Featuring Our Own:
Libraries offer much
more than just books March fundraiser will go toward bringing in live raptor program 
Great River Regional Library: Janet Katterhagen, Nancy Potter, Amanda Wehrspann, Mary Koczur, Heather Smieja
Local libraries can be considered a swiss army knife of knowledge. In addition to having services most known to people -- checking out items such as books or DVDs -- libraries also offer a wide array of other services like internet access, genealogy websites, printing, programs, and the list goes on and on.
For branches in the Great River Regional Library (GRRL) system, there is a new fundraiser that began at the start of March. In the past, GRRL has encouraged people to make donations of $5 through their "High $5" campaign. That has changed this year, as people may now donate any amount with a set goal to help bring something to each individual local library. In Long Prairie, the library will be raising money to cover the cost of a program that would bring in The Raptor Center to town this July.
It is an event that is separate from their usual programs throughout the year, as it is not a part of the Legacy fund.
"We have the Legacy money, but it doesn't cover every type of program. This one is outside of it, so we thought we would try to get it. I feel like people will like having an eagle in the library," said head librarian Nancy Potter about the raptor program. "We have a very specific goal and every penny people give is going to stay here in Long Prairie this year." The program is a learning experience where teachers explore the different types of raptors found in Minnesota and their role in the environment. Participants learn the three key features of all raptors and learn why they are different from other birds. They also talk about success stories about raptors such as the peregrine falcon and bald eagle. Long Prairie will attempt to bring in this program. Other libraries will choose their own programs, or may elect to raise money for items like couches. The bottom line, the money raised will stay local. "As we started reviewing survey results, we thought we would have more success if we planned a fundraiser that would keep the money locally," said Abby Faulkner, who works in public relations at GRRL. "People like giving to their libraries, not systems." The goal in for bringing the program to Long Prairie is $646.75. People may fill out the short form and give the tax-deductible donation to staff at the check out desk, or mail it to: GRRL, 1300 W. St. Germain, St. Cloud, MN 56301. Make checks payable to GRRL. 
A wealth of services
At the Long Prairie library alone, over 56,000 items were checked out in 2017. That included 20,300 DVDs, over 32,000 books, and 3,500 audio books. Internet stations were used 3,872 times and the WiFi was accessed more than 3,000 times. There are also several programs put on for people of all ages throughout the year. These often range anywhere from magicians to authors to musical events, as well as classes that help teach participants art and technology. "You try to get programs throughout the year and try to have a mix for adults and kids," noted Potter, whose branch gets $1,700 from the Legacy fund to go toward these programs. To find upcoming programs, visit www.griver.org or stop in at a local library. 
A library card allows access to many useful resources. Many of these are lesser known to be offered at libraries, including:
-Driving test practice -LearningExpress Library - a source for studying for occupation exams -Lynda.com - a website for learning a new skill -Reference books - encyclopedias, directories, etc. -Genealogy - websites like Ancestry.com are free with a library card. -Homework help for elementary, middle, and high school students. "People pay a lot of money to use ancestry.com and you can use tha for free with the library edition using their library card," Faulker noted. GRRL also offers one-on-one help and has designated individuals available for scheduling around the region people may sign up for as part of the "book a librarian" program. If someone doesn't know how to use a new smart device, they may set up a time to be tutored on the device. Learning how to use that smart device also offers a big advantage for using library services as well. The GRRL website is a great resource on its own, as card holders are able to do many things like ordering books and managing accounts while also having access to all the databases available.
Another one of those resources includes GRRL's new e-book and e-audiobook platform called "Axis 360." GRRL is the first library system in Minnesota to offer it. It is added to the current program "OverDrive."
Axis 360 is compatible with most devices and cardholders are able to download e-books and e-audiobooks using it. Another new thing at GRRL is suite of resources, called "MN Writes MN Reads," to help local authors connect with local readers and beyond. It's a free, user-friendly collection of tools for creating, publishing and sharing e-books with readers across the state and potentially the country. The resource helps give local writers broader exposure and give readers access to locally-produced content. 
At the end of the day, Potter believes one of the best services the library offers happens to be what its best known for.
"We get delivery five days a week," she said. "People order something and ti can be here in a day or two, which is kind of an amazing thing." The Long Prairie library is open six days a week. M - 1-7 p.m., T - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., W - 12-6 p.m., Th 1-7 p.m., F - 12-6 p.m., Sat. - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
Read down fines
In the past, libraries have had two times throughout the year to allow kids 16 and under to come in to the library and read down fines. That has changed to a year-round opportunity where kids can come into the library to read and get rid of $1 for every 15 minutes of reading. The event only applies to fines, not cost of lost items. Kids may check in with library staff to get started. "The fundraising for it was so successful that we have the funds to do it," Potter said. "If you see kids sitting around the library, that's often why they're here." 
Walking Trails in Long PrairieHistory of Long Prairie
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Chamber Director: Luan Thomas-Brunkhorst
Chamber Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30-2 pm Friday 8:30-12 pm Please contact me at (320) 732-2514. chamber@longprairie.org I am in and out of the office a lot, so please call before coming or take your chances. Location: @ the LP Library 42 3rd Street North Thought of the day
“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” ― Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina DOWNTOWN VISION PLAN- draft
HOUSING SURVEY
The Todd County Council on Aging (TCCA) joined with the Todd County Housing and Redevelopment (HRA) to complete an “Affordable Housing study for Senior Housing. It is their mission to obtain information which would help developers to create affordable housing for seniors. By helping to provide information supporting the building and seniors and the community at large have strongly encouraged me to work toward the development of housing which is safe and affordable! FILL OUT a survey on-line tinyurl.com/toddcountyhousingsurvey 
Education, Schools and Community Ed WebsitesSenior Center ActivitiesUpcoming Chamber & Community Events
REPEATED EVENTS:
Preschool Story Time Join us as we use our imagination and learn about animals with stories, flannel board stories, songs and crafts to build kindergarten readiness. We ask that an adult be present to assist their child(ren) with craft projects. For ages 3-6. Siblings welcome! Limit 10. Tuesdays, May 8 @ the Long Prairie Library 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. Rainbow Rider- FREE rides within the City limits CentraCare Health-Long Prairie now offers free rides to the clinic, hospital, nursing home from your Long Prairie home within the city limits. ***Call the Rainbow Rider at 1-800-450-7770 to schedule a ride. It’s best to schedule your ride two days before your visit.
**EXTENDED HOURS- Rainbow Rider now available in Long Prairie (city limits)
Mon-Fri until 5:30 p.m. Rides must be scheduled by calling dispatch at 800-450-7770 prior to 5:00 p.m. 
Rainbow Rider Ride to Sauk Centre- EVERY THURSDAY
$10.00 round trip Departure 10:30am from Long Prairie Arrival 1:30pm back in Long Prairie For more information click here: Rainbow Rider Ride 1-800 450 7770 Senior Center - OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 10 TO 3pm 320 732-2282
APRIL
Band Concert: 5-8 LPGE
April 23rd. 5-8 Band @ LPGE secondary school Community Garden Meeting April 25, 2018 City Hall council chambers @ 7pm 
Share in Life Celebration
Fundraising Banquet April 26, 2018 at 6:30pm @ St. Mary's in Long Prairie Dinner & Speaker: Gina Kennedy RSVP NOW: 320 533-0976
Long Drive-In- OPEN FOR THE SEASON
SEASON OPENER April 27,28,29 *** AVENGERS INFINITY WARS approx 8:45 BLACK PANTHER approx 11:00 Also playing May 4,5,6 Gates open at 6:30 Prices: adults $7 / 6-11 $3 / 5 and under FREE Price includes BOTH movies. Annual Quilt Show @ Trinity Lutheran 610 2nd Ave SE April 27, 2018 from 1:30-3:30pm Smelt Fry Friday, April 27th 5 - 8 pm @ Thunder Lodge Spring Craft Sale & Fine Collectible Sale April 28th, 2018 from 9 am to 4 pm. Long Prairie Senior Center 50 3rd Street North, Long Prairie, MN CRAFTERS/COLLECTORS NEEDED!!! CONTACT JODI OR LAUNETTE AT 320-732-2282 Prairie Quilters 2nd Annual Quilt Show April 28, 2018 10am-2pm @ First Baptist Church 401 4th Street S. Vendors, refreshments and raffles $3.00 entry Junior-Senior Prom April 28, 2018 @ LPGE secondary school auditorium 5:30pm grand march MAY Cinco de Mayo May 4, 2018 from 5-7pm Long Prairie Grey Eagle secondary school
JUST FOR KIX: Long Prairie Area Spring Shows
Saturday, May 5th. Show Times: 4:00 and 6:30pm Admission: $6.00/adults; $4/students; age 5 & under free Let us take you on a Sea Cruise!!!!! Spring Choir Concert: LPGE 7-12 May 7 at 7:30pm @ LPGE secondary school Painting Party Thursday, May 10th @ 6:00 pm Long Prairie Senior Center Cost: Members $30.00 Non-Members $35.00 You can choose for one of these two awesome paintings!!! Light refreshments will be served
MORE CALENDAR EVENTS: Click - Events Calendar
Welcome New 2018 Chamber Members !
Dragon Willow Winery (April) Prairie Quilters (April) Todd County Master Gardeners (April) Mi Pueblito Grocery store & Restaurant (April) Todd County Health & Human Services (March) Long Prarie Midwives (January) Lady Dog Design (January) Thank you, also, to all of you who have renewed your membership! We appreciate you and could not do this without you! NEW- Small Business Consultants Listing! 
View the Long Prairie & Osakis
2015 Visitors Guide Click on the PDFs below
Electronic Sign Use and Fees Schedule
Please click the link above to download our Sign Use Policy and Fee Schedule. If you would like to use the sign (either as a Chamber Member or as a non-member) please fill out the last page of the form and enclose any payment (non-member) for use of the sign and return to the Chamber office. Thank you. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Community GardenWant More Information on Community Gardens? Call City Hall 320 732-2167 Follow this link for photos and more information about the Community Gardens.
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