Winona Public Library Reads discussion

Join the Winona Public Library and Conservation Minnesota as we read The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson from February 10th to March 15th.

The Seed Keeper is a Minnesota-based book that centers around the character Rosalie Iron Wing. Rosalie grew “up in the woods with her father, Ray, a former science teacher who tells her stories of plants, of the stars, of the origins of the Dakota people. Until, one morning, Ray doesn't return from checking his traps. Told she has no family, Rosalie is sent to live with a foster family in nearby Mankato.” Throughout the book, “she learns what it means to be descended from women with souls of iron - women who have protected their families, their traditions, and a precious cache of seeds through generations of hardship and loss, through war and the insidious trauma of boarding schools.” – From the Publisher

Beginning the week of February 10th, free copies of the book will be available in area little free libraries from Rollingstone to Winona as well as at the library. These books are made possible with the help of the Friends of the Winona Public Library.

Several events will happen in conjunction with the read:

On Friday, February 21st at 2pm in the Library’s Bell Art Room, Conservation Minnesota will lead a class on Recycled Paper Prairie Seed Ball Making. Participants will learn the importance of native prairie seeds and then make their own seed balls using recycled paper to plant in the spring. Registration is required for this class. To register, go to winona.lib.mn.us/prairie-seed-ball-ma... or call the Library’s Reference Desk at (507) 452-4860.

The Winona Public Library will then lead a discussion of the book on Wednesday, March 5th at 2pm in the Bell Art Room. Each free copy of the book will have book discussion questions that personal group can use; these will also be used at this event. Everyone is invited to attend regardless of whether you finished the book and whether you enjoyed the book or not. Registration is not required for this program.

On Friday, March 7th at 2pm, join Conservation Minnesota and Winona Public Library for a March through Prairie Island Park (1340 Prairie Island Rd, Winona). Participants will walk along the Crooked Slough Trail and learn about the native prairie seeds planted there and the invasive Buckthorn that has been removed. Registration is required for this program. To register, go to winona.lib.mn.us/prairie-island-natur... or call the Library’s Reference Desk at (507) 452-4860.

The concluding event will feature author of The Seed Keeper, Diane Wilson. Wilson be at the Winona Public Library on Saturday, March 8th at 11am. She will talk about the book and a signing will follow. Bring your free copy of the book or purchase one at the event.

These events are made possible with the help of a SELCO Community Reads Grant, the Friends of the Winona Public Library, Conservation Minnesota, and the Winona Public Library.