Minnesota Independent Scholars Forum: Electricity, Magnetism and Birds

"When we consider how physics applies to birds, we are inclined to think about topics such as the aerodynamics of flight, the mechanics of feathers and bills, the optics enabling eagle vision, the pigments and structural features that produce vibrant colors, the thermo......More

"When we consider how physics applies to birds, we are inclined to think about topics such as the aerodynamics of flight, the mechanics of feathers and bills, the optics enabling eagle vision, the pigments and structural features that produce vibrant colors, the thermodynamic demands of living under temperature extremes, or the acoustics of birdsong. We tend not to associate the seemingly more esoteric fields of electricity and magnetism with our avian neighbors, but there are fascinating ways in which they are relevant. This presentation will review several examples, with a focus on the mechanism by which birds are thought to perceive the earth’s magnetic field as an aid for navigation. Michael Hurben earned his PhD in physics from Colorado State University in 1996, where his research focused on magnetic resonance in ferrite materials. He has worked in academic and industrial settings, including over two decades in the magnetic recording industry. He is an avid naturalist and birder, and has accumulated a life list exceeding 5,000 bird species despite being legally blind. He is the author of The Physics of Birds and Birding (Pelagic, 2025)."

Family Storytime

A fun, dynamic program that includes books, songs, fingerplays, storytelling and movement activities to get kids fired up about reading while providing a strong foundation in early literacy skills. Appropriate for ages 2-5.  No registration required.

Drop-in Computer and Tech Help

Do you need extra help on the computer, tablet or other piece of technology? Are you searching for a job or working on a resume? Let us help answer your questions! Registration not required.

Yazeba's Bed and Breakfast: Teen Gaming

Yazeba's Bed and Breakfast is a fantasy slice-of-life tabletop roleplaying game about a heartless witch, a peaceful house, and all the guests who live there. The rules can be learned in 15 minutes and a chapter can be played in under two hours, but there are over 48 ch......More

Yazeba's Bed and Breakfast is a fantasy slice-of-life tabletop roleplaying game about a heartless witch, a peaceful house, and all the guests who live there. The rules can be learned in 15 minutes and a chapter can be played in under two hours, but there are over 48 chapters to experience in any order and over 50 premade characters to inhabit during their stay at the B&B, meaning it has enough material to fill an entire summer of fun and beyond. Teen fans of RPGs and Studio Ghibli films should reserve their spot here for weekly fun adventures. Open to anyone in grades 6-12. This program is funded with money from the Ramsey County Library Friends

MakerTeen: Button Character Collages

For tweens and teens in grades 6-12. MakerTeen is all about being creative, making new things, and using high-tech and low-tech tools to change your world. Join us for weekly hangouts where we will chat, make together, and share creations. Each week we will have a di......More

For tweens and teens in grades 6-12. MakerTeen is all about being creative, making new things, and using high-tech and low-tech tools to change your world. Join us for weekly hangouts where we will chat, make together, and share creations. Each week we will have a different project. This week we'll be making character collages with buttons. All supplies will be provided. This program is funded by the Ramsey County Library Friends.

Family Storytime

A fun, dynamic program that includes books, songs, fingerplays, storytelling and movement activities to get kids fired up about reading while providing a strong foundation in early literacy skills. Appropriate for ages 2-5.  No registration required.

Gaming Wednesdays

Join us to play board games and video games. You can bring your own board game or play one of the ones here. If you're interested in playing video games, we'll also have one of our systems, like the Nintendo Switch, set up. No prior gaming knowledge required. Snacks wi......More

Join us to play board games and video games. You can bring your own board game or play one of the ones here. If you're interested in playing video games, we'll also have one of our systems, like the Nintendo Switch, set up. No prior gaming knowledge required. Snacks will be provided. Open to anyone in grades 6-12. 

Human Stories, Legal Realities: Navigating Immigration in Minnesota

Join us for an evening of listening, learning and connecting as we work to build empathy and understanding in our community. Hear real stories from our neighbors who give insight into the legal challenges immigrants face. The panelists will bring different voices and......More

Join us for an evening of listening, learning and connecting as we work to build empathy and understanding in our community. Hear real stories from our neighbors who give insight into the legal challenges immigrants face. The panelists will bring different voices and perspectives to help us better understand what immigration looks like today. Human rights commissioner Alicia Dietsche will be moderating the panel. Panelists include: Zoe Martens from Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services. Eber Melchor-Martinez from Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina (COPAL.) Matthew Mockenhaupt from Ojala-Barbour Law Firm, PLLC. Paul Sullivan from ACLU Minnesota. University of Minnesota Law School's James H. Binger Center for New Americans. Hosted by the Shoreview Human Rights Commission and Ramsey County Library.

Baby & Me Storytime

A one-on-one storytime where babies sit on a caregiver’s lap for a short storytime followed by playtime. Baby & Me is intended to introduce the joys of reading, singing, and playing together to caregivers and their babies. Appropriate for ages 2-23 months. Space is l......More

A one-on-one storytime where babies sit on a caregiver’s lap for a short storytime followed by playtime. Baby & Me is intended to introduce the joys of reading, singing, and playing together to caregivers and their babies. Appropriate for ages 2-23 months. Space is limited to 15 babies with their caregiver on a first-come, first-served basis.

Knitting for Good

Do you love to knit (or crochet or quilt or sew)? Join us for this unique opportunity to gather with your crafty neighbors as we Knit for Good! Our drop-in group encourages you to bring your creative talents to support good causes, such as hats for premature babies ......More

Do you love to knit (or crochet or quilt or sew)? Join us for this unique opportunity to gather with your crafty neighbors as we Knit for Good! Our drop-in group encourages you to bring your creative talents to support good causes, such as hats for premature babies and welcome blankets. Bring your projects to work on during group time. All skill levels are welcome.

Drop-in Computer and Tech Help

Do you need extra help on the computer, tablet or other piece of technology? Are you searching for a job or working on a resume? Let us help answer your questions! Registration not required.

MakerTeen: Mini Bookshelves

For tweens and teens in grades 6-12. MakerTeen is all about being creative, making new things, and using high-tech and low-tech tools to change your world. Join us for weekly hangouts where we will chat, make together, and share creations. Each week we will have a di......More

For tweens and teens in grades 6-12. MakerTeen is all about being creative, making new things, and using high-tech and low-tech tools to change your world. Join us for weekly hangouts where we will chat, make together, and share creations. Each week we will have a different project. All supplies will be provided. This program is funded by the Ramsey County Library Friends.