Friday, July 11, 2008

Summer Reading Program - July 14 - 18

Story time for preschoolers is on Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Each program will include stories, songs, and the “Letter of the Week”. This week’s books will be “No More Kissing” by Emma Clark and “Dog Breath” by Dave Pilkey.

The Kid’s Cookery program will be on Thursday, July 17th at 11:00 a.m. Everyone will have a chance to learn easy recipes that they can take home. This program is free, but registration is required.

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Summer Reading Program - July 7th - 11th

Story time for preschoolers is on Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Each program will include stories, songs, and the “Letter of the Week”.

This week’s stories include “Froggy Eats Out” by Jonathan London and “Colliding Chris” by Dan Harder. In the first, Froggy learns a lesson after he misbehaves at a fancy restaurant. His parents take him to the fast flies restaurant on their next outing. Harder’s story allows everyone to share the wild experience of Chris’s first ride on a bicycle with hand brakes.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the comic and juggling antics of Sparky the Clown on Friday, July 11th at 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Read & Win

Hibbing Public Library and the St. Louis County Fair Board are crowing about their one month reading program—Read and Win. From July 1st through August 1st, children entering first through seventh grades in the fall of 2008 may earn coupons for reading books, to redeem at the St. Louis County Fair.

Pick up a separate Read and Win book log starting July 1st at the Hibbing Public Library.

10 books or 250 pages earn a coupon for a Coca-Cola product at the Schweiby’s food booth.
20 books or 500 pages earns a coupon for a Fraboni hot dog at the Schweiby’s food booth
30 books or 750 pages earn a free child’s pass to the St. Louis County Fair.
40 books or 1,000 pages earns a coupon for a free Mighty Bluegrass Show ride

Thanks go to Bettie Valley for coordinating this program that is supported by the St. Louis County Fair Board and Schweiby.

See you at the St. Louis County Fair!

Friends of the Hibbing Public Library Membership Drive

The Hibbing Friends are currently conducting their annual membership drive. During the year this group hosts fundraising projects. The proceeds purchase equipment and materials for the library. The Friends also sponsor literary programs and events such as the reading programs for both adults and children and the annual Yuletide Festival.

The Friends group is instrumental in raising funds for building improvements. The air conditioning project was a huge undertaking but it is time to begin planning for future projects. Having reached 50 years old, the library building needs more attention. A new roof, flooring, energy efficient windows, and improved lighting are the next projects.

Anyone interested in joining the Friends organization can pick up an application form at the front desk of the library. Remember, good libraries need good friends.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Summer Reading Program Week of June 30th

Story time for preschoolers is on Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Each program will include stories, songs, and the “Letter of the Week”. This week’s stories include “Fourth of July Mice” by Bethany Roberts, “The Dragon Snatcher” by M.P. Robertson, and “Five Little Monkeys” by Eileen Christelow.

Fair Fun Day will be at the St. Louis County Fairgrounds by Ironworld on Monday, June 30th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The Amazing Charles will be on hand along with a variety of live animals. You will also be able to play games with the area’s children’s librarians.

The children’s librarian will present a puppet show on Thursday, July 3rd. Catch the 45 minute program at either 10:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Internet Safety Month

Did you know that June is national Internet Safety month?

Read the congressional proclamation and learn some surprising statistics.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has great information for protecting our children and ourselves online. It also has a great section for kids to explore and learn about using the internet safely. Visit their website at: http://www.missingkids.com/.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Pre-Overdue Notices

Need a reminder a day or two before your library items are due? The email pre-overdue notice is for you. Next time you are in the library ask to have your borrower record updated to receive email notices. In addition to all the regular hold and overdue notices you will receive a courtesy notice reminding you when items are due.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Summer Reading Program for the week of June 23rd

Summer reading program prizes are now available. Bring your book logs to the front desk.

Story time for preschoolers is on Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Each program will include stories, songs, and the “Letter of the Week”.

Casey Aro will be entertaining at the library on Thursday, June 26th at 11:00 a.m. His song and dance show will delight all ages.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Hugh Reynolds' Painting

Area artist, Hugh Reynolds, has a new painting on display at the library. It is a wintery evening picture of the Hibbing High School. Stop in to see it during the next two weeks.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Summer Reading Program

There is still time to sign up for the Summer Reading Program, “Look What’s Cookin’ @ Your Library”. Pick up a reading record, check out some books, and start reading for prizes.

At storytime this week the books read will be “Skippyjon Jones” by Judy Schachner, “The Day the Babies Crawled Away” by Peggy Rathman, and “Bear Feels Sick” by Karma Wilson.

The Underwater World Aquarium from the Mall of America will be presenting Underwater Adventures on Thursday, June 19th at 11:00 a.m. Learn about our friends who live in the water. This program is free but registration is required. Call the library or register at the front desk.

Friday, June 06, 2008

Week 2 - Summer Reading Program

The Summer Reading Program had a strong start last week with nearly 200 people signed up for the program!

Story time for preschoolers is on Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Each program will include stories, songs, and the “Letter of the Week”.

Books this week will be “There’s a Nightmare in my Closet” by Mercer Mayer, “Bunny Cakes” by Rosemary Wells, and “Porcupining” by Lisa Wheeler.

Acclaimed picture book author, Debra Frasier will present “Picture Book Magic” on Wednesday, June 11th at 1:15 p.m. Come and find out how picture books are made and maybe win one signed by Ms. Frasier!

The Underwater World Aquarium from the Mall of America will be presenting Underwater Adventures on Thursday, June 19th at 11:00 a.m. Learn about our friends who live in the water. This program is free but registration is required. Call the library or register at the front desk.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

"Highway Bob" Poster Donated to Library Collection

Carol Bertolotti has generously donated a poster of her painting, "Highway Bob" to the library. The poster will be included in one of the Dylan displays.

It has been posted with permission by the artist on the "Expecting Rain" website on The Bob Dylan Exhibition page. This section consists of art, drawings etc.by Dylan fans on the Net.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Summer Reading Program

Registration begins June 2, 2008!

The Hibbing Public Library has lined up an exciting eight week summer reading program. There will be prizes to earn for reading books, programs to attend and fun to be had.

We encourage you to sign up during the first week, but registration remains open through July 25th. The last day of the Summer Reading program is August 1st.

Pre-School Storytime will be held every Tuesday and Wenesday at 10:00 a.m.

The first program will be a Tie Dye Kick-Off
Thursday, June 5th at 1:00 p.m.

Bring a light colored shirt to tie dye your favorite summer colors! Library will provide supplies and instruction, you supply the shirt.

Did you tie dye a shirt last year? If you did, wear it to this years event for a colorful display of your work!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Bob Dylan Walking Tour

This tour takes you along a path that was once walked by Bob Dylan as he grew up in Hibbing, Minnesota.

The walk starts at the building that was Zimmerman Electric and ends at the Androy, the site of Bob’s Bar Mitzvah celebration.

Walking Tour Map
Podcast of Tour

Monday, May 12, 2008

Great Lakes Counties Report

The draft of "Selected Information on Chemical Releases Within Great Lakes Counties Containing Areas of Concern" is available for view at the library front desk. This document, dated April 30, 2008, was prepared by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

All comments concerning the evaluation of public health issues must be submitted in writing by June 30, 2008.

Stop in during normal hours to read the report and prepare comments.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Painters of the North Country

The 2nd Annual BOB DYLAN EXHIBIT by the Lake Superior Watercolor Society is now in the library auditorium until May 31st. It features framed watercolor and water-media paintings inspired by the life and lyrics of Bob Dylan. These paintings are for sale and a portion of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the Friends of the Hibbing Public Library.

A reception for participating artists and the public is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, from 1-4 PM in the library auditorium.

Stop by for a Dylan-inspired afternoon: Listen to Dylan's music as you view the LSWS exhibit of paintings, indulge in or resist Beatty Zimmerman’s chocolate chip banana bread. Enjoy spending time with friends, artists, and Dylan fans.

Thursday, May 01, 2008

New Features - New Technology!

RSS Feeds - Allow you to read new entries on our blog without having to visit our blog. Using RSS feeds new entries are sent to you in your "reader" or into the Internet Explorer RSS options. For more information about how RSS works visit http://rssday.org/.

Another fun feature we have added is a listing of the Hibbing Public Library "Twitter" entries. Twitter is designed to allow people to make short entries about what they are doing at any given time. The Library is using it to talk about resources and events at the library.

Both of these options are available in the right hand column of this blog.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about either of these new tools send an email to Chris.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Smashing Good Time!





Congratulations to Summer Campbell, a 6th grader at Lincoln Elementary, who got to ride 65 feet up in the basket a toss out a TV filled with candy and toys. Hers was the winning essay in the "Why Books are Better than TV" contest in honor of TV Turn-Off Week. An estimated 60 kids and adults were on hand at the Hibbing Public Library to see the TV explode and run for goodies!

Did you turn your TV off this week? What did you do instead?

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Painters of the North Country - 2nd Annual Bob Dylan Exhibit

The Hibbing Public Library will host the second annual exhibit of paintings by members of the Lake Superior Watercolor Society (LSWS).

The exhibit will feature more than 30 new, framed watercolor and water-media paintings inspired by the life and lyrics of Bob Dylan. The exhibit will coincide with Dylan Days. Opening on May 1 and running through June 5, 2008.

A reception for participating artists and the public is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, from 1-4 PM in the library auditorium. Stop by for a Dylan-inspired afternoon: Listen to Dylan's music, view the exhibit, indulge in Beatty Zimmerman’s chocolate chip banana bread and spend time with friends, artists, and Dylan fans.

Paintings will be for sale through the Friends of the Hibbing Public Library who will receive a commission on each painting sold. For more information email Louise Lundin or visit the Hibbing Public Library website.

Stop in and see the display during normal library hours. Did you see last year's display?

Magician Star at the Library

Magician Star was at the library on Wednesday, April 9th, promoting reading with magic.




Saturday, April 05, 2008

TV Turn Off Week

TV Turn Off Week is an event that was started in 1994 by the Center for Screen Time Awareness, as a way to promote activities that involved anything but the television. This year the Hibbing Public Library supported by the other departments of the City of Hibbing are planning an event will let people know that there are things to do besides watching TV after school and work.

An essay contest will be held. All kids in grades 3-6 can write a one page essay on "Why Books are Better than TV." Essays must be turned in to the Hibbing Public Library by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17th. Library staff will read the essays and pick the winner, who will be notified by phone and get to go up in a cherry picker and throw a TV at a target drawn on the street.

Library events on April 23rd will include:
  • Closing 21st Ave. between 4th and 5th East will be closed to traffic from 3:30-5pm.
  • Local groups are invited to set up a table or booth to promote their organization, especially if it gives kids and families the opportunity to get out and away from the TV. We are also encouraging groups to sell concessions to raise money for themselves and promote a picnic atmosphere.
  • At 4:30, the winner of an essay contest will go up 10 feet in a cherry picker and toss a TV at a target drawn on the street. The TV will be filled with treats and small toys.
  • At 5pm, family programs including puppet shows, games, crafts and other performances and demonstrations by other organizations will begin in the library and run till 8pm.

If you would like more information or to participate in this event, please email Chuck Bell or call 362-5959.

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Online Book Clubs

So many books, so little time. For all those busy people, the Hibbing Public Library has a new service: an Online Book Club that delivers books electronically.

Each day, Monday through Friday, the library emails subscribers a portion of a book that takes about 5-minutes to read. They're able to read two or three chapters from a book during the week. If they like a book, they can check it out of the library. Each week the library features new books.

With 11 book clubs to choose from, there's something for everyone. Patrons can read Fiction, Non Fiction, Romance, Business, Good News, Horror, Teen, Mystery, Pre-Publication, and Science Fiction.

They can also listen to Audio Books in their email and there's even a Pre-Publication Club. You can start reading books in your email before they're even published.

The Book Forum is your chance to be the reviewer. What do you think about this week's book so far? Do you plan on finishing the book? Is it going to make your personal reading list? If you've already found out "who done it" or "did she get the guy," don't give away the ending. But do tell me what you think.

Sign up now.

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Magician Star at the Library

Come to a free magic show on Wednesday April 9, 2008, 10:00 AM in the auditorium at the Hibbing Public Library .

Cotton native Magician Star will perform her high energy, audience participation show. Not only is it great fun, but it gets your kids fired up about reading!

This show will take the place of the regularly scheduled Story Time.

For more information email or call 218-362-5959.

Click on "comments" below to tell us about the last magician you saw.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Community Wide Survey

Take the survey now.

Hibbing has partnered with North Star Destination Strategies to develop a community “Brand” for marketing the city to visitors, residents and businesses in the year 2008 and beyond.

North Star customized a Communitywide Online Survey which has been carefully crafted to determine the city’s strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities. All residents are invited and encouraged to participate in this important community-wide initiative.

“We have partnered with more than 90 cities in more than 20 states nationwide and I can’t emphasize enough the importance of insights gleaned from community members,” stressed McEachern. “To learn what makes a city special, you have to go to the people who spend more than just their money and time there. You have to go to the people who spend their lives there.”

If you are interested in learning more about Hibbing ’s branding initiative, contact Duane Northagen or Miriam Kero at the City of Hibbing Economic Development Office at City Hall. To learn more about North Star Destination Strategies, go to www.northstarideas.com.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Online Help for the College Bound

The 2008, six volume, College Blue Book” and the 2008 Scholarships, Fellowships and Loans are available online via the library’s website. Both of these items are a part of the “Gale Virtual Reference Library”. I can be accessed from both library and home computers. Just visit the library’s web site http://www.hibbing.lib.mn.us, click on Databases and Search Engines, click on Education, and then click on “Gale Virtual Reference Library”.

The College Blue Book covers thousands of 2- and 4-year schools in the U.S. and Canada, their programs, degrees, and financial aid sources.

Scholarships, Fellowships and Loans provides sources of scholarships, fellowships, loans, internships, work study, and other education-related financial aid at all levels of study. Included is a summary of programs sponsored by the federal government and a state-by-state listing of agencies that users can contact in their home state.

Monday, March 10, 2008

We Have a New Phone Number!

The Library is moving to a new telephone system and our phone number has changed. Please note that our new numbers are:

Main number: 218-362-5959
TTY/TTD: 218-362-5956
Fax: 218-312-9779

Friday, March 07, 2008

Downloadable Audio Books

The downloadable audio books will be unavailable on Saturday, March 22nd, from 5:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. OverDrive will be installing upgrades and performing maintenance tasks during this time period.

Please plan ahead and if you need electronic books for the weekend; do your downloads on Friday.

Some FAQs for those who are not familiar with this service:

What are Digital Audio Books?

A digital audio book is the downloadable version of a book on tape or CD. Digital audio books can be transferred to a portable device, and select titles can even be burned to a CD. Digital media is automatically returned so there are never late fees or trips to the library.

What you will need:

Digital audio books are available for the OverDrive Media Console, which relies on Windows Media Technology. Most Windows computers with Windows Media Player 9 (or higher) and the OverDrive software installed will work.

To access digital media, you will need:

A valid library card from an Arrowhead Library System Library or the Duluth Public Library.
Access to the internet. At this time, we are unable to download digital media to public library computers. If you connect to the internet with a dial up connection it is recommended that you only download one "part" of digital media at a time.
Free OverDrive software.
Transferring digital media:

Once digital media is downloaded onto your computer it may be transferred to other portable devices. See the OverDrive website for a list of compatible devices and directions for testing your device for compatibility.

Some items may be burned to CD's. Review the "Digital Rights Information" to see how many times an item can be transferred to other devices and if it may be burned to a CD. Note that each "part" of a digital item will require a separate CD.

Go to the library's home page, click on "Download Audiobooks" and try one!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Dr. Seuss's Birthday and Luau Fun

Celebrate a birthday and the end of the Winter Reading Program with Mr. Bell on March 4th and 5th at preschool storyhour. Dr. Seuss’s birthday is March 3rd and the stories this week will of course be in his honor. Everyone is invited to come in for Green Eggs and Ham, Fox in Sox, and The Zax.

This is also the last week of the Winter Reading Program so after the stories upstairs everyone will head down to the auditorium for games, crafts, treats and assorted nonsense in the finest luau tradition.

Storyhour is every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Meet by the fireplace!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Teen Tech Week March 2 - 8, 2008

The library will be celebrating Teen Tech Week by having a giveaway just for teens. Sign up as many times as you want during the week of March 2nd. A drawing will then be held at 3:30 on Friday, March 7th, for a MP3 player or a “DDR” add-on for PS2.

There will also be a special program in the computer lab on Thursday, March 6th at 3:15 called “Blogging for Teens”. Anyone interested in attending should register by calling the library at 262-1038 or just sign up at the front desk.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

The Range Reads

There is still time to pick up a copy of Tim O’Brien’s, The Things They Carried along with the discussion guide. Read the book, visit the Requiem exhibit at Ironworld, and attend one of the community discussion groups at the library. Discussions will be moderated by Hibbing High School English instructor, Lori Bandemer. Days and times are Monday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 28th at 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

New Genealogy Databases at Iron World

Ironworld's Iron Range Research Center library recently introduced new resources for amateur and experienced genealogists. The databases of Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest Online can now be accessed at no charge on the Research Center's four public computer terminals.

Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest Online give genealogists access to resources far beyond what has previously been available.

Ancestry Library Edition allows users to access approximately 4000 databases, including U.S. Federal Census images and indexes from 1790 to 1930, a Civil War collection, the Social Security Death Index, and much more.

HeritageQuest Online combines information from federal records, books, family and local histories, city directories and many other sources to help researchers find their ancestors, trace their paths across America and even learn what life was like in the areas where they settled.

The Research Center is free and open during Ironworld's regular hours, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

2008 ARRM Conference Art Contest

The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota wants the community to vote on the art that best depicts the theme of their annual conference.

About 100 pieces by local and area artists that receive services from ARRM will be on display at the library from Monday, February 4th through Thursday, February 7th.

The theme of the 2008 ARRM Conference is “Welcome to the Big Top: There’s Something for Everyone! SoHo Artists of Hibbing is sponsoring this event.

Community members vote and the 10 winning entries will receive royalty payments for their artwork. The top entry will be imprinted on the bags all attendees are given at the annual conference.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Book Review

Duma Key
Stephen King

I haven’t read a Stephen King book in years, so I picked up Duma Key with trepidation. Duma Key passed the first hurdle when I realized it didn’t have alien spaceships in it. Edgar Freemantle moves from Minnesota to the Florida Keys to recover from a catastrophic accident where he takes up landscape painting. As Edgar’s painting improves, he forms new friendships with Wireman and Old Elizabeth Eastlake and learns of another artist whose painting seemed supernatural. Tragic historical events in one family reveal disappearances, creepy dolls, ghosts and shipwrecks to make this a satisfying read. A story that takes place in Florida is always a good thing during a Minnesota winter.
For more information on Stephen King, go to:
Website: www.stephenking.com

Monday, January 28, 2008

Tax Volunteers at the Library

Tax help, complements of the AEOA Tax Aide Program volunteers will be available in the Library Conference Room from Feb. 1, 2008 through April 15th on:

Fridays - 9:00 a.m. — 2:30 p.m.
Saturdays - 9:00 a.m. —12:00 p.m.

Help will also be available at the following locations and times:

Tourist Center
Beginning Feb. 4, 2008
Monday, 9:00—2:30

Memorial Building
Beginning Feb. 5, 2008
Tuesday, 9:00— 2:30

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Hot Reads For Cold Nights!


Warm up with a hot book from the Hibbing Public Library. The library and the Friends of the Hibbing Public Library are once again offering the HOT READS FOR COLD NIGHTS winter reading program for adults.

It will run February 1st through March 1st. There will be daily giveaways, weekly drawings and a grand prize drawing at the end. Each time an adult checks out library items they can enter their name into the drawing.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Hibbing Public Library and Arrowhead Library System.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Children's Winter Reading and Story Time!


The Children's Winter Reading program, Escape with a Book, will run from February 5th until March 7th. Sign up; get a book log, bookmark, and a sticker card. Every four books read or listened to, earn a sticker and every ten books earn a prize. Everyone will be awarded a certificate at the end of the program and be invited to the Luau Party.

Story hour is back on the library schedule. Mr. Bell will be reading his favorite stories, singing songs, and doing wiggle breaks every Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m.

The program on January 22nd and 23rd will feature One Dog Canoe by Minnesota author, Mary Casanova. A girl and her dog set out in a small canoe early one morning and are soon joined by a variety of animals both large and small.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Successful Bucks Buy Books Campaign


The Hibbing Public Library’s fourth annual Bucks Buy Books program recently ended with over $7,000 added to the new books fund of the library.

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.

“We really appreciate the support of the community in getting behind this program,” commented Librarian Ginny Richmond as she tabulated the dollars and number of donors.

“The program has really raised the awareness of our needs,” she continued. “People contribute through their HPU bills, through sending or dropping off checks and cash, through endowments or wills, and even through the penny jar on the front desk.”

In the four years since its inception, Bucks Buy Books has added over $30,000 to the adult and children’s book budgets — "an impressive amount of money,” Richmond noted thankfully.

With the average cost of a new book running somewhere between $20 to $25, the campaign this year will see an infusion of well over 300 new titles appearing on the shelves of the Hibbing Public Library.

Library Board of Trustees chair Mike Marincel added that the success “says a lot about the community and the importance people place on reading and the role of the library.”

The above article was written by Library Board Member Dan Bergan and published in the Sunday, Hibbing Daily Tribune.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Computer Classes Will Begin in February

The new computer schedule has been set. Classes will be 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 or by calling the library at 262-1038. The following classes are being offered in February:

Computer Basics
Absolutely no computer skills are necessary. This session is an introduction to computers and includes learning to use a mouse, and basic computer terms.
Wednesday, February 6th @ 10:30 a.m.

Working with Word I
Learn the very basics of Microsoft Word. Opening, saving, spell check, fonts, cut, copy and paste are the topics covered in this class.
Thursday, February 14th @ 10:30 a.m.

E-Mail for Beginners
Set up a free e-mail account for yourself. Learn e-mail etiquette and send e-mail. Must feel confident using a mouse.
Thursday, February 21st @ 10:30 a.m.

Internet for Beginners
An Introduction to the Internet. Session includes learning the browser icons, locating items on the Internet and simple searching. Must feel confident using a mouse.
Wednesday, February 27th @ 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Tax Information

Multiple copies of the most common Federal and State tax forms will be available at the library in January. All others will be obtainable from the reproducible books or the IRS federal and state web sites. Library staff will help locate forms on the internet but cannot give out tax advice.

Tax help, complements of the AEOA Tax Aide Program volunteers will be available at the following times and locations:

Library Conference Room
Beginning Feb. 1, 2008
Friday, 9:00—2:30
Saturday, 9:00—12:00



Tourist Center
Beginning Feb. 4, 2008
Monday, 9:00—2:30


Memorial Building
Beginning Feb. 5, 2008
Tuesday, 9:00— 2:30

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Open House

Parents, children, day cares, and all other community members are invited to the library open house on Tuesday, January 15th, between 10:00 and 4:00. Stop in and meet Chuck Bell, the new children's librarian. Ask questions and learn about his plans for story hour and other children's programming.

He is looking forward to meeting everyone.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

New Children’s Librarian

Chuck Bell is the new face in the children’s department at the library. Everyone should take time to stop in and say hello.

Watch for information on an Open House to officially welcome Chuck to Hibbing.

One Community, One Read

Get ready to participate in the One Community, One Read programs which will be offered during the month of February. All events will be centered on the Vietnam War. Everyone should read Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried”.

The Library Journal review states: Winner of a National Book Award in 1979 for Going After Cacciato ( LJ 12/15/77), O'Brien again shows his literary stuff with this brilliant collection of short stories, many of which have won literary recognition (several appeared in O. Henry Awards' collections and Best American Short Stories ). Each of the 22 tales relates the exploits and personalities of a fictional platoon of American soldiers in Vietnam. An acutely painful reading experience, this collection should be read as a book and not a mere selection of stories reprinted from magazines. Not since Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse - Five ( LJ 3/1/69) has the American soldier been portrayed with such poignancy and sincerity. Mark Annichiarico.

Monday, December 31, 2007

Gifts and Memorials

The library recently received a number of donations in memory of longtime library patron Margaret Coyle. This money has been used to purchase large print fiction for the collection. To view specific titles go to the library’s website; click on Administration > Gifts and Memorials.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Young Adult Book Review

The Book of One Hundred Truths
By Julie Schumacher
“My name is Theodora Grumman and I am a liar.”
Thea spends every summer with her grandparents in a beach house on the Jersey shore. This summer is different. Thea’s summer project is to write 100 truths in a notebook supplied by her mother. One of her first truths is “Most Grummans are weird.” She finds she is sharing a room with her younger cousin Jocelyn and the house with her grandparents, 2 eccentric aunts and 3 boy cousins. With a full house, Thea finds that she has little time for herself, but babysitting Jocelyn isn’t so bad when they find themselves spying on their aunts and trying to figure out “The Secret.” The aunts aren’t the only one with a secret as you learn why Thea’s parents decide that the book of 100 truths is something that Thea needs to do.
Julie Schumacher lives in St. Paul with her husband and children. She won the Minnesota Book Award for The Book of One Hundred Truths available at Hibbing Public Library: Young Adult Schumacher.
Website: http://www.julieschumacher.com/

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Chilton's Automotive Database

Automotive repair information can now be accessed from your home computer. Our Chilton’s subscription has been expanded to include remote access. It is available from the database listing on the library’s website.

Automotive Repair Information for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) People - Chilton has been helping people like you maintain cars and trucks for more than 80 years.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Minnesota Reflections

A great new website to check out is Minnesota Reflections. It is a digital library that has been created by the museum, library, academic, and historical preservation organizations of Minnesota. It is a collection of more than 20,000 cultural heritage treasures including photographs, cartoons, diaries, letters, plat books, maps and more. If you are interested in Minnesota history go to http://reflections.mndigital.org/

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Mystery Book Review

Still Life
By Louise Penny
Three Pines, a small artistic Quebec village, becomes a place for murder when an elderly artist is found dead in the woods. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his homicide team from the Surete du Quebec are called in. Accompanied by a new recruit, Yvette Nichol, Chief Inspector Gamache endeavors to teach an obstinate and reluctant assistant why you must listen and observe and not rely on the more obvious evidence. While her close friends thought it odd that they had never been past the kitchen in Jane’s house; Jane Neal, dying in what at first looks like an accident, is murdered before she can reveal her true passion.
Still Life: Winner of both the Anthony and Barry awards for best first novel. Second in the series, A Fatal Grace returns Chief Inspector Gamache to Three Pines while the village is preparing for Christmas.
Read more about Louise Penny and her novels at http://www.louisepenny.com/

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Yuletide Festival a Huge Success

Over 400 people attended the Yuletide Festival which is sponsored by the Friends of the Hibbing Public Library. During his annual visit, Santa, read The Night Before Christmas.

He then listened to the requests of all the children present and handed out candy.


The musical entertainment was provided by The Hibbing City Band and The Iron Range Chorale.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Book Review

Island of the Lost: shipwrecked at the edge of the world.
By Joan Druett
A true account of 2 shipwrecks on opposite ends of Auckland Island 285 miles south of New Zealand, show vastly different survivors. In 1864, the GRAFTON, shipwrecked during a severe gale, contained 5 men who with little more than the wreckage from their schooner, built a cabin and a forge where the tools they made help them to survive and built a boat while waiting for rescue.
The INVERCAULD wrecks at the same time on the opposite end of the island with a crew of 25 with 19 surviving the shipwreck. Once on shore, they succumb to harsh weather, starvation and a cohesive group does not transpire with dire consequences. Who is rescued and who survives to be rescued?
The book is available at Hibbing Public Library: 919.399 DRUETT
Joan Druett writes maritime mystery fiction and nonfiction.
Website: http://members.authorsguild.net/druettjo/

Library Artwork

The paintings that have been in storage since last spring, the beginning of the air conditioning project, are once again on exhibit. The works are on the walls of the reference/reading area, above the fireplace in the children’s room, and in the stairwell to the basement.

The majority of the paintings have been owned by the library since 1919. At that time the Library Board of Trustees and the library director, Dorothy Hurlbert, invited a Chicago art dealer to exhibit, a collection of American paintings at the library. Four thousand Hibbingites viewed the art and voted on their favorites. The Library Board then purchased several of the paintings. Others have been added to the collection since that time.

Among the original works purchased was Halt on the Carry by Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait. Tait’s works usually depicted landscapes and animals. At the time of its showing this painting was said to be an instant favorite with the men of Hibbing.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Yuletide Festival

The Yuletide Festival will be held December 3rd starting at 6:00 p.m. with a Yuletide Story by the fireplace on the Children's side of the library. Music by the Hibbing City Band followed by the Iron Range Chorale will begin at 6:15 p.m.

There will be time to visit with Santa Claus and children may also select a free paperback to take home. Punch and Cookies will be available for everyone.

This Program has been sponsored by: the Friends of the Hibbing Public Library with the support of the Hibbing City Band, and Santa Claus. Books are provided by the Hibbing Literacy Action Center with funding by the Hibbing United Way.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Telephone Messaging

Telephone Messaging Starts Friday, November 16th

Telephone messaging for library notices will begin on Friday November 16th. Both hold and overdue notices will be delivered through an automated telephone message. This will save the library staff time, postage, and mailer costs.

Those with an email preference marked in their borrower record will still receive their notices via that method. Please update your borrower record the next time you are in the library so you will continue to receive your notices in a timely manner.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Computer classes will begin in January 2008.

Some of our most popular offerings have been Computer Basics, Internet for Beginners, Searching the Internet for Beginners, E-Mail Basics, E-Mail Plus, and Working with Word I & II. There have also been requests for an introduction to E-Bay, Microsoft Access and Excel.

We would like anyone interested in computer classes to let us know what classes you would attend and the day and time that would be most convenient.

Go to www.hibbing.lib.mn.us and click on "Computer Class Survey" in the right hand column to complete our survey.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Hibbing Author in the News

Northern Minnesota author Roy C. Booth announces that he will be a guest at Arcana 37, a speculative writing convention to be held October 12 - 14, where he will be moderating three panels on 18th and 19th century horror literature and other writing topics. He will also be conducting a live panel interview with convention Guest of Honor, famed science fiction writer George Clayton Johnson, co-creator of Logan's Run, and screenwriter of numerous famous TV episodes, including "A Game of Pool" and "Kick the Can" for The Twilight Zone and "Man Trap" for Star Trek. Booth will also be doing a signing of his own work at the convention.

Booth was also recently commissioned to develop the film script/TV pilot based on Douglas Texter's award winning science fiction short story, "Primetime," which was recently published by Baen/Galaxy Publishing in their just released Writers of the Future anthology. Texter is a former editor for Doubleday who has already received great interest in the property, and contacted Booth, a fellow panelist from this year's CONvergence, to write the script after Booth announced the sale of his fifth screenplay earlier this summer.

Booth recently completed writing a science fiction novel of his own, and will also be having his mystery short short story "The Book Relase Party" anthologized by Word Weavers. The release of his 40th published play, Beanie and the Bamboozling Adventure Machine (with Bob May), is due out later this month.

Booth is a member of the Brainerd Writers Alliance, the Tidewater Writing Guild, and the Jackpine Writers Bloc. He is also a graduate from Pillager High School, Central Lakes Community College, and Bemidji State University.

Monday, October 01, 2007

Bucks Buy Books

All residents will be receiving donation information for the annual Bucks Buy Books Campaign with their October PUC billing.

Response to the campaign has always been phenomenal. Donations are designated for the library’s adult and children’s book budgets. We have used these funds to buy extra copies of bestsellers, copies of the Reading Counts titles that are used by Hibbing Public Schools, and many other needed additions to the collection.

Friday, September 28, 2007

Wings Above the Ridge - Live Raptor Program

Tuesday October 2nd at 6:00 p.m. in the Library Auditorium

The top readers from the summer reading program will be honored with a brief presentation and then the program will be turned over to the birds.

Learn about birds of prey and meet live raptors at this special program presented by the Wolf Ridge Center. According to the Wolf Ridge web site, "The instructors are specialists in teaching about birds because they ARE birds!" This will be a great program for the whole family.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Friends of the Library Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Friends of the Library will be held October 1st at 6:30 p.m. in the library auditorium. The election of officers will be held and initial planning for annual events will begin. Support the Library. Become a Friend.

All community members interested in joining the Friends are invited to attend this meeting. Th Friends organization suppost the many wonderful programs that are offered by the library throughout the year.

Volunteer Opportunities Include:

Participate in current fundraising events -
Donate gently used books for the ongoing book sale.
Stop by for a cool beverage prices start at $1.25.

Help plan future fundraising events - some ideas are a coffee shop in the library, raffles, sale of Bob Dylan memorabilia, selling Buhl water with a library logo, Magazine subscription drive or any other project you may be thinking of!

Serve on the Friends of the Library Board of Directors - Meetings are held monthly in the evening at the library.

Adopt-a-Shelf - spend an hour or two once a month making sure books are in their proper locations on the library shelves. Volunteers are needed to make sure that library materials are in order on the shelves, and in good repair. You may even find some interesting books to read!

Yuletide Festival is held the first Monday evening in December. Help is needed that evening with cookie decorating, serving refreshments, and the book give-a-way.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Library Air Conditioning

Join us for the ceremonial "start up" of the library’s air conditioner September 27th at starting at 6:30 p.m.

The Friends of the Hibbing Public Library will be presenting a check for $10,000 to the City of Hibbing for the project. Key organizations and individual supporters will be thanked.

The Hibbing City Band will be playing great music in the reference area. A book give away sponsored by the Hibbing Literacy Action Center will be held in the auditorium. There will be cake, coffee, and punch for everyone.

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Children's Librarian Needed

The City of Hibbing is requesting written applications for the full-time position of Children’s Librarian in the Hibbing Public Library. Selection of the individual will be based on qualifications, physical ability, dependability, and seniority.

Minimum qualifications include:

- Master’s degree in Library Science or related field; preferably from a program accredited by the American Library Association.
- One year experience or internship as a children’s librarian in a public library.
- Class "D" Drivers License.

For a complete job description and application go to www.hibbing.lib.mn.us.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Bob Dylan Sculpture with Photos!


During the 2007 Mines & Pines Festival an unveiling of the life-size papier-mâché sculpture of Bob Dylan took place. The sculpture, created by Ann Schnortz, is now on display in the Hibbing Public Library.

Bring your camera and have your photo taken with this guitar and harmonica playing statue of everyone's favorite musician and song writer.


Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Air Conditioning Project

Work is nearing completion on this project! The air conditioning project is still moving forward:

The Library will be closed on Wednesday, August 22nd to update the electrical system for the air conditioning system.

The system will be turned on and testing will begin during the week of August 27th and it will start to cool off in the library.

Thanks to all the construction crews for their hard work and to all the library patrons for their patience during this long process.

It will be cool soon!

Bob Dylan Sculpture

During the 2007 Mines & Pines Festival an unveiling of the life-size papier-mâché sculpture of Bob Dylan took place. The sculpture, created by Ann Schnortz, is now on display in the Hibbing Public Library.

Bring your camera and have your photo taken with this guitar and harmonica playing statue of everyone's favorite musician and song writer.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Digital Audio Books - NEW

A digital audio book is the downloadable version of a book on tape or CD. Digital media is automatically returned so there are never late fees or trips to the library.

Try one today!

Step 1: Download and install OverDrive and update Windows Media Player (one time process)
Step 2: Check out and enjoy digital titles 

Once digital media is downloaded onto your computer it may be transferred to other portable devices. See the OverDrive website for a list of compatible devices and directions for testing your device for compatibility. Some items may be burned to CD's. Review the "Digital Rights Information" to see how many times an item can be transferred to other devices and if it may be burned to a CD.

For more information call 218 262 1038 and ask for help with "Downloadable Books". Or send an email to: hibbingpl@arrowhead.lib.mn.us

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Book Donation From Two Harbors Author

Susanne Kobe Schuler, an author from Two Harbors, has graciously donated her book, Back of Beyond: a Memoir from the North Woods, to the library. Schuler relates her memories of long ago summers spent at a family-owned resort located near Ely.

A review in Minnesota Literature, March 2007 stated, “Susanne Kobe Schuler writes an entertaining and moving account of family life at the resort her family established…Kobe’s stories of harvesting ice in the winter…and waiting out harrowing lake storms and blizzards bring back a bygone lifestyle with loving vividness”.

Lake Superior Magazine wrote, “This is not so much a book as a time capsule filled with days from a pleasant past…”

Author, Mark Munger is the editor and illustrations are by Rene Munger.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Library Closing

Due to the extreme heat the library will close at 3:00 p.m. on July 31st .

The air conditioning project is still moving forward with the final piece of equipment did arrive on July 25th. Approximately 2 weeks of work will be required to complete the project.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Air Conditioning Construction

Construction continues on the air conditioning project. Once the new transformer arrives (Hopefully undamaged this time!). It will only be a couple more weeks to finish the last of the electrical work and testing of the system. We still will need to be closed at least one day when the new electrical connection is installed and we will try to give as much notice as possible for that closing.

Soon the library will truly be a cool place to be!

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Hall of Fame / Fair Fun Day

Twelve young people have already read over 100 books or 2,500 pages and have their pictures posted in the library and on the Library website!

Join us at the Fair Fun Day and Kick off for Read and Win Program - June 28, at 10:00 a.m. at the Saint Louis County Fairgrounds - Crow! For there is lots to crow about at the kick off program for the Read and Win Reading Program. There will be games to play, farm animals and face painting. Tour the building and enjoy the antics of Amazing Charles. This program will be held at the fair grounds.

Keep reading!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Mystery Book Review

Anatomy of Fear
By Jonathan Santlofer
Nate Rodriguez is a police sketch artist, assigned on a case with Terri Russo, NYPD Homicide, where the killer leaves a drawing of his victim at each crime scene.
As the killings increase, the NYPD and FBI start to wonder if Rodriquez is a little too close to the killings and he falls under suspicion. In order to clear his name, Rodriguez and Russo must follow a covert path that parallels the FBI investigation.
First in a series – the book solves two cases but leaves a third dangling. The illustrations done by the killer and Rodriguez add interest to the story.
For information about Jonathan Santlofer: www.jonathansantlofer.com

Friday, June 01, 2007

Summer Reading Program


Go Bananas @ the Hibbing Public Library this summer!


Registration begins June 4th!


The Hibbing Public Library has lined up an exciting 10 week summer reading program. There will be prizes to earn for reading books, a-peeling programs to attend and fun to be had.



We encourage you to sign up during the first week, but registration remains open the entire summer.


The Literacy Action Center, with support of United Way of Northeastern MN, will award a free paperback to each person who turns in a booklog.

More information:

Earn Prizes for Reading
Read and Win
Make and Take Craft Programs
Preschool Story Programs
Special Performers and Events
Friday Family Flicks

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Open House

Hibbing Public Library staff will be hosting an open house for Terry Moore from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 1st.

Terry will be retiring after 20 years as the Hibbing Public Library Director.

The public is invited to enjoy some cake and coffee and wish him well.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Check Out the Plays By Hibbing Playwright

Hibbing playwright Roy C. Booth announces that his children's play, "Beanie and the Bamboozling Book Machine," was recently performed in Bangkok, Thailand at the Shrewsbury International School, sister school to the famed Shrewsbury School, founded in the UK in 1552, which is also well known for its rigorous acamedic excellance. The play's performance was attended by local and foreign dignitaries alike, and was accompanied by an "all-star band" made up of some of Thailand's most well known musicians. The play has also been recently performed in Belle River, Ontario, and in Edinburgh, Indiana.

Another of Booth's plays, "Two Wives and a Dead Guy," written with wife Cynthia, was recently performed in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, Orono, Mainie, and in Tacoma, Washington.

Check the library catalog for these and other titles by Roy Booth.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Dylan Days Exhibits at the Library

Art Exhibit in the Auditorium - Lake Superior artists will feature paintings on or related to Dylan. The artwork may be purchased with proceeds to support the Bob Dylan Exhibit.

Dylan & the Blue Jackets in the Front Window - Dylan's life & times at the Hibbing High School.

Many Faces of Bob along the front wall of library - Character drawings of Bob Dylan.

Walk with Me - A walking tour around Dylan's hometown.

May 24 - Dylan's 66th birthday will be celebrated with Beatty Zimmerman's Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf Bread.

Community Events - May 23-27, 2007

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Medieval Mayhem - Week of the Young Child

Monday, April 23 - 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

By Royal Proclamation, Princes and Princesses of the King of of Hibbing are invited to the Hibbing Public Library for a Medieval Mayhem of fun and activities. Enjoy crafts, castle maze, puppets, stories, fishing pond, and treats.

Each child will take home a free book compliments of the Hibbing Literacy Action Center, funded by United Way. Coordinated by Hibbing Early Childhood.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Mystery Book Review

The Spellman Files
By Lisa Lutz
Isabel Spellman, private investigator, works for Spellman Investigations, the family business based in an old Victorian in San Francisco.
Isabel and her perfect older brother David, began work for Spellman Investigations when they were 12 and 14. The first job assigned was picking up trash from the subject’s residence, putting on a pair of gloves and separating the bank statements, bills, and letters from food or other noxious trash. Surveillance came soon after court record searches.
Rae Spellman, the youngest of the Spellman children by 14 years, began her surveillance work when she was six because no one could stand her relentless begging to be allowed on the job.
Life in the Spellman household is never dull and surveillance is not used on just the clients; they spy on each other with often hilarious results.
First novel in a series, see more information on Lisa Lutz at www.spellmanfilesthebook.com

Monday, April 09, 2007

Tax Night at the Library

Tax Night will be held once again at the library!

With the cooperation of the U.S. Post Office, the Hibbing Public Library will collect, stamp and mail Federal and State Tax forms from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17th. Tax forms, postage, and coffee will be available.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Mystery Book Review

Scavenger
By David Morrell

"Scavenger" starts when Frank Balenger gets out of the hospital after his ordeal in "Creepers" where he followed a group of urban explorers into an old abandoned hotel and found the serial killer who killed his wife. Frank barely survived to rescue the killer’s next victim, Amanda, the image of his dead wife.
Amanda and Frank are taking time to put their lives back together when they receive an invitation to the Manhattan History Club. While attending a lecture on time capsules, they are drugged and separated. Amanda is transported to a lodge out west with other “survivors” of catastrophic events where they are given instructions, GPS instruments, and 40 hours to reach a destination. Frank, left in New York, must move quickly to learn about the Manhattan History Club to get clues on where to find Amanda.

The author’s notes include interesting facts about time capsules:
www.americanheritage.com to find an essay on “Capsule History,” by Lester A. Reingold (November, 1999).
www.davidszondy.com for “Tales of Future Past,” by David S. Zondy.
To find other books and information by David Morrell, go to www.davidmorrell.net

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Nonfiction Book Review

River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey
By Candice Millard
Harsh conditions, treacherous rapids and months of travelling upriver through the wilderness of the Amazon Jungle of Brazil in 1914, Theodore Roosevelt, and Candido Rondon, a Brazilian explorer, formed the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition to trace the River of Doubt, an area previously unexplored.
One more adventure by the man who was larger than life, the journey almost killed Teddy Roosevelt and certainly shortened his life. Infected with a deadly bacteria and fighting Malaria, there was some doubt the Theodore Roosevelt would survive the journey. Sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History, many new animal and plant specimens were discovered. Insects, Malaria, inadequate provisions, and canoes unsuitable for rapids were a few of the mistakes made by men who had no knowledge of the Amazon Rainforest and almost cost the expedition members their lives.
Plenty of action and adventure, and adds to the Roosevelt legends.
For Further information about Theodore Roosevelt:
www.theodoreroosevelt.org and www.theodore-roosevelt.com

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Air Conditioning Project Update - March 22nd

Shannon's, Inc. was awarded the bid for the Library Air Conditioning Project. The company is located in International Falls and was awarded the Trane/PHCC National HVAC contractor of the Year in 2006- 2007. We are expecting workers to be in the building in April.

The work will begin in the crawl spaces and on the roof. After that, things begin to get more complicated. The children's area will be closed for a time as they work installing duct work on the ledge. The reference area will be closed for a time when the duct work is installed. We are having a new electrical line brought into the building, which will mean that the library will be closed for a day when the electricity is turned off and the switch over is being made.

Yes, there will be a dust and noise, but when it is all done the Library will be a "Cool Place" to be.

Preparing for the Project -

In 1919, the Hibbing Public Library Board of Trustees and the Library Director, Dorothy Hurlbert, invited a Chicago art dealer to exhibit a collection of American paintings at the Library. During the exhibit, four thousand people came and viewed and voted on their favorite paintings. After all the votes were tallied, the Library Board decided to purchase several of the paintings. To protect these paintings, of which some are quite valuable, the Friends of the Library decided to create a storage area. We are following the advice of the Midwest Art Conservation Center in creating this storage area. Our thanks go to Don Hanson, ASAP Ship and Print, who found large pieces of cardboard and bubble wrap, which are being used to soft wrap the art work and to Glenn's Fix It for creating the storage cabinet.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Russian Stories with Robin


Robin Kuznick, who recently traveled to Russia, shares stories to young children at the Hibbing Public Library on March 14th. As Bears are often characters found in Russian Folklore she brought along her bear puppet. Robin also told with the help of the children the story of the Great Big Enormous Turnip.

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Kill A Watt - Energy measuring devices now avialable at the Library

The Hibbing Public Library now has 3 "Kill A Watt" testers that can be checked out for 28 days to test the efficiency of your electrical appliances.

Lake country Power has supplied area libraries with this energy measuring device. Each kit includes the Kill A Watt, a carrying case and a laminated instruction card.

The Kill A Watt meter shows consumers how much energy various appliances use. By comparing these measurements to that of average use and more efficient Energy Star products, they can then make educated decisions on where their appliance dollars are best spent. They can also learn to improve on the efficient use of an appliance by either unplugging while not in use, adjusting temperatures or modifying their activity.

Common energy wasting practices found by the Kill A Watt include extra refrigerators and televisions left running when not needed, home office equipment that can use energy while sitting idle such as computers and printers and the energy lost from a heated water bed not properly covered.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Landscaping Project Receives Gift from Lowe's

Hibbing Public Library and the Friends of the Hibbing Public Library - with the help from a $1,000 gift from Lowe’s and advice from the members of the Hibbing-Chisholm Gardening Club will be beautifying the library lawns. The first planning meeting was held March 5th despite the snow and below zero weather. Words like Lady Mantles, Pig Squeak, Russian Sage, Miss Kim, and Lamb Ears were used at the meeting. “I don’t know what they mean,” said children’s librarian Enid Costley. “I am just grateful for people from the Gardening Club and Lowe’s Nursery Specialists, who do know plants.” “We want to make the library look nice - have some curb appeal. We also want children to see something beautiful when they look out the windows on the children’s area.” said Donna who is both a member of Friends of the Library and Hibbing-Chisholm Gardening Club.
For others who are planning a garden project – recommended reading includes “52 Weekend Gardening Projects” by Nancy Bubel and “A Garden for Children” by Felicity Bryan.

Friday, March 02, 2007

Cookie Dough & Brownies

In cooperation with Sunrise Bakery the Hibbing Public Library will be having a cookie dough and brownies fundraiser!
Cookie Dough - Choose from Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Walnut Chranberry, Happy Camper, or Molasses for $10.00 per container. Each container will make about 65 2-inch cookies or 32 3-inch cookies.

Brownies - Will be ready to cook in an 8 by 8 pan for $10.00 per pan.

Call 218-262-1038, email hibbingpl@arrowhead.lib.mn.us, or stop in the library to place your orders by March 10th. Cookie dough and Brownies will be available for pick up at the library on March 21 -23.

Fundraising for the Friends of the Hibbing PUblic Library will go to Children's Programs and Services.

Motion Mayhem at the Library


The Science Museume of Minnesota presented a program at the Hibbing Public Library on March 7th. Children and adults learned how to; suspend a ball in mid-air, drop a nail in a bottle without touching the nail, and pull a tablecloth out from under a set of dishes. After the presentation there were table top activites which further explored the science of motion.

This is a cooperative program with the area schools funded in part by the U.S. Bank Foundation.
In this picture shows T.G. getting ready to pull a table cloth out from under an object. Thus proving that object not in motion remain inert.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Air Conditioning Project

Monday, February 26, marked the first of many meeting on implementing The Design Group’s plans for air conditioning the Hibbing Public Library. The meeting was marked by lots of questions. The major question being when does the work begin? Answer - Soon – maybe as early as March 12th.
The first work to be done will be in the crawl spaces. Library patrons may not see, but may hear some of the work being done. While work is being done in the lowest levels of the building, other tasks will be done to make the project run smoothly. Library staff, with help from Friends, will be protecting the Library art work, moving shelving and equipment.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Cookie Dough & Brownie Fundraiser

In cooperation with Sunrise Bakery the Hibbing Public Library will be having a cookie dough and fudge fundraiser!

Cookie Dough - Choose from Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Walnut Chranberry, Happy Camper, or Molasses for $10.00 per container. Each container will make about 65 2-inch cookies or 32 3-inch cookies.

Brownies - Will be ready to cook in an 8 by 8 pan for $10.00 per pan.

Call 218-262-1038, email hibbingpl@arrowhead.lib.mn.us, or stop in the library to place your orders by March 10th. Cookie dough and Brownies will be available for pick up at the library on March 21 -23.

Fundraising for the Friends of the Hibbing PUblic Library will go to Children's Programs and Services.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Bob Dylan’s American Journey 1956-1966

Bob Dylan’s American Journey 1956-1966 opened at the Weisman Art Museum on the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis campus on Friday, February 2, 2007. This exhibit, created by the Experience Music Project in Seattle, charts Bob Dylan’s transformation from folk troubadour to rock innovator during the turbulence of the 1960s.

Jasen Emmons, producer for the Experience Music Project, spent time at the Hibbing Public Library in 2004 gathering information, ideas, and artifacts from the Bob Dylan Collection and Exhibit. In addition, he acquired enough red ore rock to create a large "wall of iron" that is used as a backdrop for showcasing items pertaining to Bob Dylan’s teenage years on the Iron Range. This exhibit contains more than 150 artifacts and features five different films exploring different facets of Dylan’s career.

Colleen Sheehy, curator at the Weisman Art Museum, was successful in bringing Bob Dylan’s American Journey 1956-1966 to Minnesota. Colleen had traveled to Hibbing in 2005 and 2006 looking for artifacts to expand upon the Hibbing and Dinkytown sections of the exhibit. Among the items she secured were the original Lybba Theater marquee from Zimmy’s and a 16" x 20" color photo by Chuck Perry of the Hibbing High School Auditorium courtesy of the Bob Dylan Collection at the Hibbing Public Library. All of the additional Hibbing items are displayed at the entrance to the main exhibit.

This multimedia exhibition which brings Bob Dylan back home to Minnesota will be on display at the Weisman Art Museum thru April 29, 2007. It will be the only presentation of this national traveling exhibit in the Upper Midwest.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Book Review

The Terror
By Dan Simmons

In this historical novel about the disappearance of the Franklin Expedition, Dan Simmons gives a new twist on the fate of the 2 ships HMS Erebus and HMS Terror along with 129 men lost on their search for the Northwest Passage.

If being stuck in the ice for 2 years, contaminated food, extreme temperatures and the effects of scurvy wasn’t bad enough, the men of the expedition are slowly being killed off by a large bear-like creature. The men face a grim end as the ships break apart in the ice and they have few choices but to walk over 800 miles to the outpost on Great Slave Lake.

For further information about the ill fated Franklin Expedition, see acknowledgements at the end of the book. See also www.wikipedia.com and http://www.ric.edu/rpotter/SJFranklin.html
Rumors of murder, starvation and cannibalism were confirmed from remains found on King William and Beechey Islands and analyzed by a group from the University of Alberta in the 1980’s. NOVA produced BURIED IN ICE and later ARCTIC PASSAGE showing where and how the men of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror died.

For more about Dan Simmons, see: http://dansimmons.com/

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Library Director Position Opening

The Hibbing Public Library is soliciting applications for the position of Library Director to perform administrative work in planning, directing, and coordinating the operation of the Library, in addition to overseeing staff training, development, and performance evaluation.

Send cover letter and resume by April 13, 2007, to Search Committee, Hibbing Public Library, 2020 East 5th Avenue, Hibbing, Minnesota 55746. Position will be available June 4, 2007, upon retirement of current Library Director.

Visit the complete library website at www.hibbing.lib.mn.us.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Hamburger Helper Grant for Toys

Hibbing Public Library has applied for funds to purchase toys in the children's area and large muscle play in the auditorium during preschool storytime. Additionally the toys may be used for a “play day” in the auditorium. The auditorium may be reserved ahead of time.

As we are competing with other organizations, the only way we are going to be noticed is through letters of support. The letters of support may only be submitted through the Hamburger Helper Website. Your letter of support does not have to be lengthy.

Please note-there is a committee working on a indoor play area. Once this happens the committee will have the option of moving the toys to the community play area.

Submit a Letter of Support

Monday, January 29, 2007

Mystery Book Review

The Killing Moon
By Chuck Hogan

Don Maddox comes back to Black Falls after 15 years to sell his mother’s home. When his father’s old partner offers him a job with the local police department, he decides to stick around.

He soon finds out that the good old boys of the squad are keeping secrets. Local citizens, harassed by corrupt local police, have filed complaints with the state but so far little has been done. When Maddox starts nosing around, people turn up dead or missing.

Each chapter is told by a different person which gives the story tension. You slowly become aware of the town’s secrets and how they relate to murder.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Volunteer Tax Preparers

Volunteer tax preparers will be at the Hibbing Public Library on Friday's and Satuday's from February 2 - April 15, 2007. Tax-Aide volunteers will provide free tax assistance in the library to low or moderate income taxpayers of any age.

On Fridays, the hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

What should I bring with me? Every site is a little different but the list below tells you the most commonly required documents. Some of these items may not apply to you in which case you can disregard them.

Social security numbers for you, your spouse, and all your dependents
Last year's tax returns
W-2s for yourself and your spouse
Any 1099s you or your spouse received
Alimony received
Unemployment compensation statements
Social security income statements
Any other statements showing income
IRA contributions
Tuition payments and Student loan interest payments
Any itemized expenses you may wish to deduct, such as:
Out-of-pocket medical expenses
Non-cash donations
Cash donations
Vehicle license tabs
Property taxes paid
Job-related moving expenses
Mortgage interest paid
Tax preparation fees
Uniform costs
Daycare expenses - you will need to provide the name, address, amount paid, and social security number or EIN for each provider you paid.
Minnesota Education credit:
Educational software
Private school tuition or tutoring
Academic books/materials
Music lessons and music equipment rental
Tuition for academic summer camp
Instructor fees for drivers education
School supplies (must have itemized receipt)
Property Tax Refund documents
CRPs - Certificate of Rent Paid
Property tax statements
If you wish to use the direct deposit/direct debit option, please bring your checkbook with you to verify your bank account and routing information.

Friday, January 26, 2007

New Computers at the Library

The computer lab computers that were installed in 2001 are being replaced with new Windows XP computers that will have the Office 2007 suite of software. This software includes just recently released versions of Microsoft Word and Exel and the latest version of Internet Explorer.

The computer lab will be closed January 30 - February 1 for the upgrade.

Visit the lab and try out our new computers. We also offer a full range of computer and internet classes that are free to the public.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Book Review

Iwoz
By Steve Wozniak with Gina Smith

If you ever wondered what type of person could invent a personal computer, then this is the book for you. Steve Wozniak, prankster and gifted genius, figured out how to attach a monitor and keyboard to a bunch of circuits and with friend, Steve Jobs, started Apple computer.

Growing up, he spent his life playing countless pranks and hanging out with the Electronics Kids in the neighborhood now known as Silicon Valley. Friends were amused by his pranks; school officials and the police less so. The explanations on how circuits work, how Steve Wozniak invented the personal computer, and other electronic gadgets makes for an easily understandable and funny read.

For more information:
www.woz.org

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Air Conditioning Project

The City Council has sent out for bids on the newly redesigned library air conditioning project. Bids are due back to City Hall by January 11, 2007.

If a bid is accepted, the project should be completed in time for next summer's hot temperatures.

Holiday Hours

The Library will be closed for the Christmas holiday on December 25 and 26. It will also be closed on January 1st.

Visit the Library website for access to the library catalog, databases, schedule of events, and other information.

Go to www.hibbing.lib.mn.us

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Computer Classes at the Library

Computer classes are offered at the Hibbing Public Library. Classes combing up in January are Computer Basics, Internet for Beginners, Email (Yahoo), Searching the Internet, Working with Word, and Build a Wiki.

Sessions are free and about 90 minutes long. Space is limited so registration is required. Reservations can be made in person or by calling the library at 262-1038 or by emailing the library.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Book Review

The Rising Tide
By Jeff Shaara

First in a series on World War II, the action begins in the Libyan Desert, North Africa in 1942. The book moves back and forth between the German and Allied forces as the battles are fought with infantry and armored divisions. Various maps illustrate the confrontations between armies.

Erwin Rommel known as the Desert Fox, commander of the German Africa Corps in North Africa, fights first the British and then the Americans with Panzer divisions.

Dwight Eisenhower is chosen by Roosevelt and Churchill to lead the Allied command in North Africa. Operation Torch has British and American forces landing in Morocco and Algeria where they will first confront the Vichy French government and then the Germans.

Jeff Shaara is best known for his novels on the Civil War, has also written a book on World War I where many commanders of World War II got their training.
Website: www.jeffshaara.com

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Yuletide Festival

The Yuletide Festival will be held Tuesday, December 5 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the library. It is an evening of fun and musical festivity. The Hibbing City Band performs. There will be cookie decorating, time to visit with Santa Claus and enjoy a yuletide story. Children may also select a free paperback to take home. Refreshments will be served.

This Program has been sponsored by: the Friends of the Hibbing Public Library with the support of Girl Scout Troops 1702 and 1723, the Hibbing Key Club, Hibbing City Band, and Mr. C. Books are provided by the Hibbing Literacy Action Center with funds from the Hibbing United Way.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Mystery Book Review

Never Fear
By Scott Frost

Homicide detective Alex Delillo finds and loses a brother all in one night. Suicide is suspected, but as Alex and her partner, detective Dylan Harrison investigate, they find that Alex’s brother was murdered. An eighteen year old serial murder investigation where the suspect in the cold case was Alex and her half brother’s father complicates the story as Alex is convinced that she is being stonewalled by the LAPD.

Scott Frost has written for Twin Peaks and X-Files. Never Fear is the second book in the series featuring Alex Delillo as a Pasadena homicide detective. Run the Risk, first book in the series, was nominated for an Edgar award for Best First Novel.

Monday, November 06, 2006

Mystery Book Review

Torment of Others
By Val McDermid

Dr. Tony Hill, criminal psychologist, shines in this 4th novel in a series. While a convicted murderer is locked away in a secure hospital, a new series of murders seem to be the work of a copycat. Detective Chief Inspector Carol Jordan calls in Dr. Hill to make sense of these murders. The bodies are found in Temple Fields, the setting of a previous set of murders in the book, The Mermaids Singing.

Present day English police procedurals with profiling added, Wire in the Blood, the second book in the series is also the name of the BBC series now in its 4th season. Series 4, episode 2 is based on the novel, Torment of Others.

Website: http://www.valmcdermid.com