2010 Census Practice Tests

We have available at the Ortonville Public Library, 2010 Census Practice Tests. Please stop by if you would like to practice before taking the actual test. Be watching the blog for dates the tests will be administered.

Saturday Reading Program

The Saturday reading program will be held this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. for all children ages 3 - kindergarten. There will be a special visitor popping in to visit also. Come and have some fun at the library this Saturday, December 19th.

Saturday Movie

This Saturday, December 19th we will be showing the movie "Elf" at the Ortonville Public Library at 1 p.m. This is open to all who want to watch a movie. There is no charge to attend. This will be the last movie until sometime in January. Watch the blog for upcoming announcements of movies in January.

Facebook Workshop

If you have always wondered about Facebook or had wanted to learn about it, now is your chance. Vicki Oakes is having a workshop on Facebook on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 6:30 in the Media Center in the Ortonville Public Library. Class is limited to 12 (number of computers available) or more if you have your own laptop with WiFi. Call the library at 320-839-2494 to get registered and come and learn about Facebook.

Media Center

We have received the laptops, cabinets, smartboard, and printer for the media center. Everything is starting to really fall in place and should be set by Christmas time. If you or your organization would like to use the Media Center, please send an email to our Media Center Coordinator, Barb Dockter, at ortonvillemediacenter.gmail.com She will be happy to get your event on our calendar and help you with an technical needs you may have. You can also reach Barb at 320-487-0145 (local number). An open house is being planned for Wednesday, January 13, 2010 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. More information coming later.

Christmas movies

We are showing Christmas movies at the Library from 1 - 3 on Saturdays during the month of December. This Saturday, December 12th, we will be showing "Shrek the Halls" and a few other short movies. The event is open to anyone who wants to come and see a movie. On Saturday, December 19th we will be showing "Elf". Come to the library and watch a movie.

Brent Olson

Brent Olson will be at the Ortonville Public Library on Saturday, December 12 from 1 - 3 p.m. He has a new book out called "Papa: Figuring Out What Matters". Brent is from the Clinton area and has published other books. The Friends of the Ortonville Public Library will be serving refreshments. The event will be held upstairs in the library. If you cannot make it to see Brent in the afternoon, he will be at the Graceville Public Library from 10 - 12 on Saturday.

Looking for part time work?

If you are looking for part time work and love to work with children, we have an opportunity for you. We need someone who would be willing to do the Saturday children's reading program and be a substitute for us at the Ortonville and Graceville Public Libraries. If you are interested, please contact us at 320-839-2494 or 320-748-7332.

Ortonville City Election results

Voters of the City of Ortonville went to the polls on Tuesday, November 3rd and elected a new mayor and two new council people. Elected to the mayor position is David Dinnel. Bob Meyer was reelected to the city council along with new council members Mel Reinke and Angela Doren. Congratulations to the newly elected members of the City Council. A big thank you also goes out to the mayor and council members who will not be returning. Your dedication to the city has not gone unnoticed. We thank you for all of your support you have given to the library. We look forward to working with the new council in 2010.

Angela Serocki Author Visit

Angela Serocki, Browns Valley, MN, will be visiting the Ortonville Public Library on Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 1 - 3 p.m. Stop in to hear her talk about her book "You've Been Conned: Defying Depression by the Grace of God". Angie learned the role of forgiveness and acceptance within relationships through her heavenly father. She slowly pulled herself rom a two-year depression that had threatened to destroy her entire family. Angela hopes to share the trugh behind the battles we face. Books will also be available for purchase. Refreshments will be served.

Ortonville City

Saturday reading program

The children's Saturday reading program will be held this Saturday, November 7th at 10:30 a.m. the theme this Saturday is "Fall". the program is open to all children ages 3 through kindergarten.

Media Center Coordinator

The Ortonville Public Library is pleased to announce that we have contracted with Barb Dockter to be the Media Center Coordinator. If you would like to use the Media Center, please contact Barb through the library and she will get you set up with whatever it is you need. Not all of the equipment is here yet, but we are getting closer. Contact Barb at 839-2494.

Saturday Children's Reading Program

The Saturday children's reading program will begin this Saturday, October 24 th at 10:30 a.m. The program is open to all children ages 3 through kindergarten. As this is right before Halloween, we would like to have the children in costume if you can. Not required! You may call the library to register or just come on Saturday morning. We will be having the program every other Saturday through the end of April 2010. Please come and join us for some fun!

Teen Program being Offered

We are planning on offering a Teen Program this year for all students in grades 5 - 12. There will be an organizational meeting following school on October 5, 2009 at 3:30. Possible activities included the Wii, movies and movies with book tie-ins. Please mark your calendars and plan on coming to the organizational meeting to determine when you want to meet, and what you would like to do. If you have questions, please contact us at 320-839-2494.

Media Center Surveys

We are currently conducting a survey of classes, etc. that people living in the Big Stone area might be interested in. Please stop by the library, EDA, City Office, Senior Center or the BSLA Chamber of Commerce to pick up a survey. Return the survey to any of these places. This will help us to determine what is needed or wanted in the area. Please help us to make this Media Center a success. We are also looking for people who would be willing to teach any class. You can also contact us if you are interested in doing that. Please call 320-839-2494 if you have questions.

Media Center Coordinator Wanted

The Ortonville Public Library is hiring a Media Center Coordinator. This is a contracted position with Pioneerland Library System. The person should be a self-starter who is organized, has a high school diploma, has general computer and technical skills and has a strong background withing with the general public. Duties may included coordinating classes, line up instructors, track media center usage, work with the instructors on evaluations of classes, set up room and equipment, publicity including news and brochurs and two reports for the grant. The position is for 20 hours per week at $20 per hour through 6-30-2010. There is a possibility the position could be extended. If you have questions, please contact Vicki at 320-839-2494.

Brenda Ehrmantraut

The author visit on October 10 with be done with the Ortonville Family Readiness Group. They will provide cookies and juice for all. There will also be a Halloween Party for the kids following the presentation by the author. Many families feel they can handle this on their own, we want to reach out and help in any way possible. If it is having an author who has written books on the subject, or hosting a party for the kids to enjoy, we want to do it. Mark your calendars and come to the Library on October 10th to enjoy a great author, children will do an activity and enjoy the party, and refreshments will be served.

Julie Kramer

Julie was a huge success on Saturday. We only had 17 people here but they were a lively bunch! They had so many questions and Julie had terrific answers. She answered questions about her books and also how she got started and her previous job with WCCO. She also answered questions for those who are writing a book. Questions such as, how, styles, how to get a publisher, etc. A very good presentation. Her books are available at the Ortonville Public Library. Stalking Susan and Missing Mark. Thanks to all who came and supported us.

Book Sale

The Ortonville Public Library is having a book sale from September 21 - 26. All books, etc. are on a free will basis. Take as much as you like, pay as much as you like. Support your local library.

Browns Valley Author to Visit

Angela Serocki of Browns Valley has written a book called "You've Been Conned: Defying Depression by the Grace of God". The book will be released on November 10, 2009. She will be at the Ortonville Public Library on Saturday, November 14th from 1 - 3 p.m. to discuss her book and take questions. She will also have books for sale. She will be on the KDIO radio station on Wednesday, August 26th at 8:30 a.m. discussing her book. The Friends of the Library will serve refreshments.

Book Sale

The Ortonville Public Library will be having a book sale September 21 - 26, 2009. We will have adult fiction, non-fiction, large print, paperbacks; children's fiction and non-fiction, some audio books, VHS and DVD's. All books will be $3.00 per plastic grocery bag. VHS are $.50 each and DVD's are $3.00 each. Sale will be held during regular library hours of Monday - Thursday 12 - 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 - 3 p.m.

Children's author to visit Library

Aberdeen author, Brenda Ehrmantraut, will be at the Ortonville Public Library on Saturday, October 10 from 1 - 3 p.m.
Brenda has written three children's books. The first book is called "I Want One Too!". The book is about a girl who wants everything her older brother has. This book will put you into giggles!
The second and third books were requested by friends of hers to write. The books are written to help children who have a loved one serving in the armed services. The second one is called "Night Catch". In this book, the father enlists the help of the North Star for a nightly game of catch with his son while he is deployed. The third book was just released this spring called "Hope Weavers". In this book the little girl asks her dad, "Why do you have to go, Daddy?" He gives her a caterpillar and assures her that if she is patient, the caterpillar will answer he question. She watches, waits, and finally understand the importance of a soldier's job.
The Friends of the Ortonville Public Library will be providing lunch.

Julie Kramer to visit Library

A winner of this year's Minnesota Book Awards will speak and sign books at the Ortonville Public Library Saturday, September 19 from 1 - 3 p.m. Julie Kramer, author of "Stalking Susan" and "Missing Mark", grew up on a corn and cattle farm on the Minnesota-Iowa state line. Kramer, a career television news producer, used to run WCCO-TV's award-winning I-Team. Now she does freelance network news producing.
In "Missing Mark", a TV reporter answers a want ad reading "Wedding Dress For Sale: Never Worn" and is pulled into a dangerous missing person case. People Magazine recently gave "Missing Mark" a big rave.
In "Stalking Susan", a television reporter discovers a serial killer targeting women named Susan. "Stalking Susan" won the Minnesota Book Award for genre fiction and Best First Mystery at the RT Reviewers Choice Awards. It was a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award and is also a nominee for Best First Novel in two other mystery competitions, the Anthony and the Barry Awards.
Kramer will talk further about her path to publication and writing process, as well as how the news media operations. Copies of both books will be available for purchase at the event.
This program is supported by the Minensota Book Awards through grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in conjunction with State Library Services, a division of the Minnesota Department of Education, and the Minnesota Library Foundation.
Lunch will be provided by the Friends of the Ortonville Public Library.

Summer Reading Program

I have tallied up the reading by the children for the 2009 summer reading program. The Preschool through kindergarten read 1,060 hours; first through third grade read 675 hours and fourth through sixth grade read 270.5 hours for a total of 2,005.5 hours read during the five weeks of the summer reading program. Good Job!

Imagineering at Your Local Library

The summer reading program will conclude with a program by Robert & Lynn Halbrook called "Imagineering at Your Library". The program will be held on Wednesday, July 29th at 1 p.m. at the Ortonville Public Library. The program is open to the public. Imagine the thrill your kids will experience as Robert illustrates "Harold and the Purple Crayon" with an actual drawing coming to life and talking WITH them! Dream and fantasize about your own gardening efforts as one of the kids helps Robert with a gardening project that literally bursts into bloom! Create...Robert demonstrates a really whacky invention. I won't tell you what it is because it's a secret!

Express Yourself At Your Library!

An art program, sponsored by Pioneerland-SAMMIE-Plum Creek Teen Cooperative, will be held at the Ortonville Public Library on Thursday July 2 and Thursday July 9 from 2 - 4 p.m. the goal is to introduce teens to the world of art, hone skills that may already be developing in teens, and have fun! Teens will be instructed in clay sculpture, sidewalk chalk murals, "Express Yourself" paintings using poster board, paint, markers and pens, drawing techniques and how to find creativity through use of art and pattern books. Please stop by the Ortonville Public Library by June 29 to sign up. We need to let them know how many teens to bring materials for. There is no charge for the program. Call 839-2494 if you have questions. The same program will be held at the Graceville Public Library on the same days but from 10 - 12. If you would like to attend in Graceville, please stop by the library there or call 748-7332.

New Position

I will be the new head librarian at the Graceville Library beginning on June 1, 2009. Ann Lauer, librarian for 30 years, will retire effective June 1, 2009. I will be spending approximately 8 hours a week in Graceville and the remaining 32 in Ortonville. I will be hiring an assistant in Graceville who will work the remaining hours. I look forward to the challenge of serving the two libraries in Big Stone County.

Storytime in the Park

We will again be doing Storytime in the Park starting on Tuesday, June 16th and running until August 11th. The storytime will be held at Lakeside Park at 10:00 a.m. each Tuesday. Parents are asked to make sure their children are supervised when attending the storytime. Please bring along a blanket or lawn chairs for the program.

Summer Reading Sessions

This year we will be having four sessions for the summer reading program. The first program will be on Mondays, starting on June 22nd from 1 - 3 p.m. and each Monday thereafter with the final one being on Monday, July 20. This program will be for all teens. The other programs will be held on Wednesdays starting with June 24th and running through June 22nd. First through Third grade will meet from 1 - 2 p.m.; Ages 3 through kindergarten will meet from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.; and Fourth through Sixth grade will meet from 4 - 5 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact the library at 320-839-2494.

Summer Reading Program

The Summer Reading Program is fast approaching. The theme this year is Be Creative @ Your Library. Registration will be held the week of June 8 - 13th at the Library. Our kickoff party will be at Lakeside Park on Wednesday, June 17 from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. The regular sessions will start the following week and run through July 24th. The final program "Imagineering At Your Library" will be held on Wednesday, July 29th at 1:00 p.m.

MnKnows - Dig Deeper @ Your Library

MnKnows - Dig Deeper @ Your Library (www.mnknows.org) gives Minnesotans one-stop access to five statewide library services: 1) Find books, CD's, DVD's, articles and more throught he MnLink Gateway and have them delivered to your local library; 2) Search trusted information resources in the Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM) to find online articles and electronic books on a vast array of topics; 3) Discover photos, documents and maps related to Minnesota history through Minnesota Reflections; 4) Get real-time answers from a librarian 24/7 at AskMN; and 5) Use the Research Project Calculator to create sensible timelines for student's homework.
These online resources are funded through state and federal funds provided to Minitex and State LIbrary Services and are available at no charge to Minnesotans. They are the products of your tax dollars at work!

Monica Ferris to visit Library

Monica Ferris, author of many fiction books will be at the Ortonville Public Library on Saturday, May 16th from 1 - 3 p.m. Monica Ferris' real name is Mary Monica Pulver. She grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana. She then moved and fraduated from high school in Milwaukee. She published six medieval mysteries under the pseudonym of Margaret Frazer with Gail Frazer. In 1998, she began writing a new series featuring amateur needleworking sleuth, Betsy Devonshire. The books are set in Excelsior, MN. The first six were in paperback and the last six are hardcovers to be followed by paperback editions. She has taught courses on mystery writing. She has won a place on national and local best-seller lists. She is also a collectyor of exuberant hats and is often seen in them. Come to the library on the 16th and meet Mary (Monica Ferris) Monica Pulver. You will not be disappointed. Refreshments will be served by the Friends of the Ortonville Library.

Book Sale

Our semi-annual book sale will be held Friday, May 8 - Friday, May 15 during regular library hours. We have many VHS, some DVD's, lots of paperback books, hardcover adult and children books and books on tape. Stop down and get yourself some great books for a very reasonable price. At the same time, you are supporting the library.

Ken Halverson to return with new book

Ken Halverson, author of "If Grandma is in Heaven, Watch Out!" has published his second book "Life With Grandma and Grandpa After Prison". He will be at the Ortonville Public Library on Saturday, May 2 from 1 - 3 p.m. Ken is a very entertaining person to listen to as he tells his story. Come and hear the continuing saga of the Bonrud Gang. Refreshments will be served by the Friends of the Ortonville Public Library.

Teen Survey

The Ortonville Public Library recently purchased Public Performance Site License to show movies at the Library. We will be doing a survey of teens in grades 7 - 10 to see what books and movies they like. We will schedule a teen night at the library. We will do books, and movies. Refreshments will also be served. Keep tuned and as we get the surveys back, we will make a decision as to what to do for our Teen Night.

ICMA Grant

The Ortonville Public Library and the City of Ortonville/EDA applied for an ICMA grant to have a Media Center in the lower level of the Library. We were informed on Friday that we did not get this grant. There were 515 applications for the grant. Ortonville did make the final cut to 15, but did not make the cut to the 9 awarded projects. We are filing for a LSTA grant through the State of MN Library Services for the same project. This grant is due on Friday, March 13, 2009. We have not given up getting a media center, just having to look for additional grants. We will post updates as we receive them.

Laverne Doering to retire!

Laverne Doering, a long time employee of the Ortonville Public Library, will be retiring this month. We are planning a special celebration of all her years of service on Saturday, February 28, 2009 from 1 - 3 p.m. at the Library. Refreshments will be served. Laverne started at the Ortonville Library on December 1, 1991. She is currently the president of the Friends of the Library Foundation. She IS our PR person! No one has promoted this library as much as Laverne does and has done. We only hope she will continue to promote and support our library. During her years of working here, she also did substitute for the Appleton Library and the Graceville Library. She also frequented the Milan and Montevideo Public Libraries. She was always one to find the library in whatever town she was in. So, please come and celebrate Laverne's many years of service. She is a wonderful lady that will be missed by all!

Barb Dimich Appearance

Barb Dimich, Ely, MN will be appearing at the Ortonville Public Library on Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 10:30 - 12:30. Barb is the author of the Apostle Islands Trilogy - Superior's Jewel, Jewel for the Apostles and Madeline's Island. Barb used to work for the Minneapolis police department as a 911 operator. She has written other books also and has one in the works. Her website is www.barbdimich.com where you can find out information about her and her writing. The Friends of the Library will be serving refreshments. Plan on coming to see this Minnesota author. Books will be available for purchase.

Jeff Falkingham Visit

Jeff will be at the Ortonville Public Library on Saturday, January 24th with his new book, "Sherlock Holmes: In Search of the Source". This is the sequel to "Sherlock Holmes and the County Courthouse Caper".
The new book is set in St. Paul in December 1896, ten years after the original book. Holmes has returned to America to attend the wedding of narrator Peter Smith. There are complications: an overnight fire, a life's work destroyed, and worse, a dead body.
Jeff is a Browns Valley native now living in Eden Prairie. You can check out his website at www.cccaper.com or you can reach Jeff at Jeff@cccaper.com

Ken Halvorson to Return!

Ken Halvorson will be returning to the Ortonville Public Library on Saturday, May 2, 2009 from 1 - 3 p.m. with his new book "Life With Grandpa and Grandma After Prison". Since being in Ortonville, he has had numerous calls for appearances in the Montevideo, Benson and Willmar area. He says thanks to us for getting it all started! Come and here what life was like after his grandparents were released from prison. Refreshments will be served by the Friends of the Library.

Saturday Reading Program

The Saturday reading program will be held on Saturday, January 17th and Saturday, January 31st. The program is open to all children ages 3 through kindergarten. Story time is held and a craft is done.