Welcome to the monthly Library Connections e-newsletter! Keep up on everything that's happening at Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library.

View as Webpage

 

New Exterior Art at the Library!

 

Local Art Transforms 6th Street Windows


There is a growing movement in Bismarck to infuse our cityscapes with creativity and beauty with local art, and the library is no exception. The library recently added colorful, inspiring art on the east side windows facing 6th Street. Local artist Crystal Tretbar created twelve unique art pieces that have been transformed into window coverings conveying the following qualities: happy, energized, inviting, fun, modern, all ages, universal, and colorful. The library’s Public Information Specialist, Kevin R. Tengesdal, created two digital art pieces to accompany Tretbar’s collection. This installation not only beautifies the library’s exterior and engages the community, but also provides Tretbar and Tengesdal with a platform to showcase their talent.


Library Director Christine Kujawa said, “Anyone passing by on 6th Street will be treated to a visual experience that connects them to not only the library but the community. The window coverings are attractive and engaging works of art that transform the exterior of the library into a vibrant art gallery.”


The Friends of the Bismarck Public Library provided funding for this creative project. Thank you, Friends!

Exterior Library Sculpture on Avenue A

 

Please stop by the library and see our newly installed exterior sculpture on the south side of the building facing Avenue A, funded entirely by the Bismarck Library Foundation. Library Director Christine Kujawa and staff brainstormed designs for the past couple of years, intending to add a colorful and inviting art piece that aligns with the recently updated exterior siding and library brand. Our Public Information Specialist, Kevin R. Tengesdal, created the design, with construction and installation by Mann Signs, Inc.

 

Tengesdal stated, “I was thrilled when Christine asked me to design a sculpture incorporating our library’s logo. I experimented with a few different ideas before settling on a design that features books soaring through the air to form our logo’s star. It was exhilarating to watch Mann Signs, Inc. install the sculpture and see my 2D vector artwork transformed into a three-dimensional work of art.”

 

Mann Signs, Inc. owner and president Scott Bina shared that they were happy to be involved in such a unique project, which adds to the welcoming and positive ambiance of the library.

 

Thank you to the Bismarck Library Foundation for funding the construction and installation of this beautiful sculpture, which is available for everyone passing by to enjoy!

 

Recent Highlights

 

Friends of the Library Fall Used Book Sale Breaks Record!


Who says no one reads anymore? Our incredible community begs to differ! The Friends of the Bismarck Public Library’s recent Fall Used Book Sale raised $24,709, plus an additional $902 in donations, making it the most successful sale ever! We send a huge thank you to our community of readers who shopped at the sale. Additional thanks go to our fantastic Friends of the Library volunteers! It takes many hands and many hours of work to put together a successful book sale. Volunteers devoted an incredible 1,120 hours of their time since last March to make it all happen. Our Friends are the best! The funds raised from used book sales benefit numerous programs and services at the library. We’ll see you again at the next sale – March 7-9, 2024.

 

New Heating Equipment Installed


The Bismarck Library Foundation’s funding supports visible and unseen needs essential to the library. Recently, the library’s heating equipment became less reliable and required replacement, which called for funding outside its operating budget. A generous supporter donated $130,000, which helped purchase two new commercial boilers. The new boilers are more energy efficient and will help reduce the library’s carbon footprint. Installing these boilers will create a more sustainable future for the library. Building and Grounds Manager Lynn Bryntesen displays the boilers that will keep patrons and staff comfortable on winter’s chilly days.

Welcome New Staff Members


Our library is thrilled to announce the addition of new staff members to our team! These talented individuals are eager to help you discover new worlds, learn new things, and explore your creativity.


Millie – Shelving Associate

Patty – Circulation Services Associate

Nicole – Circulation Services Associate

Gretchen - Adult Services Associate I

 

November Featured Programs & Events

 

Ballroom Dance Basics

Thursday, Nov. 02, 6:30 PM: Introduction to Waltz

Thursday, Nov. 30, 6:30 PM: Introduction to Foxtrot

Meeting Room A


Whether you are a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, we invite you to join us for an evening of fun and excitement at Ballroom Basics. Our experienced instructor from Northern Plains Dance will guide you step-by-step through the fundamentals of “lead and follow,” “basic footwork patterns,” and musicality in various popular dance styles, including Waltz, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing, Salsa, and Argentine Tango.

Move It or Lose It

November 6, 13, 20, 2023, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Meeting Room B


Get your body moving in a safe and fun environment for 60 minutes. Explore movement and improve mobility, posture, balance, and gait. Incorporating dance elements with corrective exercise, this class is open to anyone experiencing limited mobility or balance issues. Instructors from Northern Plains Dance are leading this fun class.

 

Children's Library Programs

 

IT’S HER FINAL COUNTDOWN!


Six Weeks Left of Story Time

with Miss Sparkles

October 30th through December 7th

Final Dance Party Open House


Dec. 9, 2023, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Children's Library Story Room


Join Miss Sparkles for one last dance in the story room at the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library!

LEGO Club for Kids

Nov. 30, 2023, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Children's Library Story Room


Children ages 10+ meet to build with LEGO bricks. Junior Makers ages 5-9 are welcome with a caregiver aged 12+. The library has a collection of LEGO bricks and minifigures for children to use. Please leave your own at home. No snacks are allowed during LEGO Club, but covered drinks are welcome.

 

Teen Programs

Maker Monday

Nov. 6, 2023, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Teen Headquarters


Have you ever wondered how to use the equipment in Teen HQ? 6th-12th graders are welcome to stop by on Monday, November 6th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM to learn the basics for using the Cricut machine and make a project to take home. Please feel free to come and go as you have time in your schedule.

Teen HQ Board Game Night

Nov. 14, 2023, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Teen Headquarters


Hang out with other board game enthusiasts to play some favorites or try something new. FREE and open to students in middle and high school.

 

November Programs & Events

 
 

Health Education Series:

21 Days to a Healthier You

November 2, 2023, 1:30 PM

Meeting Room B

 

Crafternoon: Zentangle Leaf Art for Teens

November 2, 2023, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Teen Headquarters (HQ)

 

Ballroom Basics: Waltz

November 2, 2023, 6:30 PM

Meeting Room A

 

Introduction to Beaded Earrings for Teens and Adults

November 4, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Teen Headquarters (HQ)

 

Teen Video Game Tournament:

Super Smash Bros

November 4, 2023, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Teen Headquarters (HQ)

 

Henna Tattoo Workshop for Teens and Adults

November 4, 2023, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Teen Headquarters (HQ)

 

Adult Mobility Class: Move It or Lose It

November 6, 13, 20, 2023, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Meeting Room B

 

Teen Maker Mondays: Cricut

November 6, 2023, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Teen Headquarters (HQ)

 

Job Service North Dakota Booth

November 7, 2023, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Main Floor

 

Yoga for Beginners - Teen and Adult

November 7, 21, 28, 2023, 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM

Meeting Room B

 

Readers Voice Book Discussion:

The Watchmaker's Daughter

November 7, 2023, 7:00 PM

Missouri River Room

 

Virtual Author Visit for Teens with Gordon Korman

November 8, 2023, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Teen Headquarters (HQ)

 

Children's Library Movie Day:

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (PG)

November 9, 2023, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Children's Library Story Room

 

Teen Video Game Tournament:

Mario Kart 8

November 9, 2023, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Teen Headquarters (HQ)

Library Movie Night:

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (PG-13)

November 9, 2023, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Meeting Room A

 

Children's Library Movie Day:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

Mutant Mayhem (PG)

November 10, 2023, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Children's Library Story Room


Strictly Mysteries Book Club

November 14, 2023, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Missouri River Room

 

Teen Board Game Night

November 14, 2023, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Teen Headquarters (HQ)

 

Basic Genealogy Class

November 14, 2023, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Meeting Room C

 

Crafternoon: Pulled String Painting

November 16, 2023, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Teen Headquarters (HQ)

 

Nonfiction Book Club:

The Triumph of Nancy Reagan

November 16, 2023, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Missouri River Room

 

Take and Create Craft Kits - Watercolor Art

November 17, 2023, 3:00 PM

Pick up at the Adult Information Desk

 

BASA Beginner Rocket Building Experience for Families

November 20, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Meeting Room B

 

LIBRARY CLOSED - THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2023, ALL-DAY

 

Volunteer Club for Teens

November 28, 2023, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Teen Headquarters(HQ)

 

Holiday Crafternoons at Teen HQ:

Holiday Ornaments

November 30, 2023, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Teen Headquarters (HQ)

 

LEGO Club for Kids

November 30, 2023, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Children's Library Story Room

 

Library Game Night

November 30, 2023, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Meeting Room B

 

Ballroom Basics: Foxtrot

November 30, 2023, 6:30 PM

Meeting Room A

 

There's always a lot going on at the library! Check out the library's Events Calendar on our website for complete program and event information.

Library Events Calendar
 

In The News

 

Try My Job


KFYR-TV's "Try My Job" reporter Christa Kiedrowski came to the library to try out being a librarian for a day. She did great and had so much fun! Watch her, Hannah and Emily, and Miss Sparkles and Collette in the episode on KFYR-TV's website:

https://www.kfyrtv.com/video/2023/10/06/nd-today-try-my-job-librarian/ 

 

Mobile Library

 

Mobile Library Route 1

November 2, 2023,

10:30 AM - 2:30 PM


Augusta Place: 10:00-11:30

Sierra Court Apartments: 11:45

Century Cottages: 12:00

Brandon Heights: 1:40

Door of Hope: 2:00

Baptist Health Care: 2:15

Shiloh ESP: 2:30

Mobile Library Route 2

November 9, 2023

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM


Touchmark: 12:30

Missouri Slope: 2:00

Jeanette Myhre: 2:30

Enable: 2:45

Bismarck Senior Center: 2:50

Northland Pace: 3:00

Pioneer: 3:15

YMCA: 3:30

Mobile Library Route 3

November 16, 2023

10:30 AM - 4:00 PM


Crescent Manor: 10:30-11:30

Hay Creek Lodge: 1:15-2:15

Edgewood on Dominion: 2:30

Edgewood Village-Door 3: 3:00

Edgewood Village-Door 1: 3:10

 

Burleigh County Library

 
Fall Schedule

The bookmobile will be on the road and on a roll this fall throughout Burleigh County. All stops are open to the public, so if you see our library on wheels out and about, stop in and check us out.

 

Friends of the Bismarck Public Library

 

Love the Library? Be a Friend!


The Friends of the Bismarck Public Library is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing public awareness and use of the library through cultural, educational, and social activities. The Friends also raises funds to supplement and enhance library programs and services. There are many ways to get involved and support the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library by volunteering with Friends of the Library activities! 


If you love the library, show your support by becoming a Friend today!

Join the Friends

The Library Connections Newsletter is sponsored by the Friends of the Bismarck Public Library.

 
 
Document _1_.png

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library

515 N 5th Street

Bismarck, ND 58501

 701-355-1480



ask.a.librarian@bismarcklibrary.org

Library Hours

Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM


Visit Our Website
Facebook  Instagram  YouTube