All library Legacy programs are free and open to the public.
For more information, contact the sponsoring library or organization.
Calendar of Events
Arts, History, and Cultural Programs in Viking Library System
These projects are funded in part or in whole with monies from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage fund.
Abraham Lincoln Campaign Banner, ca. 1864
Abraham Lincoln Campaign Banner, ca. 1864
Abraham Lincoln Campaign Banner, ca. 1864
© Universal Pictures
April
Art exhibit
TESTIFY: Americana, Slavery to Today
This powerful exhibit features selected pieces from the Diane and Alan Page Collection of African American art and artifacts, presented as a large-format, high resolution photo display. The aim of the exhibit is to help bridge divides, deepen dialogue, and encourage action on justice.
Through Monday, April 15 | During library hours
320.589.1634
In-person program
Stephen and Trisha Speed Shaskan Musical Storytime
Children’s book creators Stephen Shaskan and Trisha Speed Shaskan perform a family musical storytime featuring their engaging books. All ages are welcome.
Thursday, April 4 | 6:30 pm
320.589.1634
In person program
Seven Possibilities for Line Breaks in Poetry for adults
Bring the Loft to You virtual writing series
Led by teaching artist Michael Kleber-Diggs
In this workshop, students will study seven possibilities for line breaks in poetry. The session will include written exercises, discussion of the seven strategies, and consideration of why line breaks matter so much in poetry.
Registration required at tinyurl.com/Writing-Spring2024
Wednesday, April 10 | 6:30-8:00 pm
Hosted by Fergus Falls Public Library
Art Exhibit
TESTIFY: Americana, Slavery to Today
This powerful exhibit features selected pieces from the Diane and Alan Page Collection of African American art and artifacts, presented as a large-format, high resolution photo display. The aim of the exhibit is to help bridge divides, deepen dialogue, and encourage action on justice.
Friday, April 26 - Thursday, May 9 | During library hours
218.739.9387
Online program
TESTIFY: A Virtual Conversation
Retired Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page and his daughter Georgi Page-Smith discuss the TESTIFY: Americana from Slavery to Today Exhibit that has been traveling to libraries around Minnesota.
Registration required at bit.ly/TESTIFYconversation
Tuesday, April 30 | 7:00-8:00 pm
Hosted by Plum Creek Library System, in partnership with Viking Library System and other Minnesota regional public library systems
In-person program
Stamped from the Beginning: Film Screening
A companion program to the TESTIFY Exhibit
Using innovative animation and expert insights, this 2023 documentary explores the history of racist ideas in America, based on Ibram X. Kendi's National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas.
Tuesday, April 30 | 6:00-7:30 pm
218.739.9387
May
Art exhibit
TESTIFY: Americana, Slavery to Today
This powerful exhibit features selected pieces from the Diane and Alan Page Collection of African American art and artifacts, presented as a large-format, high resolution photo display. The aim of the exhibit is to help bridge divides, deepen dialogue, and encourage action on justice.
Through Thursday, May 9 | During library hours
218.739.9387
In-person program with online option
Social Justice Book Club: Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You
A companion program to the TESTIFY Exhibit
This history of racist and antiracist ideas in America, from their roots in Europe until today, is adapted by Jason Reynolds from the adapted from the Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award winner Stamped from the Beginning.
The event will take place in person and online via Zoom. Registration is required for Zoom.
Monday, April 22 | 6:30-7:30 pm
218.739.9387
In-person program
Argylle: Movies@the Library
Elly Conway is a successful yet reclusive writer of spy thriller novels. While preparing her latest manuscript, she unwittingly becomes embroiled in the schemes of a nefarious underground crime ring and taps into her academic knowledge of espionage to tackle the case.
Tuesday, April 30 | 6:00-7:30 pm
218.739.9387
June
In-person program
Children's Author Kevin Lovegreen
The author of the Lucky Luke's Adventures series describes the team involved in creating a book: author, editor, illustrator, designer, and printer. He'll also answer audience questions about writing and publishing a book – and about how his own stories came to life.
Wednesday, June 5 | 10:30 am
320.563.8487
Wednesday, June 5 | 3:00 pm
320.695.2318
Thursday, June 6 | 10:30 am
Douglas County Library in Alexandria
320.762.3014
Thursday, June 6 | 2:00 pm
320.392.5666
Thursday, June 6 | 6:30 pm
Thorson Memorial Library in Elbow Lake
218.685.6850
Monday, June 10 | 10:30 am
218.863.7055
Monday, June 10 | 2:00 pm
218.346.4892
Tuesday, June 11 | 10:30 am
320.589.1634
Tuesday, June 11 | 1:00 pm
218.346.4892
Tuesday, June 11 | 6:30 pm
218.739.9387
Wednesday, June 12 | 10:30 am
Parkers Prairie Elementary School
518 South McCornell Avenue
218.338.4079
Program is open to the public.
Wednesday, June 12 | 1:00 pm
218.385.2436
In-person program
Kurt Hunter Marionettes: “Feathers and Strings”
This delightful, amusing, and eclectic showcase features an assortment of intricate marionettes are the featured performers in. Each carefully handcrafted marionette reflects the many years that puppeteer Kurt Hunter has spent perfecting his craft.
Thursday, June 20 | 10:30 am
Douglas County Library in Alexandria
320.762.3014
In-person program
CLIMB Theatre: “Country Mouse & City Mouse: Adventures in the Suburbs”
In this continuation of Aesop’s fable, mouse cousins decide to take their next adventure to more neutral grounds – the Suburbs – but can’t agree on what to do once they arrive. Will conflict tear apart their relationship, or will they learn to compro-mice and celebrate their differences?
Monday, June 24 | 10:30 am
218.863.7055
Monday, June 24 | 2:00 pm
218.385.2436
Monday, June 24 | 6:30 pm
218.739.9387
Tuesday, June 25 | 10:30 am
Douglas County Library in Alexandria
320.762.3014
Tuesday, June 25 | 3:00 pm
320.695.2318
Tuesday, June 25 | 6:30 pm
Thorson Memorial Library in Elbow Lake
218.685.6850
Wednesday, June 26 | 10:30 am
Boys & Girls Club of the Perham Area
221 Fox Street, Perham
Hosted by Perham Area Public Library (218.346.4892)
Program is open to the public.
Wednesday, June 26 | 2:00 pm
Lion's Park in Vergas (Rain location: Vergas Event Center)
140 West Linden
218.302.5996
Wednesday, June 26 | 7:00 pm
415 Douglas Avenue, Henning
218.548.5760
Thursday, June 27 | 10:30 am
320.589.1634
Thursday, June 27 | 2:00 pm
Central Square Gymnasium
105 2nd Avenue NE, Glenwood
Hosted by Glenwood Public Library (218.346.4892)
Thursday, June 27 | 5:00 pm
320.392.5666
Friday, June 28 | 10:30 am
320.563.8487
July
In-person program
Dazzling Dave Yo-Yo Master
National Yo-Yo Master and world record holder Dave Schulte demonstrates the art and skill of yo-yo performance.
Tuesday, July 9 | 10:30 am
Douglas County Library in Alexandria
320.762.3014
Tuesday, July 9 | 1:00 pm
218.346.4892
In-person program
James Wedgwood Comedy and Ventriloquism
James Wedgwood uses comic ventriloquism, a cast of surprising characters, and audience participation to offer “The Most Fun You Can Have Without Moving Your Lips!"
Tuesday, July 9 | 10:30 am
320.563.8487
Tuesday, July 9 | 3:00 pm
320.695.2318
In-person program
Brodini Comedy Magic Show
With his unique combination of wit and charm, Graylyn Morris dazzles children, teens, and adults with his classical style of magic.
Tuesday, July 16 | 1:00 pm
218.346.4892
In-person program
Schiffelly Puppets: "Mr. Ree and the Mystery of the Non-Environmentally Friendly Dragon or 'What’s the Big Stink About?'"
With his unique combination of wit and charm, Graylyn Morris dazzles children, teens, and adults with his classical style of magic.
Tuesday, July 16 | 1:00 pm
218.346.4892
In-person program
In this drop-in artmaking event, teaching artist Peter Haakon Thompson and his assistant guide participants to create their own customized, carved wooden signs, inspired by the vernacular of Northern Minnesota cabin signs. All ages are welcome.
Limited number of signs per location.
Thursday, July 18 | 1:00-4:00 pm
320.695.2318
Friday, July 19 | 9:00-12:00 noon
Evansville City Park
2nd Street to the south curves and dead ends into the park.
Hosted by Evansville Art Center (218.948.2787)
Friday, July 19 | 2:00-5:00 pm
218.346.4892
Saturday, July 20 | 10:00-1:00 pm
218.863.7055
Saturday, July 20 | 3:00-6:00 pm
415 Douglas Avenue, Henning
218.548.5760
Sunday, July 21 | 11:00-1:00 pm
Creative Arts Center
112 Main Street West, Battle Lake
Hosted by Art of the Lakes (218.864.8606)
In-person program
Phil Baker: Music for a Kid’s Life
With his red guitar, Phil Baker shares his signature style, catchy tunes, and heartfelt lyrics in an interactive concert encourages individual expression and group engagement.
Tuesday, July 23 | 10:30 am
320.563.8487
Tuesday, July 23 | 3:00 pm
320.695.2318
Updated April 24, 2024