July 2024

LIBRARY NEWS

Summer Fun Abounds at the Library

June was an extraordinary month at Stillwater Public Library, filled with books and programs that brought joy and learning to our community. From encounters with live animals to workshops and wellness sessions, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Wild Encounters with Carpenter Nature Center
The library was abuzz with excitement as Carpenter Nature Center brought live animals for all to marvel at. From the peregrine falcon to the milk snake, attendees of all ages had the opportunity to learn firsthand about these creatures and their habitats. 

Wednesdays on the Lawn
Circus Manduhai entertained young visitors and their caretakers with daring circus acts and audience participation for kids and adults. Plates were spinning, hoops were twirling, and balls were juggling! Bill the Juggler roped us in with his gravity-defying skills. Brodini raised spirits and test kids’ powers of concentration as he manipulated ropes, scarves, balls, and other magician props in a perplexing "now you see it, now you don't" performance! 

Creative Workshops for Teens and Tweens
Our Crochet Camp and Craft Camp sessions were a hit among teens and tweens, who unleashed their creativity and crafted wonderful projects. It was inspiring to see so many young minds at work!

Artistic Inspiration with Karen Chan
Adults immersed themselves in the vibrant world of painting during the Peonies in Acrylic class led by the talented Karen Chan. Participants captured the delicate beauty of peonies in full bloom, creating stunning artworks to cherish.

Mindfulness and Wellness
Meditation sessions, Tai Chi classes, and yoga sessions provided moments of peace and centering for all who attended, fostering a sense of well-being and harmony.

Music on the Terrace
The library terrace came alive with the enchanting folk tunes and harmonies of the Roe Family Singers. It was a magical evening filled with music, laughter, and community spirit—a true highlight of our summer events.

As we look ahead, there is much more in store for July and August! Be sure to visit our website and check out the calendar for upcoming programs. From educational workshops to entertaining performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

We are deeply grateful to the donors of Stillwater Public Library Foundation and the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library whose generous support makes these enriching programs possible. Their commitment to our community enables us to offer a diverse range of programming and services that inspire, educate, and entertain.

Help Shape Your Library Experience! 

Stillwater Public Library wants to hear from you! We invite you to take a short survey to help improve library programs and communication. Your feedback is essential in ensuring the library offers programs and resources that meet our community’s needs and help us remain a vibrant hub for learning and discovery.

The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and has just 8 questions. Your thoughts and ideas will directly influence the future direction of the library's programs and services. Take the survey at polco.us/stillwater. You can also create a free account and stay in the loop with surveys from across City of Stillwater departments. Insights from surveys help drive local policy decisions.

Let's work together to make Stillwater Public Library a place where everyone can learn, grow, and connect!

Stuff the Bus

Stillwater Public Library is a donation drop site for our community's Stuff the Bus drive. Our goal is to fill 600 backpacks with essential school supplies, ensuring local students start the school year confidently! By easing the financial burden of purchasing these supplies, we contribute to a stronger community and improve the lives of our neighbors.  

Donate supplies in the Stuff the Bus bin located on the lower level of the library near the Information Desk. The bin will be at the library from July 9 through August 5. For more details, visit uwwce.org/stuff-the-bus.

Library Closed on July 4

Stillwater Public Library will be closed on Thursday, July 4 for Independence Day. The library is also closed on Sundays during the summer. Sunday Hours return on Sunday, September 8, 2024.

FROM OUR ARCHIVES

Steamer Sidney

The beauty of the St. Croix River has always been best enjoyed from the water!

Back in the early 1900s, the grand steamer Sidney graced Stillwater's levee. It was the era of moonlit excursions where gentlemen paid 50 cents and ladies 25 cents for a magical journey along the river from Stillwater to Hudson and back. Photos from the library’s John Runk Collection depict the Sidney around 1913 docked by Lowell Park, taken from both the Wisconsin and Minnesota sides of the river. 

By 1919, the steamer had been revamped into a luxurious 5-deck party boat for 2000 passengers. An article from the Stillwater Messenger in 1919 described the Sidney’s allure perfectly: "The steamer Sidney is one of the finest excursion boats on the river." It boasted everything from a spacious cabin for dancing to a rooftop garden and even a ladies’ dressing room—a true floating paradise for its time. The Stillwater Messenger raved about the "liveliest jazz music heard in these parts" thanks to the famous Jazzule Band of New Orleans.
Today, as we navigate the St. Croix's waters, let's remember the Sidney and its legacy. The river's beauty endures, reminding us that some things never change—like the joy of exploring from a boat!

These photos and many others can be viewed anytime the library is open in the St. Croix Collection Room. Thanks to the Stillwater Area Historic Newspaper Initiative for making digitized copies of Stillwater newspapers available that help us understand the events and stories behind these photographs! To read more mentions of steamer Sidney in local newspapers, go to the Minnesota Historical Society’s Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub and search for “steamer Sidney.”

UPCOMING EVENTS

JULY READS: HUMOR US

Happy International Joke Day! To celebrate, check out these laugh-out-loud writings by some of the funniest people on the planet. Click on the book covers to learn more about the title and place a hold. You might also be lucky enough to find some of these on display on the cart near the self-checkout kiosks on the lower level.

IN THE GALLERY

Oil & Wood

Join us for a reception on Thursday, July 18 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM to celebrate the summer's featured artists, local painter Lena Wolf Rothman and woodworker Spike Carlsen. Hear from the artists at 7 PM when they discuss Lena's classic realism paintings and Spike's wooden beings. This exhibit is on display in the library's gallery through August.

Artist Lena Wolf Rothman

Lena Wolf Rothman is a MN artist trained in the classical, Dutch and Flemish techniques of painting and drawing. She studied at Atelier Lack with Stephen Gjertson and Richard Lack. More recently, Rothman studied with Jeff Hurinenko, a Dutch Flemish portrait and genre painter, Joseph Paquet, a plein air painter, and at the Florence Academy of Art. 

For Rothman drawing and painting the human face and figure has always been a passion, and she often uses family and friends for subjects.

Rothman has exhibited at International Market Square, The Jewish Community Center of St. Paul, The Beard Gallery in Minneapolis, the Romanian Church of St. Paul, the Richeson Gallery, the Kelley Gallery and the St. Croix Artbarn. She is also a member of the Portrait Society of America, and the Pastel Society of America.

Artist Spike Carlsen

Spike has spent most of the past thirty years writing. He's penned seven books and hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles; many focused on wood. And though writing and woodworking seem odd bedfellows, he insists both involve taking an assemblage of raw materials—wood or words—and shaping them into something greater than the parts; something that engages, inspires, amuses and/or educates.

Wooden Beings blend wood, people and tales together to create small enchanting figures that “speak.” Some portray an emotion, some celebrate a special person or event, some work hard at holding business cards or books—all are meant to be inspiring or memorable in some way. Many of his latest Wooden Beings have been commissioned, echoing a specific person or milestone. He's made college professors, flautists, hikers and “Sisyphean” figures struggling to overcome obstacles. Art can do more than one thing.