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.

Library children perform "Mitten" folktale

Children participating in Cloquet Community Education's afterschool program came to the Library to hear "The Mitten." The children also picked parts from the story and acted out a play. Three children became narrators, while others chose to be the animals: mole, rabbit, hedgehog, owl, fox, badger, bear, and mouse. Afterward, the kids colored their own mittens and went on a "mitten" hunt in the Library. Everyone who found the hidden mitten received a prize. Following the program, parents joined their children to look for books.

Artist to share the art of birch bark weaving

Join us on Saturday February 7 at 10 a.m. at the Cloquet Public Library, for a presentation on the art of birch bark weaving by John Zasada of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Zasada is a retired forester turned artist. He started making things out of birch bark more than 10 years ago, inspired by a class he took from Charlie Mayo at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais. Now he teaches his own classes.

Zasada works in a traditional style used by Finns, Swedes, and Russians. "When you split bark before weaving, what you're splitting off is an annual growth layer of wood. You are stripping away - touching and feeling - the life and history of this tree." quoted by John Zasada in the book Celebrating Birch.

Winter Story Times at the Library

Preschool Story Times (ages 3-5) will be at 10 a.m.,Wednesdays, beginning January 14 through April 1. LapSit Story Times (ages 0-2) will be at 10 a.m., Thursdays, beginning January 15 through April 2.

Little child, where are you?

The Cloquet Public Library is looking for a child who attended Sámi performer Asfrid Karlsen’s program on July 23, 2008, at the Library. A native of Norway, Karlsen spoke on her Sámi heritage as part of the Library’s summer reading program for children. During the presentation, Karlsen gave away small mementoes from her homeland to both children and adults in the audience.

Unfortunately, Karlsen was short one giveaway and one child did not receive a present. It’s been nearly half a year since the program, but Karlsen still thinks about that child who left her program without a prize. As a holiday gesture, she has sent a gift to the Library to be passed on to the child.

“Because we do not have a name for the child who did not receive a souvenir gift from Lapland,” says Library Director Mary Lukkarila, “we are hoping the child, a friend of the child’s, or the parents will see this article and contact us. It will make for a lovely holiday surprise for the child and bring joy to Asfrid’s holiday season by knowing her small friend finally received a gift from her.”

Anyone who may have information regarding the identity of this child can call the Library at 879-1531. Thank you for your help in providing this special holiday request from the Cloquet Public Library’s Sámi friend Asfrid Karlsen.