Regionally planned programs

In 2018, Great River Regional Library had events with a variety of performers and presenters who toured the region to offer events at multiple library locations: Chad Lewis author visits, Jen Anfinson art workshops, Mark Moran author/appraiser presentations, COMPAS programs from Leo and Kathy Lara and Steve Sklar & Johnna Morrow, Marie Olofsdotter writing/art workshops, KidPower with Rachael Kroog performances, author Kevin Lovegreen, Mobile Sign Shop art workshops, Ralph Covert concerts, Pint Size Polkas concerts, Dave Walbridge performances, Andrew Walesch jazz concerts, Dave Walbridge 'Big Fun Show' performances, J2J concerts, Patrice Johnson author visits, and Angie Hoeft concerts. A selection of the attendee feedback is below.

Events for families with children:
'Watching my children so engaged.'
'Loved bringing my kids and daycare kids to this! Very engaging!'
'My kids really enjoyed moving and trying to use new instruments.'
'Engagement of children was fabulous--watched my daughter dance with other kids.'
'Culture experience my children haven't experienced yet. Also learned other instruments from India. I brought my two chidlren age 5 and 8. They enjoyed it very much!'
'The music complemented the storytelling beautifully.'
'The whole family left with a smile. Wonderful program! Would love to see them again.'
'My kids were able to be with their peers having fun dancing and giggling. It is great to have these programs in our community.'
'Learned about different places and people. . .exposure to another music that they really hear. The kids I brought to the program loved it!'
'My kids loved this program. Winner!'
'Polkas are the best. It was great for the kids to see an accordion up close. So much fun!'

Art workshops events:
'Love these program! Keep them coming!'
'[Learned that] no matter how artistic you are, you can learn to make a sign. Really fun program for all ages.'
'This was a super great learning experience. The teacher was just wonderful'
'I learned I can be artistic. I also learning about different mediums.'
'Made me realize I am much more artistic than I thought!'
'Learned a new way to write poetry.'
'Learned new ways to draw things.'
'I love coming to learn new things.'

Author events:
'Enjoyed learning about antiques.'
'He was a very good presenter and kept your interest--very knowledgeable.'
'[Learned] Minnesota history of hauntings.'
'It made me laugh and was very entertaining.'
'There was fascinating info.'
'Makes me want to travel to see these locations.'
'It brought back many fonds memories.'
'[Learned about] differences between current Swedish cooking and our own traditions.
'[Had] good conversation about my heritage.'

Concerts:
'Very interesting to learn of other cultures.
'A whole new area of music I had never heard of.'
'Listening and making different sounds with instruments made from nature and participating in a song using an instrument.'
'Great--very enjoyable while learning about different ways of making music.'
'[Learned about] Ecuador songs, geography, animals. . .Loved the music, dancing/movement was fun. They were awesome! Very interactive!'
'Very good--great learning experience.'
'Enjoyed old jazz tunes.'
'I learned about the Gershwins and that Irving Berlin had a moving keyboard. Lovely music--Andrew is a gift and he shares it!'
'Old memories brought back and renewed. Keep it coming.'
'Very entertaining. Wonderful.'