Greetings from the Library! This is the first monthly column written by Library staff. Our goal is to let the Cloquet area community know more about the services freely available at the Cloquet Public Library.

Tax season is upon us. Many of you may be in the midst of gathering your documents and finding out where to get your taxes prepared. Staff at the library are happy to print off forms and instructions you need; unfortunately, the library does not receive paper tax return forms or instruction booklets. We are unable to give tax advice or answer questions, as we are not trained to do so and would not want to give bad advice. Free tax preparation through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is available at the library on Fridays, Feb. 8-April 19. Volunteers are IRS-certified. Please call Karen Laine at 218-499-8105 to make your appointment. There is also a limited number of walk-in appointments available on a first come, first served basis. You do not need to be an AARP member or meet an age requirement to get this free help.

February is National Library Lovers month, and we at the library are sharing the love. Monday, Feb. 11 through Saturday, Feb. 16 will be Fine Amnesty week. Anyone who brings in an item for the Salvation Army food shelf will be able to get their library fines cleared. Found a DVD hiding under the couch? Bring it in and a food item, such as a jar of peanut butter, and get your overdue fines cleared. Items especially needed by our local food shelf are peanut butter, hearty soups such as split pea or vegetable beef, canned meats, boxed meals, and cereals.

You may notice some new faces at the library this month. We welcomed Marna Butler-Fasteland on Feb. 4. Marna will be assisting Justin Dinger, our Youth Services librarian, with programs for ‘tweens and teens ages 10-18. Marna will be working afternoons and evenings, so feel free to stop by and say hello! Jeanie Granholm was promoted from 13-hour- to 20-hour-Library Aide. Jeanie will be at the circulation desk most mornings.

Upcoming Events: the Cloquet Public Library strives to be a center for lifelong learning in Cloquet. We offer a variety of free classes and workshops for all ages. All of these events are free and open to everyone; library cards are not required.

Are you a history lover? Archivist Christopher Welter of the Iron Range Research Center will discuss Minnesota’s connections to the RMS Titanic Thursday, Feb. 21, at 6:15 p.m. at the library. He will return Saturday, March 2 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss how you can discover the history of your house or land. Did any crimes take place? Did anyone die in your house? Find out the truth.

Do you know any teen chefs? The Power Up Healthy Snacks program meets 4-5 p.m. Thursdays. Teens will learn about cooking and nutrition and, of course, taste-test their creations. This program is offered in partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension Services. It is for teens in grades 8-12. Please call 218-391-8396 to register so we can be sure to have enough supplies.

Upcoming library events, etc.:

Learn how to talk to teens about topics in sexuality Monday February 11 at 8:00 am at the Cloquet Public Library. This webinar is for anyone who works with or cares for teens: parents, mentors, counselors, etc. This webinar and discussion is sponsored by the Cloquet Public Library, REACH Mentoring, and Carlton County Children and Family Services Cooperative.

The Cloquet Library Bookclub will meet Tuesday February 12 at 6:30 pm at the Historic Scott House. This month’s title is Edge of the Sea by Rachel Carson.

Teens will cook and eat healthy snacks at the Power Up Healthy Snacks for Teens program Thursdays at 4 pm starting February 14th at the Cloquet Public Library. This program is in partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension. For teens in grade 8 and up. Call (218) 391-8396 to register.