The Open World Program at the
Martin County Library System
October 2003
 Learning about our automation system, which libraries in Russia currently don't have (except for larger cities like Moscow). They are still using a card catalog system but they all saw the value of having a computerized circulation program and are hoping to see one in their libraries soon! Also pictured on the left is Sergei who served as our interpreter and lives in Shakopee, although originally he lived near Murmansk, Russia. |
 Our welcoming reception on Monday, their first full day at our library. Those attending including city officials, board members, Mayor Chuck Groth, Senator Rosen, Rep. Gunther, Shelly Eckles from Rep. Gil Gunther's office, and members of the community. |
 We visited our local historical society, and the ladies took a break while visiting a turn-of-the-century classroom. Marnie Brodt served as our guide and did a wonderful job showing the ladies the history here in Martin County. |
 We were blessed with exceptionally nice weather for October and we took advantage of it during our walks around town and by spending some time at the lake. Once the ladies left to go back to Russia, the weather dropped about 10 degrees. |
 As part of the experience staff and hosts were involved in several outings with our guests, including a bowling outing on Tuesday night. For almost all of the Russians this was the first time they had ever gone bowling, and judging by all the laughter they had a wonderful time! |
 Judy Paulson was one of our hosts, and here she is showing Nina, Anna and Mariya pictures from some of her travels. |
 Regional Library Systems are unfamiliar to Russian Librarians, so the trip to visit our regional system, Traverse des Sioux, was quite an eye-opener for them. In their libraries they have to do all the cataloging and acquisitions locally, whereas here in America we form regional systems and share those responsibilities among libraries, making the practice far more efficient, effective and practical. |
 As part of the experience we visited the St. Paul Public Library and met with their staff as well as the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, a nationally recognized and very effective Friends group. |
 A trip to St. Paul isn't complete without a visit to the State Capital. |
 On Friday we took a quick tour of some of the area schools, including the Intermediate and High Schools. Here the group talks with Carol Cress about programs being offered by the school to assist children. |
 A visit to meet with Judge Walker of the 5th District. Their best question: How does the Judge influence the jury? Remember, they're still making the transition from Communism to Democracy. |
 A visit to our local branch library in Sherburn, where we found out their branches are very similar to ours. They also have a branch library in every town and city, no matter the size. This is because unlike Americans, Russians don't have money to buy cars so they tend to do everything locally. |
 On Friday we visited the Kinship house and Jane Wolverton, Director of Fairmont Kinship, talked about the role Kinship plays in the community and how it helps children who are in need of mentors. |
 Saturday, our final day as a group. We decided to send them off with a traditional cookout and picnic, complete with burgers, hotdogs, brats, potato salad and the fixings. |
 Trying their hand at making smores, although we had to substitute a grill for the open fire. |
 Everyone enjoying their final dinner together. Afterwards gifts were once again exchanged and speeches were given. |
 One last group picture taken at Lincoln Park, with Lake George in the background. |
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 The final photo, our last goodbye's at the airport in Minneapolis. Pictured with us is Bryan's sister, who helped drive to the airport, and Sergei's daughter, who is fluent in Russian. Sergei met the group at the airport and helped them check-in and send them on their way. |
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This page was created on December 15th, 2003.