The Howard Lake Library patrons recently completed a community art project that highlighted the love of reading in our community.  Under the guidance and direction of St. Paul artist, Lisa Arnold, the group created the piece using stained glass and ceramic tile. Participants ranged in age from 8 to adult.  The finished project is now on display in the library. The project was funded by a grant to the Great River Regional Library system from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Legacy fund.

Here is the finished project being proudly held by librarian Deb Cox-Johnson.

The Friends of the Library hosted a craft event with artist Marie Edwards on February 14th. The weather was cold but the few youngsters who attended had a great time.

Check out some of their creations.

On January 17th artist Lisa Arnold presented a mosaic workshop that allowed participants to create a small mosaic to take home and to play an active part in the creation of a  larger community mosaic that will be on display at the Howard lake Library.  The group enjoyed Lisa’s knowledge of the mosaic process and her enthusiasm for her craft. 

The Friends of the Howard Lake Library have again worked their magic and decked the library out in its holiday finest.  Along with the decorating the Friends hold their annual potluck supper. Many delicious foods to try and much good fellowship to enjoy.

We wish you a healthy and happy 2015. Keep reading and watch for programs and events in the coming year.

Merry Christmas Reading Rabbit.

Christmas Rice Krispie treats– yummy.

Who is that peeking out from behind the Christmas tree?

A pumpkin was the blank “canvas”  for the creative artists that attended the 2014 Pumpkin Painting event on October 18th. The two sessions saw many unique pumpkins: from monsters to minions to Olaf from Frozen. A big Friends of the Library thank you to Untiedt Vegetable Farms for the perfect pumpkins, the Howard Lake Royalty for providing encouragement to the painters and to artiste extraordinaire Marie  for her designs and support.

The painters enjoyed Kool Aid and cookies while their pumpkin art deried and also had a goodie bag to take home.  See you all next October!

The Howard Lake Library welcomed a V.I.P. to town on Saturday, July 26th:  Smokey Bear.  Smokey, along with Minnesota DNR  employee Linda,  presented a program on preventing wildfires.  Every child present went home with a booklet telling Smokey’s story.  Thanks for the Minnesota Department on Natural Resources for providing this program.

Two members of the St. John’s Outdoor University team from Collegeville presented an interesting program on Saturday, July 12th in the Howard Lake Community Room. There were animal pelts to touch and tree rings to count. The audience did a “guess the animal footprint” game with the presenters. Rubber casts of footprints and verbal clues lead the correct guesses by participants.  The group also presented a short play about where a butterfly comes from.

This program was brought to the Library by the Friends of the Howard Lake Library.

The 2014 Friends of the Howard Lake Library’s Book/Food sale offered many great books and much tasty food at reasonable prices. The crowd was lined up before the doors opened  and at 9 AM many happy shoppers entered the room.  After selecting treasures from the varied genres many shoppers took the time to enjoy sloppy joes, strawberry shortcake or coconut cupcakes and a cup of coffee. The eating area allowed time to visit with friends & neighbors while enjoying lunch.

The Friends thank everyone who volunteered or came to shop or eat at the sale. It is through well-supported fundraising efforts that the we are able to provide the “extras” to the Howard lake Library.  See you at next June’s sale.

Here are some before and after photos showing the book sorting process near completion and the final sort completed just awaiting the arrival of shoppers.

Even though the weather was cold, eager shoppers were waiting for the door to open at 10:00 AM to get first choice of the wonderful books and gifts offered by the Friends of the Howard Lake Library.   Thank you for your support.  Funds raised help  support Howard Lake Library projects and programs.