Breaking News

Lifestyle Columns

Off the Shelf: Dig Into Reading

By Kathryn Tatnall Youth Services Librarian New Ulm Public Library’s summer reading program, “Dig Into Reading” begins on Monday, June 5, 2023 and runs through July 30, 2023. The summer reading program is open to ages birth to those entering their high school senior year. This year reading logs will be available for pick up in the library starting Tuesday, May 30. Children up to the age of eleven can pick up a reading log in the children’s room. Read at least 20 minutes a day for a week to fulfill the reading goal. Each week they can stop by the children’s desk to check ...

Antiques & Collecting

Memorial Day is a time to both honor individual memories and reflect on American history. Designers have drawn inspiration from American history for over a hundred years. Copies of styles from the early years of the American republic, or the Federal period, have been popular since the 1870s. This is when the Colonial Revival period began, celebrating the Centennial of the United States. Designers also celebrate American history by incorporating American symbols into their work. Stars and stripes, Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty and, of course, eagles often appear in furniture and decorative ...

Antiques & Collecting

Collectibles don’t need to be utilitarian. In fact, many of today’s collectibles have a purpose that has been lost to time. For example, how often do you see a toothpick holder in use? Toothpick holders, especially from the 19th century, are miniature examples of the beauty of art glass, pottery, porcelain or silver. They often resemble tiny vases or figurines and may sell for lower prices than larger pieces by the same makers. This porcelain toothpick holder sold at Woody Auction for $84. The auction describes it as “bag-shaped,” but it is an unusual example. Bag-shaped ...

Off the Shelf

Recently I read the book The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell. The subjects “baking competition” and “mystery” grabbed my attention. I love cooking and baking shows, as well as cookbooks and cooking so I was intrigued to see how a mysterious puzzle would be woven into a baking competition. The book was interesting, not only because of the subject matter but also because the first person narrations from the contestants intertwine and play off each other to tell the story. I find this technique especially compelling when I listen to audiobooks as it helps me really get to know the ...

Perfume bottles appeal to collectors

Perfume is always a popular Mother’s Day gift. It combines luxury and sentiment — the sense of smell is closely linked to emotion and memory — and lasts much longer than a bouquet of flowers. Perfume bottles are often works of art in and of themselves, increasing their appeal. They are popular collectibles, whether they contain perfume or not. There is even a major club for their collectors: the International Perfume Bottle Association (https://perfumebottles.org/). Antique and vintage perfume bottles sell well at auctions. As with most antiques, a famous maker increases the ...

New nonfiction at the library

I visited Flandrau State Park recently and was happy to see campers in the campground. It is that time of year when campers come out of storage in preparation for camping season. If you are planning a camping trip, I have just the books for you! “Where Should We Camp Next?: National Parks: The Best Campgrounds and Unique Outdoor Accommodations in and around National Parks, Seashores, Monuments, and More” by Stephanie & Jeremy Puglisi (917.3 Puglisi). Whew, that’s a long title! It is divided according to regions in the country, so you can go right to the area you are interested in ...