History will come to life at the Decorah Public Library Tuesday October 23 at 6:30 pm as Kevin Wood vividly portrays Abraham Lincoln, one of our nation’s most beloved and esteemed historical figures. This free all-ages program is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of Decorah Public Library.

As President, Mr. Lincoln led our nation through its most difficult days, when brother fought against brother and the fabric of our “more perfect Union” was nearly torn asunder. Mr. Lincoln traces the history of our nation from its establishment in 1776 through the end of the Civil War in 1865, as well as his own personal story, focusing especially on the twelve turbulent years from 1854-1865 when the slavery issue came to a head and nearly broke us apart.

Hear about the historical background (starting with the Declaration of Independence), the events which led Mr. Lincoln back to politics in 1854, the escalating tensions, Mr. Lincoln’s election as President, and of course the Civil War. Mr. Lincoln will also recite directly from some of his best-known speeches.

Presenter Kevin Wood is a lifetime member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters and a member of the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. Mr. Lincoln makes over 150 appearances per year in the Midwest, and has performed in 12 states and one foreign country.

For more information, call the Decorah Public Library at 382-3717.

Decorah Public Library and the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to offer an informal happy hour discussion of Alison Green’s popular book “Ask a Manager: How to Navigate Clueless Colleagues, Lunch-Stealing Bosses, and the Rest of Your Life at Work” at Pulpit Rock Brewing Co. Wednesday October 24 at 5:30 p.m.. The group is free and open to the public; books are available for check-out at the front desk of Decorah Public Library or available for purchase at local booksellers.

From the creator of the popular website Ask a Manager and New York magazine’s work-advice columnist comes a witty, practical guide to navigating 200 difficult professional conversations. There’s a reason Alison Green has been called “the Dear Abby of the work world.” Ten years as a workplace-advice columnist taught her that people avoid awkward conversations in the office because they simply don’t know what to say. Thankfully, Green does- and in this incredibly helpful book, she tackles the tough discussions that readers may need to have during the course of their careers.

Interested participants are encouraged to read the book and show up ready to chat about favorite insights gleaned from Green’s expert tips, as well as lessons learned from within their own scope of professional experience. Discussion will be informal and suitable for both new and seasoned professionals with or without management experience.

Event co-organizer Kristin Torresdal said “’Ask a Manager’ is a supremely readable- and funny- book that tackles workplace communication issues head-on. We hope that this will be the first in a series of leadership-related book discussions that will bring people from diverse businesses and organizations together to share challenges and pro tips in a relaxed environment.”

For more information, contact Torresdal at ktorresdal@decorah.lib.ia.us or 563-382-3717.

Decorah Public Library, Gabi Masek of Wildcrafted Acupuncture & Herbs, and Pulpit Rock Brewing Co. are teaming up to present an evening of adventurous crafting and craft beer from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday October 25 at Pulpit Rock Brewing Co. (207 College Dr.). This free do-it-yourself congee class is open to the first 15 people who register by emailing ktorresdal@decorah.lib.ia.us.

Gabi says, “Congee // Jook // Juk: no matter what you call it, this rice porridge is a versatile addition to one’s diet that may just become a staple! There are so many ways to cook congee and if you’re a condiment lover this will soon be one of your go-tos for breakfast, dinner and during seasonal changes.

During this class, we’ll talk about congee: how to make it, eat it, condiment it. We’ll share a savory recipe with squash + other deliciousness to nourish our digestive systems and a sweet congee featuring dried fruit and Chinese herbs that’s perfect for those who have a sweet tooth. We’ll enjoy our congees with all the accompaniments. Come with your taste buds ready and sense of culinary adventure!! Participants will leave with full bellies and recipes galore to continue their congee journey at home!”

Gabi Masek is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist who has been wildcrafting and herb-crafting for many, many years. She is head honcho at Wildcrafted Acupuncture & Herbs and mixologist extraordinaire at Wai Ke Botanicals.
Register early, as space and supplies are limited. The class is free but participants are welcome to make a suggested donation of $10-15 to offset supply costs. Call Decorah Public Library at 382-3717 for more information.

This event requires registration.