Grap your hat and read with the Cat

The National Education Association's "Read Across America" event is now in its twelfth year, motivating children to read and helping them to master basic skills. The nationwide reading celebration will take place at 4 p.m., Mon., March 2--the birthday of Dr. Seuss--at the Cloquet Public Library. Children of all ages can join the fun by reading from their favorite book or from one of ours. Everyone who reads aloud will receive a free book.

Join the thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers across the country that are participating in this worthwhile event, bringing together kids and books and you! The event, like all of our programs at the library, is free of charge and open to the public.

Soar like a bird! Walk like a penguin!

Children of all ages attended the WonderWeavers' program. The storytelling team of Colleen and Tina from Eden Prairie, MN, inspired children to join in their folktales from around the world--including Antarctica and Africa. Everyone had a great time, thanks to funding of the Kiwanis Club of Cloquet.

How do I install my Digital Converter Box?

David Poirier, operations manager at WDIO-TV, will demonstrate how to set up your digital converter box and answer questions about the digital conversion on Tuesday, February 24 at 7 p.m. in the library's meeting room.

WonderWeavers will perform in February

The WonderWeavers, a storytelling team whose creative folktales make all ages both laugh and think, will perform at 6:30 p.m., Mon., Feb. 23, at the Cloquet Public Library. The program, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Cloquet, is free of charge and open to the public.

"The great thing about the WonderWeavers is that they combine songs, stories, and audience participation in a way that kept me and my three-year-old daughter Sarah engaged from start to finish," says parent and storyteller Kevin Strauss.

After more than 15 years as a dynamic duo, Tina Rohde and Colleen Shaskin were recognized for their volunteer and storytelling accomplishments on the national level when they received the 2006 Oracle Award from the National Storytelling Network. The National Storytelling Network, based in Jonesborough, TN, presents awards based on nominations from members in each region. The WonderWeavers received a service and leadership award.

"One thing that I love about Tina and Colleen is how hard they have worked to promote storytelling in Minnesota and the region," says Michael Mann, Minnesota Story Alliance Director. "Without the WonderWeavers, we would have fewer storytellers and fewer storytelling events in our area. They are the kind of people who do the hard work to make things happen on stage."

Tina and Colleen, as part of the working collaborative Cygnus Storytelling, were recently commissioned by the National Institute on Media and the Family to create a storytelling CD "U Tell a Tale". The CD is a blend of five storytelling artists and includes family activities to extend the stories.

The library program, “Passport to Fun,” is a fast paced storytelling event taking participants on a trip around the world through stories. Using audience interaction, song and magic, Tina and Colleen will spark imaginations and tickle funny bones. Join in this exceptional program designed to bring enjoyment to the whole family.