Linking Our Libraries
290 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratingsLibraries are amazing places! The work library people do is so wide-ranging, it can be hard to keep up on the latest news. We are here to help. Each episode, we focus on one area of library work, discuss library news stories, recommend some books, and share a Spotlight Library that is doing some interesting work.
If your image of libraries is dominated by crabby old women who shush you, or places where they scowl when you take books home - you are in for a big surprise. Libraries are the jewels of their communities, and doing all sorts of amazing things every day! Books are the backbone of any library, and there is so much more to do and to use. Service to every member of their community means searching out and connecting with the needs of a lot of different groups. No matter what your interests, there is a library out there for you!
Listen to us talk about some of the great things happening in libraries today!
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Episodes
Browsing Books: Jeffers Petroglyphs
June 06, 2023 09:20 - 13 minutes - 10.6 MBFor 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 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 ...
BB Sibley Historic Site
May 30, 2023 09:50 - 12 minutes - 9.72 MBVisit 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...
Browsing Books: W. W. Mayo House
May 23, 2023 08:12 - 10 minutes - 8.28 MBThis 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 show notes for this episode, 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 y...
Browsing Books: Historic Forestville
May 16, 2023 08:55 - 8 minutes - 6.7 MBHistoric 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 show notes for this episode, 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...
Browsing Books: Oliver Kelley Farm
May 09, 2023 11:05 - 9 minutes - 8 MBExperience 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 show notes for this episode, 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 abo...
Browsing Books: Traverse des Sioux
May 02, 2023 08:54 - 12 minutes - 9.67 MBFor 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 show notes for this episode, we link each book to a couple of our state’s great independent book...
Browsing Books: Harkin Store
April 25, 2023 09:51 - 12 minutes - 8.42 MBStep 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 show notes for this episode, 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 ...
Browsing Books: Split Rock Lighthouse
April 18, 2023 09:35 - 11 minutes - 9.27 MBBehold 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 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 ...
Browsing Books: Fort Ridgely
April 11, 2023 10:22 - 13 minutes - 10.6 MB“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 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 recomm...
Browsing Books: Minnesota History Center
April 04, 2023 10:29 - 10 minutes - 8.45 MB“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 show notes for this episode, 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 ma...
Browsing Books: Snake River Fur Post
March 28, 2023 09:17 - 10 minutes - 8.65 MB"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 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 recommendatio...
Browsing Books: Forest History Center
March 21, 2023 10:43 - 9 minutes - 7.84 MB“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 show notes for this episode, 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 y...
Browsing Books: Minnehaha Depot
March 14, 2023 09:26 - 9 minutes - 7.63 MBMinnehaha 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 info...
Birch Coulee
March 07, 2023 09:39 - 11 minutes - 9.51 MBThis 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...
Alexander Ramsey House
February 28, 2023 09:53 - 12 minutes - 10 MBWe 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 show notes for this episode, we link each book to the local Red Balloon books...
Episode 10-10: Potpourri of Programs
February 23, 2023 09:19 - 22 minutes - 16.9 MBCheck out this week's show notes right here! 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 wit...
Episode 10-09: Romance and Romance-Adjacent Programs
February 16, 2023 09:12 - 23 minutes - 18 MBThis 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 show notes page here,...
Episode 10-08: Cooking Programs
February 09, 2023 10:03 - 23 minutes - 18.5 MBThis 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 show notes page here, 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 y...
Episode 10-07: Physical Programming in the Library
February 02, 2023 09:55 - 24 minutes - 19.2 MBCheck out our show notes page here, 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 10-06: Technology Programs in the Library
January 26, 2023 10:00 - 22 minutes - 17.2 MBThis 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 show notes page here, with links to all the li...
Episode 10-05: Writing and Publishing Programs
January 19, 2023 09:45 - 31 minutes - 23.8 MBThis 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 show notes, with all of our lin...
Episode 10-04: Outdoor programming
January 12, 2023 10:17 - 26 minutes - 20.9 MBThis 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 p...
Episode 10-03: Crafting and Making in the Library
January 05, 2023 10:10 - 26 minutes - 20.2 MBThis 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 10-02 Book Groups
December 29, 2022 10:02 - 31 minutes - 23.9 MBThis 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 show notes page here. We’re in the end of the big holiday season, and everyone is tired of celebrating - and ready to start some resol...
Episode 10-01: Citizen Science in the library
December 22, 2022 10:00 - 37 minutes - 28.9 MBWelcome 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 show notes page here, with links to everything we share today. This season we are talking about library programs - giving you some ideas about different i...
Browsing Books: Red Lake County
December 13, 2022 08:44 - 13 minutes - 11.2 MBThis 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. ...
Browsing Books: Redwood County
December 06, 2022 07:40 - 12 minutes - 10.4 MBThis 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 our show notes page, 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!
Browsing Books: Renville County
November 29, 2022 07:38 - 15 minutes - 12.4 MBThis 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 our show notes page, 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. Than...
Browsing Books: Rock County
November 22, 2022 08:36 - 14 minutes - 12.1 MBThis 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 our show notes page, 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!
Browsing Books: Roseau County
November 15, 2022 08:31 - 14 minutes - 12.1 MBThis 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 our show notes page, 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 profit...
Browsing Books: Scott County
November 08, 2022 12:25 - 10 minutes - 8.86 MBThis week we admire Scott County. This county is home to the Elko Speedway. To celebrate this, we suggest that you read a book about cars or racing. We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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!
Browsing Books: Sherburne County
November 01, 2022 08:13 - 11 minutes - 5.38 MBThis week we admire Sherburne County. One bonus fact to celebrate here: this is one of the CMLE member counties! All the libraries in this county are members of CMLE, and we are so happy to have you. This county is the home of Oliver H. Kelley Homestead, Farm occupied 1850–1870 by Oliver H. Kelley, founder of The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. We’re going to dodge the specifics there, and suggest that you read a book with a husband. We give you links to each of these...
Browsing Books: Steele County
October 18, 2022 07:25 - 12 minutes - 5.67 MBThis week we admire Steele County. This county is the home of the Blooming Prairie Township. To celebrate it, we suggest that you read a book with flowers of any sort. We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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!
Browsing Books: Pine County
October 11, 2022 07:24 - 14 minutes - 6.72 MBThis week we admire Pine County. In 1872, there is evidence of a train derailment in Pine County that resulted in that train falling in and sinking into Devil's Lake. To date, this train has not been found, but theories abound as to the events of the day. Read a book with a mysterious event. We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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 per...
Browsing Books: Traverse County
October 04, 2022 08:08 - 10 minutes - 4.83 MBThis week we admire Traverse County. Traverse County Fair is held in August. To celebrate that event, we suggest that you read a book about a fair or other big celebration We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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!
Browsing Books: Wadena County
September 27, 2022 09:06 - 13 minutes - 6.15 MBThis week we admire Wadena County. Over the years there have been approximately ten creameries in the county and ten cheese factories. To celebrate that good stuff, we suggest that you read a book with dairy products. We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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 CML...
Browsing Books: Washington County
September 20, 2022 08:16 - 12 minutes - 5.62 MBThis week we admire Washington County. This county is named after George Washington (1732-1799), first president of the United States (1789-1797). To celebrate this county, we suggest that you read the first book in a series. We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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 suppor...
Browsing Books: Watonwan County
September 13, 2022 09:14 - 13 minutes - 6.26 MBThis week we admire Watonwan County. The county names name reflects the Dakota word "watanwan," meaning "fish bait," or "plenty of fish." We suggest you celebrate it by reading a book with fish or fishing. We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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!
Browsing Books: Winona County
September 06, 2022 09:13 - 15 minutes - 7.26 MBThis week we admire Winona County. Named after Wee-No-Nah, Sister or Cousin of Chief Wabasha III. To celebrate this woman, we suggest that you read a book about an interesting woman, especially one who does something first. We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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 supportin...
Browsing Books: Norman County
August 30, 2022 08:54 - 11 minutes - 5.18 MBThis week we admire Norman County. To celebrate early Norwegian settlers, also known as Norman settlers, we’re reading books set in Norway or another Scandinavian country. We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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!
Browsing Books: Mower County
August 23, 2022 08:53 - 10 minutes - 4.99 MBThis week we admire Mower County. This county is the location of the Paramount Theater, a 1929 movie theater, the only atmospheric theater and commercial use of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Let’s celebrate this historical theater by reading a book made into a movie! We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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 prof...
Browsing Books: Meeker County
August 16, 2022 08:52 - 13 minutes - 6.35 MBThis week we admire Meeker County. This county was named for Bradley B. Meeker (1813–1873), Associate Justice of the Minnesota Territorial Supreme Court (1849–1853). To celebrate the county, we suggest that you read a book set in a courtroom. We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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. Than...
Browsing Books: Martin County
August 09, 2022 08:54 - 12 minutes - 5.81 MBThis week we admire Martin County. This county contains contains Fairmont Opera House, theater built in 1901, it is a well-preserved and longstanding venue for cultural and social events. To celebrate this, we suggest that you read a book about a cultural or social event. You can find all our book suggestions on our show notes page! We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, taking you to Amazon.com. If you click on any of them, and buy anything at all - including a ...
Browsing Books: Lyon County
August 02, 2022 08:53 - 10 minutes - 4.91 MBThis week we admire Lyon County. This county contains Lady Slipper Lake. To celebrate the fancy name of this lake, read a book with people on the cover or in the plot who wear fancy clothes. We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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!
Browsing Books: Lac qui Parle County
July 26, 2022 08:52 - 10 minutes - 4.91 MBThis season we are moving through the state of Minnesota, looking at an interesting fact about each county and giving you a book prompt from that fact. 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 Lac qui Parle County. Lac qui parle is a French phrase meaning "lake which talks". To celebrate that meaning, read a book set in France or with a Fr...
Browsing Books: Koochiching County
July 19, 2022 08:31 - 13 minutes - 5.98 MBThis week we admire Kittson County. This county contains contains the Smokey Bear State Forest; to celebrate that we suggest that you read a book about bears or Teddy Roosevelt. We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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!
Browsing Books: Kittson County
July 12, 2022 08:30 - 10 minutes - 4.86 MBThis week we admire Kittson County. In this county is the town Pelan - officially a ghost town. To celebrate this county, we suggest that this week you read some scary stories, particularly if they have a ghost and especially if you stay up late and enjoy them or if you read them around a campfire while enjoying the outdoors. We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, taking you to Amazon.com. If you click on any of them, and buy anything at all - including a nice boo...
Browsing Books: Itasca County
July 05, 2022 08:25 - 11 minutes - 5.3 MBThis week we admire Itasca County. Our prompt comes from Lake Itasca, source of the Mississippi River. We suggest you celebrate by reading a book with someone who visits the Mississippi River! We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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!
Browsing Books: Isanti County
June 28, 2022 08:26 - 12 minutes - 5.75 MBThis week we admire Isanti County. Its county seat is Cambridge, so celebrate that fact by reading a book set in a college or university And since Isanti County is in CMLE’s geographic territory, that means all the libraries located there are our members! Hooray for CMLE libraries! We give you links to each of these books on our show notes page, 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...
Browsing Books: Goodhue County
June 21, 2022 08:24 - 12 minutes - 5.53 MBhis season we are moving through the state of Minnesota, looking at an interesting fact about each county and giving you a book prompt from that fact. 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 Goodhue County. James Madison Goodhue was the first newspaper editor in Minnesota. To celebrate the value he brought to Minnesota, read a book with a...