Stillwater Public Library Newsletter
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April 2022
It's National Library Week!

National Library Week is April 3-9. It's a weeklong celebration of libraries and how they connect us all through materials, technology resources, programming, and much more. Stop in and visit! Browse for books, connect with technology, use a meeting space, or relax by the fireplaces. You can even warm up from the rain with a free cup of coffee or tea, provided by staff in honor of National Library Week. 
 
NEA Big Read
 

 
Join your neighbors in April as we read An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo. The NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley is a one book, one community program that brings together residents around a common book.  This year's programming celebrates poetry and honors Indigenous voices through activities related to themes found in Joy's poetry.
 
April 13: Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask
Join us for an online discussion with Anton Treuer, award-winning author and historian of Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask. Registration required.
 
April 18: An Evening with Joy Harjo
As the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate, Joy Harjo's focus connects poetry, geography and place. Opening with Red Wing Black Bird, a Native women's drum circle, Harjo's presentation will be steeped in her literary works and poetry. This event will be online. Registration required.
 
April 29: A Night of Documentaries Produced or Created by Native Women
Join us at The Zephyr Theatre for a viewing night of two documentaries. Sisters Rising is about survivors of sexual assault fighting to restore personal sovereignty against an ongoing legacy of violent colonization. Without a Whisper - Konnon: Kwe is the untold story of the profound influence of Indigenous women on the women's rights movement in the United States. Registration required.
 
For a full list of Big Read events throughout the valley, visit artreachstcroix.org/bigread. 
 
April is Poetry Month
 
 
April is poetry month! Whether you are young or young at heart, the magic of poetry can touch us all. Come and explore the world of verse with us! We have picks and activities for budding poets, poetry lovers, and even those not quite sure about poetry. 
 
For Adults
Poem for your Pocket
Stop by the lower level and pick up a poem for your pocket.
 
Poetry Picks
Browse our Poetry Picks display on the lower level of the library, and immerse yourself in the many forms of poetry. 


 
For Teens
Teen Poetry Contest: April 1-30
Do you have a way with words? Youth ages 10-18 are encouraged to submit up to two poems from April 1-30. Winning poems will be posted on the website, and printed copies will be available in May. Prizes will be awarded to one submission in each age category: 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18.
 
BLACKOUT Poetry
Forget about writer's block! Create a poem without writing a word. Stop by the teen space, take a marker, grab one of the available pages. and blackout words you don't want. The words that remain will be your poem! 
 


 
For Kids
Learning Through Poetry
By reading poetry and having it read to them, children can develop literacy skills like vocabulary, sounds, and syntax. They can improve their cognitive abilities, build creativity, and develop emotional awareness - all while having fun!
 
Make a Poet-tree!
April's Art Cart features poems, of course! Create your own poet-tree in the storytime room. Art Cart is open during library hours. No registration is needed.
Spring into Reading


 
Spring into a good book with the help of one of these staff-created booklists. Click on a book cover to learn more or place a hold.
 
Take a Book for a Walk (uplifting audiobooks)
 
Hello Garden (gardening books)
 
Color Your Spring (watercolor ebooks and emagazines)
 
Friends Used Book Sale & Donations Drive


 
Book lovers and bargain hunters - you are in for a treat! The Friends of the Stillwater Public Library is hosting a used book donation drive and sale. Proceeds benefit the library.
 
Donate Your Books
Saturday, April 9 & April 16 | 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Library Parking Ramp
See stillwaterlibrary.org for items accepted.
 
Shop the Sale
Members Only Preview Sale:
Wednesday, April 20 | 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Not a member of Friends? Join at the door.
 
Open to the Public:
Thursday, April 21 | 10:15 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday, April 22 | 10:15 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday, April 23 | 10:15 AM - 4:30 PM
$10 bag sale all day on Saturday!
 

 
Upcoming Programs
 
April Preschool Storytime
Wednesday Mornings | 10:30 AM
Container Gardening
Sunday, April 10 | 12:30 PM
Second Saturday Storytime
Saturday, April 9 | 10:30 AM
Adult Take & Make Kit
In April, while supplies last
 
April Art Cart
In April during library hours
Romance Book Club
Tuesday, April 12 | 6:00 PM
Art for Kids
Saturday, May 14 | 1:00 PM
1950s Census
Saturday, April 16 | 10:30 AM
Musical Storytimes
Wednesdays in May & Saturday, May 14
Mystery Book Club
Wednesday, April 20 | 6:00 PM

In the Gallery
Visit the library's gallery in April and May for a photo essay exhibit by Ne-Dah-Ness Rose Greene. Through powerful photographic portraits, Greene raises awareness around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. Each subject has a story that gives voice to those forced forever to be silent. "Through art, we heal, seek hope, and stand in solidarity."

Connect With Us
 
 
Stillwater Public Library
224 Third St N | Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 | 651-275-4338
https://stillwaterlibrary.org/ | splinfo@ci.stillwater.mn.us
 
Connecting members of our community with the power of knowledge, the possibility of new ideas, and the opportunity to engage with one another