'Jolabokafod' hits the local library

On Christmas Eve morning, a package arrived at the library and I immediately opened it. Inside were two books tied together with a red ribbon. It reminded me of the Icelandic tradition called “Jolabokaflod”, which translated in English means “Christmas Book Flood”, and it is the tradition of giving and unwrapping new books on Christmas Eve, then reading late into the night. (Visit jolabokaflod.org for more information).
The two books came from Karen Kompelien Chalmers of Red Wing, MN. Karen grew up in Minneota, graduating in 1960. She married Rich Chalmers from Marshall and they settled in Red Wing.
The books were written by her granddaughter, Catherine C. Heywood, who lives in Wisconsin and writes historical romances. Karen has gifted these two books to Minneota library. Their titles are "Ground Sweet as Sugar" and its sequel, "The Virtues of Vice". I will soon catalog these books and add them to our collection.
As the year comes to a close, I contemplate all the fun I had at the library this year. We had a wonderful children’s reading program during the summer, and we sponsored a terrific reading series by authors with a local connection. Last week, we welcomed some very excited children at Santa’s visit. I’m blessed to be able to work at this wonderful library.
Next year, we hope to continue with adding new programs and new reading material. Our adult Winter Reading Program, “Catch a Keeper at your Library,” will start next week. Visit the library to sign up and learn more about it.
The library has many new books, and also a collection of digital books through Libby and Hoopla. Visit our new webpage at minneotalibrary.org.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!