Special Activities
Silent Auction
This annual fundraiser, managed by the Minnesota Library Foundation, raises much-needed funds to support the mission of the Foundation: to distribute funds to enhance services and increase public awareness of Minnesota libraries. Click here to learn how you can participate.
Tours
- Tour #1: Northern Brights Jewelry-Making Class
Wednesday, October 14, 9:30AM – 12:00PM
This class takes place in the design/production studio and shop of Paige LaDue Henry, a local artist whose retail shop features her own fashion accessories such as bags, scarves, and jewelry. She also features the works of other local artists and fair trade products from around the world.
Class participants will make a stretch bracelet using assorted glass beads from many countries, such as India, Africa, and the Czech Republic. The boutique is just a short walk from the Civic Center: Northern Brights, 707 W Saint Germain, St. Cloud, MN. Cost: $15 (includes bracelet materials and light refreshments) - Tour #2: St. John’s Bible Tour
Wednesday, October 14, 8:45AM – 12:00PM
In 1998, Saint John’s Abbey and University commissioned renowned calligrapher Donald Jackson to produce the first monumental hand-written, hand-illuminated Bible of the modern era. We invite you to explore this work of art that unites an ancient Benedictine tradition with the technology and vision of today. Visit the St. John’s Bible at its home, the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library on the campus of Saint John’s University, to learn about the history and production of this magnificent work of art. Cost: $25 (includes transportation, tour, and light refreshments; buses load at 8:45AM) - Tour #3: Stearns History Museum
Wednesday, October 14, 8:45AM – 12:00PM
The Stearns History Museum is a great place to learn and experience more of Central Minnesota’s history. It is located in St. Cloud and features two floors of exhibits, a research library, a mini-theater, hiking trails, and more. Please join us for a special presentation by a local historian in character speaking about local history, browsing the exhibits, becoming acquainted with Sue the T. Rex that roamed North America, or a hike on the trails. Cost: $25 (includes transportation, museum tickets, and light refreshments; buses load at 8:45AM)
Dine-arounds
Wednesday, October 14, 6:45PM – 8:00PM
Want to check out some of St. Cloud’s best dining options? Traveling alone and looking for dinner companions? Attend a dine-around hosted by an MLA member. Reservations are limited to (10-12). Sign-up sheets will be located at the registration desk until 6:00PM. At 6:45PM, all Dine-Around participants are to meet their restaurant groups at the registration desk for directions or, in the case of close proximity, to walk together to their destinations.
- Anton’s – Passing under a covered bridge, you arrive at Anton’s. This restaurant, a local favorite, serves steak, chicken, seafood, and chops in a beautiful cabin-like atmosphere situated on the banks of the serene Sauk River in Waite Park, a few miles east of St. Cloud. Address: 2001 Frontage Road, Waite Park. Hosted by: Janie Labree, Great River Regional Library
- Café Renaissance – Café Renaissance is a sophisticated dining experience with a Mediterranean/European bistro atmosphere. The entrees, ranging in price from $8 to $25, consist of French, Greek, Italian, Moroccan, and (of course) American choices. The setting is elegant and peaceful with a truly friendly wait staff. A full bar is available. Café Renaissance is located next to Slumberland on Division Street in Waite Park. Hosted by: Heidi Hoks, Carver County Library
- LaCasita – LaCasita Mexican Restaurant offers a casual, relaxing, rustic atmosphere with many hand-painted murals throughout the cantina and restaurant. The menu has a wide variety of Mexican appetizers, soups and salads, fajita skillets, favoritos de Mexico, traditional Mexican plates, grilled dishes, and combinaciones. The restaurant is located in Waite Park and is easy to find. Hosted by: Pat Akerman, St. Cloud Technical College
- Mi Famiglia – Mi Famiglia is a new St. Cloud favorite with an Italian flair. As noted by the family on their website: “Growing up in a full-blooded Italian family, the significance of a family recipe is more than just good food—it is our history. Simple, high quality ingredients affectionately prepared are the foundations of my family’s traditional Italian cooking. My central and southern Italian heritage has influenced my entire life and infused my style of entertaining and cooking. …Mi Famiglia (‘my family’) has instilled a love of food and a deep understanding of the power it has to generate happiness.” Hosted by: Megan Ballengee, St. Cloud State University
- Sawatdee – This Thai restaurant serves authentic spicy curries, spring rolls, pad thai, and stir-fries. What really set them apart, however, are the famous spring rolls. There are lots of vegetarian choices at this restaurant. Sawatdee also has a beer list that includes Thailand’s own brew, Singha. For dessert, nothing is nicer than fresh mango with sticky sweet rice. Sawatdee is located at 800 Saint Germain Street in downtown St. Cloud. Hosted by: Vi Bergquist, St. Cloud Technical College
Fun Walk Along the Mississippi River
Thursday, October 15, 7:00AM
Enjoy a pleasant, energizing walk along the Mississippi River. The walk will be approximately three miles. Meet in the front of the St. Cloud Civic Center. Please be on time—the walk will start promptly at 7:00AM. Hosted by: Janie Labree, Great River Regional Library and Vi Bergquist, St. Cloud Technical College
Conference T-shirt Sale and Contest
|
Artist’s rendition: |
Get your conference t-shirt and be eligible to win a PRIZE!
The MLA 2009 Annual Conference is adding a fun twist on visiting vendors! Purchase an MLA 2009 Annual Conference t-shirt and wear it to the exhibit area as you visit vendors. Each vendor you visit will hand you a prize drawing entry form/ticket. Complete your entry forms/tickets and drop them in the collection box at the registration table by close of conference on Thursday for your chance to win a $100 gift card to any Target store. The contest winner will be drawn Friday morning. You do not need to be present to win on Friday. Of course, everyone is a winner because everyone has a great MLA t-shirt!
T-shirts are available in women’s V-neck, sizes S-XL ($12) and men’s crew neck, sizes S-XL ($12) and sizes 2XL-3XL ($15). All t-shirts are short-sleeved, 100% cotton, pre-shrunk, navy with khaki print and will include a conference-related imprint on the front and the MLA logo on the left sleeve.
Conference t-shirts must be pre-ordered and pre-paid.
