Happy Halloween

Juliette Low's Birthday 10/31

Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of the USA, was born Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon on October 31, 1860, in Savannah, Georgia. "Daisy," as she was affectionately called by family and friends, was the second of six children.

In developing the Girl Scout movement in the United States, Juliette brought girls of all backgrounds into the out-of-doors, giving them the opportunity to develop self-reliance and resourcefulness. She encouraged girls to prepare not only for traditional homemaking, but also for possible future roles as professional women—in the arts, sciences and business—and for active citizenship outside the home. Girl Scouting welcomed girls with disabilities at a time when they were excluded from many other activities. This idea seemed quite natural to Juliette, who never let deafness, back problems or cancer keep her from full participation in life.

From the original 18 girls, Girl Scouting has grown to 3.7 million members. Girl Scouts is the largest educational organization for girls in the world and has influenced the more than 50 million girls, women and men who have belonged to it.

Warriors

This series in which writer Erin Hunter has conjured up an amazing world of feral cat tribes which struggle for survival literally right outside your own backyard! Our library has the series of six Warrior books: Into The Wild-1, Fire and Ice-2, Forest of Secrets-3,
Rising Storm-4, A Dangerous Path-5, The Darkest Hour-6.

Erin Hunter is the joint pseudonym for three separate people working on the Warriors series of books: Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, and Victoria Holmes.

Victoria Holmes comes up with the storylines and makes sure the books stay consistent and writers Kate Cary and Cherith Baldry, who both live in the UK, take it in turns to write the books. They say that they have always loved cats and fantasy stories and came up with the single name, Erin Hunter, to avoid confusing their readers by having books from the same series filed in different places on the bookshelves.

They are inspired by a love of cats and a fascination with the ferocity of the natural world. As well as having a great respect for nature in all its forms, they enjoy creating rich mythical explanations for animal behavior, shaped by their interest in astrology and standing stones.

Kate and Cherith and their fascination of animal interaction and the way they can read all sorts of hidden motivation into what cats do. To find new locations for the cats in Warriors to explore, she and Cherith Baldry with often go on long walks in the woods. Watching their cats and other people also helps them to see how cats behave in certain situations.

10/28/08 Halloween Storytime

Today's storytime was special with the children dressing up in their costumes for Halloween. We had princesses, policeman, a dog, transformer and many more. They paraded around the library to show off costumes, heard two great Halloween stories and then made their own ghost.

For additional pictures of this and all the library events visit our daily library bloghttp://www.kassonpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/or look at our picture site on Flikkr http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibraryLibrary website:http://www.kasson.lib.mn.us/

Month old baby

10/29/08 Halloween Storytime

Today's storytime was special with the children dressing up in their costumes for Halloween. We had princesses, mummy's, a veternarian, bat girl, and many more. They paraded around the library to show off costumes, heard two great Halloween stories and then made their own ghost.

For additional pictures of this and all the library events visit our daily library blog
http://www.kassonpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/
or look at our picture site on Flikkr http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary
Library website:http://www.kasson.lib.mn.us/

Statue of Liberty Dedicated 10/28

On this date in 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated by President Grover Cleveland. Three years earlier, ground had been broken for the structure on Bedloe's Island (later to be called Liberty Island) in New York Harbor. The statue and its pedestal rest on a base in the shape of an 11-pointed star, constructed from the remains of Fort Wood. The seven spikes in Lady Liberty's crown signify the seven seas and continents. Emma Lazarus's "The New Colossus" is inscribed on the plaque, symbolically welcoming immigrants to American shores.

The Simple Benefits of Pets, Part II

With all the pets (four cats, three dogs and two horses) my husband and I sometimes find it difficult to go anywhere together for a weekend. All of you with mulitple pets know how hard to find someone reliable to come and take care of animals. So I can appreciate the complicated part of having animals.

Here is Part 2 of her thought on pets. Sara at OnSimplicity(http://www.onsimplicity.net/2008/08/the-simple-benefits-of-pets/).

Yesterday, I wrote about how pets can help us learn to be selfless. Today, I’m going to hit on ways two and three that dogs–or any pets–can improve our lives (even while mercilessly complicating things).

#2: Dogs require you to be social.
Want to curl up with a book all night and get lost in your own thoughts? Too bad; Fido wants to play, and he won’t take no for an answer. Dogs understand that touch and play are essentials, and they force you to get in on the game.

And you know what? Even though I’m initially annoyed when Roo tells me it’s time to take a play break, I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated afterward. Forced social interaction–even when it’s wordless in nature–can be just what you need to keep your sanity and gain a new perspective on your schedule.

#3: A warm, fuzzy creature can contribute to a frugal life.
Many people write or talk about the costs of pet ownership, and they’re completely right. Foods, toys, vet visits and time are all drains on your money and energy. However, it’s vital to understand that pets can also lower some of your bills. Cold evening? Curl up next to Lassie instead of cranking the thermostat up. Bored? Play hide and seek with Rex instead of hitting the mall.



No money for a gym membership? Take Bingo for a walk each day and get in shape. Feeling stressed? Play with your pup before you call the shrink or shell out for a new homeopathic remedy. The true monetary costs of dogs tend to balance out in the long run, especially when the health benefits are taken into consideration.

Kasson Public Library User Survey

Please take a few minutes to take this survey.

The library would like to take the pulse of the people who use the library. This survey will be very helpful to us, as a staff and library board, develop new programs and judge current ones. Thank you for your time and input on this important survey. We would like your responses by Sunday, November 30, 2008.

Click Here to take survey!

The Simple Benefits of Pets

Sara at OnSimplicity(http://www.onsimplicity.net/2008/08/the-simple-benefits-of-pets/) has some great thought about simplifying our lives, awhile ago I ran across her post on Pets. Since I also have lots of pets (four cats, three dogs and two horses) I can appreciate what she has to say about them.

My pets are great instructors for me: one cat reminds me to take time to watch the birds, another reminds me to take naps when I’m tired, and my third cat is teaching me how to play. My dogs tell me when it’s time to take a break from work, get some fresh air and stretch my legs - all outside, of course. And my horse teaches me to stay in the present and to claim myself as a reliable resource. Now how lucky can one person be?

About a year and a half ago, I became the lucky owner of a nine-month-old puppy. As a first-time pet owner (no one seems to count fish as pets), it was quite a transition. However, I’m just beginning to learn about the responsibilities and rewards of pet ownership. It’s equal parts simplicity and complexity, and it’s become a vital part of my life.
This week, I’d like to take some time to talk about pets, and the ways they complicate our lives in some simply beautiful ways. Since I’ve got a dog, that’s what I’ll be writing about, but please feel free to share your thoughts on any creature, from toddler to turtle.

Pets require you to be selfless.
It’s not that I enjoy walking around the yard when it’s below freezing. I also don’t enjoy cleaning up dog poop. I certainly don’t do these activities for my health. However, I care about Roo, so I do these things almost unfailingly. It’s no longer just about me; it’s about another creature’s needs, and that’s a good thing. Yeah, it would be fun to stay curled up and watch “Friends” reruns for hours, but it’s not a bad thing when my ShedMaster 2000 prevents me from doing everything I want, all the time. Stepping outside my own needs and wants, even for a few minutes at a time, is a great way to restore balance and humbleness to my life.

Has pet ownership changed you? Please share your stories and let me know what you’ve gained from your pet.

Three Things You’re Dying to Learn

A fulfilled life is all about learning. Whether it’s something easy or something highly challenging learning is life. So, what do you want to learn?

Tell me three things you’re interested in! Here’s mine:

1. How to operate a fork life for projects around the farm
2. Scuba dive the Carribean coral reef and wrecks
3. Attend horse clinics to be a better rider and partner with my horses
   

What’s stopping you from learning these things? Are there any people out there who can help you learn them? I can’t wait to hear what you want to learn!

5 Little Pumpkins on a Gate Storytime 10/22

The theme of this week's storytime is Five Little Pumpkins on the Gate. Children's Librarian Ingvild used a flannel board and had the children help her with the poem about pumpkins. The craft involved gloves and coloring pumpkins in the fingertip. The the children could tell the poem to their families.

For additional pictures of this and all the library events visit our daily library blog http://www.kassonpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/ or look at our picture site on Flikkr http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary/.

Five Little Pumpkins on the Gate Storytime 10/21

The theme of this week's storytime is Five Little Pumpkins on the Gate. Children's Librarian Ingvild used a flannel board and had the children help her with the poem about pumpkins. The craft involved gloves and coloring pumpkins in the fingertip. The the children could tell the poem to their families.

For additional pictures of this and all the library events visit our daily library blog http://www.kassonpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/ or look at our picture site on Flikkr http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary/.

Storytime at K-M Preschool

Children's Librarian Ingvild Herfindahl visited ECFE Preschool class at the community education building. She read a story for the morning classes and returned for the afternoon classes. The children loved the story and liked listening to Ingvild read to them.

This is part of the library outreach program to the community. It is difficult for the children and teachers to travel to the library so we visit the preschool classes periodically and share a story and upcoming events at the library.

For additional pictures of this and all the library events visit our daily library blog http://www.kassonpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/ or look at our picture site on Flikkr http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary/.

New Consumer Information Pamphlets

The State of Minnesota State Attorney General office has information available free to residents of the state. This timely information is available for checkout to library patrons. (see list below)

Annunities:beware of unsuitable investments for seniors
Beware of flooded or salvaged used cars
Beware of "live checks" bearing conditions
Beware of "phishing"
Beware of phishing:protect your computer
Beware of credit reporting products
Cells phones
College credit card offers
Credit cards and college debt
Credit Reports
Credit scoring
Credit cards vs debit cards
Dealing with college debt
Instant tax refunds and other loans
Internet phone service:pro and cons
Know the FACT Act on consumer reporting
Long term care insurance
Military service members relief
Minnesota identity theft freeze law
Moving into an apartment
Online auctions
Online shopping
Private mortgage insurance fact sheet
Protect personal information
Sweepstakes information
Telephone billing
Tips for charitable giving
Tips to businesses in identity theft.

Pumpkins & Harvest 10/16/08

As part of the library outreach program Pat Coy(Friends of the library member) and I go monthly (third Thursday of the month) to Prairie Meadows to share a seasonal topic with the residents, some magazines, and treats.

This month we chose a pumpkin and harvest

theme with the residents. Giessla Staub shared how to make a corn husk doll and it is a very interesting process. We are all going to try this at our November get-together.

The seniors were very good at identifying the leaves from Pat's place and she explained why the leaves change color. We also had some facts and statistics on pumpkins. I told some jokes and a poem from Minnesota Monthly was shared by Pat. We then took suggestions from the seniors on how to decorate the pumpkin and when Pat was finished, we all decided it was a great looking pumpkin.

For additional pictures of this and all the library events visit our daily library blog http://www.kassonpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/ or look at our picture site on Flikkr http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary/.

Dictionary Day October 16th

Calling all wordsmiths!
October 16 is Dictionary Day, named in honor of the birthday of that famous American wordsmith, Noah Webster.

• What do the letters ZIP in the word Zip Code stand for?


• What is a shaddock?


• What does the word somnambulate mean?
  

Answers:
The letters ZIP in the word Zip Code stand for "Zone Improvement Plan."
A shaddock is tropical tree that grows in southeastern Asia. The shaddock is related to the grapefruit.
Somnambulate means "to sleepwalk."

A great website to check out word games. A sample of the questions on Fake Out.
http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr096.shtml

Does the word esparto mean:

• the red cloth bullfighters use in bullfighting,


• a name of an animal in a popular video game,


• a tough, wiry grass used in making paper,


• French delicacy, or


• the Spanish word for cheerleader?
  If you answered "a tough, wiry grass used in making paper," you were right!

Does the word jitney mean:

• a burnt hamburger,


• a branch that sticks out of the water,


• a little pony,


• a small bus, or


• a plant with small yellow flowers?
  
  "A small bus" is the correct answer!
  Where can your students find the answers to those and other baffling word questions? Check the dictionary!

Cows on the Farm Storytime Day 2

At today's storytime Children's Librarian Ingvild talked about cows on the farm and the children sang Old MacDonald Had A Farm. There was some spirited singing from the group.They then colored their own cows, some were black and blue, some were rainbow colors, the children really made the cows their own. The cow was then

assembled by the mom's and library staff.

A wonderful project for the children!

For additional pictures of this and all the library events visit our daily library blog http://www.kassonpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/ or look at our picture site on Flikkr http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary/.

Three Things You’d Save in an Emergency

I was looking at one of my favorites blogs http://sites.menashalibrary.org/. One of her olders blogs especially intrigue me: what would you save in an emergency and only had a few minutes to gather them up? Tasha stated that she was not a doom and gloom naysayer, but as many folks can testify, floods, fires, and disasters are a fact of life. Like her I found it an eye-opening experience and walked around my place to really think about what I would take with me.

So the question is: what three non-essential things would you save in an emergency? Your family, friends, pets, and any medical needs are considered essential for this question, so we’ll assume you’ve already got those.
For me, I’d like to save:

1. Photographs. While I have digital copies of lots of these, there’s something about the b/w photos and especially when my children were young and so were my husband and I.
   
2. My computer. My whole life somehow is contained on the computer, no more sheets of paper to shuffle though or lose.
   
3. Important documents like the abstract to the farm, my teaching license, and passport.

Well, I’ll leave it up to you. What three non-essential things would you save in an emergency? Love to hear from you, click on the comment and tell me what you would save or your stories.

Cows on the Farm Storytime Day 1

At today's storytime Children's Librarian
Ingvild talked about cows on the farm
and the children sang Old MacDonald Had A Farm. There was some spirited singing from the group.

They then colored their own cows, some were black and blue, some were rainbow colors, the children really made the cows their own. The cow was then assembled by the mom's and library staff.

A wonderful project for the children!

For additional pictures of this and all the library events visit our daily library blog http://www.kassonpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/ or look at our picture site on Flikkr http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary/.

Columbus Day

Christopher Columbus (1451– May 20, 1506) was an Italian navigator, colonizer and explorer whose voyages across the Atlantic Ocean led to general European awareness of the American continents in the Western Hemisphere.

Columbus sailed for King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella of Spain. On his first trip, Columbus led an expedition with three ships, the Niña (captained by Vicente Yáñez Pinzon), the Pinta (owned and captained by Martin Alonzo Pinzon), and the Santa Maria (captained by Columbus), and about 90 crew members. They set sail on Aug. 3, 1492 from Palos, Spain, and on October 11, 1492, spotted the Caribbean islands off southeastern North America. They landed on an island they called Guanahani, but Columbus later renamed it San Salvador.

Captain Christopher Columbus' ensign (banner) pictured a cross and the crown-topped initials F (for King Ferdinand of Spain) and Y (for Queen Isabella of Spain).

Make Your Own Expectations!

While looking at one of my favorite sites Dumb Little Man http://www.dumblittleman.com I ran across an article about Michael Jordan's 10 Secrets To Reaching the Top by Alex Shalman. Very interesting and I really enjoyed and firmly believe in it.

Make Your Own Expectations-The number one thing that will literally ruin your life is if you live it by someone else's expectations. Every single person is different and has their own views on what's best, which follows what their goals are in this life. By listening to the voices of others, instead of your own voice, you are effectively submitting to live your life for the sake of accomplishing their goals. Set your own expectations, meet your own goals, and live your own extraordinary life (or don't).

His ten Rules are listed below:

• Take Responsibility Give It A Try
• Fail Freely
• Commit Yourself
• Enjoy Your Game
• Play To Win
• Be Selfish and Humble
• Find Your Way Around
• Make Your Own Expectations
• Now, Take One Shot

Apples, Apples, Apples Storytime Day 2

Apples were the topic of today's storytime. The children colored apple trees, dabbed their fingers in red or green paint and then dotted apples and leaves on their trees. The children had a great time with this activity and Children's Librarian Ingvild.

For additional pictures of this and all the library events visit our daily library blog http://www.kassonpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/ or look at our picture site on Flikkr http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary/.

Apples, Apples, Apples Storytime Day 1

Apples were the topic of today's

storytime. The children colored apple trees, dabbed their fingers in red or green paint and then dotted apples and leaves on their trees. The children had a great time with this activity and with Children's Librarian Ingvild.

For additional pictures of this and all the library events visit our daily library blog http://www.kassonpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/ or look at our picture site on

Flikkr http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary/.

CHOICES

I enjoyed reading Dumb Little Man-Tips For Life. http://www.dumblittleman.com/. and came across an article on CHOICES. And I remembered one of my favorite quotes from The Bridges of Madison County-

"We are the choices we have made."-Meryl Streep

So now whenever I get discouraged I remember this quote and tell myself you made this choice now live with it! Ultimately, everything we do is a choice. To do nothing, is also a choice.

Every Moment is a New Choice-
The present is always fresh. There is always a new choice to make, and you are always creating your life again. No matter what has happened in the past – whatever habits you have developed, however deeply ingrained are your patterns of behavior – there is always scope for you to choose a new response.


It seems to me that people who fail in life are often the people who don’t take responsibility – there’s always something or someone to blame. For them, the list of things over which they have control is very limited. But successful people are not like this. They do realize there are limitations (well, mostly!) but their list of controllable things is very long. By and large, they regard success or failure as a matter of choice and personal responsibility. They don’t let mistakes hold them back – indeed, they will usually regard them as learning experiences and opportunities for growth.

We are in control. We do have a choice. Some people – often the unhappy individuals amongst us – tend to blame outside circumstances for their failure, and they are upset (though perhaps not surprised) when those circumstances appear to conspire against them. They feel powerless and angry. The only antidote to such powerlessness is to wake up and realize that we do, in fact, have control over many, many things, and that our success or failure, our happiness and our experience of life are largely in our own hands.

Written on 9/13/2008 by Michael Miles. If you like him here, you'll love him at his blog Effortless Abundance.

New Books During October

Ghost At Work 10/25

Bailey Ruth Raeburn has always been great at solving mysteries. Why should a little thing like her death change anything? In fact, being dead gives her more of an opportunity to be on top of events. Bailey Ruth is delighted that her unique position as a ghost makes it possible for her to lend a helping hand, sometimes seen and sometimes not. And if anybody needs a little help, it's Kathleen, the pastor's wife. There's a dead man on her porch, and once the body is discovered, the pastor is sure to become a suspect.

The Quilter's Kitchen: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel with Recipes by Jennifer Chiaverni Oct 7

Anna Del Maso had known that she wanted to be a chef since she was in the seventh grade. "Somehow everything in my life ends up being about food," she realizes, as she begins the latest of her food-themed quilts. Her twin passions have converged in a brand-new position as head chef for Elm Creek Quilts, Waterford, Pennsylvania's popular quilting retreat.

The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly Oct 14
Things are finally looking up for defense attorney Mickey Haller. After two years of wrong turns, Haller is back in the courtroom. When Hollywood lawyer Jerry Vincent is murdered, Haller inherits his biggest case yet: the defense of Walter Elliott, a prominent studio executive accused of murdering his wife and her lover. But as Haller prepares for the case that could launch him into the big time, he learns that Vincent's killer may be coming for him next.

Grace by Richard Paul Evans Oct 7
She was my first kiss. My first love. She was a little match girl who could see the future in the flame of a candle. She was a runaway who taught me more about life than anyone has before or since. And when she was gone my innocence left with her.

Extreme Measures by Vince Flynn Oct 21

Now, Rapp and his protege, Mike Nash, may have met their match. The CIA has detected and intercepted two terrorist cells, but a third is feared to be on the loose. Led by a dangerous mastermind obsessed with becoming the leader of al-Qaeda, this determined and terrifying group is about to descend on America.

Dark Summer by Iris Johansen Oct 21
It begins with a single shot.Devon Brady is a devoted veterinarian working in a makeshift hospital on a remote search and rescue mission.When a man arrives with his wounded black Lab, Ned, she has no idea that she is about to be plunge into a whirlwind of terror and destruction.

The Longing by Beverly Lewis Oct 1

Caleb yearns for freedom, as his plans to leave Honeybrook have been thwarted. He must stay on as caretaker for his father, who was crippled in a wintertime accident. He also longs for Nellie Mae, still hoping that she will return to the Old Order...and to him. Christian Yoder, a young Mennonite man, longs to get to know Nellie Mae better...and to share with her the secrets of her sister Suzy's final days. Rhoda, Nellie's older sister, longs for more of what the world has to offer--from fancy clothes, to her own car, to a new English boyfriend. Whose longing will be satisfied, and whose will not?

A Cedar Cove Christmas by Debbie Macomber Oct 1

Mother-to-be Mary Jo Wyse arrives in Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve, searching for her baby's father. David Rhodes had said he'd be in town. But he isn't. Which leaves Mary Jo stranded, pregnant and alone. And there's no room at the local inn.… So Grace Harding brings Mary Jo home to her nearby ranch. She and her husband, Cliff, have a houseful of guests, but they offer her a room over their stable (currently sheltering the animals—including a donkey and a camel—for Cedar Cove's Nativity pageant!).

Bones by Jonathan Kellerman Oct 21

The anonymous caller has an ominous tone and an unnerving message about something “real dead . . . buried in your marsh.” The eco-volunteer on the other end of the phone thinks it’s a prank, but when a young woman’s body turns up in L.A.’s Bird Marsh preserve no one’s laughing. And when the bones of more victims surface, homicide detective Milo Sturgis realizes the city’s under siege to an insidious killer. Milo’s first move: calling in psychologist Alex Delaware.

Gideon's Gift by Karen Kingsbury Oct 10

Gideon Mercer, an eight-year-old leukemia patient, is hoping for a huge Christmas miracle. She does not wish that her parents will scrape together $50,000 for a life-saving bone marrow transplant for her. Nor does she want her dream Christmas with a light-filled tree and a truck for her little brother. Instead, Gideon hopes that the belligerent homeless man she met while her family worked in a food kitchen will believe in God.

Tis the Season by Lorna Landvick Oct 28

Heiress Caroline Dixon has managed to alienate nearly everyone with her alcohol-fueled antics, which have also provided near-constant fodder for the poison-pen tabloids and their gossip-hungry readers. But like so many girls-behaving-badly, the twenty-six-year-old socialite gets her comeuppance, followed by a newfound attempt to live a saner existence, or at least one more firmly rooted in the real world.

Rough Weather by Robert B. Parker Oct 21

Heidi Bradshaw is wealthy, beautiful, and well connected —and she needs Spenser’s help. In a most unlikely request, Heidi, a notorious gold digger recently separated from her latest husband, recruits the Boston P.I. to accompany her to her private island, Tashtego. The reason? To attend her daughter’s wedding as a sort of stand-in husband and protector. Spenser consents, but only after it is established that his beloved Susan Silverman will also be in attendance.

A Good Woman by Danielle Steel Oct 28
From the glittering ballrooms of Manhattan to the fires of World War I, Danielle Steel takes us on an unforgettable journey in her new novel—a spellbinding tale of war, loss, history, and one woman’s unbreakable spirit....Nineteen-year-old Annabelle Worthington was born into a life of privilege, raised amid the glamour of New York society, with glorious homes on Fifth Avenue and in Newport, Rhode Island. But everything changed on a cold April day in 1912, when the sinking of the Titanic shattered her family and her privileged world forever.