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It’s 2020: Let’s Read!!

This is probably not a shocking surprise to anyone, but: we really like books!

We have the podcast Reading With Libraries, where we discuss a new genre of books each week. We also put in short bonus episodes, with a quick look at books.

And we have reading challenges!

Not the hard kind of challenge, but the kind that helps us to find new books! You can join us on Goodreads to get prompted to read all kinds of books. We have two challenges going on right now:

Armchair Travel to Minnesota State Parks

Minnesota is very fortunate to have all kinds of wonderful state parks!

We encourage you to visit some -or all! – of these parks. They are jewels in our state, and provide so many benefits to us all.

And as we are Minnesota library people, we want you to connect your enjoyment of reading, and visiting libraries, to the fun of visiting these parks. Join us for some reading!

  • Here is a sample prompt: Wild River State Park was established in 1973. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_par… This park area housed the Nevers Dam from 1890 to 1912. Nearly 5,000 of the park’s total 6,803 acres were donated by Northern States Power Company. Read a book involving water, wind, solar, or other alternative power sources.

Starting Tuesday, Jan. 14 we will put out a short podcast episode for each park prompt. If you want a new book, or a book to fulfill a prompt, we have ideas for you to try!

Friends of Kitten Academy Book Challenge

We are friends of the kitten foster internet group Kitten Academy! And we are big readers, and fans of books, so are setting up a challenge for KA-related book exploration.

We want everyone to enjoy a book-filled year of reading!

If you want to enjoy the KA kittens and momcats, you can check out their website: Kitten.Academy, and you can watch them 24/7 on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC83R…. You have hours of fun ahead!

And of course, if you would like to adopt a momcat or a kitten, you can definitely do that right on their website! They work with the animal shelter the Danbury Animal Welfare Society to ensure all the kittens and momcats find loving homes: https://daws.org/.

  • Here is a sample prompt: Brook’s Babbles (aka: Tinyplants) were another wonderful blended class, with three adorable brothers and their so-cute baby sister. Just another reason it’s good to send Mr. A out of the house sometimes – he comes home with just the right kittens for the Academy!

    Celebrate this class with a book about water (bonus if plants are involved). (This class is in residence right now, if you want to watch them on their 24/7 live stream!)