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Off the Shelf: Connect and learn at the library

We are grateful for the wonderful communities that we serve. You all have been so supportive over the past year with all of our efforts to adapt and serve as we were able. Thank you! As of June 1, we are back to our full normal hours. You can visit the library Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our study and seating areas are back too, so if you want to beat the heat, work on a project, or have a quiet place to work or study, we’re happy to have you in the library again. Not only that, but the regular programming we offer ...

Family Living Focus: Tips for Time Management

We are always looking for ways to do things better and more efficiently. Try some of the following “Tips for Time Management” to help you out at work, home and in your personal life. • Ask yourself “Do I really need to do this?” Many things in your life tend to not need doing. Some people have a hard time saying “no” or “I’m not going to do this.” Realistically ask yourself if it has to be done and if it is important. If the answer is no, then don’t do it. Make time for you and schedule it on your calendar. If you don’t schedule your fun times, you probably ...

Off the Shelf: Books on the Go

In honor of June, Audiobook Month, we need to talk about listening to books. I am a longtime audiobook enthusiast, so I may be a little biased, but if you haven’t started listening to your favorite books yet, what are you waiting for? Give audiobooks a try! Everyone is once again on the go after the past year of staying close to home. Listening to an audiobook is an entertaining way to get your reading in while driving somewhere. New Ulm Public Library has a whole section of audiobooks in the upper level in the nonfiction area. You will find both fiction and nonfiction selections ...

Antiques & Collecting: Furniture styles evolved during Victorian era

Victorian furniture was larger, heavier and usually darker and much more ornate than the mid-century or even modern pieces used today. The houses were large and dark. The electric light was not invented until about 1805, and the candles and oil lamps used for light could only illuminate a small area. Big carvings could be seen, dark wood covered some of the flaws and wealthy homeowners who bought the expensive furniture had large homes with big rooms and the furniture was styled to show off the size and wealth. The best furniture makers and designers in New York favored George ...

Family Living Focus: Overcoming Depression

Everybody feels "down" or "blue" sometimes. If these feelings are very strong or last for most of the day nearly every day for two weeks or longer, they may be due to a medical illness called depression. The good news is that depression can be treated. You do not have to face this challenge without help. Here are some warning signs of depression. Changes in the way you feel: • You feel sad, hopeless, or guilty most of the time. • You feel tired or lack energy. • You have thoughts of suicide or death. Changes in sleeping and eating habits: • You sleep either too ...

Canton china with its blue and white decoration has been a popular collectible for many years, but few can distinguish it from the other early or modern Chinese blue and white china. It has been popular for centuries partly because cobalt blue coloring was safe to use when decorating dishes. Red ware and pewter contained dangerous lead. By 1710, the Chinese made at least four patterns of Chinese export porcelain that included landscape designs. Two of the most popular were Nanking (1770-1820) and Canton (1785- 1853). Nanking was decorated with a willow tree, boat, teahouse, birds and a ...