Vampires, Witches & Ghosts

Our haunting series of Halloween-themed programs begins Tuesday, October 11, at 6:30 p.m., with Robert and Lynn Halbrook's interactive theater presentation "Vampires, Witches and Ghosts." The program combines several forms of theater: illusion, hypnosis, and spook show, creating an evening of eeriness and chills.

Strange phenomena and manifestations occur as tales of mediums, murderers, and mayhem are recounted. Do the dead actually return? Classic and contemporary books on the supernatural are examined, from the Minnesota Road Guide to Haunted Locations to Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian. Can the characters that populate these books come back to "life"?

The program also features a display of artifacts gathered from around the world. A mummified finger bearing a very special ring, a Ouija board said to be possessed by its original owners, and an "Inquisitor’s Box" used to detect the blood of a witch are just a few of the relics haunting this show. Relics that may be touched by audience members … and, just maybe, audience members will be touched by these relics!

Audience level: Not for children under 12 years of age.

Many Faces of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is one of the most insidious infections around, sometimes mimicking other illnesses and resisting treatment. Lyme disease can mimic the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and may be a hidden cause of MS. Microbiologist Thomas Grier will be speaking about the complexities of Lyme disease and why this bacterium is so unique among the microbes on Saturday, September 17, at 10:30 a.m.

Mr. Grier comes from a research background of vaccine development and immunological methods of detecting infections. He will explain how the Lyme bacterium can enter the brain quickly and easily. Join us as we look at evidence of sequestered brain infections and Lyme disease.

French Comedy "My Best Friend" Screens Tuesday Night

"My Best Friend" ("Mon Meilleur Ami"), a 2006 comedy from France, will be shown as part of the library's international film series on Tuesday, September 13, at 6:30 p.m. The film begins as a lighthearted comedy as François, an antiques dealer who is disliked by everyone, enters into a bet with one of his colleagues that he can come up with someone who calls him his best friend within a week. At stake is a priceless antique vase he prizes. In the meantime, Bruno, a taxi driver whose goal is to be a contestant on a television quiz show, crosses his path. It's a movie with flair and charm and also a bittersweet comment on the true meaning of friendship. Coffee and French biscuits (cookies) will be served.

Fall book sale set for September 24

Find the book of your dreams at the Cloquet Public Library’s Fall Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sat., Sept. 24, 2011.

Browse through hundreds of books gathered through donations or discards from the library. Conditions range from next-to-new to fair. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For more information, call 879-1531.