East Central Regional Library Legacy Grant SFY SFY 2018 - SFY 2019
Minnesota's twelve regional library systems, which encompass more than 350 public libraries in all areas of the state, can benefit from a portion of the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Through State Library Services, a division of the Minnesota Department of Education, each regional library system is eligible to receive a formula-driven allocation from the annual $2.5 million Minnesota Regional Library System Legacy Grant. East Central Regional Library (ECRL) is a consolidated regional public library system in east central Minnesota. ECRL has fourteen branch libraries located in six counties: Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine. With Arts and Cultural Heritage funds, ECRL and its member libraries present an array of arts, cultural, literary, and Minnesota history programs in collaboration with arts and cultural organizations, independent artists, historical societies, and community organizations. Projects contribute to the cultural vitality of the region and build a lasting legacy.
These amounts are appropriated to the commissioner of education for grants to the 12 Minnesota regional library systems to provide educational opportunities in the arts, history, literary arts, and cultural heritage of Minnesota. These funds must be allocated using the formulas in Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355, subdivisions 3, 4, and 5, with the remaining 25 percent to be distributed to all qualifying systems in an amount proportionate to the number of qualifying system entities in each system. For purposes of this subdivision, "qualifying system entity" means a public library, a regional library system, a regional library system headquarters, a county, or an outreach service program. These funds may be used to sponsor programs provided by regional libraries or to provide grants to local arts and cultural heritage programs for programs in partnership with regional libraries. These funds must be distributed in ten equal payments per year. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, the appropriations encumbered on or before June 30, 2019, as grants or contracts in this subdivision are available until June 30, 2021.
Total number of projects: 26
Total number of programs and/or events (if different than total number of projects): 104
Total attendance/participation: 4,840
Total number of partnerships: 28
During this art workshop, kids ages 8 and older were encouraged to use their imagination to create a character from a favorite book--or any critter they could think up--during a special event at the library. This was a two-hour workshop at the Hinckley Public Library Branch. Visiting Minnesota artist Anjee Emerson used visual, verbal and kinesthetic learning styles to help participants sculpt their very own clay friend out of bright, colorful polymer clay. Everyone left with a finished masterpiece along with some basic sculpting techniques for future projects on their own. This was a unique experience as the participants were able to watch their art projects be fired (baked) in an onsite traveling kiln. The children who attended were excited that they got to learn about the art form and then were able to create something themselves. "This is the BEST program I've EVER been to!"
Being Teddy
In this program we traveled back in time with Minnesota living history speaker and educator Adam Lindquist whose award-winning impersonation of President Theodore Roosevelt entertained, educated and inspired our attendees. Adam presented this program at the Aitkin Public Library, Cambridge Public Library, and the Sandstone Public Library.
Attendees enjoyed how "history came alive" making it entertaining to learn about history through an "effective, humorous and informative" experience. They enjoyed learning things they didn't know about our 26th president, especially about his childhood and his family.
These amounts are appropriated to the commissioner of education for grants to the 12 Minnesota regional library systems to provide educational opportunities in the arts, history, literary arts, and cultural heritage of Minnesota. These funds must be allocated using the formulas in Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355, subdivisions 3, 4, and 5, with the remaining 25 percent to be distributed to all qualifying systems in an amount proportionate to the number of qualifying system entities in each system. For purposes of this subdivision, "qualifying system entity" means a public library, a regional library system, a regional library system headquarters, a county, or an outreach service program. These funds may be used to sponsor programs provided by regional libraries or to provide grants to local arts and cultural heritage programs for programs in partnership with regional libraries. These funds must be distributed in ten equal payments per year. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, the appropriations encumbered on or before June 30, 2019, as grants or contracts in this subdivision are available until June 30, 2021.
Total number of projects: 73
Total number of programs and/or events (if different than total number of projects): 207
Total attendance/participation: 3377
Total number of partnerships: 24
Feedback includes:
"I never knew of half of what Lindbergh accomplished. What a treasure we have from Minnesota!"
"Learned about aviation history and how it changed our lives because of it."
"Amazing program! Really brought Lindbergh to life. I always love historical presentations as they enrich my life."
"I had little knowledge of Lindbergh until this evening. Wow! Great presentation."
Author visits, Musical performances and Origami - Minnesota author Leif Enger toured the region and lead author talks featuring his book, Virgil Wander. These visits allowed participants to learn about Minnesota culture and the creative writing process. In addition, several supporting programs including an author visit from Stew Thornley, musical performances by the by the Twin Cities Nickelharpalag and a creative arts workshop on kite origami.
Feedback includes:
"I think the idea of many people listening and reacting brings this town together. These programs are important in small towns. A very interesting and heartfelt speaker. Funny and thoughtful. Excellent evening."
"Never saw or heard these instruments before. And that the nyckelharpa came before the violin."
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity to share space, thought and insight as a community."
"Lots about old Minnesota stories and small towns. The beauty of the landscape, the interesting characters. Also learned a lot about the author's writing process."
"Origami! Very linear and relaxing. Great craft without a lot of experience. Great instructor."
"The history of baseball stadiums in Minnesota. Especially the smaller stadiums in the 50s and the 60s."
"Introduced to a new (and now favorite) Minnesota author. I have a better understanding of the novel, the author's life and the writing process."
A variety of artists from the Textile Center provided online virtual instructions to participants thru Zoom. The Textile Center is a national center for fiber art whose mission is to honor textile traditions, promote excellence and innovation, and inspire widespread participation in fiber art. Participants were given kits of all needed supplies prior to the virtual instruction sessions. Topics included wet felted beads, Japanese Boro bookmarks and needle felted applique. Participants were excited for the opportunity to learn a new art form from the comfort and safety of their homes during the pandemic. Their feedback demonstrates the knowledge they gained. A selection of feedback includes:
"Great activity for preschoolers!! Fun hands on experience of how wool changes."
"I learned how to do the running stitch."
"This helped me relax and have patience. I have never done anything like this before."
"I have always wanted to know how to felt. This was a great tutorial. Loved it!"