January 2024

LIBRARY NEWS

Stillwater's Top 10

It's that time of year when we look back at what our patrons have been reading. We've dug into the data and determined the top ten adult titles most checked out from Stillwater Public Library in 2023. These popular books range from gripping thrillers and mysteries to a historical drama and a comedic and poignant graphic memoir. Missed one? Place a hold or ask a librarian if you would like help finding other trending titles.

The winner of the "most circulated" prize for 2023 was not a book at all. Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots topped the list. Many thanks to the generous donors of the Stillwater Public Library Foundation for providing wireless internet access to our community.

Adult Winter Reads

Follow the call of the loon to the library and head into winter with a good book! Participate in our adult winter reading program in January and February. From good reads to informative classes, we have a plan to keep you active and engaged as the weather gets colder. Tap into your inner artist with a painting class, learn new skills with a 1:1 tech session, explore musical genres with guest presenters, or try an introduction to guided Tai Chi. 

Back by popular demand is the Winter Reads Reading Challenge. This year, there are two challenges to enjoy.

• BINGO: Settle into your armchair and embark on a reading journey this winter. Explore different genres with our Winter Reads bingo game. Enjoy a mystery set in the Northwoods, warm up with a romance in a tropical location, or go deep into space with a sci-fi adventure. Four in a row earns a prize.
• READ. REVIEW. REPEAT.: Your book reviews and ratings are wanted! Help us find the next great read … or tell us what books to avoid. Read or listen to a book and provide us with a short review and rating. Then read the next book and repeat.

Stop by the library to pick up a bingo card, submit a book review, or both. You can also join in online at stillwaterbayportlibrary.beanstack.org. With your first book review or completed bingo square, earn a participation prize while supplies last. All entries will be placed in a drawing for book bundles at the end of February. The more entries you submit, the better your chances of winning! 

Tiny Art Competition

We’re currently accepting submissions for our tiny art competition. Let your creativity soar but keep your work smaller than five inches by five inches. Pick up your art supply kit at the information desk (while supplies last), or use your own materials to create something in a different medium.

Submissions are due by Friday, February 23, 2024. Entries will be judged during the last week in February and entered works will be displayed in the library. The competition is for adult patrons.

From Our Archives

The Majestic Theatre & 1919 Can Drive

The Majestic Theatre stood at 229 South Main Street in the building Smith + Trade Mercantile now calls home. The distinctive rooflines of both the theatre and the Waffle Parlor next door remain unchanged today. The Waffle Parlor building is the current location of Stillwater Olive Oil Co. To the left of the theatre, and just visible, is the building that now houses Stillwater Proper. The building on the right side of the photo was the clothing store, I.G. Ziegler, of which Ignatz Ziegler was the proprietor and is now home to Lolo American Kitchen Stillwater. 

The aged label on this photograph dated this photo to 1912. Looking into it, we discovered the photo was actually taken in 1919 - both the main movie feature, "The Unknown Love," as well as the other advertised feature, "Never Say Quit," were released in 1919. 

Digging further, we were able to date this photo to Saturday, April 19, 1919. On that day a tin can contest took place that was part of a broader city clean-up effort. An estimated 25,000 cans were collected and taken to the city dump. Children who brought at least 10 cans were rewarded with a ticket to the afternoon matinee showing of "Never Say Quit," a silent comedy featuring George Walsh. The event was co-sponsored by the Stillwater Messenger and described in an article published in that paper on April 23, 1919, pictured below.

Thanks to the Stillwater Area Historic Newspaper Initiative for making this and other historical Stillwater newspapers available digitally. The photograph is part of the library's John Runk photograph collection which you can view in the St. Croix Collection Room anytime the library is open.

UPCOMING EVENTS

WINTER READS

IN THE DISCOVERY ROOM

It's So Cold!

The Discovery Room is ready for imaginative play centered around the wintry theme of “So Cold” - snowflakes, snow friends, icy winds, and, of course, ice cream! Children can play ice cream parlor as they scoop, serve, and sell sweet creations at the ice cream store. They can investigate wind currents with chiffon scarves and snowflakes with the flight lab wind tunnel, identify animal tracks in the snow, and detect cold things in the beginner and super challenger I spy games. Enjoy this theme through February.

Open during library hours, the Discovery Room is a place for kids and caregivers to play and imagine together. The Discovery Room themes are created by staff and funded by donors to the Stillwater Public Library Foundation.