Lake Agassiz Regional Library Legacy Grant SFY 2012 - SFY 2013
Minnesota’s 12 regional public library systems, which encompass 350 public libraries in all areas of the state, 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 public library system receives a formula-driven allocation from the annual $3 million Minnesota Regional Library Legacy Grant.
Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) is a consolidated regional public library system in northwestern Minnesota. LARL has thirteen branch public libraries and nine Library Link sites located in seven counties: Becker, Clay, Clearwater, Mahnomen, Norman, Polk, and Wilkin. With Arts and Cultural Heritage funds, LARL 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. Programs contribute to the cultural vitality of the region and build a lasting legacy.
Lake Agassiz Regional Library's The Beat Goes On Legacy Series offers a variety of programs based on Minnesota history, music, literature, and culture. Three programs offered with great success include the following: Dr. Verlyn Anderson's presentation on Travel Routes of Scandinavian Immigrants during the 19th Century; Brian Miller and Randy Gosa's Irish Songs from the Lumber Camps;and Dorothy Lund Nelson's presentation on The Orphan Train Rider Movement. All programs were well attended and received rave reviews.
Dr. Verlyn Anderson is a well known historian in the Red River Valley and has a fantastic reputation for delivering a knowledgeable, historical presentation with humor. Anderson's presentation based on Scandinavian history was very well received within the LARL region, where many individuals can to relate to the stories and accounts of the Scandinavian culture. Participants stated, "Dr. Anderson's talks are always a great combination of good historical knowledge and delightful personal stories." Dr. Anderson's tour traveled to nine LARL locations with over 200 in total attendance. Attendees reported that their expectations were exceeded in all locations.
Brian Miller and Randy Gosa's Irish Songs from the Lumber Camps was offered in two LARL locations. The attendances of the programs were quite high for the locations with 84 in total attendance. The audience appreciated the mix of storytelling, history and music. Expectations were exceeded during both performances, while one attendee stated, "Enjoyed it very much; one of the best performances I've seen at the library!" In addition, the program drew individuals from nine neighboring communities to see the program surrounding such a unique topic for the area.
Dorothy Lund Nelson's program, The Orphan Train Rider Movement was offered in nine locations around the LARL region with over 360 in attendance. This program was attended by individuals of all ages and again, expectations were exceeded by all. Nelson's presentation was very eye opening to many participants who were unfamiliar with the movement and had never heard of this event in history. Attendees praised Nelson's knowledge of the topic, in addition to her ability to tell the story to all ages.
These amounts are appropriated to the commissioner of education for grants allocated using existing formulas under Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355, to the 12 Minnesota regional library systems, to provide educational opportunities in the arts, history, literary arts, and cultural heritage of Minnesota. 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. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2015.
Total number of activities, programs, and/or events: 25 programs, 194 performances
Total attendance: 5,602
Total number of partnerships: 12
These amounts are appropriated to the commissioner of education for grants allocated using existing formulas under Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355, to the 12 Minnesota regional library systems, to provide educational opportunities in the arts, history, literary arts, and cultural heritage of Minnesota. 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. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2015.
Total Number of Programs Held: 30 programs, 232 performancesTotal Attendance: 6,542 peopleTotal Number of Partnerships: 15 partnerships
Lake Agassiz Regional Library