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   Northwoods Arts Council hosted National Award-winning Minnesota author William Kent Krueger on June 12th. He is the author of the bestselling “Ordinary Grace,” which won the Edgar Award for best novel and his popular eighteen Cork O’Connor novels. His last thirteen novels have all been cited as New York Times bestsellers. A full house at the community center enthusiastically welcomed Krueger for his presentation. He spoke on the importance of books in uncertain times. He shared his insights on how books impacted his life, opening a window for new discoveries. Krueger shared his words of sage advice “set aside an hour each day for uninterrupted reading.” After the presentation, a long line of ardent readers formed to purchase his books from Beagle and Wolf Books and Krueger signed book copies. 

L to R: Shirley Johnson, Jackie Lincoln, Lynn Van Allen, Sue Holthau, DeeDee Rauchbauer, Sue Ready, Linda Sigtenhorst, Anne Ebert, Pat Gerdes, Beth Karlisch and William Kent Krueger. Photo by Jerry Eklund Photgraphy.

   Northwoods Arts Council would like to acknowledge the following for helping make this event possible: Beagle and Wolf Books, Park Rapids for bringing books to sell; The Big Dipper, Hackensack for serving ice cream; Mike Schmitt for his technical support; Brainerd Dispatch and Lakeland TV for their media coverage; and to all the members of the Northwoods Arts Council for their support and efforts to make this event happen.

   Afterward, Krueger visited Maggie McGill, chair of the Hackensack Lending Library BOD. He thought “the place was charming and a real treasure.” McGill told him stories about the building’s history, our grant work, rehabilitation goals, and the National Historic Register designation. It was the perfect place for Krueger to visit with his fondness for libraries and books.  

   Check out northwoodsartscouncil.org for a complete list of their summer events.

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