Grandmother and two grand-daughters reading together in library

April 2023

LIBRARY NEWS

NEA Big Read

Discuss the Inevitable

Have you checked out the NEA Big Read book yet? This year’s pick is Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by author and cartoonist Roz Chast. Chast tells the story of her parents’ final years through cartoons and prose. As an adult caregiver for her aging parents, her story is filled with humor, cringe-worthy moments, and unavoidable things that many are likely to face.

NEA Big Read Book Discussion
Wednesday, April 12, 6:30 PM
Explore the book and the topics of aging and caregiving with us. Can't make it on the 12th? We're also discussing the book at FamilyMeans in Stillwater on Thursday, April 27 at 1:00 PM.

Help! My parents are getting older, what do I need to know?
Thursday, April 20 at 6:00 PM
What do you know about your parent's health history, financial assets, and long-term wishes? Learn more about the resources that can help as your parent ages.

Make and Take Craft Night
Thursday, April 13 at 6:00 PM
Bring your own photo to create either a luminary or pendant to memorialize or celebrate someone in your life. Register to attend.

For more events across the valley including Cathy Wurzer and Karla Hult at the historic courthouse, go to artreachstcroix.org/bigread/.

Friends Book Sale and Book Drive

Book lovers and bargain hunters — you are in for a treat! Friends of the Stillwater Public Library are hosting their annual spring used book sale on April 26-29. Proceeds benefit the library and will enhance materials and programs. Cash or check only. Most items priced at $1-$2.

Members Only Preview Sale*:

Wed., Apr. 26 5:00-7:30 PM

*Not a member of Friends of the Stillwater Public Library? Join at the door.

Open to the Public:

Thu., Apr. 27 10:15 AM-7:30 PM

Fri., Apr. 28 10:15 AM-4:30 PM

Sat., Apr. 29 10:15 AM-4:30 PM

Bag sale all day on Saturday!

Donate Your Books!

Saturday, April 22

10:30 AM-3:00 PM

Donate gently used books. Just pull into the library’s parking ramp on Third Street.

None of the following items will be accepted: encyclopedias, magazines, Reader’s Digest Condensed Books, textbooks, religious materials, National Geographic, videos, cassettes, partially used puzzle books.

Help raise money for the library one book at a time!

Balanced Wellness Series Adults 55+

Starting in April, join us for a monthly educational wellness series for adults ages 55+. The classes will be held on the second Wednesday of each month from 1 to 2 PM. Each session will include 45 minutes of education with informational handouts, Q&A and a 15-minute chair fitness class. No registration required.

Apr. 12: Super Foods for Seniors

May 10: Exercising with Arthritis

June 14: Exercise for Brain Health

July 12: Hacks for Healthier Meals

Aug. 9: Healthy & Hydrated

Sep. 13: Falls Prevention

Oct. 11: Exercise for Back Pain

Nov. 8: Diabetes & Exercise

Dec. 13: The Gift of the Present

National
Library Week
April 23 - 29

We're celebrating National Library Week on April 23-29. It's our time to recognize our staff, volunteers, donors, and users for making the library such as special place!

Free Coffee & Tea Break
Compliments of the Stillwater Public Library Foundation, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while visiting during National Library Week.

Youth Library Card Design Display
See all of the library love! View the more than 70 entries submitted in our youth library card design contest. The winning entry, created by Audrey Mast (age 11), will be available as a limited-edition card beginning on April 23.

FROM OUR ARCHIVES

Sandbags in Downtown Stillwater in 1965 flood

Historic Flood
April 1965

With the City of Stillwater planning for potential flooding this spring, we thought we'd look back at the historic April 1965 flood. The Minnesota DNR lists the 1965 event as holding the record for the St. Croix river flooding in Stillwater at 94.10 feet.

From the library's John Runk Historical Collection, the top photo shows the flood looking northeast from Nelson Street (near where the Dock Stillwater restaurant is now). The water is over the bridge and the left section is raised. The bottom photo shows Civil Defense personnel directing traffic at Main and Chestnut streets looking northeast (the corner where Ziggy's is currently). At the flood's crest, the traffic was not allowed past Second Street.