It’s a shame the new community center in Sartell will not be home to a branch library of the Great River Regional Library System. For at least two decades, so many residents wanted one; so many voted for the half-cent sales tax hoping for a library.
The GRRL has 32 branch libraries in cities in six counties. Alas, Sartell is not one of them.
However, Sartell residents should become aware of the many free-of-charge programs available at the St. Cloud library. Yes, it would have been so convenient for children and adults to visit a library right smack-dab in Sartell to participate in such programs, but at least the St. Cloud facility does have them available for travelers to that city.
The following are just some of the programs that will take place at the St. Cloud library or branch libraries, including one in Waite Park.
Baby Bounce: Stories and tickle rhymes for babies and their parent(s).
Toddler Time: Stories, songs, finger plays for children 18 months to 36 months.
Preschool Storytime: Stories, songs, finger plays for children 3-6.
Those activities take place many times per month.
Other regularly scheduled programs are the following:
One-on-One Computer Help: Sessions to help people understand the basics of computers and how to use them effectively.
Central Minnesota Legal Services Free-Advice Clinic: People can have their questions and concerns about legal matters answered.
Tree Shakers Genealogy Club: A resource for learning how to do genealogy (family tree) research.
Paws to Read: Reading sessions and interactive time with guest animals – dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs. For ages 4-12.
Tiny Tots Play Workshop: Literacy play activities for children 0-3, with adult supervision.
LBGTQIA-Plus: Discussion sessions in a safe environment for teens about gender and sexual orientations.
Acoustic Jam: Music sessions with a guest band playing bluegrass and American music.
Book Club for Adults.
Book Club for Teens.
Now Showing!: Screening of movies with popcorn served.
In addition, there are many fascinating one-time programs, such as the following:
Immigration Matters: A presentation about issues involving immigrants and refugees, with emphasis on central Minnesota.
Book Talk: Minnesota forensic psychologist and author will talk about his latest book, Murder Book.
Dolphins, Sharks and Octopi – Oh My!: An activities session about “our ocean friends” for young school-age children.
As the above show, there is an astounding variety of programs offered by the St. Cloud library and its 32 library branches. The activities and special events are not only fun, but they’re educational and, most importantly, they instill in children and teenagers a love of learning and a keen curiosity in the world that lasts a lifetime.
To find out more, including times, dates and information about each program, go to the website at griver.org/events or call the Great River Regional Library in St. Cloud at 320-650-2500.
