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How Much Do You Save at the Library? |
How much is your library card worth? Thanks to a new online tool from Stillwater Public Library, you can now find out. The results might surprise you!
The Library Value Calculator is designed to help patrons estimate how much money they save by using library resources instead of purchasing books, movies, database access, and more. Even modest use of the library adds up quickly; for many, the savings are significant.
We developed the calculator using resources from the American Library Association, comparisons with similar tools across the country, and an in-depth review of real-world costs. Rather than simply using full retail prices, the tool reflects an average of what consumers might realistically spend, making it a conservative and credible estimate.
Real library users have already been shocked and delighted by their results: Loyal, a young reader, saved $3,324 by reading books, attending programs, and using databases for schoolwork. Hilaire, a college student studying culinary arts, photography, and journalism, saved $905 by using books, databases, and public computers. David, a library volunteer, and his spouse saved an impressive $5,233 by tapping into a wide range of creative and educational resources. Kaytee, a library staff member, and her spouse saved a whopping $14,360 through books, entertainment, databases, and more. Nancy, a voracious reader, saved $545, mostly through downloadable eBooks via Libby — and she thinks she underestimated! Plus, she’s a frequent Puzzle Exchange user, and that’s not even on the value calculator.
Want to know your savings? Try the Library Value Calculator yourself at library.stillwatermn.gov/value-calculator. It’s quick, fun, and free; just like the library itself.
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Browse Library Classes & Programs | There’s so much happening at Stillwater Public Library this fall, we’ve put it all in one place—our online fall catalog—so you won’t miss a thing! From engaging classes and creative workshops to author visits and reading events, there's truly something for everyone.
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| Browse Catalog
| | FEATURED OCTOBER EVENT |
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| Authors on the Road to Publication | Meet your favorite authors at a special literary event on Wednesday, October 8, from 6 to 8 PM. Whether you're a book lover, aspiring writer, or simply curious about the creative process, this evening offers a rare opportunity to connect with authors and hear the inspiring stories behind their work.
Moderated by library staff member Karen Karason, the event will feature a diverse panel of Minnesota authors, each sharing their unique path to publication and the experiences that shaped their books.
Matthew Batt – The Last Supper Club: Batt is an English professor who turned his stint as a server at a high-end restaurant into a compelling memoir. The Last Supper Club is a behind-the-scenes look at fine dining, from the chaos of the kitchen to the artistry of plating, especially the humanity and energy that goes into creating a dining experience. Perfect for foodies and anyone who’s ever worked in the service industry. Peter Geye – A Lesser Light: Award-winning author Geye brings a deep love of Minnesota to his historical fiction novel A Lesser Light. Set on the North Shore in 1910, the book is rich in atmosphere and character. Geye’s writing transports readers, making even minor characters unforgettable. Ellie Palmer – Anywhere With You: Palmer lightens the mood with her romantic comedy Anywhere With You, a heartwarming road trip story filled with laughter, love, and sisterhood. Follow Charley and Ethan as they navigate Northern Minnesota in a camper van, discovering more than just the scenic route. Moheb Soliman – Homes: Egyptian-born and Midwest-raised poet Soliman presents Homes, a lyrical and thought-provoking exploration of identity, place, and the immigrant experience along the Great Lakes. His innovative poetry reflects the complex ties between people and nature.
All of these titles are available in the library’s collection, but you don’t need to read them beforehand. This event is about discovery, inspiration, and meeting the people behind the pages. Valley Bookseller will be on hand with copies of the authors' books for sale. Registration is encouraged.
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| Fall Fun at the Apple Stand Nothing says autumn like apples! This fall, kids can enjoy hands-on fun at the Apple Stand in the Discovery Room. Through November, young visitors can pretend to run a farm stand—weighing apples, counting play money, and donning aprons to “bake” delicious pretend pies using step-by-step picture recipes.
Open during library hours, the Discovery Room invites children and caregivers to play, imagine, and learn together.
"The Discovery Room is always a highlight of my child's visit to the library!!! He loves it, and I love the opportunities it provides to practice life skills and just have fun together!"
Activities in the Discovery Room are thoughtfully designed by library staff to support learning through play. Seasonal themes keep experiences fresh and engaging all year long. Some activities promote early literacy, others highlight science, math, or social-emotional skills.
The Discovery Room’s interactive props and materials are made possible by generous support from donors to the Stillwater Public Library Foundation. |
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Books Worth Talking About |
Looking for your next great book club read? These thought-provoking titles are perfect for sparking lively conversation and deep reflection. From sweeping historical fiction to bold contemporary voices, there’s something here for every reader.
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| "A year in the life of a wayward young man in New England who, by chance, becomes the caretaker for an eighty-two-year-old widow living with dementia, powering a story of friendship, loss, and how much we're willing to risk to claim one of life's most treasured mercies: a second chance." |
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| "A modern love story about two childhood friends, Sam, raised by an actress mother in LA's Koreatown, and Sadie, from the wealthy Jewish enclave of Beverly Hills, who reunite as adults to create video games, finding an intimacy in digital worlds that eludes them in their real lives, from the New York Times best-selling author of The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry." |
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| "A gripping historical mystery based on the real-life diary entries of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife who found herself at the center of a murder trial." |
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| "Ditching her California life for the open road, a restless, semi-famous artist leaves her husband, child and career and reinvents herself in a motel room, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and what it means to be alive and free." |
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| "Three Vietnamese American women mourning the death of the family matriarch recount their lives and childhoods at a crumbling, gothic manor called Banyan House, where the secrets of her grandmother's past come to light." |
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| Stillwater's Brewing Roots | Let’s raise a glass to Stillwater’s brewing roots this Oktoberfest season!
In the fall of 1853, a brewer named Norbert Kimmick bought a slice of land with a spring-fed stream and cool, natural caves — the perfect recipe for beer. That hillside site on South Main Street, now the location of the Oasis Cafe, would soon become the home of the Northwestern Brewery, one of Stillwater’s major breweries.
Originally starting with just a kitchen still and five gallons a week, Kimmick joined forces with Frank Aiple, and together they built up one of the largest breweries in the St. Croix Valley. After Kimmick’s death, Aiple married his widow Suzanne and took over the operation. Aiple’s industrious spirit and generous hospitality became legendary in Stillwater.
Though fire destroyed the original brewery in 1888, the Aiple family rebuilt it in stone by 1890. The new brewhouse was considered one of the most modern plants in the area. By 1899, the brewery had rebranded as the Jung Brewery, operating until Prohibition shut it down in 1919. In 1933, the old limestone brewery buildings and Aiple home were demolished to widen South Main Street.
Today, the only remnants of this once-bustling brewery are found in historical records, family legacies — and incredible photos like these, preserved in the library's John Runk Photo Collection and digitally at the Minnesota Historical Society. | |
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| Youth Mystery Writing Contest | Award-winning author Jacqueline West invites young writers (ages 8–12) to enter our Youth Mystery Writing Contest — and she has a special video message just for you!
Writers can choose from mystery prompts created by Jacqueline and submit a short story (up to 2,000 words) by Friday, October 17. She’ll read each entry and help select the winners!
Prizes include signed books, online publication, and a celebration event at the library on Thursday, October 30.
Need help getting started? Sign up for our free Mystery Writing Workshop with The Loft Literary Center on Saturday, September 27.
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