Introducing Our New Staff
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Pam, Library Aide
What is your first library memory?
My earliest memories of the library were when I would walk to this library after elementary school on Fridays. I remember that I loved the book "Five Little Peppers and How They Grew" and also loved Nancy Drew and Pippi Longstocking stories.
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How did you start working in libraries?
After being retired for a few years, I felt the need to enter the workforce again. I saw an opening at the library so I applied for a job. I am so fortunate to be able to work in such a positive, fun environment. I have learned so much already and now realize what an impact our library has on our community.
What do you like to do in your spare time (beside reading)?
In my free time I really enjoy working on projects - either outside/yard work or inside updating and organizing. I also love to exercise and take our dog for walks.
What's your favorite New Ulm activity (beside visiting the library)?
My favorite New Ulm activities include attending festivals and enjoying music in the parks.
What's your favorite thing about working at the library?
My favorite things about working at the library include helping patrons find what they're looking for, working with great co-workers and watching parents introduce their children to the world of books.
What's your favorite book, author, or genre to read?
My favorite authors have changed over the years. Right now I am really enjoying the works of Phaedra Patrick.
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Sue O., Library Aide
What is your first library memory?
My earliest memory of a library is when I was in early elementary school, probably in 2nd grade. Our class got to go to the school library every week, and each week was a new adventure for me.
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The librarian read to us from a few books, but never the whole book, so that we would want to check them out! The library fills my senses. I remember how quiet it was because there was carpeting, and I remember the smell of the books, and the sound of the date due stamp clicking as it printed into the book cover. But best of all was the sight of so many books!
What do you like to do in your spare time (beside reading)?
In my non-reading spare time, I love to be outside, either in my flower gardens, or watching the many birds that come to our feeders. I also love to take nature walks, especially near our cabin on the north shore of Lake Superior.
What is your favorite book, author, or genre to read?
My favorite book genre is mystery, and my favorite mystery writer is Minnesota author William Kent Krueger. His Cork O'Connor mystery series is based in northern Minnesota, where Ojibwe culture is incorporated into his characters and plots. Of course, there always has to be a murder mystery to solve, with heart pumping situations! If you want to read Krueger's series, always begin with his first and my favorite: Iron Lake.
What's your favorite thing about working at the library?
The library is such a wonderful place to work for many reasons. If I had to choose a favorite thing about working here, it would be the satisfaction I get from helping patrons find materials. It is wonderful to see how happy one particular book, CD, or movie can make a person feel when they finally get their hands on it! I also appreciate the staff with whom I work. They are always so helpful and supportive, and just fun to be around!
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Children's and Teen Programs
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Stop by the New Ulm Public Library on Thursday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m. for a fun-filled concert with the Musik Meisters!
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The Musik Meisters features Josh Norman on vocals and tuba from Hanska, his mentor Harold Loeffelmacher from the Six Fat Dutchmen, Tina Loslebenon piano accordian from Sleepy Eye, Don Jirak on trumpet from Sleepy Eye, Gene Bertrand on concertina from Sleepy Eye, and drummer Joey Kotten from New Ulm. Together they play German, old time, country, patriotic and novelty music which you are sure to enjoy! This free program is made possible by a grant provided by the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative and funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
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Join us in August for two insightful presentations on the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. On Tuesday, August 16 at 6:30 p.m. author Colin Mustful will discuss what caused the conflict and consider multiple perspectives throughout the war and its aftermath. This free program is made possible by a grant provided by the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative and funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
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Discussion of the U.S.-Dakota War will continue on Tuesday, August 23 at 6:30 p.m. when local historian John LaBatte will share a chronology of the two Battles of New Ulm. This interesting presentation will feature background information about relations between local Native Americans and settlers in New Ulm and will describe the events of each battle with an hour-by-hour narration.
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Check out these other great August adult programs:
- Memoir Writing Group, Monday, August 1 at 10 a.m.
- Pathfinder Role Playing Game Campaign, Tuesdays at 4:15 at Red Dragon Gaming
- Needleworking Group, first and third Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.
- New Ulm Film Society, Tuesday, August 9 at 6:30 p.m.
- ArtStart Japanese and Ribbon Ornaments*, Wednesday, August 10 at 1 p.m.
- ArtStart Yoga and Art*, Wednesday, August 17 at 2 p.m.
- Genealogy Club, Thursday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the North Mankato Family History Center
*Registration required.
Don't forget to check out our August book group meetings:
Copies of the book group selections are available at the library's service desk.
For more information on any of these programs, call the library at 507-359-8331 or visit our online calendar.
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Horse by Geraldine Brooks
When a request comes in to the Smithsonian Institute for access to a dusty horse skeleton from the 19th century, bone scientist Jess is drawn into solving the mystery of the identity of this horse and its significance. Meanwhile, Nigerian-American graduate art student Theo has rescued a painting of a horse from the curb. His research leads him to Jess, and they continue their equestrian quest together. In the 1850s, enslaved groom Jarret bonds with a pedigreed foal, who grows up to be one of the greatest racehorses in American history. While Lexington races through the Civil War era and Jarret fights for autonomy, Jess and Theo begin to unravel the threads that weave together the people, places, art and history surrounding Lexington. From the role of slaves in the business of horseracing to systematic racism of today, this remarkably-told historical fiction tale is fascinating and absorbing. - Sue U.
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Oh My Gods! II: The Forgotten Maze by Stephanie Cooke
In this second book of this graphic series Karen has started to acclimate to living with her father, Zeus, full time. In an effort to integrate old friends with new, Karen shows the crew on Mount Olympus the online game that she plays with the New Jersey group. The game demo and the pizza afterwards are a hit, but while playing through a mission later that night Karen encounters M1NOT4UR for the first time. He demands the group’s attention and when they fail to deliver he pulls the plug on their game. Subsequent attempts to play through the same mission result in more demands from M1NOT4UR ruining the game for the group. In a heated exchange Karen discovers something about the cyberbully: he is on Mount Olympus. It’s a fast-paced adventure as Karen and her new friends work to discover who M1NOT4UR is and what he really wants before someone gets hurt. - Kathryn
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The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths
How does a woman commit suicide in a room locked from the outside? And how is her suicide connected to others that occurred recently? What did these women have in common? Were they really suicides? These are the questions that Nelson must answer. Meanwhile, Dr. Ruth Galloway is sorting through her mother’s things, three years after her mother died, and finds a photograph of Ruth’s own cottage, taken some years before Ruth was even born. Her mother had always hated that cottage, so why does she have a photograph of it, and what does the cryptic message written on the back mean? The COVID-19 pandemic has put everyone in lockdown, so both Ruth and her daughter Kate must adapt to online teaching and learning. And also, technically, Ruth cannot connect with Nelson to assist in his investigation, or see him personally. Technically. The Ruth Galloway mystery series is my favorite reading. This is number 14 in the series, and the buzz is that number 15 will be the last, or that the question of the relationship between Ruth and Nelson will be answered in the next book, but that the series will continue. I’m hoping for the latter. - Carole
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All the Children Are Home by Patry Francis
As a patron was returning this book, she told me that she thought it was a wonderful story and she was sure I would like it. Luckily there were no holds on the book and I was able to check it out for myself, and I have to admit that I found this story to be heartwarming. I couldn’t seem to put it down. The story centers around Dahlia and Louie Moscatelli, foster parents to three children – Jimmy, Zaidie and Jon. Louie worked at his own car repair business and Dahlia, who suffered severe anxiety outside of the home, cared for the children. Although they believed their family was complete, when a social worker presented a case to them of a six-year-old indigenous girl who had had a horrendous life to this point, they agreed to take in another child. Each individual of the Moscatelli family befriended and nurtured little Agnes and provided the home and love she needed to feel safe. Ms. Francis has an incredible way of portraying the trust, love and respect these family members enjoy in their family. Foster parents can have such an impact on the children they foster – in both positive and negative ways. The Moscatellis, although an average, hard-working family, positively influenced their foster children in so many ways. Being foster children or foster parents is tremendously difficult but the rewards are unlimited as portrayed in this beautiful story. - Pam
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Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris
Writer and humorist David Sedaris’ father passed away in 2021 at the age of 98. In his latest collection of essays Sedaris explores the very difficult relationship he and his father shared. Sedaris doesn’t shy away from his frustration and anger while he tries to reconcile the gentle person his father became in his last few years with the rude, angry, and critical man that Sedaris knew for most of his life. Even though the subjects of this collection are more serious than typical for Sedaris, they are still fueled by his wit and humor. I always await his next collection eagerly. - April
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