Given our record-breaking snowfall last month, a note about the weather seems to be in order. In general, Washington County Library branches are open during inclement weather, but some events may be postponed or cancelled. On questionable days, please check our online events calendar before you head out to make sure the program you’re planning to attend is still on.

And even if you’re not leaving the house, WashCoLib can help! Resources like BookFlix and materials in our digital collection are available no matter what it looks like outside. If you need help getting started, visit our Library Apps page or talk with your favorite local librarian.

Keep reading to check out some of our programming highlights for the month of March!

Don Winslow is coming to Woodbury!

We’re excited to be welcoming internationally renowned thriller writer Don Winslow to R.H. Stafford Library in Woodbury on March 20. Winslow has published more than 20 books over three decades, but is probably best known for his trilogy on the United States War on Drugs, which concluded in February with publication of The Border. Winslow is coming to Woodbury thanks to Club Book, a series that brings best-selling authors to libraries around the Twin Cities. You can find the full Club Book schedule on their website.

Spotlight On... Good Eats

As winter hangs on into another month, we’ve got food on the brain. Whether you want to hunker down with creative comfort foods, help your kids develop a love of cooking, or become an expert on a kitchen gadget (Instant Pot, anyone?), our collection of print and digital cookbooks can help. We’ve mixed up several great cookbook lists on our blog to get you started – check them out!

Mark Moran is back!

We’re bringing Antiques Roadshow to WashCoLib when appraiser Mark Moran visits Hardwood Creek Library on March 26 and R.H. Stafford Library on March 25. Moran, a contributing editor for Antique Trader magazine and author of more than 25 books, specializes in appraising vintage folk art, Americana, and fine art. This popular program fills quickly, so visit our calendar for more information about how to sign up for a slot to have an antique appraised.

Cultural events for all ages

Thanks to Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (the Legacy Amendment), we’re able to bring a range of outside performers to the library. This month, learn about the art of stenciling at Lake Elmo Library, try out a 100-year-old letterpress at Hardwood Creek Library, try making your own pet portrait at Park Grove Library, and more. See all of the Legacy Amendment-funded programs in our calendar.

After school at WashCoLib

Several WashCoLib branches host a series of regular after school programs for kids and teens. During these events, our librarians organize crafts, set up games, and more. Stop in to check one of them out:

Hardwood Creek Library – Teens can play Magic: The Gathering on Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m., or stop by our regular Teen Hangout on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.
Oakdale Library – Teens can takeover the library meeting room Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. for video games, projects, computers, and more.
Park Grove Library – Park Grove hosts Teen Crafternoons every Tuesday at 3 p.m. and a Teen Lab Fridays at 3 p.m. There’s also a Kids Lab for elementary-aged visitors on Tuesdays at 3 p.m.
R.H. Stafford Library – We host a weekly Crafterschool program on Wednesdays at 3 p.m., and will be doing afternoon drop-in crafting for Spring Break, March 11-15, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Wildwood Library – Wildwood has a new After School Game Room, every Monday at 3 p.m. Stop in to play board games, video games, card games and more.