Shop Class

"Honey, park on the other side of the garage tonight, please.  I'm setting up the Shop early this year."  My husband sent me the text message on a warm February afternoon, and I was happy to comply.  The garage becoming the Shop is a sure sign of Spring.

I really enjoy the Shop.  The garage door open, the smell of sawdust, the sounds of the tools, the sight of a new project taking shape, a handsome man working.  I will often take my cup of coffee out there and just sit and watch and soak in the atmosphere.  Sometimes I might help out with the circular saw or in the finishing process.  It's a very Zen place to be, both physically and mentally.

If you are looking for a reason to spend some time in your Shop this Spring, I suggest building a Little Free Library.  Never heard of a Little Free Library?  The movement started in Wisconsin in 2009, and by 2015 the number of registered Little Free Libraries around the world topped 22,000.  You build the house for the books, put it in your yard, fill it with books, and people borrow them, and leave their own.  It's a great way to re-purpose, build community, and share a passion for reading and books.

 Plans for Little Free Libraries can be found for free online at LittleFreeLibrary.org.  But what if you're not so handy and still want to get in on the action?  There are lots of ideas for re-purposed Little Free Libraries.  Pinterest has a lot of ideas to spark your imagination.  How about an old suitcase (best for sheltered areas)? Or an old mini-fridge?  Metal bread boxes, mail boxes, tool boxes-basically anything weatherproof will work.

What to put in your library?  Fill it with your own books that you no longer read.  Some folks choose a theme, like children's books.  And you will find that as people take a book they will leave another in it's place.  If you need some "seed" for your library, the Superior Public Library always has books for sale in the Friends of the Library corner.  And the annual Friends of the Superior Public Library Book Sale is coming up April 29 from 9 am to 7 pm, and April 30 from 10 am to 2 pm. You can pick up more items than your Little Free Library will hold and help the Library out at the same time.

If you need a refresher in Shop class, the library has all the info you need.  Check out our display at the back desk. I know it just snowed, but Spring starts officially next week.  Really, it does.  Enjoy an early project in the Shop, and then watch what happens.  If you build it, they will come.


Some locations in Superior: 76th St. and Ogden Ave.
                                              59th St. and Cumming Ave.
                                              57th St. and Ogden Ave.
                                              21st St. and Ogden Ave.

Find more locations in the Twin Ports at LittleFreeLibrary.org

Relationship Blues

Ah, love.  Amour.  You have finally found the One.  In the first throes of love, everything is new.  You can't get enough.  How did you live without this?  You give friends the brush off, wanting to spend the evening or weekend with your new love.  You forget to eat, forget to sleep, the new love is so fascinating.

But after a while things start to get stale. Slowly but surely, the newness wears off.  It's the same old same old.   Yet you persevere.  Maybe this is just a phase.  Don't all relationships go through this? Things become too comfortable, like an old pair of shoes. Predictable. Dare I say, boring?

Let the library set you up on a blind date. Through the month of February, the Superior Public Library will give readers a chance to go on a blind date with a book.  We select the books, wrap them up, and you check them out.  When you get home, rip off the cover to discover something new.

What's beneath the covers?

It is very easy today for a person to stay in their own comfort zone.  Only enjoy classical music?  or country? or hip-hop?  iHeart radio, Spotify, Sirius-XM will all give you more of the same.  Want to watch sports all day, or game shows, or only listen to a certain slant on the news?  Very easy to do with so many channels available.  Gone are the days of 3 major networks, when, because of limited offerings, a person was exposed to so much.  Ed Sullivan had the Beatles and Elvis Presley on his stage, but he also had the Russian Moiseyev Dance Troupe, an interview with Fidel Castro,and Topo Gigio.  If you wanted to see one of these, you were exposed to all of them. Talk about broadening your horizons.

Yes, you can go to Goodreads or Amazon to find the next thing to read.  Computer algorithms are very good at giving us more of what we already like. And sometimes we all go on a binge, reading every book ever written by M.C. Beaton or whoever.  But a steady diet of the same old same old gets dull. Blind Date with a Book is a low-stress way to get out of your reading comfort zone.

 But really, the whole library is a low-stress way to get out of your comfort zone.  If you only watch the new release movies, wander down the documentaries aisle.  Check out a few jazz CDs.  Walk past the new fiction to the non-fiction.  Or just head over to your usual aisle, close your eyes, and put out your hand.  Check out whatever you happen upon.  It's all there for free. You won't be out anything except a little time.  And you just might find a new love.

Celebrating the Season: Winter

This period before Christmas is the time of year when I most enjoy Winter.  The snow is still a wonder-so pretty to see everything covered in that blanket of white.  The air is crisp.  The frosty scent still feels new.  In a couple of months I will be tired of moving the snow, and  it will be dirty, and the cold will have gone on too long.  For now, though, the quietness of Winter is a blessing.

This year I am taking a step back from Christmas to enjoy the season.  Maybe you want to, too.  Perhaps you are just exhausted with the whole production and want to simplify matters.  Maybe you have suffered a loss.  Or are worried about finances, or family, or whatever.  Or just sick and tired of all the commercialism and expectations that swirl around Christmas.  Winter doesn't have any of that. It is a quiet time to enjoy indoor pursuits and outdoor activities.

What could be nicer than hitting the trails on a pair of snowshoes or skis?  Or just taking a walk in the woods?  Even your own neighborhood takes on a new look in Winter.  The bare trees are lovely in their shapes against the sky.  The usual noises are muffled by the snow, and just the fact that less people are out and about because of the cold.  Some brisk exercise can be just the thing.  So can contemplative strolling. Just dress warmly!

Enthusiasts of downhill skiing and snowboarding eagerly watch the hills of Duluth to see those runs covered in snow.  Fishermen and women are checking out the depth of ice on the bay or area lakes so they can get out there and hopefully land that big one.  I always enjoy seeing the little ice houses dotting the bay as I go over the High Bridge.

After your exertions outside, a warm cup of cocoa and something hot to eat from the Crock Pot are perfect.  One of the best feelings we get, living in the Northland, is that transition from a cold outside to a warm inside.  Every room seems cozier, and home feels like a refuge.

If you can't or don't want to be outside, there are many meditative indoor pursuits.  Knitting or crocheting a warm scarf or socks is both productive and relaxing.  Google 'volunteer knitting' and you can find a home for those warm items. Of course, I always recommend reading.  And I have recently re-discovered the fun and challenge of a jigsaw puzzle.

Check out the Library's display of Winter themed books at the Blog display in the Library for more ideas and meditations on the season.  Wishing you all a peaceful, short Winter.

A Trip Back in Time....

May 1, 1888.

Picture a bright, clear Spring day.  Mr. John Doe is in his dining room, enjoying his breakfast and reading the two local papers, the Superior Inter-Ocean and the Superior Times. Mrs. Jane Doe is nearby, pouring coffee and going over her morning's correspondence.

"John", she says, "when you go to the polls this morning, don't forget to vote 'Yes' on the library ballot."

John nods his assent.  As though he could forget!  She has been badgering him about this topic for weeks.

"I know, Dear.  I believe as strongly as you that Superior needs a library.  The city is growing.  Someday we will be as big as Chicago.  All great cities need a library."

John Doe pecks his wife on the cheek and heads out the door.  He has several errands to do before he gets to his office today.  He has noticed an ad in the paper for a new barber.  Mr. Joseph Hinds, formerly of Duluth, has set up shop in rooms at McCormack's Saloon. Mr. Doe could use a haircut.  This week is his 2nd Anniversary.  He has plans to surprise Jane with tickets on the train to St. Paul.  And he must stop at Mrs. Dink's today.  She has a new shipment of millinery, and Jane was going on about a pretty blue hat she was admiring in the window. The hat will make a perfect anniversary gift.

But before anything else, Mr. Doe does the most important thing that he will do today. He stops at the polling place to cast his vote in favor of establishing a library in Superior, Wisconsin.

April 24, 1889

Jane sweeps into the house late on a blustery April afternoon. The sky is spitting snow, but inside it is warm and cozy. John is near the fire, buried in his paper as usual.

"I'm sorry to be so late, John," she says as she removes her cape and hat. " I stopped by the new library rooms to take a look around.  I met the librarian-Mrs. Delia Freestone.  She seems like a very nice lady, but she has her work cut out for her.  All those books to prepare!And  I heard that her wages are $35 a month.  She will definitely be working hard for them."

Library in upper right building

John nods and keeps reading.  "What's for dinner?", he asks.

March 1901

"Well, I see Mr. Carnegie is going to help Superior with the building of a library.  I suppose the city will have to cough up some money for that too. What's wrong with the one we have?"  John throws down the paper.

"But Dear,  it's such a small amount for such a good cause.  Little Billy only had that tiny library to use, but Little Sally will grow up having a proper library to go to.  The rooms they are using now are crammed to the ceiling.  This will be bright and airy, and so centrally located."

"You're right, darling. You usually are.  Now what are we having for dinner?"

June 1902

Jane and Little Billy walk happily through the doors, bringing the scent of lilacs into the house. Their arms are full of books. Even Little Sally has one.  All three are chatting happily about the new library.

"John, you missed the Grand Opening!  There were so many people there.  I think all 4 cars in the city showed up!  And the building is just gorgeous.  It looks so dignified."

John smiles at his happy wife.  When she's happy, he's happy.  But it's past time for dinner.

                                                             

September 1918

"Darling, I see in the paper that the East End library is finally opening.  Too bad it was delayed by that coal shortage last year."  John turns a page in his morning paper.

"Yes, now Billy's family will have a library much closer to their house.  It will be very nice for them-Little Billy Jr will be able to walk there. Who would have thought 30 years ago that Superior would end up with two libraries?  John, I never thanked you for your vote that day. You spoke for me, too, when you cast your ballot in favor of the library. And now not only our family, but many families to come, will enjoy the fruits of that decision. Thank you."

Thank you, indeed.

Listen While You Work

Last night while working the front desk at the library, a patron who was checking out some audiobooks commented to me that audiobooks had helped them get through some remodeling projects in their kitchen.

Do you have a project coming up?  Spring is the time when people start thinking about their DIY home improvements.  My own project is to paint the living room, if it ever warms up enough to open the windows.  Or maybe you are in the mood for some Spring cleaning.  Perhaps you spend a lot of time commuting.  Whatever the situation, these activities can get monotonous.  Listening to something while you work or travel can make the time fly by.

The library has over 900 books on CD and cassette in adult, young adult and children's titles.  Something is sure to appeal to you.  

For all ages I recommend "The Lord of the Rings".  It is available as a straight read-thru in three books, but my personal favorite is the BBC radio production starring Sir Ian Holm. Not everyone know that before he played Bilbo Baggins in the movies, Sir Ian played Frodo Baggins in the radio dramatization.

Sir Ian Holm

Another family friendly one is "A Series of Unfortunate Events" by Lemony Snicket.  The books are read by Tim Curry, who you may know as Dr. Frank-n-Furter from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show".  He does a completely marvelous performance of this darkly comic children's series.

Tim Curry

Dr. Frank-n-Furter

The" Harry Potte"r series performed by Jim Dale is another wonderful series to listen to. A friend of mine who "never reads children's book" listened to these and totally enjoyed them.

I rarely read non-fiction, but I will listen to it.  David Sedaris is a great humorist and he reads his own stories.  "Me Talk Pretty One Day" is funny to read but listening to Mr. Sedaris read it is hilarious. Garrison Keillor has lots of different books on CD, from biography to fiction to stories of Lake Wobegon from his  "A Prairie Home Companion" radio show.  Many authors will read their own autobiographies on CD.  Hearing someone read their own story adds to my understanding and enjoyment of their stories. 

Maybe you want get some education while your are doing your manual labor. Parlez-vous francais?  Non?  We can help with that.  French, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and many more languages are available on CD.  Or maybe you want to catch up on the Shakespeare you found so boring in high school.  The library has over 30 of his most popular plays performed on CD.

So after you hit Menard's or Home Depot or Campbell's Lumber for your home improvement supplies, stop by the Library for some other supplies.  You'll be done before you know it, and ready to start on a  new project so you can finish that last chapter. Happy listening.

The Thrill of Victory, the Agony of Defeat

 I felt it coming on last Thursday. Just a touch of something.  By Friday night I was on the couch all evening.  I know from past experience that this will go on for two weeks. I will be taking my meals in the living room.  I will not be able to  answer my phone.  I will get obsessive and only have one topic of conversation.  I  will even start reading the sports pages.  I have Olympic Fever.

In keeping with the old adage of starve a cold,  feed a fever, I offer the following remedies.

'Hitler's Games: The 1936 Olympics' by Duff Hart-Davis.  We all know the story of how Jesse Owens performed at these Games, but there is so much more. Germany built a 100,000 seat stadium for the games and
installed a closed-circuit TV system and a radio network that carried the games to 41 countries. This was high-tech stuff at the time.  The Olympic hymn for that year was composed by Richard Strauss. Fun fact: the venue chosen for the 1940 Olympics? Tokyo. They never happened.


 The next Olympics to be held were after the War, in London in 1948.  That story is told in  'Austerity Olympics' by Janie Hampton.  '.... the 1948 Olympics took place in war-weary London during an economic crisis. Competitors brought their own towels, travelled to venues by bus and shared rationed food'. Keep Calm and Carry On.

And of course who can forget the hockey miracle of the 1980 Winter Olympics?  'The Boys of Winter' by Wayne Coffey takes you behind the scenes of the Miracle on Ice.  I still remember being in church that Sunday when I heard that the U.S. had won.  You would have thought we won the war.

For biographies try  'A Skating Life' by Dorothy Hamill ( I myself sported the 'Dorothy' hair cut that summer) or  'Breaking the Surface' by Greg Louganis.  If you are interested in listening to some Olympic music, check out the CD 'Summon the Heroes' by John Williams with the Boston Pops. Want to learn how to improve your swimming strokes?Try  'The Mark Spitz Complete Book of Swimming'.

Afterwards, if you are suffering from withdrawal symptoms, 'Chariots of Fire' or 'Miracle' are good substitutes for the real thing. But you must realize, once you have caught Olympic Fever you are not immune.  Expect to relapse every 2 to 4 years, depending on the severity of your symptoms.  And it's not covered by insurance. 

It's the New Year-Try Something Different

                                       

                                           'Well, so that is that.  Now we must dismantle the tree,
                                            Putting the decorations back into their cardboard boxes-
Some have got broken-and carrying them up to the attic.
The holly and the mistletoe must be taken down and burnt,
And the children got ready for school.  There are enough
Left-overs to do, warmed-up, for the rest of the week-'

That is an excerpt from one of my favorite poems, W.H. Auden's "For the Time Being".  I think it captures the post-holiday mood perfectly-back to routine, which is somehow depressing and reassuring at the same time. This poem speaks to me.

 For whatever reason, many of us never get past Shel Silverstein in the second grade so far as reading poetry goes. But if you scan the library's poetry section (which is rather vast), you will find some interesting items.

I recently found this little gem on the library shelves:

It may say 'Minnesota' in the title, but any Northlander will appreciate these lines from "Spring in Duluth" by Elvira T. Johnson:

                                   I cry aloud that wind and sleet and storm
                                   Have been my bosom cronies much too long!

This is exactly my mood come April.

If you're a hip cat you might prefer the Everyman's Library Pocket Poets anthology 'Beat Poets'.  How about this by Lew Welch-
                               
                          I know a man's supposed to have his hair cut short,

                          but I have beautiful hair.
                          I like to let it grow into a long bronze mane.

Well, I can hardly blame him! Hard to believe that this was once counter-cultural.  How the times have changed. The Everyman's Library Pocket Poets is a nicely edited series with poems on lots of subjects-you may have seen the Christmas Poems edition in my last post. Also they have nice covers. (Yes, I know I shouldn't, but sometimes I do judge a book by its cover.)

For a nice selection in one volume, Garrison Keillor's 'Good Poems' is very accessible.  You may have heard some of these poems on The Writer's Almanac on NPR.

So give poetry a chance.  Ask any of the librarians where the poetry section is. Hopefully you will spend some happy time browsing the shelves on your next visit to the library. I hope you find something that speaks to you. 

                         by Librarian Mary