Great River Regional Library Legacy Grant SFY 2020-SFY 2021

Branch libraries have hosted over 30 programs, including region wide tours with artist Jen Anfinson, author Doug Ohman, and music group Minneapolis Guitar Quartet. The Minneapolis Guitar Quartet has received excellent feedback on their programs. The group took time to answer questions from the audience and people learned about classical guitar. Comments included:
"First time I've heard a guitar quartet. Their music was amazing!"
"We learned about how they practice and other interesting points. They were incredible!"
"Very talented. Very congenial and good group."

In summer 2021, the library was able to offer take-home kits to make indigenous loop earrings. The kits were provided by Tawny Trottier Cale, an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe as well as a descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and the Spirit Lake Nation. A total of 136 kits were delivered to library branches across the region, and participants were able to follow printed instructions and/or watch an instructional video provided by Trottier Cale. Comments included:
“I really enjoyed this workshop and appreciate GRRL for bringing it to our community. The video was well done, easy to understand, a great pace and very tuned into how best to create these earrings. Great job, Tawny.”
“Great instructions, very clear and thorough. Now I will have new earrings and can repair a similar pair that I've had for 50 years! Thank you!”

Author and photographer Doug Ohman provided multiple in-person events from January-March 2020, and was able to pivot his presentations to the virtual realm when libraries closed and shifted to curbside/virtual services. Ohman presented on a variety of topics, including State Parks of Minnesota, Vanishing Landmarks in Minnesota, a trip “Down the Mississippi,” and more. A total of 323 participants enjoyed these presentations and learned about many different subjects from Ohman’s excellent photographic storytelling. One participant wrote, “Doug Ohman is always interesting and engaging.” Another wrote, “Really great program and setting it in Zoom actually made it fun! Would have rather had it in person, but Doug is such a fountain of knowledge and presents it so laid back and low key, it is perfect for anyone to enjoy. His enthusiasm is contagious and you want to listen and participate by his question/answer format. He is an excellent photographer, too, and the pictures draw you in for closer examination.”

Peter Haakon Thompson and supporting artists led multiple Mobile Sign Shop events during summer and into fall 2021. The events took place outdoors where physical distancing was possible. Participants select a sign size from pre-cut wooden pieces, and then draw/write on their sign to have the design cut out with a router, and then complete the piece with various paint color options. The program is very popular with kids and adults, since each sign is personal to the creator. A total of 337 signs were made at events through August. Participants reported having a lot of fun, learning how to design with wood, and practice painting skills.