SEPTEMBER

​Community Storytelling Festival: Storytelling Workshop for Caregivers of Youth

Onalaska Public Library - 741 Oak Ave S, Onalaska, WI 

September 7th, 2024 | 10:00AM

Storytelling connects us to our world and to each other, and this is especially true between caregivers and youth. Stories both entertain and transmit values and meaning through the generations. They’re also critical to our neurological development—from birth through the teenage years—and a major contributor to resilience and mental health. Learn more from your La Crosse County Library youth librarians about how you can incorporate storytelling into your everyday interactions with youth and the incredible difference it can make as you learn and live and grow together. Workshop includes hands-on storytelling activities and information for adults and onsite crafts for youth.

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Community Storytelling Festival: Multicultural Storytelling Panel

Onalaska Public Library - 741 Oak Ave S, Onalaska, WI 

September 7th, 2024 | 11:00AM

Join us to learn the culture, traditions, and stories of local refugees and immigrants. A panel of storytellers will share their experiences with the group, highlighting their journey and adjustment to life in the United States. This activity is offered in partnership with Project FINE, a nonprofit organization in Winona, Minnesota, whose mission is to create an inclusive community by serving refugees and immigrants and building connections across cultures.

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Art Book Circle featuring The Artivist

La Crescent Community Building - 336 S 1st St, La Crescent, MN

September 8th, 2024 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM

Art Book Circle was created as a hands-on alternative to traditional book clubs. We engage participants with literacy through art. Using the book, "The Artivist," we organize an event which includes hands-on arts and literacy projects, discussion questions, and extension activities based on the book.

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The Pearl Button and Clamming Industry

September 12th, 2024 | 5:00PM

Winona Public Library - 151 W 5th St, Winona, MN

‘Clamming’ was a major industry along the Mississippi River from 1890 through the 1920s and beyond. Fortunes were made by taking ‘clams’, actually fresh water mussels, out of the river and making buttons out of the shells. Taking on the role of a clammer’s wife, Terry Visger will share the story of how the mussels were harvested, of the pearls that were sometimes found, and a bit about the button making process. Following the story, Terry’s presentation will include a talk about freshwater mussels, one of the most endangered species in the US. Refreshments and food will be provided by Sandbar Storytelling Festival. This program is brought to you by both SELCO and the Minnesota Arts, Cultural, and Legacy Amendment.

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Instrument Petting Zoo

September 14th, 2024 | 12:00PM - 2:00PM

Onalaska Public Library - 741 Oak Ave S, Onalaska, WI 

Ever wonder what it would be like to play a musical instrument? You’ll get your chance when this fun “string farm” petting zoo visits the library. Kids get to try out a variety of string instruments with the support of musicians from La Crosse Symphony Orchestra and Leithold Music. In addition to musical arts and crafts activities, attendees can also enjoy live performances throughout the event of The Lorax set to music by a string quartet. Informational resources on area lesson and instrument purchase options will be available. No registration required.

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Home Brewing

September 16th, 2024 | 6:00PM

Hazel Brown Leicht Memorial Library - 702 Industrial Dr, West Salem, WI 

Register beginning August 26th HERE!

Learn to brew your own beer at home with LAGERS Brew Club. You will learn about the basic ingredients, process and equiptment needed to brew your own beer. You'll also be entered into a drawing to win a home brewing kit! Registration opens August 26.

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Artists' (and Puzzlers') Swap

September 19th, 2024 | 3:00PM - 6:00PM

Holmen Public Library - 121 Legion St W, Holmen, WI

September 3-17 (Holmen Library Circ Desk): Drop off lightly used craft supplies/puzzles

September 19 (Holmen Library Meeting Room): Come pick out free craft supplies/puzzles! Free hot chocolate and a make-and-take craft. All ages welcome.

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Creativity, Connection, Community

September 21st, 2024 | 10:30AM - 12:00PM

La Crosse Public Library - 800 Main Street, La Crosse, WI

Register HERE!

Creativity can foster connections and our sense of belonging, which helps build healthy, resilient communities. Join Community Engaged Artist Sarah Johnson of The Joy Labs for this FREE opportunity to learn a little about the power of creativity–and get creative together! No art experience necessary. Supplies will be provided.

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Book Discussion

September 23rd, 2024 | 10:00AM

La Crescent Public Library - 321 Main St, La Crescent, MN

Join us for a book discussion on on Big Magic!

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*CANCELLED* Four Ways of Being a Woman Artist in a Man's World

September 24th, 2024 

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Pint Size Polka

September 26th, 2024 | 3:30 PM

Wieser Pavilion Wiser Memorial Park - 1817 County Rd 6, La Crescent, MN

Open to All Ages. Help protect the polkasphere with Pint Size Polkas! Mike Schneider will bring to your library all the theme-fitting music, magic, comedy, education and fun you can handle in 2024! Mike's music will have your patrons of all ages singing, clapping, and dancing along to songs. Age-appropriate trivia questions, jokes, and a special edition of name that tune will pay special attention to the environment, from Paul Bunyan's creation of the Great Lakes so his Blue Ox Babe could get a decent drink of water, to theme songs from popular movies and TV shows with environmental connections.

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Mobile Sign Shop

September 28th, 2024 | 10:00AM - 1:00PM

Winona Public Library - 151 W 5th St, Winona, MN

Make your own wood sign with the Mobile Sign Shop (MSS) on Saturday, September 28th from 10AM-1PM! Draw your design on a blank wood sign, MSS staff will carve it out with a router, and then you paint it! All ages are welcome. Registration is not required but quantities are limited. This program is brought to you by both SELCO and the Minnesota Arts, Cultural, and Legacy Amendment.

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Cultural Relief Printmaking

September 29th, 2024 | 2:00PM - 4:00PM

La Crosse Public Library - 800 Main Street, La Crosse, WI 

Register HERE!

Come learn about the exciting history of relief printing and the importance of Hmong cultural identity at a free printmaking workshop with local artist Shoua Yang of CeevTsegPress, at the La Crosse Public Library on Sunday, September 29th. Engage with artist Shoua Yang, view a collection of relief prints consisting of rich cultural narratives, and learn to print!  

OCTOBER​

Book Discussion

October 2nd, 2024 | 2:00PM

Winona Public Library - 151 W 5th St, Winona, MN

Read and discuss Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert.  Tell us what you thought - did you like the book or not, did you finish it, and mire/  Share your reflection of the book with other like-minded people.  Registration is not required; however, if you are unable to obtain the book, fill out the the form to receive a copy.

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Disco Night

October 3rd, 2024 | 5:45PM - 7:00PM

Holmen Public Library - 21 W. Legion St, Holmen

Register starting September 5th HERE!

Come dance the night away to fun disco music, and discover why dancing is good for your body, brain and spirit! Taught by La Crosse Dance Centre Owner and Artistic Director, Nikki Balsamo. Registration opens September 5th.

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Watercolors: Drippy Loose Florals

October 4th, 2024 | 2:30PM - 4:30PM

Winona Public Library - 151 W 5th Winona, MN 

Registration is required!

On Friday, October 4th from 2:30-4:30PM in the Winona Public Library, join Willomina Art Studio for an experimental watercolor class!  Participants will gain endless inspiration with fresh bouquets of flowers on the tables while painting on two large sheets of watercolor paper plus a practice sheet.  Registration is required.  This program is brought to you by both SELCO and the Minnesota Arts, Cultural, and Legacy Amendment.

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Nature, Poetry, Community, Modernity: Writing our Complex Natural-Cultural Moment

October 5th, 2024 | 1:00PM

La Crescent Community Building - 336 S 1st St, La Crescent, MN

Poetry can be a wonderfully non-narrative, sensual form, having the capacity to capture the phenomenal relationship we have with the non-human living world. But how does this form and content adapt to a world fraught with threats of environmental collapse? Through guided discussion and a couple reading and writing prompts, we will consider how contemporary nature writers can navigate between romanticizing the natural sphere, eulogizing its death, and poeticizing environmentalism, towards simply embodying and rendering. Poet and artist Moheb Soliman will discuss his own process with these pursuits and pitfalls in writing HOMES, his critically acclaimed debut ecopoetic poetry book about the Great Lakes region. Participants will explore how we dwell in natural-cultural spaces and encounter wilderness today and together we will seek to reckon with human desire, humility, and even alienation and ambivalence in this era where nature poetry and climate change must co-exist.

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Vision Board Workshop

October 8th, 2024 | 10:00AM - 11:30AM

Hazel Brown Leicht Memorial Library - 702 Industrial Dr, West Salem, WI

Register beginning September 17th HERE!

Vision boards help us create a powerful vision for our dreams and goals, and a pathway for achieving them. In this workshop you will create your own vision board to guide you in making your dreams and goals a reality. Additional details will be forwarded with registration confirmation.

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Allergy Friendly Baking Magic

October 9th, 2024 | 5:30PM

La Crosse Public Library - 800 Main Street, La Crosse, WI

Register HERE!

Learn the art of allergen-free baking with Sarah Burns, the owner of Omega Bakery! Gain valuable insights into accommodating various food allergies as Sarah shares how allergy-friendly baking has sparked her creativity and innovation. Plus, receive personalized advice to adapt your cherished recipes into allergy-friendly bakes by emailing a copy of your recipe and allergy restrictions to programteam@lacrosselibrary.org.

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Cultural Relief Printmaking

October 10th, 2024 | 4:00PM - 6:00PM

Sparta Free Library  - 124 W Main St, Sparta, WI

Register by emailing s.snyder@wrlsweb.org or calling 608-269-2010 ext. 6

Come learn about the exciting history of relief printing and the importance of Hmong cultural identity at a free printmaking workshop with local artist Shoua Yang of CeevTsegPress. Engage with artist Shoua Yang, view a collection of relief prints consisting of rich cultural narratives, and learn to print!  

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Wool Felting 

October 12th, 2024 | 11:00AM - 12:30PM

Holmen Public Library  - 121 Legion St W, Holmen, WI

Register HERE!

Give yourself permission to create and trust in your personal creative genius in a Felting workshop with regional artist and educator Martha Buche. Using a rainbow selection of wool roving colors, come create your own Wool Felted image. 

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Martha Buche is a regional artist and educator of indigenous heritage who believes that every person has an innate well of creative energy. She believes that to find wholeness as we walk this earth, we must each discover satisfying ways to express and delight in this beautiful gift. She teaches many classes supportive creative expression from preschool to college and at festivals, folk schools, and libraries. She wants every person to find their creative bliss and teaches in many media to support that goal. She wholeheartedly agrees with the sentiments of Elizabeth Gilbert in her book Big Magic--that we should all aspire to creative living and not let doubts about our imperfection stop us from the joy of creation. We shouldn't get stuck or think less of ourselves for our imperfections, but embrace our uniqueness.

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Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day with Sam and Travis Zimmerman

October 14th, 2024 | 6:00PM

Wieser Pavilion, Wieser Memorial Park - 1817 County Rd 6, La Crescent, MN

Sam and Travis Zimmerman are descendants of the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe. Sam is a Duluth-based artist who explores his heritage through art. His work can be found in the books How the Birds Got Their Songs and Following My Spirit Home: A Collection of Paintings and Stories, and on social media @CraneSuperior. His cousin Travis is the site manager at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. Together, Sam and Travis are continuing the Anishinaabe tradition of storytelling, sharing stories that were passed to them from their great-grandmother through Travis’s father. In this author chat, Sam and Travis will share the process of creating their books and including their heritage in their stories. 

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Storytime for Adults

October 15th, 2024 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM

The Pump House - 119 King St, La Crosse, WI

Join us to hear your favorite local librarians and performers read some of our favorite short stories and essays at The Pump House. This month's theme focuses on drama and is a part of our Regional Read Programming!

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Cultural Relief Printmaking

October 17th, 2024 | 5:00PM

McIntosh Memorial Library - 205 S Rock Ave, Viroqua, WI

Come learn about the exciting history of relief printing and the importance of Hmong cultural identity at a free printmaking workshop with local artist Shoua Yang of CeevTsegPress. Engage with artist Shoua Yang, view a collection of relief prints consisting of rich cultural narratives, and learn to print!  

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Book Discussion

October 17th, 2024 | 5:30PM - 7:00PM

Franciscan Spirituality Center - 920 Market St, La Crosse, WI

Register HERE!

Join us at the Franciscan Spirituality Center to discuss Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. ​

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Bilingual Story Time (Spanish/English)

October 19th, 2024 | 11:00AM - 11:45AM

Hazel Brown Leicht Library - 702 Industrial Dr, West Salem, WI

Hola Means Hello! Immerse yourself in a bicultural Story Time. Explore la arte de México and learn Spanish phrases con Sonia in this special community art-inspired celebración. Geared toward ages 3-7 with their grownups, but all ages are welcome. No registration required.   

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Art as Meditation: Open Art Lab

October 22nd, 2024 | 5:30PM - 7:00pm

Franciscan Spirituality Center - 920 Market St, La Crosse, WI 54601

Register HERE!

Join us for a night of creative exploration at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in collaboration with the La Crosse Public Library. Explore a variety of creative mediums and connect with fellow creators in the spirit of this year's Driftless Regional Read, “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert. This event is open to participants of all artistic abilities. 

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Book Discussion

October 23rd, 2024 | 6:00PM - 7:00PM

Onalaska Public Library - 741 Oak Ave S, Onalaska, WI

Register here starting October 2nd!

Inspire your creativity with the Driftless Region and La Crosse County Library! Join us for a book discussion of Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestseller, “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear.”  Registration opens October 2. 

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Bilingual Story Time (Hmong/English)

October 26th, 2024 | 11:00AM

Holmen Public Library - 121 Legion St W

Nyob zoo kuv tus phoojywg--Hello my friend! Join us for books, a craft, a language lesson—and, if you’d like, a tasting of sesame balls.. Story Time will feature Kao Kalia Yang’s "A Map Into the World." Geared for ages 3-7 years and their grown-ups, but all ages are welcome. Registration not required.

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Carving Your Clan: Stonecarving Workshop

October 26th, 2024 | 1:00PM - 4:00PM

La Crescent Community Building - 336 S 1st St, La Crescent, MN

Register HERE!

Join us for this special workshop which blends ceremony, culture and art to deliver a unique hands-on experience. During this three-hour class participants will carve a physical representation from a natural material while developing an understanding of the Ojibwe worldview. All materials and tools will be furnished by Jeffrey, and the finished pieces will belong to the participants to take home.

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Book Discussion

October 28th, 2024 | 6:00PM - 7:00PM

Sparta Free Library - 124 W Main St, Sparta, WI

We are hosting the discussion on Monday, October 28 at 6pm for both kids (The Artivist) and adults (Big Magic). Registration is not required!

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Inspiration in the Archives

October 30th, 2024 | 5:30PM - 6:30PM

La Crosse Public Library Archives - 800 Main Street, La Crosse, WI
Register here!

Seeking to spark your creativity while awaiting inspiration? Join us at the La Crosse Public Library Archives to draw inspiration and creativity from local history materials. Immerse yourself in letters, diaries, photographs, and more, and then select an archival object as a catalyst for a poem, short story, or novel for NaNoWriMo. Not into writing? Visit the Creation Space to unleash your creativity through drawing, painting, and more after viewing the archival objects.​​​​​

NOVEMBER

Meditative Community Mandalas

November 3rd, 2024 | 2:ooPM - 3:30PM

La Crosse Public Library - 800 Main Street, La Crosse, WI
Register here!

Join local artist Heather Bach for a workshop on how to incorporate drawing mandalas into a daily mindfulness practice.  We will first practice some basic techniques and then spend time creating community mandalas. No artistic ability or experience required!

We will focus on letting go of any attachment to results and enjoying our time creating together.   Each participant will get to take home one of our communal creations.

The benefits of mindfulness practice include stress reduction, improved focus, concentration and emotional regulation, and better
overall well-being. It's used in settings ranging from clinical therapies to workplaces as a tool for personal development and mental
health enhancement.

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Copper Embossing

November 9th, 2024 | 11:00AM - 12:30PM

La Crosse Public Library - 800 Main Street, La Crosse, WI

Register here!

Come explore your creativity in a Copper Embossing workshop with regional artist and educator Martha Buche. Learn to "draw" a three-dimensional relief on copper foil inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's chapters on creative enchantment and our connection with divinity through this creative pursuit. Registration required and limited to 20.

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Martha Buche is a regional artist and educator of indigenous heritage who believes that every person has an innate well of creative energy. She believes that to find wholeness as we walk this earth, we must each discvoer satisfying ways to express and delight in this beautiful gift. She teaches many classes supportive creative expression from preschool to college and at festivals, folk schools, and libraries. She wants every person to find their creative bliss and teaches in many media to support that goal. She wholeheartedly agrees with the sentiments of Elizabeth Gilbert in her book Big Magic--that we should all aspire to creative living and not let doubts about our imperfection stop us from the joy of creation. We shouldn't get stuck or think less of ourselves for our imperfections, but embrace our uniqueness.

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Color Theory Painting for Kids

November 13th, 2024 | 4:30PM - 5:30PM

John Bosshard Memorial Library - 1720 Henry Johns Blvd, Bangor, WI

Register HERE!

Explore color theory and painting in this hands-on workshop for youth in grades 3 through 8. Participants will learn different color groups and how to tint a hue using acrylic paint and a color of their choice to make a beautiful background to their own design on stretched canvas. Youth will expand their art vocabulary with words and concepts like color wheel, warm and cool colors, tinting and shading, symmetry, and design. Space is limited. Registration required and begins October 4.

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Hip Hop Dance Adventure

November 16th, 2024 | 11:00AM

Holmen Public Library - 121 Legion St W, Holmen, WI

Come dance with us! We will learn about the history of Hip Hop and explore elements of Hip Hop, including writing rhymes. Most of all, we will dance, move, and groove nearly the whole time. Bring comfy shoes, and get ready to have a blast! Music and activities were selected to be youth-friendly. All ages welcome. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 

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Mindful Paper Marbling

November 17th, 2024 | 1:30PM - 3:00PM

La Crosse Public Library - 800 Main Street, La Crosse, WI

Register HERE!

Suminagashi, or ink floating, is an ancient and meditative Japanese marbling art. By floating ink on water with a brush and creating patterns gently encouraged with breath and brush and elements from the natural world, we capture monoprints on paper that express the unique realities of the current moment. Through a process that celebrates curiosity and intuition, suminagashi provides a healing pathway by which we can connect with ourselves and our environment to make something beautiful and surprising. Participants leave with finished pieces that can be enjoyed on their own or used as background for writing, painting, drawing, and more. No experience necessary! Registration required.  

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Dawn Tevis is a librarian and paper marbler who has enjoyed suminagashi as a book art and contemplative practice for more than 10 years. She is passionate about creative placemaking and explores through her work the dynamic reciprocity of inner and outer landscapes. Dawn has been the recipient of a Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council artist grant and a member of the Creative Community Leadership Institute cohort. She holds a Certificate in Book Arts from the Minnesota Center for Book Arts.

Finding Your Third Space

November 19th, 2024 | 6:00PM

La Crescent Community Building - 336 S 1st St, La Crescent, MN

Join Rick Kyte for a discussion on his new book, Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way), which takes an exciting new look at the essential gathering spaces in our society where friendships are formed, relationships are nurtured, and the tapestry of community is woven.

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Tile Mosaics

November 23rd, 2024 | 10:00AM - 11:30AM

Hatch Public Library - 111 W State St, Mauston, WI

Many of us got the wrong idea somewhere along the way that we aren't artists, but we actually are! Elizabeth Gilbert's book Big Magic inspires us t orediscover and celebrate our creative lives. Join us to find creative courage and practice artistic persistence as we create mosaics with ceramic tiles. Believe in your own creative genius. You are a creative being--come celebrate it!

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Martha Buche is a regional artist and educator of indigenous heritage who believes that every person has an innate well of creative energy. She believes that to find wholeness as we walk this earth, we must each discvoer satisfying ways to express and delight in this beautiful gift. She teaches many classes supportive creative expression from preschool to college and at festivals, folk schools, and libraries. She wants every person to find their creative bliss and teaches in many media to support that goal. She wholeheartedly agrees with the sentiments of Elizabeth Gilbert in her book Big Magic--that we should all aspire to creative living and not let doubts about our imperfection stop us from the joy of creation. We shouldn't get stuck or think less of ourselves for our imperfections, but embrace our uniqueness.