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terrace in fall

February 2025

LIBRARY NEWS

Winter Reads 2025

Read & Win with Winter Reads

Librarian Alexandre has hand-picked and wrapped up some great reads for you to win! As part of our Adult Winter Reading Challenge, submit short book reviews online or in person by the end of February for a chance to win a themed book bundle. The more reviews you submit, the better your chances! At the end of the month, we'll draw winners to receive a bundle of books to keep. Themed bundles include topics like respected humorists, self-discovery, dystopian worlds, and war. 


Not sure what to read? Short on time or just looking for something new? Borrow a Read Bag. Each Read Bag contains three books selected by our librarians, focused on a unique theme. Themes include Historical Fiction, Let’s Eat, Minnesota Authors, Page-Turning Thrillers, and more. Check out the entire bag at once and return it when you're finished.


Kids can join the fun too with our online Beanstack Bingo challenge. Visit the Beanstack site or download the app to participate, and stop by the Bayport or Stillwater library to pick up a prize when you're done!


Submit a book review
Discovery Room

Discovery Room

Young visitors and their caregivers can explore the wintry theme of “So Cold” through mid-March. The theme includes snowflakes, snow friends, icy winds, and, of course, ice cream. The Discovery Room is open during library hours and is designed by staff to encourage learning and fun. 


Discovery Room

In the Gallery

Through February, Stillwater Public Library's gallery will feature the work of Laura Albertson, Cathryn Peters, and Kay Hoskins in the exhibit Bound by Nature: Antlers, Clay, Stones, Sticks. The show explores the artists' deep connection to the natural world.


NEA BIG READ

NEA Big Read

April's Big Read is just around the corner. This year’s pick is Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. It's a story of 28-year-old Lillian who accepts a job to look after two ten-year-old twins who burst into flames when angry or upset. Everything Lillian knows about love, family, and empathy is upended. Borrow the book from the library today or pick up a copy at ArtReach.


Library Closed

Library Closed

The library will be closed on Monday, February 17 for Presidents' Day. We're always open online! Access eBooks, eAudiobooks, research resources, and more at library.stillwatermn.gov.

WINTER READS: READER PICKS

Our readers are sharing their book recommendations this month! Here are a few of the reviews submitted so far during our Winter Reading Challenge. Click on a book cover to read more or place a hold.

storied life of aj fikry

If you are looking to cozy up with a book, that is doable in a weekend, read this book! It felt like a hug. This writing, about an “ordinary” life, was so beautiful and really moved me.

beartown

Engaging story, accessible style, unique format. Outstanding story about a hockey-town and the attitudes, behaviors, and relationship that form as a result.

unlikely animals hartnett

Loved this heart-warming tale sprinkled with animal anecdotes! Highly recommend.

life's too short jimenz

5/5 stars
The dialogue is so sharp in Abby's writing! And it's a story set in Minneapolis. Always love a happy ending.

monsters we have made starck

4 out of 5 stars. Literary thriller!

the third gilmore girl bishop

Entertaining autobiography about the actress who starred in Broadway, movie, and tv shows we all know and love.

dress your family in corduroy and denim sedaris

4 out of 5 stars. Short essays about the author's life. Both humorous and poignant.


the kiss countdown easton

Such a cute book with a mostly unique plot, lots of fluff. 5/5

UPCOMING EVENTS

adults


Online Tech Classes

Washington County Library and MELSA are offering a series of free virtual classes for small business owners and creators on the following Tuesdays in February at 1 PM:  


Graphic Design for Business with Canva: Feb. 11

Basic Image Editing: Feb. 18

Making the Most of Google Docs & Drive: Feb. 25


 Register now for one or all of these informative sessions.


Tech Help

One-on-One

Tech Help Fridays

Fridays

2 PM

Register
medicare

Medicare Counseling (Individual Sessions)

Monday, February 3

(First Monday of Month)
10 AM - 1:30 PM

Register
Poetry Reading Words from the Valley

Words from

the Valley

Monday, February 3
6 PM

Register
Career Fair

Career Fair

at the Library

Thursday, February 6

1 - 3 PM

Learn More
Shelf Indulgence Book Club

Shelf Indulgence

Book Club

Monday, February 10

(Second Monday of Month)
6 PM

Register
Family History Through Food

Capturing Your Family History Through Food

Tuesday, February 18 
6 PM

Register
Mystery Book Club

Mystery

Book Club

Wednesday, February 19

(Third Wednesday of Month)
6 PM

Learn More
Bette Davis

Exploring the Arts: Bette Davis

Tuesday, February 25
6:30 PM

Register
Birds of Wash Co

Birds of

Washington County

Friday, February 28
3:30 PM

Learn More
Peregrine Falcons

Peregrine

Falcons 

Saturday, March 1
1 PM

Learn More

kids

Preschool Storytime

Preschool

Storytime

Wednesday, Feb 5, 12 & 19
10:30 AM & 11:30 AM

Learn More
Baby & Toddler Storytime

Baby & Toddler Storytime

Thursdays

10:30 AM

Learn More
Chess Club

Chess Club 

Tuesday, February 4 & 18

(First & Third Tuesdays)
4 PM

Register
Second Saturday Storytime

Second Saturday Storytime

Saturday, February 8
10:30 AM

Learn More
Drop In Craft

Drop-in Craft:

Make a Button

Monday, February 10

3:30 - 5 PM

Learn More
Bruce the Bug Guy

Petite

Concert

Tuesday, February 11
 10:30 AM

Register
writing class

 Writing Class for Kids

Saturday, February 15

10:30 AM

Register
Preschool Drop-in Play

 Preschool Playtime

Friday, February 21

10 AM - 12 PM

Learn More
petite concert

  Wendy's Wiggle, Jiggle & Jam

Wednesday, February 26

10:30 AM & 11:30 AM

Register
Lego Club

Lego

Club 

Thursday, February 27
 4 PM

Learn More
Peregrine Falcons

Peregrine

Falcons 

Saturday, March 1
1 PM

Learn More
Peregrine Falcons

Save the Date:

Loft Writing Class 

Wednesday, March 19
4 PM

Register
View Events Calendar

FROM OUR ARCHIVES

Union Depot

Lowell Park (Winter 1920)

Lowell Park is beautiful any time of the year. During the winter, the park can be especially tranquil and lovely. This view of Lowell Park looks south from Chestnut Street. You can see what appears to be mist rising from the river and foot track paths. In the background are trains, the Woodward (Commander) Grain Elevator, and a tall smokestack of the Joseph Wolf Brewery. 


This photo is part of the John Runk Historic photo collection which you can view anytime the library is open. Many of John Runk's photos can also be found at Washington County Historical Society and Minnesota Historical Society.


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Stillwater Public Library
224 3rd ST N, Stillwater, MN 55082
651-275-4338

https://library.stillwatermn.gov