Library: community treasure trove

“[Libraries are] one of the public places where you can hang out [without being expected to spend money] and you can have air conditioning or heat," said Nokomis Head Librarian Jane Boss. With no more library fines and the ability to register your library card in other systems across Minnesota, the library is more accessible than ever. It’s a place where the community comes together, where people from all walks of life can find resources, support, and a sense of belonging. Nokomis Library truly is a cornerstone of the community, offering much more than just books to bring people together and support the needs of the community. 

Boss’ love of libraries started early and has become a lifelong passion. “When I was a kid, my parents took me to the library and I loved it. By the time I was in elementary school, I started going on my own,” she recalls. This early love for libraries led her to work as a page during high school and later at her college library. Six years ago, she brought that passion to the Nokomis Community Library, where she now leads a wide array of programs designed to engage and enrich the community.

The library is bustling with activity this fall, offering programs that cater to a wide range of interests. There are five book clubs, each with its unique focus: a club for readers aged 55 and older, a mystery book club, a science fiction book club, a graphic novel book club, and Bookomis, an all-encompassing club that reads books across all genres. These clubs meet once a month and are open to everyone.

For those with a passion for writing, the library hosts a monthly writing group where participants can bring anything from fiction to nonfiction. In addition, the library is partnering with a professor from St. Thomas University to offer two writing classes in preparation for National Novel Writing Month. These classes, "Kickstarting Your Memoir" and "Fueling Your Memoir," are designed to help writers at any stage of their journey.

If you're more inclined towards hands-on activities, the library has something for you, too. A knitting group meets weekly, welcoming both beginners and seasoned knitters. There is also a seed cleaning workshop in the fall on Nov. 9, 9:30-11:30 a.m. encouraging local gardeners to contribute to the library’s seed library, a community resource that provides free seeds for planting. The seed library receives seed donations from local growers and nonprofits like Mango Farm Haiti, and is part of a broader effort to promote community gardening and sustainable living.

 

The city of Minneapolis has a small business team that regularly visits the library to learn about resources that can help with budgeting, legal advice, and mentorship. The team also offers classes on starting and growing your own business.

In addition to business support, the library offers a variety of educational programs such as understanding hearing loss and hearing technology, recycling, and even the Inflation Reduction Act's benefits for electrifying your home or vehicle. A retired professor will be giving a talk on Shakespeare, diving into the themes, characters, and historical context of the Bard's works.

 

The library is also a place for local artists to showcase their work. An art nook and a glass display case are available for local artists to display their creations for two months at a time. This not only brightens up the library space but also gives artists a platform to reach a broader audience. Currently, they are displaying colorful plant paintings called Imaginary Conservatory by local artist sp.K.

For art and music lovers, the library offers free concert and museum passes through the MELSA smARTpass program, that provides access to shows across town. There’s also a free streaming service called Kanopy that offers a wide selection of films and documentaries, much like Netflix.

 

One of the library's most significant roles is providing a safe, welcoming space for everyone. Whether you need to escape the heat in the summer or the cold in the winter, would like to sit at their designated jigsaw puzzle table, or participate in their weekly chess games, the library is a public space where you can relax, access free Wi-Fi, and use computers, scanners, and printers. For those without internet access at home, the library can connect you with county programs that provide affordable internet and even devices.

The library is also stepping up its outreach efforts, especially for those who can't visit in person. Books can be mailed to patrons, and volunteers deliver books to those in need. (Visit https://www.hclib.org/about/outreach if you are interested in receiving books at home.)