The Crookston Public Library is preparing several new programs in time for the new year with the theme of New Year’s Resolutions.
While several of the library’s programs are returning for another year, like its STEMsational programs and Reading by the Red Book Club, some will see new daily activities families and children can partake in, such as Take and Make activities. “Our Youth Services Librarian, Cassidy Manninen, is working on some things, like a Take and Make activity for younger children every other week, beginning next week, January 3, because we’re closed on Monday for the New Year. Every other week throughout the winter, we’ll have a Take and Make activity, where folks can come in, whether it’s with their kids, grandkids, or daycare kids, and grab a Take and Make activity that they can do at home or if it’s a stormy day or whatever it might be,” Crookston Public Library Director Chris Boike explained. “Next week’s Take and Make activity, the first one, will be making an aquarium out of stickers, paper fish cutouts, and tissue paper waves, so she’ll have some fun things going there.”
Other events include the return of the library’s Baby Bounce, which happens on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m., where infants and preschoolers can enjoy songs, stories, and action poems with their caregivers. A new event the library is looking to begin a new regular event called Art by the Red, on Monday, January 9, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for people to partake in unique art and crafts projects every second week of the month. Another will be a virtual collagraphy class also starting on January 9, at 7:00 p.m. for people throughout the region. “That’s virtual for all Lake Agassiz regional folks, and it’ll be shown virtually throughout the region. You can check out our website for that,” Boike explained. “There’s no registration required, and it is an actual legacy event which will kick off an array of events that haven’t yet been released completely for the winter and spring but will be forthcoming, so you can keep an eye out for those as well.” To learn more about the class, you can go to www.larl.org/collagraphy.
The library is also beginning its Book Blizzard challenge on the first of January until the end of February for adults to complete readings for a chance to win prizes. “We’ve got our Book Blizzard, which starts January 1 through February 28. There’s always the Book Blizzard Challenge for adults, so they can come in or go online, fill out reading logs, submit those for prizes, and track their reading,” Chris Boike explained. “Which can help them get off with their New Year’s resolution of reading more and get off to a great start with that fun challenge.”
The library will be open only from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. tomorrow, December 31, and will be closed on January 1 and 2 but will resume its regular hours on January 3. The library welcomes everyone to come to these events or get their library cards. While there, people can also get Minnesota State Parks Library Passes for those interested in snowshoeing or cross-country skiing this winter. With there also be a Twinkle Light Trail at Itasca State Park next month. If you are unable to come into the library to get a card, you can fill out an online application at www.larl.org.
