael's Collateral Damage, Diana Palmer's Fearless, Lauren Weisberger's Chasing Harry Winston, and W.E.B. Griffin's The Shooters. New Large Print Books circulate for 28 days and we have many more new titles available for checkout.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Author Lorna Landvik in Floodwood

Enjoy an evening of fine wine, fabulous food, relaxing spa treatments, limo rides and ladies only shopping. This event also will be featuring a live performance by comedian and author, LORNA LANDVIK, author of Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons and Patty Jane's House of Curl.

It all takes place:

March 27, 2009
6:30 p.m.
Rich Cuisine Event Center
201 West 7th Ave.
Floodwood, MN

For more information and tickets visit:
www.richcatering.com

Monday, February 23, 2009

DTV Answers

If you still have questions about DTV or installing that pesky converter box go to "DTV Answers" at http://www.dtvanswers.com/.

There is a great, very easy to follow, installation video along with answers to some of your other questions about the new move to digital programming.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Make Your Favorite Family Recipes Worth Keeping

Jill Aubin and Preserving Family Recipes
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Library Auditorium
Area photographer, Jill Aubin will be conducting a workshop on preserving family recipes, photographs, and memories. Everyone that participates will be asked to bring a family recipe and a photograph of the person or an event that that brings back memories connected with the recipe. All other items will be supplied. Jill will help you construct a journal including both items and your written memories. She will also talk about the importance of archiving photographs and written items. All ages are welcome.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Past, Present, and Future of the Iron Range

Aaron Brown Lecture/Discussion
Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Library Auditorium
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Local author, Aaron Brown will be discussing is most recent book “Overburden: Modern Life on the Iron Range”. According to the synopsis, “Brown delves into the history and mystery surrounding the Iron Range to explore the region's mystique and create a stunning and often hilarious biography of a people and a place he has called home nearly his entire life.”

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

New! Small Engine Repair Database

Now available from both the library and your home computer with a borrower ID is Ebsco’s Small Engine Repair Database.

Detailed repair information and facts are included for ATVs, boat motors, motorcycles, snow machines, tractors, outdoor power equipment, personal water craft, generators, and other small engines.

Go to www.hibbing.lib.mn.us
Click on "Databases and Search Engines"
Click on "Consumer" on the right side of the screen
Click on "Small Engine Repair

Try it today.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Download Books to Your iPod

Electronic books can now be downloaded for listening to your iPod. The library has added more than 250 titles that are compatible with the iPod. Go to the library’s main page and click on the “Download Audio Books” icon for more information.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Story Time Starts Again in February!

Story time at the library will be on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am starting on February 3, 2009. Toddle Time at the library will be held on Thursday mornings at 10:00am starting on February 5, 2009.

The library will discontinue Wednesday pre-school story times for the spring. However, Mr. Bell is available to come to you on Wednesday mornings! Give him a call at 218-362-5959 to schedule a pre-school story time or toddle time.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Gerbils at the Library!

Come Meet the New Library Pets!

Thanks to the Friends of the library, the library now has two new library pets. They are two male gerbils who have settled in the children's room. Come down and meet the new guys, then submit an idea for names.

The winner of the naming contest will be announced on February 3, 2009, and will receive a prize!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Iron Range Reads or Hot Reads for Cold Nights

The second annual Iron Range Reads program will take place in February. Arrowhead libraries and Ironworld are cooperating to bring programs and exhibits to everyone during the month. It will be all about collecting and sharing memories.

The book offering this year is Bill Bryson’s “The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid”. The library will have multiple copies available. Anyone who reads the book and leaves a comment on our reading board will be entered into the weekly drawings for the 2009 hot reads mugs. You can also leave recommendations for other titles on the board.

Local author, Aaron Brown, will be at the library on Wednesday, February 18th, at 6:30 p.m. His most recent book is “Overburden: Modern Life on the Iron Range”. According to the synopsis, “Brown delves into the history and mystery surrounding the Iron Range to explore the region's mystique and create a stunning and often hilarious biography of a people and a place he has called home nearly his entire life.”

Wednesday, February 25th at 6:30 p.m., area photographer, Jill Aubin will be having a workshop. Everyone that participates will be asked to bring a family recipe and a photograph of the person or an event that that brings back memories connected with the recipe. All other items will be supplied. Jill will help you construct a journal including both items and your written memories. She will also talk about the importance of archiving photographs and written items.
The library will also have displays on quilting, scrapbooking and other ways to capture your memories for the future.
The Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American Recollections will be on exhibit at Ironworld from January 31st through April 30th. See 155 unique aprons, images of the people who wore them, and read their stories.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Minnesota Illustrator Stephanie Mirocha at Library

Minnesota Illustrator Stephanie Mirocha at Library
Saturday, January 17th 9:30 a.m.

Discover the delightful world of manatees as seen in the picture book, My Little Book of Manatees. Minnesota illustrator Stephanie Mirocha will share her knowledge of these gentle sea creatures along with her experiences in illustrating the book.

Much beloved by many people, the endangered manatees live in an interesting sea habitat. Stephanie will talk about the story manatees have to tell, including the rhythms of their lives from birth to the mother manatee teaching her calf what to eat and how to fend for itself.

Stephanie will also take you behind the scenes into the fascinating world of book illustration. From the initial text she received in the mail, through creating the storyboard and on through editing she will show examples of her work at various stages of the process. She will also read the book aloud.

Geared for preschool through adult audiences, the program lasts about half an hour, with a book signing to follow. There will also be a drawing for a free book, and a signed sea life print. Books cost $7.95.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Slide into a good Book

A Winter Reading Program for Kids

Children of all ages can sign up to read books and win prizes. The Winter Reading Program runs from January 5th through January 31st. Read on your own or have someone read to you. Stop by the library circulation desk for details.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Great Website for Young Families

A free website has been developed for families to easily access information about child growth and development. It has links to creditable state and national organizations who address growth and development of very young children, typical and atypical. This website also offers free parent materials to download and allows participation on a Discussion Board to get your questions answered about your children. “Look At Me Grow! Don't Miss Anything” website includes listings of all county ECFE programs and schedules in our area, information about the partners in this project, the services they provide, information on developmental disorders, a developmental milestones checklist and answers to top questions. Topics covered include but are not limited to attachment, feeding, hearing and vision, sleep, post partum depression and activities to do with your baby.

Look At Me Grow! Project is an Early Identification Grant funded through the Minnesota Department of Education. Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative is partnering with local Early Childhood Family Education, Carlton County Public Health and local Head Start for this project. To access this free valuable resource for families with young children go to http://www.LookAtMeGrow.org .

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Still A Few Days Left To Vote!

Check out the art created by area adults with disabilities and vote for your favorite before December 26th. Copies of the art works along with the voting box are at the library’s front desk. The winning art will be made into 300 buttons which will be sold to help support “Hearts for Hospice”.

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Focus on India

With more than one billion people, India is the second most populous country in the world accounting for 17% of the world’s population. The country has recently become one of the world’s fastest growing economies with an average growth rate of eight percent over the past three years.

It has emerged as a global player in several areas, including information technology, business process outsourcing, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals. The demographic profile of India is changing with an ageing population. The subcontinent is characterized by large diversities in geographical regions, sociocultural groups, and health needs.

For more information about India visit the World Health Organization website at:
http://www.who.int/countries/ind/en/

Or attend the Focus on India event on Thursday, December 11, 2008

Increasing global trade opportunities are creating an exciting economic environment in Northern Minnesota. A coalition of area businesses, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations are kicking of the first in a series of workshops aimed at introducing citizens and businesses to global trade and cultural opportunities.

The first event of the “Global Understanding Series” will focus on India. The event will include:
  • Panel discussions
  • Expert presentations
  • Cultural showcase
  • Ethnic food

Conference registration is $75. Includes lunch, reception, program materials, and evening performance by Ragamala Dance Troupe. Space is limited.

For more information and to register visit www.hibbing.edu/focusonindia. It promises to be fun and educational. Please plan to join us on December 11, 2008 as we Focus on India.

Global Understanding Series Focus On India Press Release

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Tech Toy Workshops

Monday, December 15th in the Conference Room

This is a great hands-on experience for parents and grandparents! Learn how to use some of the new technology toys and how the internet can be used to share photos, video, and books. Registration is required for these one hour workshops so call the library (218-362-5959) and sign up early. Come to one or sign up for all of them.

9:00 a.m. Digital Cameras & Picasa/Flickr
11:00 a.m. Video Cameras & Youtube
1:00 p.m. Wii setting up & getting started / sports, games, & rock band
3:00 p.m. MP3 players & OverDrive

Friday, November 21, 2008

Computer Classe

The following classes are coming up in December:

Internet Safety I
Thursday, December 4th @ 3:00 p.m.
Learn how to protect your computer using passwords, patches, firewalls, anti-virus software, spyware, and pop-up blockers.

Internet Safety II
Thursday, December 11th @ 3:00 p.m.
A lesson on protecting yourself online. The class will cover using email, chat, shopping online, and identity theft.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Attention All Seniors on Medicare

AEOA SIAP (Senior Insurance Advocacy Program) department will be available at the Hibbing Public Library as a service to seniors for open enrollment for Medicare healthcare coverage. Seniors should be aware that there have been some changes with the area healthcare providers as to the Medicare Advantage Plans that they will accept.

Representatives from AEOA will be in the library’s computer lab the following days:
Wednesday, December 10th from 9:00 until 5:00
Thursday, December 17th from 9:00 until 5:00

Please call AEOA at one of the following numbers to schedule an appointment:
218-748-7301 or 800-662-5711 ext. 201.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Keetac Mine Expansion

The “Final Scoping Decision Document”, public comment letters, a summary of public comments and responses to comments received during a 30-day comment period for the proposed Keetac Mine Expansion Project are now available to the public.

The Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have prepared these documents to guide analyses to include in an Environmental Impact Statement for U.S. Steel’s proposal to expand an existing mine pit and re-start an idle iron ore processing line.

Documents are available at the Hibbing Public Library front desk.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

New Online Book Club!

Every other week your heart will pound as adrenaline rushes through your body and you'll be on the edge of your seat when you sample our new THRILLER Book Club!

In cooperation with authors from the International Thriller Writers Association a new Thriller Book Club will replace the Horror Book Club in our online offerings, beginning November 3rd, 2008.

Go to the library’s web site at www.hibbing.lib.mn.us , click on the Online Book Clubs icon. Join the new thriller book club and get ready for action and suspense stories that take you on high speed adventures in which tough, resourceful, but essentially ordinary heroes are pitted against villains determined to destroy them, their country, or the stability of the free world.

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Services for Book Clubs

The library has multiple copies of several outstanding titles that can be checked out by book club members. Check the library’s web site, www.hibbing.lib.mn.us, for a listing of the titles or pick up a flyer at the library.

Book Clubs can also request background information on authors, reviews for specific titles, and discussion guides. Just call the library at 362-5959 and ask for reference. We will create a packet of information for any author and title.

Audio guides for titles that were part of the Big Read program are now available for check out. These CDs feature readings from the novel along with commentary from renowned artists, educators, and public figures such as Robert Redford, Colin Powell, and Mary-Louise Parker, and Big Read authors such as Amy Tan and Ray Bradbury.

Book Club members may also be interested in the library’s “Book News” newsletters. Get “Book News” delivered to your email or read it online at the library’s web site. “Book Club Picks” is just one of the categories available.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Law Library for the Public

St. Louis County maintains a small law library that can be used by the public in the Hibbing County Courthouse. It is open to all residents and there is no charge for using it. The library contains information on Minnesota Court of Appeals and Supreme Court cases. There is also Minnesota and Federal statutes and related cases, legal textbooks and treatises. The library services also include the use of the Westlaw on-line computer service. For information about the library and services, contact: Michele Des Rosier at 1-800-450-9777 or email her at desrosierm@co.st-louis.mn.us.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Kill A Watt Electric Usage Monitors

The library has the “Kill A Watt” electric usage monitors available for check out. These devices use a regular U.S. two or three (grounded) 125V pronged power cord to measure electric usage home appliances. Instructions include how to use the monitor, average electrical energy usage of typical 120-volt household appliances, and easy ways to reduce energy use in the home.

Monitors are available at the front desk.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Wednesday, October 29th at 6:00 p.m. -

Bring your own pumpkin and show us your best design.

Prizes for several categories.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Puppet Show at the Library

Saturday, October 18th - Enjoy some great stories and watch Hilda Hippo eat her ABC's. A 30 minute program at 10:30 a.m. and repeated at 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Check Out the New Electronic Databases

New databases have been added to the Electronic Library for Minnesota. All of them can be used from either library computers or your home computer. They are great sources for information for both adults and children for reports and projects. Just go to the library’s home page (www.hibbing.lib.mn.us) click on “Databases and Search Engines” and then click on “Education”. The databases are alphabetical in this listing.

Student Resource Center Gold - Student Resource Center provides thousands of periodicals and newspapers, primary documents, creative works, video and audio clips and podcasts. Including hundreds of plays and poems, more than 63,000 topic overviews, biographies, and pieces of literary criticism, and more 1,700 study guide questions.

Expanded Academic ASAP - This premier database of more than 2,500 titles offers balanced coverage of every academic concentration including: social science journals, humanities journals, science and technology journals, national news periodicals, general interest magazines, newswires, and many others.

Educator's Reference Complete - This powerful database covers multiple levels of education from preschool to college and includes every educational specialty, such as bilingual studies, health, technology and testing. Also included are resources on issues related to administration, funding and policy in education.

General Science Collection - A well rounded science collection offering in-depth information for scientific research consisting of over 200 journals encompassing the most popular scientific titles such as Scientific American, Archeology, Physics Today, Info Today, Mathematics Magazine and many more.

If you want a quick introduction on how to use these databases just ask for reference help at the front desk.

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Join the Friends of the Library - New Members Needed!

Everyone is invited to attend the annual meeting of the Friends of the Hibbing Public Library. The organization needs new members with ideas, talent, and energy. Throughout the year this group sponsors the Yuletide Festival, both adult and children’s reading programs, Cool Evening at the Library, Annual Book Sale, and other events. Fundraising for special projects and helping to supplement the book budget are also part of the Friends agenda.

Membership forms are also available at the front desk of the library. If you cannot attend the meeting, please take a few forms and share them with your friends so they can become our Friends too.

Annual Meeting
Thursday
October 23, 2008
6:30 p.m.
Library Auditorium

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Minnesota Museum of Mining Adds Photographs to Minnesota Reflections

Minnesota Reflections is a digital library of more than 20,000 photos, maps, and documents that depict the history of Minnesota before 1950. New to the collection the past year are historical photographs from the Minnesota Mining Museum in Chisholm.

The Minnesota Museum of Mining in Chisholm was established in 1953 on 15 acres within a walled sports complex built as a 1930s WPA project. The museum houses a steam locomotive and shovel, large pieces of mining equipment, haul trucks, fire trucks, a replica underground mine drift, a steam railroad diorama by artist F. Lee Jaques, and exhibits from early life in a mining town. The images contributed to "Minnesota Reflections" illustrate miners and their equipment, mine safety, lowering a mule into an underground mine, and construction of the WPA-era sports complex.

View these historical pictures by going to: http://reflections.mndigital.org/
Choose “Search by Collection” and click on “Minnesota Museum of Mining”.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Banned Book Week

September 27th – October 4th

Celebrate your freedom to read by reading a banned book during Banned Books Week. This year marks the 27th annual celebration of the freedom to read. The Office of Intellectual Freedom tracks hundreds of reports of challenged items each year. There were 420 known attempts nationally to remove books from public and school libraries in 2007.

The Hibbing Public Library along with the American Library Association wants everyone to think about the importance of intellectual freedom. It is the right of an individual to choose what materials are suitable for themselves and their families.

Read a book from the “banned book display” during the week and exercise your freedom to choose.

More information and for lists of banned or challenged books.

Have you read a banned book?

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

My Health Minnesota - Go Local Celebrates One Year!

My Health Minnesota -> Go Local, a free database of health services throughout Minnesota, recently celebrated its first birthday! The project is sponsored by the University of Minnesota Health Sciences Libraries, the Mayo Clinic Libraries, and the MINITEX Library Information Network, in collaboration with the National Library of Medicine.

Minnesota citizens can use Go Local to find more than 5,000 hospitals, nursing homes, physicians, support groups, pharmacists, libraries, rehabilitation programs, and other health services in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, plus reliable health information about a multitude of diseases and conditions from MedlinePlus. The database is searchable by location, diseases/health issues, and providers/facilities/health services. My Health Minnesota -> Go Local continues to grow daily as resources are added throughout the state.

In its first year, My Health Minnesota -> Go Local has been used by people all over Minnesota, plus across the United States and in other parts of the world. This resource is available from the library’s web site. Go to: www.hibbing.lib.mn.us and click on “Databases & Search Engines” and then click on “Medical” and then click on “My Health Minnesota – Go Local”.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale

The annual books sale is one of the Friends’ major fundraising projects. Books and media withdrawn from the library collection and materials donated by area residents will be for sale at very reasonable prices.

Money raised by the Friends supplements library programming and the adult and children’s book budgets.

Hibbing Public Library Auditorium
Friday, October 10th, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 11th, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Fall Computer Classes

Computer classes are offered in the computer lab located in the lower level of the library. Sessions are free and about 90 minutes long. Space is limited so registration is required. Reservations can be made in person, online, or by calling the library at 362-5959.

For a complete list of classes go to: Library Computer Classes

A Cool Evening at the Library

The second annual Cool Evening will be held on Thursday, September 18th, 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. The main events will include music by the Hibbing City Band, the Amazing Charles with his all-new balloon animal act, and a book give away sponsored by the Literacy Action Center.

Monday, September 08, 2008

Keetac Mine Expansion

The environmental Impact Statement and other documents for the Keetac Mine Expansion Project is available at the front desk for public review from September 8th until October 8th, 2008.

The public meeting will be on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Nashwauk Keewatin High School in Nashwauk.

The Hibbing Public Library hours are Monday - Thursday - 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Friday & Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Library Open on Saturday

The library will be open on Saturday, beginning September 6th. The fall and winter schedule is:
Monday through Thursday - 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday - 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Bucks Buy Books in September

The Library Board's annual Bucks Buy Books program will be held during the month of September. Created by the Library Board of Trustees to supplement budget cuts imposed by the city in 2005, Bucks Buy Books encourages donors — principally through donations added to Hibbing Public Utilities (HPU) bills — to contribute monies to the new books budget of the library.

Over the years the progam has collected over $28000.00 and the library has been able to purchase more than 1100 additional books. Donations were used to buy added copies of very popular bestsellers, children’s books, and other popular fiction and nonfiction titles. Watch for more information and updates about the Bucks Buy Books campaign.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Fall Story Time Schedule

The Fall Story Time schedule will start September 9 and go through December 12.

Story Time - Programs are offered Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. for 20 - 60 minutes
A 30 - 60 minute program for pre-schoolers with books, songs and the "Letter of the Week". Open play if time permits. Volunteers are needed for craft projects.

Toddler Time - Program is offered Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for 20 - 60 minutes.
A program for toddlers aged 2-3 years with books, songs, and finger plays. Open play if time permits.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Environmental Impact Statement For Mesabi Nugget Phase II Project

The Scoping Environmental Assessment Worksheet and Draft Scoping Decision Document for the Mesabi Nugget Phase II Project is now available for review at the library. The DNR and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have prepared this information to assist in identifying the issues and analyses to include in an Environmental Impact Statement for Mesabi Nugget’s proposal to reactivate the former LTV Steel Mining Company mine.

The comment period for these documents ends on September 10, 2008. All comments can be directed to the address listed in the documents. In addition the DNR will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2008, beginning at 6:00 p.m., at the Aurora Community Center in Aurora, Minnesota.

Ask at the front desk for the Mesabi Nugget Project documents.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Friends of the Library

Thank you to everyone that renewed or became members of the Friends group for the first time during the July membership drive. Anyone that missed the annual drive can still join this important group. Membership forms are available at the front desk of the library.

All community members that care about libraries and what they represent should consider joining. The Hibbing Friends raise money for library materials and equipment and receive gifts, memorials and bequests for library improvements. The Friends of the library sponsor the annual used book sale, the family Yuletide Festival and many other special programs for the community. If you are interested in fostering awareness of the library and its many services please consider becoming a member of the Friends of the Library.

Friday, August 01, 2008

Nonfiction Online Book Club

Join the Nonfiction Online Book Club and start receiving weekly title suggestions in your email. Monday through Friday you will receive a 5-minute selection in your email every day. By the end of the week you will have read the first 2 to 3 chapters. If you like the story and want to finish, just pick the book up at the library.

Just go to the library’s home page, click on the “Online Book Clubs” icon and sign up for the Nonfiction Club.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Zoomobile!

The Zoomobile is on the road and will be stopping at the Hibbing Public Library on Wednesday, August 6th at 10:00 a.m. The Minnesota Zoomobile and its team of trained naturalists travel to schools and community events throughout the state of Minnesota and beyond, providing an educational and entertaining environmental experience to a variety of audiences. Zoomobile naturalists use live animals, biological artifacts, theater techniques, storytelling, and audience participation to create a dynamic, personal, and fun program for all ages. Some of the animals you might meet include a great horned owl, boa constrictor, opossum, tarantula, and bugs from the rainforest!

Join us on August 6th!

Friday, July 25, 2008

Summer Reading Program - July 28 - August 1

Story time for preschoolers is on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 29th and 30th at 10:00 a.m. This week’s stories are “What? Cried Grammy” by Kate Lum and “Tacky the Penguin” written by Helen Lester. Each program will also include songs and the “Letter of the Week”.

The Chocolate Fest will be Thursday, July 31st at 2:00 p.m. Pre-registration was required for this event.

This is the last week to receive prizes for the Summer Reading Program and Read and Win tickets to the St. Louis County Fair.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Online Book Club for Teens

The Teen Club is one of the many book clubs offered online by the library. Sign up and Monday through Friday you will receive a 5-minute selection in your email every day. By the end of the week you will have read the first 2 to 3 chapters. Each week a special guest hosts this book club and selected teens from all over the world share their insights. If you like the story and want to finish, just pick the book up at the library.

“Picture Perfect” by D. Anne Love is a Teen Book Club selection. Phoebe Trask's story begins with the hot Texas summer before her freshman year in high school. A self-proclaimed daddy's girl, still Phoebe struggles when her mother becomes a traveling spokeswoman for a cosmetics company, virtually abandoning the family. Phoebe's sister is away at college; her best friend recently moved; and her father, a judge, is always busy, so she and her brother often find themselves on their own. Then a new next-door neighbor shakes things up: Beverly Grace, a lonely writer recently returned from Italy, strikes up a friendship with the judge. As Phoebe worries about events like her first kiss and her first dance, she also worries that her family won't survive her parents' separation. When her mother finally comes home for good, it is because she has been diagnosed with cancer.

Start reading gripping mysteries, wildly hilarious comedies, true adventures, mystical science fiction, and romance in your email. Just go to the library’s home page, click on the “Online Book Clubs” icon and sign up for the Teen Club.