Fall 2009 Foundation Volume 6 Number 2 Builder

Fall 2009 Foundation Volume 6 Number 2 Builder www.rochesterpubliclibraryfoundation.org

3rd Annual Amuzing Race - June 13, 2009 clues, teams had to sing campfire In-kind sponsors: KIMT Chan- songs, make s’mores, get a hole-in- nel 3, Friends of Rochester Public one, canoe, build a 3’ structure using Library, Girl Scouts of MN and WI raw spaghetti noodles and gum- River Valleys, History Center of Ol- drops, find the bookmobile, and find msted County, HyVee - Crossroads, an ad in the Post-Bulletin. Judy & Steve Kereakos, Kwik Trip, At the end, team members and Links of Byron, Minnesota Twins, volunteers gathered at the Olmsted Kathy & Dave Olson, Party City, County History Center and enjoyed Rochester Fire Department, Roches- a picnic lunch sponsored by John ter Honkers, Rochester Indoor Tennis Hardy’s Bar-B-Q. Center, Rochester Park & Recreation Over $9,500 was raised through Dept., Sam’s Club, Silver Lake Boat sponsors and team registration fees. & Bike Rentals, Walmart Supercenter This money will go towards the vision North.  For those who didn’t know what and mission of the Rochester Public was going on, it would have been a Library Foundation. The library uses strange sight. It may have looked like Foundation funds to augment collec- a marathon getting ready to start with tions, expand programs and launch people wearing numbers on their pilot projects that enrich the lives of T-shirts. That is until you noticed that Olmsted County citizens. there were some people wearing We would like to thank all the capes and swim goggles (yes, at the team members for participating in same time). Others wore old-tyme this event, all the people who volun- newspaper kid outfits and we can’t teered to help out in any way before, forget the group that looked as if during and after the race, and to all it came fresh from the emergency the sponsors who donated money, room wrapped in bandages and neck services, prizes, and hosted legs of braces. No, this wasn’t the start of a the race. marathon, but it was a race: the 3rd Event sponsors: Post-Bulletin, Annual Amuzing Race fundraiser for John Hardy’s Bar-B-Q; the Rochester Public Library Founda- Leg sponsors: Associated Bank, tion. Data Smart, Dunlap & Seeger, First Place Winners - The Fatties To explain the strange dress FAER (Foundation for Anesthesia and the Daddies code of this year’s race, there was a Education and Research), Barb & costume contest that was judged by Phil Henoch, Knutson Construction a panel of members from the three Services, Lee Wayne Promotional boards at the library: the Friends Products/Marv Ramsey, Olmsted Board, the Library Board and the Medical Center, Dolly & Harry Swed- Foundation Board. And the winning lund, Think Mutual Bank, Thrivent team of the costume contest... The Financial for Lutherans; Speed Readers. Leg co-sponsors: Lesmeister This year’s race took the 38 Truck Center Inc, Treasure Island teams all over Rochester and even Resort & Casino, Winkels Electric; into Byron. In order to earn their 1 The Speed Readers From the Director’s Desk...

The Rochester Public Library provides tutors to any student in the library’s service area both with community volunteers at the library and on-line. The on-line service began in September, 2009 and significantly increased the library’s reach in providing homework help. The service is offered online through the library’s web page (www.rochesterpubliclibrary.org/tutor) and connects students to tutors in their specific subject area of need. This on-line service was funded through the Rochester Public Library Founda- tion, Rochester Rotary Clubs, and Charles and Barbara Withers. Without your generous support, the Library could not have provided this innovative and effective service. 3,671 tutoring sessions were offered this past school year. Some of the many comments from students include “The tutors here are amazing… This has made Audrey Betcher me so confident about my work!” “I’m so glad you offer this. My mom and dad can help me with my homework except for math. No more feelings that I can’t do math” “This tutoring thing really helps. Now I can ask a question I would have been embarrassed to ask in class!” Transportation was identified as a barrier for students to get homework assistance at the library and from other programs in the community. The online tutors helped address this barrier as tutors can be ac- cessed from home or any location with an internet connection. The online tutoring program will continue for the 2009-2010 school year, again funded entirely with private dollars. The Library’s in-house homework assistance program saw the number of students served, compared to the previous year, more than double. Community volunteers provide homework help three evenings per week during the school year. During the 2008-2009 school year, they served over 1,000 students. Thank you for supporting the Rochester Public Library Foundation. You make a difference in the lives of the young people we serve at the Rochester Public Library.

Threads of our Community Social Networking Rochester Public Library would like to create a Last year a number of the library staff completed collaborative work that will recognize our diversity, a self-directed course on social networking tools. As celebrate the needlework and fiber art skills that a result of this course, the library now has a larger reflect our different cultures and backgrounds, and presence in the web 2.0 world. promote harmony and awareness among our com- We already had a Flickr account (rplmninfo) munity. Once completed, the quilt will hang in our where we posted some photos from the Amuzing library as a commemoration of the skills, talent and Race. The winning film contest winners have been heritage found here in our very own city. posted to our YouTube account (rplmninfo). In March Pick up an instruction packet from the Administra- of this year we set up Myspace, Facebook and Twit- tion office (2nd floor) during office hours. For ques- ter accounts. tions contact: Gail Harris, 507-328-2341, gharris@ To follow us on Twitter, our Follow us on rochester.lib.m.us or Purna Gurung, 507-328-2320, user name is @rochpublibrary. [email protected] Facebook and Myspace both @rochpublibrary For consideration, completed quilt blocks and have user names of Rochester application form must be returned to the library by Public Library. December 1. A panel of judges will select represen- Everyone is welcome to be Rochester Public Library tative samples. This Quilt will be a community art our friend, fan or follower and project that shows there is a place for all in the fabric take part in the next generation of society. of communication.  Sponsored by Rochester Quiler's Sew-ciety.  Rochester Public Library 2 What’s @ the Library? The Digital Zone

“You are traveling through anoth- even vampire love stories (All 4 of the first floor. You still need a library card er dimension, a dimension not only of Twilight Saga, to be exact). in order to check out items. The way sight and sound but of mind.” Those The Digital Zone doesn’t have to Rochester Public Library’s Digital are the famous words heard on the only books; you can also find head- Zone is: http://digital.rochesterpublicli- TV series, The Twilight Zone. Sorry banging rock and roll, toe-tapping brary.org. kids, this isn’t a love story about jazz, soothing ambient music and From there you can browse the Edward and Bella. I’m talking about sing-a-long campfire songs. And vid- collection and check out items. There “a dimension as vast as space and as eos! Classic films, children’s films and is a piece of software that you will timeless as infinity,”: the Digital Zone. documentaries are also available. need to download to your computer Like The Twilight Zone, our Digital You’re probably wondering, before you can download any of Zone contains mind-bending stories “Where is the Digital Zone and how the audiobooks, music or videos. If of the supernatural, white-knuckle do I get there?” you need help, you can click on the suspense, science fiction and hor- Here’s the thing. If you have a “guided tour” or you can call us and ror. Good show, Rod Sterling, but, computer and a library card, you we’ll try to help you over the phone: we don’t stop there! Our Digital Zone have access to the Digital Zone. 328-2305. also contains heart-warming dramas, Even if you don’t have a computer, Once you have your computer set classic literature, self-improvement you can come to the library and use up and your audio book downloaded, titles, biographies, history, and yes, our download station located next to you can listen to it on your computer the Fiction, Movies & Music desk on or you can sync it to your MP3 player. Some titles are compatible with iPods and burnable on CD, too! Each item’s description shows the format it’s compatible with. Not all the for- mats are audio. There is a collection of eBooks that you can download and read from your computer. When browsing for your favorites, it’s helpful to know right away if the items are available or not. If the item is available, there will be link to add it to your eCart. If it isn’t, there will be a link to eReserve it. When you eR- eserve it, an email will be sent to you letting you know when it becomes available for you to download. The lending period for books, music and videos is 14 days - this means that if you have one checked Look for the Digital out, no one else may check out that Zone sign to find particular item for 14 days. You do the library’s down- not need to “return” it in 14 days, load station where though. They automatically “return” you can hook up themselves to the catalog after the any compatible lending period. You know what that MP3 player or iPod means? All those books, movies and and download your music with no overdue fees! audiobooks or Visit the Digital Zone, any time, music. and from anywhere you have access to the Internet.  3 Donors from February 23 - August 6, 2009

Businesses/Organizations George & Selby Beeler Pat & Cliff Gastineau Associated Bank Joan & Paul Benjamin Carol Geerdes Catholic Community Foundation Anthony & Phyllis Berman Kirk & Jennie Gill Data-Smart Computers Inc Philip Bernatz Vi Glasby Dunlap & Seeger Audrey Betcher & John Brockman Jim & Donna Glaser Edina Realty/Dave & Lois Marris Madelyn Betcher Sherwin & Phyllis Goldman FAER Jane F. Bisel Colum & Una Gorman FKI Logistex Lori A.Blauwet, MD Joyce Gossman Friends of Rochester Public Library Aleta Borrud & James Findlay Holly Greiner Girl Scouts of MN and WI River Valleys Vance & Rebecca Bosch Sandra Gruszynski History Center of Olmsted County William & Mary Bowman Jeanne Haben HyVee Crossroads Richard & Nancy Brubaker Geraldine Hagedorn IBM Judith Bruen Wanda Hagquist John Hardy’s Bar-B-Q Inc O. William & Ann Bruins David & Deanna Hahn KIMT Channel 3 E. Omer & Helen Burgert Emily & Jed Harris Knutson Construction Services John & Marge Byrne Victor & Barbara Hartman KTTC/FOX 47 in memory of John A. Callahan Cindy & Peter Hauri Kwik Trip A J Cameron Mary Hauser, MD Larson Siding & Window Co Jane & Mary Campion Glenn & Cynthia Heins Lee Wayne Promotional Products/ Marc Carpenter Diane Hellie Marv Ramsey Paul & Margaret Carpenter Lowell Henderson Lesmeister Truck Center Inc Darryl & Joan Chutka Barbara & Phil Henoch Links of Byron Mark & Patricia Clancy Ethel Herrick Minnesota Twins Chadd & Laura Clarey Henrietta Hewitt Moen Law Firm Diane & Jon Closson Charlotte Heyn Olmsted Medical Center Judy Collins Virginia Hinzmann Party City Thomas & Shirley Colson Alan & Judy Hoffman Rochester Fire Department Irene Colvin Wilfred & Catherine Hosig Rochester Honkers Brian & Kathryn Cook Wayne & Elizabeth Houser Rochester Indoor Tennis Center Fernando & Mary Jo Cosio Julianne Howard Rochester Park & Recreation Dept Susan & Daniel Crowell Ed & Sue Hruska Rochester Post Bulletin Terry & Linda Curtis Everett & Mary Humke Sam’s Club Jeff & Susanne Daood Phyllis Jacobs Shorewood Senior Campus Heather Darby Dave & Deb Jacobson Silver Lake Boat & Bike Rental Jasper & Cynthia Daube Vernon & Lorraine Jensen Sunset Terrace Elementary School Jill Davison Maureen Jett The Study Club Sarah Dean Trudy Jewell Think Bank Betty & Rick Devine Raymond & Mary Pat Jewison Treasure Island Resort & Casino Anna & Jerrad Dietenberger David & Carole Joyce US Bancorp Foundation John & Diane Dockerty John & Joan Joyce Walmart North Al & Marcia Dollerschell Nancy Kampmeier Betty Jo Dorschner Jeannine Karnes Individuals Albert Abbott Susan & David Dripps Teresa Karre Alexander & Lucille Adams Dana & Nancy Duffield Philip R. & Catherine M. Karsell David & Susan Ahlquist Mary Dunlap Mary Jo Kasten George & Dorothy Allen John & Shirley Edmonson Sandy & Marion Keith Vicki Allen Titus & Carol Evans Charles & Helen Kennedy Angie Allers Jim & Jenni Eveslage Judy & Steve Kereakos Peter & Bari Amadio David & Cathy Farley Shakila Khan Adella N. Andersen Tim & Cheryl Fedje Kristin King Millicent Anderson Rich Finlayson Tom Kinter P. G. & Susan Arnold Richard & Carol Fishbune Dr. James Kiskaddon John & Hilde Bacharach Kari Etrheim-Flesch Rudolph & Frieda Klassen Julia Baker Bob & Barb Frerker Florence Koelsch Bette Ballard Emil Frey Jim & Muriel Kositzke Ted & Sarah Bauer Stephen & Monica Frytak Laura Kreofsky & Reesha Lopez Ann Beatty Bruce & Lois Fure Karen & Bruce Krueger Lynette Beck Vladana & Ognjen Gajic Shyamala & Yogish Kudva Robert & Marjorie Bee Patrick Gannon Robert & Margary Kurland Gregory Gaspar James Kunz Robert & Charlene Kyle Thuan Nguyen Ronald & Carol Stucki Lonny & Nikki Lambrecht Beth Nienow Fred & Mary Suhler Dr. Martha Larsen Bob & Joan Nowicki Joan & Doug Sween Betty Larson Michael & Christine Oberholtzer Joseph & Cecelia Szurszewski Tom & Sherry Lawrence Tom & Katie O’Brien Anya Taboas Harlan & Gladys LeCuyer Philip & Veronica Oliveto Charlotte Tagatz Stephen & Cynthia Lehmkuhle Kathy & David Olson Judith Keller Taylor Dotty & Doug Leimer & Family Edna Owen David Toft Marvin Lenz Charles & Iris Pagenhart Bill & Kathy Tremaine David & Beverly Lewis Joseph & Barbara Parks Wathana Try Donald Lewis Kelly & Tom Patterson Sandra A. Tschida Jane Lindsey Jon & Mary Sirian Peterson David & Brook Tygart Joanne Linnes Kent Peterson Jan Ulrich Mark & Kristine Litzow Rebecca A. Pierce Pauline Utzinger M. William & Julie Lower Harold & Joan Regnier David & Randa VanKirk Kimberly & David Luckey William Reilly Richard & Marian VanDellen Lisa Lundquist Herbert & Jane Reiman John Waciuma Kevin R. MacLean Karen Reopelle Carolyn Wall Joan & Jack Malin Natalie Reschke Ed & Pat Walsh Ruth Mangan Tom & Carolyn Richards Emmerson Ward Joanne Martin Bill & Audrey Richter Mary Ellen & Mark Warner Bob & Connie Mayhew Merlin & Karen Ricklefs George Waters Carolyn McDonald Elizabeth Rtiman Craig & Judy Wendland Clarice & Joe McGlinch Ed & Connie Rosenow Joyce Wenz Donald & Alice McIlrath Sue Rothschild Boodie Werbel Margo & Sande McNabb Michael Russell Debbie Westerland John & Sarah McNamara Richard & Beverly Sanders Barbara Westmoreland Marjorie Mehring Bonnie Scharlow Sue & Phil Wheeler Kathleen Meyerle Annie Schmidt Randi Wilharm Sumit Middha Rebecca Schmieding David & Aileen Williams Robert & Ruth Miles Michael & Jessica Schmitt Francenia Wilson Don Miller Rachel Schroeder Robert Winemiller June & Glenn Miller Alan & Martha Sessler Van & Adeline Winkle David & Tina Mohr Richard & JoAnn Sheldon Margaret Winters Jean & George Morrow Jim & Judy Sloan Charles & Barbara Withers Steve & Tammi Mosing Joan Smith Paul & Jean Wittmer Herb & Betty Mueller Michael & Christine Smith Tom & Diane Witzig Erin Munson Carol T. Smyrk Jane Wolfram James & Susan Naessens Ralph & Naomi Spiekerman Kathe A. Yoss Audrey M. Nelson, MD Shaun & Kristin Stevens Ebbie Stewart & Paul Zellweger Linda Nelson Mona Stevermer Gordy & Sue Ziebart Margaret Nelson Harold & Bix Stewart Warren & Helen Zimmerman Michael & Susan Nelson Terrence & Donna Stewart Darrin & Schalleen Nelson-Hoffman James & Janet Stotesbery Anh Ngo Mr. & Mrs. Clayton Stowe

I would like to give: $______Please make checks payable to Rochester Public Library Foundation

___ Endowment Fund ___ Materials ___ Where Needed for all ages, all cultures, My gift will be matched by: ______all people Donor listings & acknowledgments ___ My name may be included ___ Please do not include my name Please write name(s) as you would prefer in donor listings: ______$500 for Book-A-Year Endowment Name for bookplate: ______in honor of/ in memory of (circle one) Name for acknowledgment (plaques and listings): ____ honoree’s name _____ my name Name: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Telephone: ______e-mail: ______

Thank you for your tax-deductible support of the Rochester Public Library Foundation. The Bird is the Word by Leisa Luis-Grill I grew up in the ancient period of zeal worthy of Nancy Drew, the hope it inspires you to be curious, to time before the concept of the per- weight of the book in my hands, the read, to find a copy of Shakespeare sonal computer was a twinkle in Bill smell of the pages. I loved turning or anything else that sparks your in- Gates’ eye. Unlike the subsequent them slowly, with relish. I loved the terest. The library is full of wonderful generations of Web-surfers that can touch of the pages themselves, run- stories that are better than anything hang ten on a wave of technology, I ning my fingers down the neat rows you’ll ever see on TV or Google. Get wasn’t even in the Kiddie Pool. The of type in a sort of intellectual caress. yourself out of your chair and seek acquisition of knowledge was entirely The act of reading a book, I mean an them out. a physical, practical process. I went actual physical book, has a sort of Go to the library, grab a book and to the library, sought out a book, and sacred intimacy about it. It’s like the savor it. Use all of your senses. turned the pages with my own two difference between the impersonal The experience is not to be hands. I waited eagerly each week as expediency of pasting clip-art on the missed.  the teacher opened the door on that computer to the feel of a brush, the room full of new possibilities—scien- texture of paint, the weight in the tific wonders, artistic treasures, tales canvas as it springs back under your of adventure, square little bundles of stroke. One is efficient, the other wit and wisdom I could take home produces a gratification both sensual with me. Books have sparked my and spiritual that is difficult to equal. imagination in ways I’m still discover- I remember my step-father giving ing. me his copy of The Complete Works This became especially apparent of Shakespeare when I was a teen- when I started working on the “Goose ager. It was small and leather-bound is Loose” project. with pages that seemed thin as tissue While even I have gotten used to paper. Replete with verse, it re- the easy access of our byte-ridden sembled a Bible more than the Bard. existence, I’m still nostalgic for the As the years passed and I began to time I’ve spent amidst tall shelves of study theatre seriously I noted with collected literature, printed and bound some irony that it had, indeed, be- with care, lined up like a selection of come a bible of sorts. Those stories exotic mind-fruit that’s just ripe for the became an inseparable part of me. plucking. When I was a kid I loved I love them still. The same way I still libraries. I loved the sheen of the love libraries. long wooden tables, I loved the odd This is the gift I wanted to pass The Bird as Bard was made pos- lines of color that the book collections on when I did “Bird as Bard”. Perhaps sible by donations by Barbara and make, and I loved sorting through a fiberglass, giant goose isn’t time- Phil Henoch and the Judy and Jim card-catalogues with a sleuth-like less but the thing it represents is. I Sloan Foundation.

Rochester Public Library Foundation now accepts online donations The Rochester Public Library (RPL) is dedicated Online donations are now being accepted by clicking to providing the community with access to information, on “Electronic Donation Form” on the Foundation Web literature and ideas. The RPL Foundation supports these page: www.rochesterpubliclibraryfoundation.org. efforts by securing key funds to advance the library’s mis- The Rochester Public Library Foundation is a 501(c) sion. These funds represent the “margin of excellence” (3) charitable organization and contributions are tax-de- that allows the library to go the extra mile in providing ad- ductible to the extent allowed by law. Your tax-deductible vanced and innovative services which support the many donation will help continue our history of excellent library needs of our community. service now and into the future. For more information, call 507-328-2343. 

6 Libraries Change Lives by Pauline Walle Small radios sometimes pressed to the ear claimed the attention of teens before sending us back to libraries in high school and college. I recall the formidable stacks at the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus. When I came to work at the Post- Bulletin Rochester in 1962, I knew only one couple and a pastor. On Sunday afternoons I’d gravitate to the cozy nooks and window seats of the Harold Crawford Library, now a Mayo student center. The lovely Plummer Building libraries also held fascination. As a retiree I’ve gotten hung up on news and nature magazines and my morning fix of C-Span. But friends intervene and get me back to books. Bob Birch, former Rochester Civic Theatre director, suggested “The Bal- kan Trilogy.” Tony Sertich, executive director of the Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale, turned me on to “The Shadow of the Wind,” a wonderful translation from Spanish. It’s a book about books with wonderful characters. 1949. Research Engineer, Michael P. Walle and daughter Pauline at the I “met” Chicago Tribune colum- Lands & Minerals office in Hibbing, Minnesota. nists while visiting Rochester trans- The New York Times touts the In a few years the Hull Rust plants Pat and Joe Davis. I enjoy growing role of libraries in this period Mahoning Mine -- called the “Grand these writers again at Rochester’s of recession. In Rochester, friends Canyon of Minnesota” -- encroached light-filled, river-view library down- are doing job searches and checking on the library and my dad’s Minneso- town. out books for “comfort food.” They ta Division of Lands & Minerals office. Meanwhile RPL’s Director Audrey flock to programs like Cathy Wurzer’s They were demolished and North Betcher and staff provide book clubs, on Highway 61 and the Titanic exhibit Hibbing moved south. Paintings from computer lessons, children’s activities at our downtown library. the library walls now hang in three and Sunday afternoon programs with My father introduced me to the downtown buildings. the History Center of Olmsted Coun- joys of reading at the classic Carn- My next special library was at ty. Communications Director John egie Library in North Hibbing. There Villa Maria Academy in Old Fron- Hunziker makes them well known. I checked out as many children’s tenac. Stained glass windows and We citizens can express our thanks books as I could find on Native tables made from square grand at the annual library benefit with its Americans and presidents’ wives. A pianos furnished this former chapel in tango lessons and community issues, recent Hibbing Tribune story reveals the old tower building. When tornadic buffets and prizes. that a sailor heading West lived in winds took out the tower glass and In my dreams I walk the cork Hibbing long enough to serve as a electricity, we “Villains” got to eat ice floors of that North Hibbing library railroad crossing guard and spear- cream bars from the freezer. A more again, adding yet one more book to head a $25,000 campaign to build devastating blow came in 1969 when an armful. And the fascination has that 1907 library. Grateful children lightning struck and the building was come full circle. My dad would be collected money to buy Capt. William lost. Villa Maria now serves as a pleased.  McCormick a gold watch before he retreat and conference center in other traveled on. buildings. 7 Non-Profit Organization US POSTAGE PAID for all ages, all cultures, Permit No. 62 all people Rochester, MN 55901 101 2nd Street SE Rochester, MN 55904

Help us Save Printing and Postage costs You can help us save printing and postage costs if you choose to have the Foundation newsletter sent di- rectly to your e-mail. Simply send an e-mail with your name and e-mail address to [email protected]. By removing your name from our post office mailing list and adding it to our e-mail list, we can reduce the cost of printing and postage and also be more environmentally friendly. 

9th Annual Save the Date ! January 16, 2010 Wit, Wisdom & Wine A fund-raiser for the Rochester Public Library Foundation

Help promote your business while supporting the library. Please donate items for our silent auction. Items or services of value, i.e. gift certificates, gift baskets, collec- tor’s items, art pieces, books, etc... Along with your donation, include business cards or brochures available for attendees to read and to take home with them. For more information call 328-2343 or visit www.rochesterpubliclibraryfoundation.org. “This event really makes a difference in our ability to serve the community,” Audrey Betcher, Library Director.