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Off the Shelf: Time like the turning of a page

In his early play, “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” William Shakespeare gave us this thought on time. In the opening act, Lord Berowne speaking to King Navarre declares, “At Christmas, I no more desire a rose, than wish a snow in May’s new-fangled mirth; but like of each thing that in season grows.” Such is one of only three references to Christmas in all of Shakespeare’s works. It is interesting that he chooses to tie Christmas to time. Centuries after Shakespeare but almost two centuries before today, Charles Dickens also connected Christmas with time by haunting Ebenezer ...

Park & Rec Report

The New Ulm Recreation Reopening - We are excited to announce that Governor Walz’s Executive Order allows us to re-open the Rec Center on Saturday, Dec. 19 under the following conditions: 1. Masks must be worn at all times, including during exercise 2. Self screening before entering is required and if you answer yes to any of the questions, do not enter building 3. Members must check in at the Welcome desk prior to exercising 4. 12 feet physical distance required when exercising and 6 feet during all other times 5. Please utilize our sanitation wipes to disinfect equipment ...

Off the Shelf: New DVDs at the library

Get the popcorn and comfy attire ready! New Ulm Public Library has added several new DVDs to our collection and you will want to stop in and pick some up! Today I’m going to talk about some of the recent nonfiction additions to the library. There are many other new releases arriving too. I’m sure you have heard of the infamous Hatfield and McCoy feud. The PBS documentary “The Feud” (975.4404 Feud) will take you “beyond the myth to show how the feud was ignited.” Also of historical interest is “American West Season 1” (978.02 America 1). These are the unknown stories of ...

Public Health Corner: Maintain your physical and mental health during difficult times

In this unprecedented time of working from and staying home, here are some tips to maintain your physical and mental health: 1. Create routines, both personal and work-related. Wake up and get ready at the same time, as if you are going to work or class. Make time for yourself before jumping into school or work demands, even if it is just a quick cup of coffee, while you plan the day. Even though it is tempting, get out of your pajamas. Showering and getting ready for the day, can help you feel focused and energized. 2. Designate a regular, quiet workspace and keep it organized. Keep ...

Antiques & Collecting: Spatterware dates back to the 1700s

It is easy to guess what this is -- a rainbow spatterware water pitcher. But how old is it? Spatterware was first made in the late 1700s in England, but most found today dates from about 1800 to 1850 in Staffordshire, England, made to sell in the United States. Unfortunately, the word “spatterware” now has several meanings, probably because novice collectors didn’t realize there is a difference between spatter and spongeware. Another hazard is that there are fairly good copies of spatterware made today to be used in the kitchen. Experts can tell the old from the new by the shape, ...

Off the Shelf: Reflections on the year

This is my last Off the Shelf of 2020. As 2021 approaches, I’m reflecting on the year that we’ve had, the fantastic staff at the library, and the devoted library patrons in our community. As I mentioned in April, I didn’t think that the future ever held closing a public library, our community gathering space to its patrons, our public. It’s been a year unlike any other for the library. When the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to close in the spring, we found new opportunities in the library to organize contactless pickup, answer reference questions over the phone, find unique ways ...