Friends of the Somerset Public Library

09/20/2024

SAT., SEPT. 21-"The History of Acadia" by Mark Labine--11:00 AM
St. Anne Catholic Church, 141 Church Hill Rd, Somerset, WI 54025
Register by email to: [email protected]
FREE EVENT--Light French-Canadian refreshments provided

Join the French-American Heritage Foundation of Minnesota in the French-Canadian village of Somerset, Wisconsin on Saturday, September 21 for a fascinating presentation on Acadian history by FAHF board member Mark Labine. The event will take place from 11 am to 1:30 pm at the gorgeous (and recently renovated) St. Anne Catholic Church, designed by French-American architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, who designed the Cathedral of Saint Paul and the Basilica of Saint Mary.

On September 21, Mark Labine will talk about the history of Acadia and its existence from 1604-1755. Acadia, a small French colony, existed for about 150 years before it was swallowed up by events beyond its control in 1755. Mark will discuss Acadia's demise during the French and Indian War, the Acadian deportation of 1755, and trace his Labine family migration from Acadia in 1755 to Minnesota in 1878. Many French-Canadians who live in Minnesota & Wisconsin today can trace their ancestry back to this colony.

Mark will also talk about his Somerset family connections. His great-grandparents, Albert Proulx Sr. and Leda Perrault, met and married in Somerset, and three of their children raised their families in Somerset and their descendants still live there to this day.

Mark was born and raised in Argyle "Frenchtown," Minnesota, on the farm homesteaded by his French-Canadian great-grandfather Alfred Labine, who had Acadian roots. Mark is the treasurer and a founding member of the French-American Heritage Foundation of Minnesota.

This presentation is sponsored by the French-American Heritage Foundation of Minnesota. Please register for the event by sending an email to [email protected]. Light refreshments will be provided. There is no cost to attend; however, goodwill offerings will be kindly accepted.

09/20/2024

08/29/2024

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9--SAVING THE AMERICAN KESTREL--6:30 PM
Somerset Public Library Wisconsin, 208 Hud Street, Somerset, WI 54025

Did you know that the American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America and that it's in trouble? Learn other interesting kestrel facts at our "Saving the American Kestrel" event, which takes place on Monday, September 9 at 6:30 PM in the Somerset Public Library's RCU Room. The Somerset Buds Garden Club is co-sponsoring the presentation with the Friends of the Somerset Public Library. This event is FREE & open to the public; no registration is required and light refreshments will be provided.

On September 9, speaker Jeanette Kelly of Beaver Creek Reserve will give a presentation on this stunning bird of prey, which made headlines in 2023 for its mysterious, sharp decline. Jeanette will discuss the American Kestrel's life cycle and habits, why it's experiencing population problems, and how we can help this spectacular species in our own backyard and beyond.

***All program attendees can register for a FREE kestrel nest box drawing, sponsored by the Friends of the Somerset Public Library! Drawing winner will be announced at the end of the event.

For more information about Beaver Creek's kestrel program, go to: www.beavercreekreserve.org/documents/american_kestrel_project.pdf For an illuminating article about kestrel populations, check out: www.nytimes.com/2023/06/05/climate/american-kestrel.html

08/29/2024

Check out this new addition to the Somerset Public Library's stacks! Just in time for our "Saving the American Kestrel" event on Monday, September 9, you can borrow the book "American Kestrel: Pint-Sized Predator," by Kate Davis, and read up on North America's tiniest falcon!

Then be sure to attend Jeanette Kelly's fascinating presentation on September 9, starting at 6:30 PM in the Somerset Public Library's RCU Room! There will be a FREE kestrel nest box drawing for program attendees! This exciting event is co-sponsored by the Somerset Buds Garden Club and the Friends of the Somerset Public Library.

You can find "American Kestrel: Pint-Sized Predator" in the MORE catalog at: https://more.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S164C2647025

Here's the book description from the MORE catalog:

"Colorful, noisy, and brash, the American Kestrel is the most endearing of North America's raptors. With its vivid rufous and blue-gray plumage, peppered with dashes of black and white, this bird of prey is instantly recognizable to both novice and expert bird watchers, whether it's diving for an insect on the wing or hovering over an open field while hunting for mice. The American Kestrel's distinctive call, readily heard from miles away, is another identifier that makes this predator more noticeable than others. There's no mistaking its klee, klee, klee, from which it received the nickname killy hawk."

"In 'American Kestrel: Pint-Sized Predator,' part natural history, part photographic exploration, renowned bird expert and master educator Kate Davis delves into the world of the American Kestrel, inviting you into the safe confines of its cavity nest and favored habitats. You'll learn about the American Kestrel's hunting tactics and prey, breeding strategies, migration paths and patterns, and the kestrel's current status."

"Their numbers are declining, and nobody's quite sure why. Davis enthusiastically imparts the wisdom she has gained through extensive research and firsthand experience. One hundred astonishing photos shot by Davis and award-winning photographer Rob Palmer illustrate in full-color glory the story Davis deftly weaves."
--From www.hawkwatch.org/support/store/books

08/21/2024

REMINDER: Wed, Aug 21--3RD WEDNESDAY Book Club--1:30 to 2:30 PM
Somerset Public Library, 208 Hud Street, Somerset, WI 54025
Discussing "I'm Glad My Mom Died" by Jennette McCurdy!

Join the Somerset Public Library's 3rd Wednesday Book Club on August 21 when they discuss the recent memoir "I'm Glad My Mom Died" by Jennette McCurdy. No registration required. This event is open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend!

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21--3RD WEDNESDAY BOOK CLUB--1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Somerset Public Library Wisconsin, 208 Hud Street, Somerset, WI 54025
Discussing "I'm Glad My Mom Died" by Jennette McCurdy!

Join the Somerset Public Library Wisconsin's 3rd Wednesday Book Club on August 21 when they discuss the recent memoir "I'm Glad My Mom Died" by Jennette McCurdy. No registration required. This event is open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend! To place a hold on "I'm Glad My Mom Died," whether in book, audiobook or ebook form, go to the MORE catalog at: https://more.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S164C2594497

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by "iCarly" and "Sam & Cat" star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life.

Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy.

So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?” She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.

In "I’m Glad My Mom Died," Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail—just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. Cast in a new Nickelodeon series called "iCarly," she is thrust into fame.

Though Mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi (“Hi Gale!”), Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships.

These issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the "iCarly" spinoff "Sam & Cat" alongside Ariana Grande, her mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants.

Told with refreshing candor and dark humor, "I’m Glad My Mom Died" is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.

08/21/2024

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21--CRAFT TIME--2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Somerset Public Library Wisconsin, 208 Hud Street, Somerset, WI

Check out this incredible group of local artists and join in their crafting camaraderie! Bring your own project to work on and discuss your creative interests with other enthusiasts. For adults 18+. No registration required. Meets every Wednesday afternoon, except holidays, etc.

08/16/2024

NOW THRU SUNDAY, AUGUST 18--STAR PRAIRIE'S OXCART DAYS!!!
www.oxcartdays.com

Did you know that the Somerset Public Library's History Room covers the history of Star Prairie and the Town of St. Joseph, as well as Somerset? The community of Star Prairie celebrates its history and heritage every year at its annual Star Prairie Ox Cart Days, full of fun, food, & activities! Read on for more about the Village & Town of Star Prairie.

From the Village of Star Prairie's website:

"In 1854, Trueworthy and Thomas Jewell migrated west from New Hampshire to St. Croix County. Recognizing the opportunities the area offered, the enterprising brothers purchased 700 acres along the beautiful Apple River. Within four years they had built not only their homesteads, but a sawmill and gristmill as well. As other pioneer families arrived, they named their growing community Jewelltown. The name changed to Star Prairie in the late 1800s, Major Edmond Otis, son-in-law of Trueworthy Jewell, observed one evening, while traveling home from Foster’s Crossing (now New Richmond), 'how beautiful the stars are tonight over the prairie.' Star Prairie was officially named a Village on July 28, 1900."
https://villageofstarprairie.com/history/

From the Town of Star Prairie's website:

"The Town of Star Prairie was created July 28, 1856. It was settled by German, Norwegian, Irish, French, English and Polish immigrants. It is located at latitude 450945N and longitude 0923536W. The town originally included the towns of Stanton and Erin Prairie. Stanton was divided off in 1870. The town has three large water bodies, Cedar Lake and Squaw Lake and the Apple River, which crosses the town diagonally from the northeast to the southwest."
https://townofstarprairiewi.gov/town-history/

08/14/2024

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14--CRAFT TIME--2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Somerset Public Library Wisconsin, 208 Hud Street, Somerset, WI

Check out this incredible group of local artists and join in their crafting camaraderie! Bring your own project to work on and discuss your creative interests with other enthusiasts. For adults 18+. No registration required. Meets every Wednesday afternoon, except holidays, etc.