Basics

216 N Marshall Ave

Litchfield MN 55355

(320)693-2483

All Pioneerland

While all Pioneerland Library System buildings remain closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Curbside Pick-up of library items is available. You may place items on hold using the online catalog. Library staff will call you to schedule a pickup time once your hold is ready. Pickup days/times vary by location. Please contact your library if you have questions or need assistance in using this service.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Fun and Learning at the Library

by Mary Hansen

At the library, we will start the New Year off with a bang thanks to Minnesota Legacy Funding.    Children’s author and illustrator, Nancy Carlson, will be our guest on Saturday, January 11 at 10:00 AM in Litchfield and at 1:00 PM in Dassel.  Children of all ages are welcome to attend this event. 

Litchfield artist Gerry Kulzer will be teaching Adult Calligraphy.  This is a three session class that will be held Tuesdays, February 4, 11, and 18 at 6:00 PM.  Gerry says, “Adults attending this class will be provided all materials needed to get started on a new endeavor that combines precision with artistic expression.” Participants will learn how to use traditional calligraphic styles as well as modern manuscript calligraphy styles.  Please call the library, 693-2483 to register.

Minnesota author Douglas Wood will be presenting two programs in Litchfield on Saturday March 8th. The first program is entitled “Earth Songs and Earth Stories”.
This program is geared toward children of all ages and their families and will be held at 10 a.m.  Participants will experience a program in which they will discover things about themselves and the natural part of the world in which they live.  The second program is entitled “Power of Words”.  This program will be held at 1:00 p.m. and is for adults.  This is a hands-on workshop in which participants will explore the three components of writing:  magic, meaning and metaphor. 

While online recently I ran across a list of 9 reasons why reading is important.  Because I am always looking for new ways to encourage children to read this list got my attention. You can access this list at www.best-books-for-kids.com.   It seems to me the list is accurate and inspiring.  Let me share it with you.  

9 Reasons Why Reading is Important

1.     Children who read often get better at it. This is pretty much common sense.  After all, practice makes perfect in almost everything we do and reading is no different.

2.     Reading exercises our brains. Reading is a much more complex task for the human brain than watching television is. Reading strengthens brain connections and builds new connections.

3.     Reading improves concentration.  Children have to sit still and sit quietly so they can focus on what they are reading. If they read regularly as they grow up, they develop the ability to do this for longer and longer periods.

4.     Reading teaches children about the world around them. Through reading they learn about people, places, and events outside their own experience. They are exposed to ways of life and beliefs that are different from their own. It builds background on which children can learn confidently.

5.     Reading improves vocabulary and enriches language skills which in turn helps children learn to write well.

6.     Reading develops a child’s imagination. When we read our brain translates the words and descriptions of people, places and things into pictures. 

7.     Reading helps children develop empathy.   We use our own experience to understand how we would feel in the same situations and identify with the characters to feel what the characters are feeling.

8.     Reading is great entertainment and you can take it anywhere.  A small paperback will fit in your bag or perhaps even your pocket so you can read anytime.

9.     Reading relaxes the body and calms the mind.  This is an important point because we seem to have forgotten how to relax and especially how to be silent.

Because of all the reasons listed above children do better at school in all subject areas. Since reading is such an important part of our lives we would like to invite children ages 6-18 to participate in one of our book clubs. The books are always available for you to pick up at the library. The ages listed are guidelines choose the group that works for you.

Beginner’s Book Club, for children ages 6-9, meets from 3-4 PM on the 2nd Thursday of the month.  Join Mrs. Pease on Thursday, January 9 to discuss Pee Wee Scouts: Cookies and Crutches by Judy Delton.


Get Caught Reading Book Club, for children ages 9-12 meets every third Thursday of the month.  Join Mary Hansen at 3 PM. on Thursday, January 16 to discuss the book Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli.   








Book to Movie Club, for grades 6-12, meets Monday, January 27th at 6:00 PM to watch the movie The Tale of Despereaux and discuss the book as they watch.  All students are welcome to join Tiana Schweim, whether they’ve read or not.













Whether you are coming in for programming or to pick up a book to read on these cold winter days we’re always happy to welcome you at the library!