What's Happening at ACL?
Attention all first time voters: Workshops are available at your local library to learn more about voting and to experience the voting process in action.
Minnesota Votes: An Introduction to Voting, is an engaging and hands-on presentation that will encourage eligible voters to get registered, get informed, and go vote. This workshop will simulate a day at the polls - from registration to placing a ballot in the ballot counter. The importance of civic engagement and other ways to get involved in the elections process will also be covered. By the end of this hour-long presentation, participants will feel prepared and excited about voting in the 2010 state-wide election.
"It’s an honor and a privilege to have the right to vote," said Anoka County Board of Commissioners Chair Dennis Berg. "It’s our responsibility to know and appreciate the process so we can make informed decisions."
The hour-long voting workshops will be held at:
820 40th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights
410 Mississippi St. NE, Fridley
711 County Road 10 NE, Blaine
4201 6th Avenue, Anoka
Voting Workshops are open to the public and free of charge. They are presented by the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State and offered by Anoka County Library in partnership with MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency).
For more information about the Voting Workshops, contact Claire Wilson, Voter Outreach Director at 651-201-1339.
This fall, Anoka County Library is offering flu shot clinics in partnership with the Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency and MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency). Clinics are open to the public with no appointment necessary and will be held at the Rum River Library, 4201 6th Avenue, Anoka, and the Mississippi Branch Library, 410 Mississippi Street NE, Fridley
Please note the following dates and times:
For the uninsured, flu shots are reasonably priced and may be paid with cash or check. Most insurance plans will cover the cost of the vaccinations. Bring a health insurance card or a photo copy (front only) which is required for insurance billing purposes, and a picture ID (Driver’s License or Employee Badge). Ages 3 years and older may receive the flu vaccination.
"This year the focus is on community immunity," said Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah, chair of the Human Services committee. "It’s important that we all take steps to protect each other, and these library clinics are a terrific way to reach more members of our community."
Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community this winter by getting a flu shot this fall.
Vaccinations are provided by the Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency. For more information about vaccinations visit www.mvnaflushot.org or contact the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5000.
Come to Anoka County Library during the month of October to see the original classic movies that brought your favorite monsters to life. These timeless black and white movies from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s still have the power to scare and bring a chill to the spine. These original monsters are sure to inspire ideas for a great Halloween costume.
"Considering we’re known for the Halloween Capitol of the World, this is most appropriate" said Anoka County Commissioner Robyn West. "The genre has existed since the silent film era and it’s fun to see these characters come alive again!"
Classic Monster Movies will be shown at the Northtown Library on Wednesday evenings during October from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The Northtown Library is located at 711 County Road 10 NE in Blaine. Different monster movies will be shown at the Rum River Library on Tuesday afternoons in October from 3:30p.m.-5:30p.m. The Rum River Library is located at 4201 6th Avenue in Anoka.
The Classic Monster Movie series is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. All programs are free. Film buffs may contact the Northtown Library at 763-717-3267 or the Rum River Library at 763-576-4695 for a listing of the films that will be shown.
Attend the theater at your local library! On Saturday, September 18th at 2:00 pm, CLIMB (Creative Learning Ideas for Mind and Body) Theater will present Anansi the Spider at the Mississippi Branch Library, located at 410 Mississippi Street NE in Fridley.
Anansi the Spider is a 30 minute mini-play, adapted from a West African folktale. Designed for ages 3-8, the performance is accompanied by 20 minutes of activities that introduce the book that inspired the performance.
Anansi the Spider is a master of trickery. Using a rock that has magical powers, Anansi tricks the Elephant, the Rhino, the Giraffe, and even the Lion out of their suppers. But when Anansi tries to trick the clever Spotted Deer, the tables are turned and Anansi is left with no supper.
This entertaining and educational performance is free and open to the public, but seating may be limited. Anansi the Spider is presented by CLIMB Theater and Anoka County Library in partnership with MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency) and is funded with money from Minnesota’s Art and Cultural Heritage Fund.
For more information call 763-571-1934 or visit your local library.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,
compliments of Anoka County Library
Anoka County Library, in partnership with the Lyric Arts Theater is pleased to offer a "Page and Stage" experience on Sunday, September 19th beginning at 12:30 pm at the Lyric Arts Main Street Stage. Lyric Arts Theater is located at 420 E. Main Street in Anoka. During this afternoon of drama, participants will delve into the world of Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tennessee Williams and his play, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
This program is free and appropriate for adults 18 years and older, but registration is required and seating is limited. To reserve a spot, contact the Main Street Box Office at 763-422-1838 and mention the Anoka County Library Cat on a Hot Tin Roof "Page and Stage" program.
As the cast and crew prepare for the performance, participants will meet in the theater for a presentation by facilitator Cristopher Tibbetts. Cristopher will share insights into the background of the play and its playwright, Tennessee Williams, and give the "inside scoop" on this particular production. Participants will then enjoy the performance of the play. After the performance, participants are invited to stay for a Post-Show Talkback where the cast and director hold a question and answer session with the audience.
"This is a great opportunity for theater buffs to get further into the action without getting on stage," said Commissioner Jim Kordiak, library board liaison. "This program is a great way to learn more about the creative genius of Tennessee Williams, and experience this terrific production at Lyric Arts."
This event is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. For more information about this program and the Anoka County Library, visit www.anoka.lib.mn.us. For more information about Lyric Arts Theater, visit www.lyricarts.org.
Anoka County Library Eligible for Grant to Improve Free Computer and Internet Services for Community Residents
Anoka County Library has been notified it is eligible for a $16,250 Opportunity Online hardware grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help provide free, high-quality access to computer workstations at Mississippi Branch in Fridley. The two-year Opportunity Online hardware grant program will provide funding to replace computers at the library, as well as for advocacy training. The grant program is focused on helping libraries which serve populations most in need and vulnerable to having their technology services become obsolete. Anoka County Library must find funding to supplement the grant by an additional $9,750 over the two year grant period.
Nearly 40 percent of Americans still lack internet access at home. Public libraries are a critical link to technology for many who cannot afford the service. Millions of Americans use computers and the internet at libraries to earn long-distance learning degrees, start and advance small businesses, find critical health information or jobs, learn English, get e-government information, and more. Anoka County Library provides free access to the internet at all locations; a valid library card is necessary to use the service.
"Computer and internet access have become essential services that our customers demand," said County Commissioner and Library Board Liaison Jim Kordiak. "It is critical that we provide these resources so our library can help county residents access the information they need to thrive and contribute fully to our community. Anoka County Library hopes that half of the new grant-supported computers will be available to library users by later this year."
"We welcome new library users and encourage people to visit their local library to find resources to help them during these difficult economic times," said Library Board President, Cathy Montain.
More information on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is available at: www.gatesfoundation.org.