Tuesday, June 14, 2011

African drums travel to the library

Come dance and drum with the Titambe West African Dance Ensemble at 4 p.m., Tues., July 5, at the Cloquet Public Library. The program is free of charge and open to all ages.

A great multi-generational program, performers will teach specific rhythms, dancing and drum techniques, featuring the dress and cultural protocols of West Africa. Between drumming and song, the program will include stories and history about Ghana and other African tribal cultures.

The event is part of the Library’s summer program, “One World, Many Stories,” sponsored by the Arrowhead Library System. For more information, call 879-1531.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

International Film Series Debuts Tuesday, June 21


Every year dozens of movies from other countries escape the detection of American audiences. Many of them have won awards from prestigious film festivals around the world. The library is taking steps to address this oversight with its new foreign film series. Once a month, a recent movie will be shown that hasn’t appeared in our local theaters or has been otherwise unavailable.

Our premiere screening is on the first day of summer, Tuesday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. The film selected is Academy Awarding winning director Jane Campion’s Bright Star, an intimate look at the last three years in the life of English Romantic poet John Keats and his relationship with a young woman of higher social standing, Fanny Brawne. One of the most influential poets of all time, Keats was inspired in his life and art by Fanny, though friends and family on both sides tried to keep them apart. Keats perished from tuberculosis at age 25.

The series continues with the Finnish-Swedish Mother of Mine, scheduled for July 12, and the award-winning Norwegian film Troubled Water, which will screen on August 9. More films are planned for fall.

Movies will be shown on our 55” widescreen Samsung TV in the large meeting room. Join us a few minutes early for coffee and conversation.

Computer Classes Continue with Special Topics

The library's basic computer classes continue on three Monday evenings in June with topics focused on areas needed for becoming computer literate. June 13's class is on how to set up an e-mail account using hotmail or Yahoo. June 20's class is important for job seekers - in this class you'll learn how to create a resume and portfolio online that can be accessed by potential employers. June 27's class looks at social networking - how to get started on Facebook and Twitter. Also covered in the class is the all-important topic of internet safety. All classes are from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Class size is limited to 10, so you must call or stop in the library to sign up. 879-1531.

Seeking: Teen Advisory Board

We’re looking for motivated teens to help us plan a space especially for teens in the library. What after-school activities would you like to do? What sort of contests or events do you think would interest teens and help make the library a good resource for after school? Let us know if you’re interested in helping come up with new ideas. The group will meet once or twice during the summer. Call 879-1531.

Teen Summer Writing Contest

Teens who have completed grades 6 through 12 are invited to enter the library’s summer writing contest.

Choose any book, fiction or non-fiction, published in the past year (any book with a copyright date of 2010 or 2011). Write a personal essay of 1-2 pages (250-500 words) explaining “What this book means to me.” You might want to address how the book’s subject affects you, or has expanded your horizons, or how you relate to a character.

Submit a printed copy of your essay to the library’s front desk by August 22. Be sure to include your name, phone number, and last grade completed.

One winner will be chosen from middle school and one from high school age groups. Writers of the best essay will receive a $30 gift certificate to Wal-Mart. Winners will be announced in the fall issue of the library’s newsletter.

Questions? Call 879-1531

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Meyerson joins summer spotlight

Musician/songwriter Robi Meyerson will give a children's performance at 1 p.m., Wed., June 15, at the Cloquet Public Library. The program is free of charge and open to the public.

Meyerson plays a wide variety of musical styles, including folk, swing, pop, rock, and blues. Her song selection includes originals, many genres, old standards, and, of course, children’s music. Kids love to sing and dance with Robi. For more information, call 879-1531.