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September 2026 | LIBRARY NEWS |
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Explore the ShelfLife Fall Catalog |
So Much to Do—In One Easy Place! There’s so much happening at Stillwater Public Library this fall, we’ve put it all in one place 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. The catalog covers everything from September through December, so you can plan ahead and stay connected to your community.
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| Browse Catalog
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Sunday Hours Return This Fall | Starting September 13, Stillwater Public Library will be open on Sundays from 1–5 PM during the school year. Sundays are the perfect time to stop in and browse for books, print a project, or find a quiet spot to study. Our thanks to the Stillwater Public Library Foundation for making Sunday Hours possible.
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| Shape What's Next for the Library | We’re looking ahead! Stillwater Public Library is working with Collaborative Design Group to explore possibilities for improving two key public spaces: the Children’s Library on the lower level and the Event Wing on the upper level.
The resulting Children’s Library & Event Wing Enhancement Plan (CLEWE Plan) will outline potential design options, estimated costs, and possible phasing to help guide future renovation and fundraising efforts. This planning work is made possible by a grant from the Stillwater Public Library Foundation.
And we want to hear from you! Throughout September, you’ll have several ways to share your ideas, including a short survey, interactive sticker boards in the library, and informal pop-up conversations with library staff and Collaborative Design Group.
Watch for more details and opportunities to weigh in—and help us imagine what these spaces could become.
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| Celebrating 130 Years of Service | Next year, Stillwater Public Library will celebrate 130 years as a free public library, and we're planning a yearlong celebration honoring the stories, people, and community that have shaped the library since 1897. Two exciting projects kick things off this fall:
130 Books of Impact
Help us create a community-curated list of 130 Books of Impact. We're inviting local businesses, schools, nonprofits, faith communities, civic organizations, and other community groups to recommend up to 10 books that have inspired, informed, or made a lasting impact on your organization, members, or the people you serve.
Whether fiction or nonfiction, classic or contemporary, local or global, every meaningful title is welcome. Book recommendations are due October 1, 2026. Together, we'll create a collection that reflects the many stories, perspectives, and experiences that make our community unique.
Library Card Design Contest
Show us why the library matters through your creativity! On September 13, Stillwater Public Library will launch a contest to design a new limited-edition library card as part of our 130th anniversary celebration. The contest is open to local cardholders of all ages—from kids to adults. Entries due by October 31, 2026. More details coming soon! |
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| Authors on the Road to Publication |
Local authors Jennifer Bowen (The Book of Kin), Andrew DeYoung (Stay Away from Him), Loretta Ellsworth (The Jilted Countess), and Anika Fajardo (The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore) will share their unique paths to publication and the experiences that shaped their books in a discussion moderated by staff member Karen Karason.
Valley Bookseller will offer books for sale. Registration is encouraged but not required. This special event is funded by the Stillwater Public Library Foundation.
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| Register to Attend
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| Youth Mystery Writing Contest |
Get inspired as award-winning Minnesota author Rebecca Ansari invites young writers, ages 8-12, to create a story filled with secrets, suspense, and creepy twists.
Choose from one of the provided writing prompts inspired by The In-Between and submit an original story of up to 2,000 words by October 9.
Rebecca will announce the winners during her October 22 library visit. Winners will receive a signed book and have their stories published on the library's website. Every participant will receive personalized written feedback on their story.
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| Learn More
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FALL BOOK RELEASES |
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| Get a Jump Start on Your Fall Reading |
In the ShelfLife Fall Catalog, our librarians have curated a list of exciting new titles expected to hit our shelves between September and December.
Want to be among the first to read them? By placing a hold early, you’ll get a better spot in line—books are checked out in the order holds are placed. To reserve a copy, click on a book cover in the catalog, call us at 651-275-4338, or visit the Information Desk.
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| Place a Hold on a Fall Release
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| Clothes to Quilts by Lauren O'Connell Immerse yourself in Clothes to Quilts, featuring the creative work of fiber artist and quilter Lauren O’Connell. Using only second-hand clothing, Lauren transforms everyday garments into unique quilts and fiber art.
Meet Lauren and learn more about her work at the artist reception on Thursday, September 17, at 6:30 PM. The exhibit will be on display in the gallery throughout September and October.
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| FROM OUR ARCHIVES |
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| The More-Tishans (Circa 1960s) |
A hearse, a guitar, and four young men. This is a snapshot of Stillwater’s thriving music scene in the mid-1960s. Captured in a photo featured in Scott Schell’s book Garage Sounds: Bringing Down the House, one of the area's most successful garage bands, the More-Tishans, poses alongside their distinctive band mobile.
Formed in 1963 by a group of Stillwater High School students, the More-Tishans quickly graduated from practicing at home to playing school dances, teen clubs, armories, and venues across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Their 1950 Cadillac hearse, purchased in 1965 to transport their gear, including custom coffin-shaped guitar cases, became an iconic staple of their identity, ensuring their arrival was just as memorable as their music.
The band reached new heights with their 1967 single, "(I’ve Got) Nowhere to Run," which earned regular regional radio airplay. By the time they played their farewell concert at the Stillwater Armory on August 23, 1968, they had logged more than 500 performances.
Copies of Garage Sounds are available to view in the library’s St. Croix Collection Room, with additional copies available for check-out. Fun fact: Library Board of Trustees member, musician and author, Craig Hansen, has played lead guitar with the More-Tishans, including when they were inducted into the Mid-America Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
Stillwater's musical pulse remains strong today with musicians forming bands or just playing together for fun. We're even having a jam session at the library! Acoustic musicians are invited to Ruby's Hidden Jam on Thursday, August 27, starting at 4:15 p.m. |
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