Lake Elmo Public Library has joined the growing group of libraries throughout North America offering the Freading eBook Service.

The service will allow the Lake Elmo Public Library to increase the size and diversity of its collection by offering access to tens of thousands of books, none of which require the patron to wait in line to download.

Under the terms of the agreement, registered card holders of the Lake Elmo Public Library can download a select number of books each week at no direct cost via http://lakeelmopubliclibrary.org.

The library pays the cost of the downloads. Freading has its own apps for the iPad and iPhone, and its own apps for Android tablets and phones. It is also compatible with the Kindle Fire, the Nook devices and Kobo devices.

"We have been waiting a long time for a service like this that delivers great content, compatibility with lots of devices and simplicity of use. We think this will be incredibly popular with our patrons and will help the library in marketing itself to the community," said Library Director Linda Orsted. "I love the fact that more than one user is able to download a book at one time."

Stillwater

Wedding expo to showcase services

Brides- and grooms-to-be can learn about what goes into planning a wedding on Feb. 23 at the St. Croix Valley Wedding Showcase. Information on area photographers, venues, caterers, wedding stylists and planners, and DJs, in addition to samples of wedding cakes and fares, will be available from noon to 3 p.m. at the Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine St. in Stillwater. Admission at the door is $7. For details, visit www.co.washington.mn.us/hc, e-mail historiccourthouse@co.washington.mn.us or call 651-275-7075.

Washington County

'One County, One Book' pick named

Written by a librarian living with Tourette's syndrome, "The World's Strongest Librarian: A Memoir of Tourette's, Faith, Strength, and the Power of Family" has been named the Washington County Library's "One County, One Book" reading selection for the months of February and March.

In his memoir, Josh Hanagarne recounts his battle growing up with the disorder, which he tried to control with "quack remedies" and "lethargy-inducing drug regimes," until he learned to reduce tics through strength training, according to a county news release. He works as a librarian in the main branch of Salt Lake City's public library system and keeps a popular blog about books and weightlifting, the release said.

Library patrons are encouraged to read and discuss the book, copies of which are available for checkout at all county library branches. Hanagarne will sit down for an hourlong Q & A with readers at 1:30 p.m. on March 29, at R.H. Stafford Library, 8595 Central Park Place in Woodbury.

Oakdale

City hosts Valentine's Day singles event

Those looking for love this Valentine's Day this year may want to wander over to Oakdale's singles event.

Would-be romantics are invited to meet other singles, snowshoe through the Oakdale Nature Preserve and roast marshmallows by a fire, before heading indoors to sample local artisan foods, craft beers and wines. Mini-massages will also be available. The event will go from 7 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 14 at the Discovery Center, 4444 Hadley Av. The $34 admission covers food and drink samples and snowshoe rental.

For more details or to register, call 651-747-3860. The deadline to sign up for the event is Feb. 7.

st. croix valley

Sculpture Park plans midwinter pour

A Valentine's weekend "Hot Hot Hot Iron Pour" will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Franconia Sculpture Park, 29836 St. Croix Trail, Franconia.

Sculptors will brave the cold working a furnace that heats up to 2,700 degrees, and participants are invited to grab their sweethearts, bring a thermos, and warm up near the bonfire to watch this free event.

Before the pour, the park also is offering mold-making workshops for the community at noon, 3 p.m., 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. on Feb. 2, 8 and 9. Make your own mold by carving into a block of sand. Your carved design or pattern will be cast in iron during the Valentine's Iron Pour. Fee for sand molds: $25/small, $40/medium, $75/large. Reservations are required, and space is limited. To reserve your mold or for more information, call 651-257-6668 or e-mail info@franconia.org.

Jim Anderson, Libor Jany