Linking Our Libraries

We are share information with all types of libraries, archives, and other nonprofit staff and leaders, working to build their skills. Join us for cheerful discussions, interesting Guest Hosts, and a quick sharing of books! (We are library people, after all; books are always good.)

Browsing Books: Jeffers Petroglyphs 06/06/2023

Browsing Books: Jeffers Petroglyphs For our final episode on this topic, we admire the Jeffers Petroglyphs. It is home to about 5,000 sacred rock carvings, also called petroglyphs, made by the ancestors of today’s Native Americans. Celebrate this ancient site with a book about art. In our , we link each book to one of our state’s great independent bookstores: Drury Lane Bookstore in Grand Marais. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations. Thanks for joining us for the last two seasons, as we journeyed across the state of Minnesota to see our historical sites. This is our final podcast of this series, and it has been so great to talk about books with you! All of these episodes are available on our website: cmle.org. You can also download them on your favorite podcast app. We have a series of past seasons where we talked about , and suggested books to go along with each of them. And, in yet another series, we looked at , suggesting even more books to go along with each of these treasures of the state. It has been wonderful to talk about so many books with you, and to virtually visit so many wonderful places across Minnesota. Please enjoy reading the books we have all discussed over the last few years of this podcast. And also, I encourage you to get out there and enjoy some new and interesting places to visit. Minnesota is filled with some great places, people, and things to enjoy - so get out there and experience it all! /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26539416

BB Sibley Historic Site 05/30/2023

BB Sibley Historic Site Visit the Sibley Historic Site, home to the oldest structures still standing in Minnesota. From the center of the fur trade to the center of government, this site witnessed some of the key people and events at play in the tumultuous history of the early days of Minnesota statehood. Celebrate this history and read a book about buildings. In our show notes for this episode, we link each book to one of our state’s great independent bookstores: Drury Lane Bookstore in Grand Marais. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26531418

Browsing Books: W. W. Mayo House 05/23/2023

Browsing Books: W. W. Mayo House This hand-built house held Dr. W. W. Mayo’s first medical practice, witnessed events of the US-Dakota War of 1862, and eventually served as the family home for another giant of Minnesota history — the Cosgrove family of the Green Giant Company. Celebrate this history and read a book with a medical storyline. In our , we link each book to a couple of our state’s great independent bookstores: Drury Lane Bookstore in Grand Marais. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26539362

Browsing Books: Historic Forestville 05/16/2023

Browsing Books: Historic Forestville Historic Forestville was once the center of a thriving rural community until it fell into decline after the railroad passed it by in 1868. The historic town includes a fully-stocked general store, farm and homestead with original artifacts. Celebrate this history by reading a book about a small town. In our , we link each book to a couple of our state’s great independent bookstores: Drury Lane Bookstore in Grand Marais. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26539308

Browsing Books: Oliver Kelley Farm 05/09/2023

Browsing Books: Oliver Kelley Farm Experience the story of farming, food and agriculture — past and present! Explore the original 1860s working farm, and get an up close view of the animals and gardens. Celebrate this farm by reading a book about farming plants or animals. In our , we link each book to a couple of our state’s great independent bookstores: Drury Lane Bookstore in Grand Marais. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26147358

Browsing Books: Traverse des Sioux 05/02/2023

Browsing Books: Traverse des Sioux For thousands of years, the Dakota lived and worked at Traverse des Sioux, located on the lower Minnesota River. By the early 19th century, European American fur traders, missionaries, and adventurers were frequent visitors. Then in 1851, this site witnessed the signing of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux between the US government and the Dakota. Read a book about rivers or river travel. In our , we link each book to a couple of our state’s great independent bookstores: Drury Lane Bookstore in Grand Marais. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading aor recommendations. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26147277

Browsing Books: Harkin Store 04/25/2023

Browsing Books: Harkin Store Step into the Harkin Store, once the social center of the community where townsfolk and farmers gathered to buy groceries, barter for supplies, and exchange news. Many of the store’s original goods remain on the shelves. Get in touch with this history and read a book about a store or selling things. In our , we link each book to a couple of our state’s great independent bookstores: Zenith Bookstore in Duluth and Drury Lane Bookstore in Grand Marais. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26147205

Browsing Books: Split Rock Lighthouse 04/18/2023

Browsing Books: Split Rock Lighthouse Behold 1000 watts of ship-stopping power! Experience the sights, the history, and the technology behind this signature Minnesota landmark anchored on the rocky coast of Lake Superior. We encourage you to celebrate this and read a book about being on a ship. In our , we link each book to one of our state’s great independent bookstores: Drury Lane Books in Grand Marais, MN. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26147091

Browsing Books: Fort Ridgely 04/11/2023

Browsing Books: Fort Ridgely “From police station to Civil War training grounds to site of a siege during the US-Dakota War, Fort Ridgely witnessed the tumultuous history of 1800s Minnesota.” We suggest that you read a book about Native Americans. In , we link each book to one of our state’s great independent bookstores: Drury Lane Books in Grand Marais, MN. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26146893

Browsing Books: Minnesota History Center 04/04/2023

Browsing Books: Minnesota History Center “Through inspiring exhibits, thought-provoking programs, live performances, and action-packed discovery, the History Center feeds your curiosity about Minnesota’s stories, people, and places.” To celebrate this center, we suggest that you read a book set in a museum. In our , we link each book to one of our state’s great independent bookstores: Zenith Books in Duluth, MN. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26146983

Browsing Books: Snake River Fur Post 03/28/2023

Browsing Books: Snake River Fur Post "We tell the wider history of Native Americans, French voyageurs, and British fur traders in the early 19th century on the Ginebig-ziibi (Snake River)." Celebrate this history and read a book with furry animals. In our , we link each book to one of our state’s great independent bookstores: Drury Lane Bookstore in Grand Marais. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26344704

Browsing Books: Forest History Center 03/21/2023

Browsing Books: Forest History Center “People have long relied on the forests for food, shelter, and building materials. Today we also include recreation and enjoying the beauty of forests in that description. The Forest History Center tells the story of this changing relationship with the land.” To celebrate this relationship, read a book about trees. In our , we link each book to one of our state’s great independent bookstores: the Red Balloon in Minneapolis, MN. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26146293

Browsing Books: Minnehaha Depot 03/14/2023

Browsing Books: Minnehaha Depot Minnehaha Depot, famous for its intricate “gingerbread” canopy, was an integral part of the first rail line out of Minneapolis. Known as the “Princess” by rail workers of the time, it served both local Minneapolis residents as well as visitors from “out east.” Read a book with a princess. In our show notes for this episode, we link each book to one of our state’s great independent bookstores: Magers and Quinn in Minneapolis, MN. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations. Find all of our information and links on our ! /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26144862

Birch Coulee 03/07/2023

Birch Coulee This week we remember the Birch Coulee historic site. This location was the site of one of the deadliest battles of the US-Dakota War, over 150 years ago. To commemorate this tragedy, we suggest that you read a book about a tragedy. In our show notes for this episode, we link each book to one of our state’s great independent bookstores: Drury Lane Books in Grand Marais, MN. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations. Check out our , for all our links and information! /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26142594

Alexander Ramsey House 02/28/2023

Alexander Ramsey House We will share six book suggestions to meet that prompt, to get you started on reading new books. You can also take that prompt and find any other book to meet the challenge! This week we admire the Alexander Ramsey House. Alexander Ramsey held many offices in Minnesota, and he helped to found the MN Historical Society. To celebrate this, we suggest that you read a historical fiction book. In our , we link each book to the local Red Balloon bookstore description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations! /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/26054616

Episode 10-10: Potpourri of Programs 02/23/2023

Episode 10-10: Potpourri of Programs Check out this week's This week, to wrap up the series, we are looking at a potpourri of different kinds of programs. As has been true all season, there probably isn’t anything too wild and radical here - just suggestions for things to try. Once you see that other people have tried some different kinds of programs, you may be more inspired to do the same! Your library needs programs - they can be a great way to fulfill your main mission: connecting your community with information, ideas, and entertainment. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/25426611

Episode 10-09: Romance and Romance-Adjacent Programs 02/16/2023

Episode 10-09: Romance and Romance-Adjacent Programs This week we are feeling a little mushy from the effects of Valentine’s Day! Of course, we do not limit ourselves to some forced idea of romance - how dull. Instead we take the expansive definition of relationships and love and happiness! We love libraries and books so much; but other readers and library people are also pretty great. So this week, let’s look at some programs you may want to try in your library to build some relationships in the library. Check out our , to get all the material we discussed today and links to everything. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/25426602

Episode 10-08: Cooking Programs 02/09/2023

Episode 10-08: Cooking Programs This week we are discussing the tasty program of cooking in the library! This is another set of programs that you can easily do either in person or virtually. (It is, of course, best to make all of your programs available virtually; this week just lends itself to that pretty well.) Check out our , with links to all the programs. We will insert a blanket disclaimer here that food sensitivities, allergies, and religious restrictions are important to people. So be sure you are sharing ingredients and preparation methods with people as freely as possible; and to the extent possible, offer some flexibility in the program to accommodate these issues. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/25426584

Episode 10-07: Physical Programming in the Library 02/02/2023

Episode 10-07: Physical Programming in the Library Check out our , with links to libraries and programs! This week we are looking at physical programs - those programs that make you get up and dance and move and do some fun things while in the library. Our usual programs involve people sitting still. Sure, those are fun too. But these programs do not speak out to everyone; and it’s important to host programs that other people will enjoy. Plus, getting up and zooming around the library, or outside, will always be fun! /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/25426560

Episode 10-06: Technology Programs in the Library 01/26/2023

Episode 10-06: Technology Programs in the Library This week we are looking at Technology programs! You might incorporate some of these into the programs we talked about a couple of weeks ago, with crafting and making. There are a variety of different kinds of technology you might want to use or to create here; and your budget can be either pretty small or extravagantly large. These tend to be programs that need some advance planning, but can be really popular when they work out! Check out our , with links to all the libraries and ideas we are sharing. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/25426542

Episode 10-05: Writing and Publishing Programs 01/19/2023

Episode 10-05: Writing and Publishing Programs This week we are talking about different programs for your patrons to do some writing and some publishing work. Of course, we are known for books and reading material; so this kind of programing fits in perfectly with our mission. Encouraging people to not just be consumers of books but to also use their ideas and creativity to create books, to write, and to share their thoughts and experiences with the world is a great program for the library. Check out our ! /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/25426530

Episode 10-04: Outdoor programming 01/12/2023

Episode 10-04: Outdoor programming This week we are shaking off the winter blah feelings, and planning to get outside for a while! Everyone is tired of being cooped up, and we need to think through some ideas to help you and your patrons to get outside and to get moving. We talk about going outside and doing fun things out there pretty often. You might call it exercise; but it’s fine to think about it as just moving around and having fun. No need to get formal with your programming, unless you really want to. The main point to most programming is to just have fun, and to give your patrons an opportunity to enjoy themselves. Check out our , to get all the links and information. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/25426470

Episode 10-03: Crafting and Making in the Library 01/05/2023

Episode 10-03: Crafting and Making in the Library This season we are talking about library programs - giving you some ideas about different ideas you can try in your own library. It is always good to share ideas across libraries, and we are all better! Each week we will look at a different theme of programs. This week we are talking about a very standard library program: crafting and making! Check out our show notes page here. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/25426449

Episode 10-02 Book Groups 12/29/2022

Episode 10-02 Book Groups This season we are talking about library programs - giving you some ideas about different ideas you can try in your own library. It is always good to share ideas across libraries, and we are all better! Each week we will look at a different theme of programs. This week we are talking about a very standard library program: book groups! Check out our . We’re in the end of the big holiday season, and everyone is tired of celebrating - and ready to start some resolutions for the new year. Reading more books is a pretty common resolution; book groups of all types can be helpful to your patrons - and fun for you! /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/25426083

Episode 10-01: Citizen Science in the library 12/22/2022

Episode 10-01: Citizen Science in the library Welcome to Season Ten of Linking Our Libraries! We are so happy to have you join us again! This is the Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange, and our members are all types of libraries and their staff. In this podcast, we talk about the skills library staff need to be successful and to help them to serve their communities. Check out our , with links to everything we share today. This season we are talking about library programs - giving you some ideas about different ideas you can try in your own library. None of us is as good at this as all of us thinking together. It is always good to share ideas across libraries, and we are all better! Each week we will look at a different theme of programs. This will be a fun week, because we are sharing some citizen science programs! At CMLE, we are such fans of bringing citizen science to libraries. We have done a series of blog articles about citizen science, with suggestions for bringing it into your library. (You can find !) /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/25367175

Browsing Books: Red Lake County 12/13/2022

Browsing Books: Red Lake County This week we admire Red Lake County. This county contains Equality Township. To celebrate this county, we suggest that you read a book about equality in any way. We are wrapping up our final season looking at Minnesota counties! Thanks for being with us as we admire all the counties, and last season when we looked at all the Minnesota State Parks. Join us here next week when we start our next series, and admire all of the Minnesota State Historical Sites, right here in this podcast feed. /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/23738831

Browsing Books: Redwood County 12/06/2022

Browsing Books: Redwood County This week we admire Redwood County. This county contains the Delhi State Wildlife Management Area. To celebrate that, we suggest that you read a book set in India or with an Indian character. We give you links to each of these books on , taking you to Amazon.com. If you click on any of them, and buy anything at all - including a nice book - Amazon will send us a small percent of the profits they made on these sales. Thank you for supporting CMLE! /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/23738813

Browsing Books: Renville County 11/29/2022

Browsing Books: Renville County This week we admire Renville County. This county was named after Joseph Renville (1779-1846), interpreter for early explorations of the Louisiana Purchase. To celebrate this county, we suggest that you read a book with a bilingual character. We give you links to each of these books on , taking you to Amazon.com. If you click on any of them, and buy anything at all - including a nice book - Amazon will send us a small percent of the profits they made on these sales. Thank you for supporting CMLE! /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/23738786

Browsing Books: Rock County 11/22/2022

Browsing Books: Rock County This week we admire Rock County. In honor of the very cool county name, we suggest you celebrate it by reading a book about geology. We give you links to each of these books on , taking you to Amazon.com. If you click on any of them, and buy anything at all - including a nice book - Amazon will send us a small percent of the profits they made on these sales. Thank you for supporting CMLE! /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/23738774

Browsing Books: Roseau County 11/15/2022

Browsing Books: Roseau County This week we admire Roseau County. This county contains Canadian National Depot, 1914 station of the Canadian National Railway on U.S. soil, used by many immigrants leaving for Canada. To celebrate this county, we suggest you read a book about the experiences of immigrants. We give you links to each of these books on , taking you to Amazon.com. If you click on any of them, and buy anything at all - including a nice book - Amazon will send us a small percent of the profits they made on these sales. Thank you for supporting CMLE! /episode/index/show/linkingourlibraries/id/23738738

Linking Our Libraries

TOPICS