Brown Bag Lunch: Local Author Sarah Stonich

Author Sarah Stonich

The Arrowhead Library System and the Friends of Virginia Public Library are sponsoring a visit by Minnesota Author Sarah Stonich at noon on May 16th in the library auditorium. The author will talk about her new book, Vacationland, which is set in Northern Minnesota and published by the University of Minnesota Press. 

At the heart of the book is Naledi Lodge, inspired by those rustic Mom & Pop resorts now disappearing along with their big fish, bad mattresses, wood docks, flashlight trots to the outhouse, bear-fear, and bonfires. Up north vacations might not always live up to the brochures' versions of canoe paddling under pine-scented skies; in the fine print of rusted beer cans on the trail or a barbed hook through a thumb lies a more realistic picture of Vacationland.

Vacationland Cover

Sarah's first novel, These Granite Islands, was translated into eight languages, won numerous awards, and was Barnes & Noble Discover New Writers pick. The author, originally from Duluth, now makes her home in Minneapolis with her husband Jon and spends summers on a small lake in northern St. Louis County. 

This event is sponsored by the Arrowhead Library System and the Friends of Virginia Public Library. It is funded by money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The author will be available for book signing after the presentation. Books are available for purchase at the main desk of the library.

Cookies and coffee will be provided by the Friends of the Virginia Public Library. For more information, check the event calendar at www.virginia.lib.mn.us or call 748-7525.

Caravanserai: Morocco

Caravanserai: A Place Where Cultures Meet will be here at the Virginia Public Library this coming Monday, April 29, at noon.  Come for beautiful music and exotic culture!

The Orchestra of Fes

The Orchestra of Fes, conducted by Mohammed Briouel, is the most renowned Judeo-Arab Andalusian ensemble in Morocco today. The orchestra will perform two Andalusian classical music compositions, one instrumental and one sung in Arabic and Hebrew. 

 Andalusian classical music is at the core of contemporary Moroccan culture. It evolved over centuries of cultural exchange between North African, Spanish Muslim, and Jewish traditions.

Françoise Atlan

The Orchestra of Fes will also feature guest vocalist Françoise Atlan, a celebrated Sephardic singer. Ms. Atlan will perform three songs in Ladino, Hebrew, and Arabic. 

This will be an interactive performance! The Orchestra of Fes and Françoise Atlan will teach us to sing the refrain from the song Shalom, Salaam, a song about peace. In addition, the various instruments will be demonstrated and some basic vocabulary will be taught.

A question and answer period will follow the program.

This event is sponsored by the Arrowhead Library System and funded by money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.  Please check the event calendar at www.virginia.lib.mn.us or call 748-7525 for more information.

Exercise your brain with Hot Reads for Cold Nights!

Hot Reads for Cold Nights

Our Hot Reads for Cold Nights program has always held a special place in my heart.  After 15 years, I still don't know if it's seeing adults reading like crazy so they can win prizes, or that we actually get to hand out prizes to adults instead of children.  In any case, to mark our 100th year of service, we've decided to change our ways.  I know the old adage that says "if something ain't broke, don't fix it" but this isn't a fix, it's an addition to the same great program.  We've made it bigger and, of course, much better.  All thanks to our fantastic Friends of Virginia Public Library.

Of course, the more you read, the more you can win, just like always.  But this year we've bumped up the prizes and decided to focus on our local business community.  Our Friends are going to "buy local" and provide you with the opportunity to win gift certificates for gifts and services right here in our community.  We will release more details as the program continues, but for now, I'm going to tease you by saying that they are going to spend HUNDREDS of dollars in our community to encourage you to read.  Isn't that great?!?

BTW, our biggest question at this time of year?  Why are we working so hard to encourage adults to read?  Well,  the short version of all those studies points to the simple fact that our brains work differently when we are reading.  And unlike watching television -- in which the Oct. 2012 issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine sadly reported that "every single hour of television watched after the age of 25 reduces the viewer's life expectancy by 21.8 minutes" -- reading can actually help you live longer.  To put it bluntly, your brain needs exercise no matter what your age.

So, if you are over 18, join us in our efforts to promote reading.  Sign up in the library or online for our Hot Reads for Cold Nights reading program and warm up with a great book from your local library.  Think of it as a fitness program for your brain.  You'll be glad you did.  After all, just think how much longer you'll live! 

 Dawn -- Public Services Librarian

The Holidays in Song

Zachary Scot Johnson

Zachary Scot Johnson has spent the last 10 years touring nationally with not only Grammy winners such as Shawn Colvin but also famous movie actors such as Kevin Costner. For this show, Zach has uncovered some lesser known holiday "gems" to mix with songs we know and love. His singing and playing will include a little of everything, from upbeat to mellow. 

 Plan to take a break from the holiday rush and treat yourself to an uplifting hour of song. Zach will in the Virginia Public Library auditorium on Thursday, December 13, at noon.

Coffee an' generously provided by the Friends of the Virginia Public Library. For more information, call 748-7525. 

This event is sponsored by the Arrowhead Library System and funded by money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. 

--Susan Hoppe, Adult Services Librarian

Unadvertised Specials @ Your Library

Come in to your library for the best deals in town!

All day today, check out two items and borrow the third for FREE!  No coupons required.  Bring your library card and check out books, magazines, music CDs, and DVDs for FREE! 

 If the item you wish to borrow has already been taken, one of our library employees will gladly request it for you from another library--Absolutely FREE! 

Today's special applies to regular circulating items only.  Normal overdue fees will apply, but you wouldn't bring anything back late, would you?  

Arrowhead Library System Card