For those looking to tap into the world of digital conveniences or nature's cycle from the comfort of Washington County's libraries, a slew of events in January promises to educate and engage. On Tuesday, January 7th, Wildwood Library in Mahtomedi will host a 'Digital Library 101' session where attendees can learn to navigate the Libby app for accessing a range of digital media, according to a Washington County announcement.
Pat Collins, a retired science teacher, will be presenting a 'Native Plant Winter Sowing' workshop at Hardwood Creek Library on January 9th, teaching participants to grow native plants from seed; each household will leave with a flat of seeds poised to bloom come spring, however, there are only 7 seats still available so snagging one is paramount. Additionally, R.H. Stafford Library in Woodbury encourages locals to swap excess craft supplies at their Community Craft Supply Swap on January 10th, promising a chance to declutter or rejuvenate arts and craft collections.
Wildwood Library continues their commitment to rich discourse by welcoming author David Mura on January 14th to discuss "The Stories Whiteness Tells Itself: Racial Myths and Our American Narratives", a critical examination of historical and contemporary narratives shaping American racial discourse. In the continuing efforts to engage the community in more hands-on programs; Hardwood Creek Library is hosting yet another session on January 15th focused on community seed packaging, providing attendees the opportunity to learn proper seed identification and preparation techniques for the upcoming planting season.
A bit of fun is on the cards too with Park Grove Library in Cottage Grove breaking down age barriers with their Intergenerational Game Night on January 21st, an open invite to board game enthusiasts across generations. Wildwood and Hardwood Creek libraries, not to be left behind, are calling for green thumbs and puzzle aficionados alike with a Seed Packaging event on January 23rd and a Jigsaw Puzzle Contest on January 25th, the contest challenging teams to assemble a 500-piece puzzle in record time is certain to draw competitive spirits. Not forgetting National Seed Swap Day, Hardwood Creek Library's event on January 25 from noon to 2 p.m. is an excellent opportunity for gardeners to share and exchange seeds with talks from local experts, including Michelle Bruhn on vegetable garden design.
The close of January sees Wildwood Library assist residents in reducing their ecological footprints with a 'Food Scraps Pickup Program' on January 28th demonstrating the how-to's of home food scrap recycling, while Mona Susan Power makes a virtual appearance on the same day in their 'Write in Our Midst' series to discuss her novel-in-progress, "The Year of Fury". Both programs, reflective of the library's ambitious January schedule, highlight an intention to fuse community learning with practical sustainability and cultural enrichment.
