News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Monday December 22nd 2025
Library News
By CARZ NELSON
For updated information on Hennepin County Library services during the Coronavirus Pandemic, visit www.hclib. org. All information is accurate as of December 15, 2020
Franklin Library at 1413 E Franklin Avenue is open for computer use only. Call (612) 543-6925 to make an appointment. The building will remain locked, but staff will let you in at your appointment time. Masks are required and will be provided if you do not bring one. Because of social distancing, staff will be unable to offer computer assistance. You will have access to a desktop computer, Internet, and printing. You will need to bring your own headphones. At this time, Franklin Library is open for computer use ONLY. Other areas and services, including book/DVD checkout, are not available. They will be accepting returns during staffed service hours.
Franklin Library Computer Hours
Tuesday & Wednesday ”“ 9 AM to 5 PM
Thursday ”“ Noon to 8 PM
Friday & Saturday ”“ 9 AM to 5 PM
Sunday & Monday ”“ Closed
Grab and Go Library Service at Hosmer Library: Hosmer Library, 347 E 36th St., is open for retrieving holds, limited browsing of materials, checking out items, returning library materials, quick reference support, computer appointments and printing.… Read the rest “Library News”
Alley Cooks
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TRADITION OF BLUEBERRY SOUP: COURTESY THE AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTEÂ
Prep and cooking time 20 min. Serves 4Â
750g / 1lb 10oz / 5 cups blueberries fresh or frozenÂ
80g / 3oz / 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon of sugar plus extra to tasteÂ
2 tablespoon potato starchÂ
-Place berries in a large pot with the sugar and pour in 3 cups of water (750ml / 25fl oz).Â
-Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes.Â
-In a small bowl, mix the potato starch with a couple of tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the soup.Â
-Return to the boil and cook until it thickens, then taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking with a little sugar.Â
Enjoy!
VASALOPPET & BLUEBERRY SOUP (blåbärssoppa)
The American Swedish Institute (ASI) is proud to keep traditions alive by honoring the history of skiing and its connection with blueberry soup! Cross country skiing is an ancient mode of transport in the Nordic region and the Vasaloppet (Swedish for “Vasa Race”) has become the world”™s oldest and largest cross country ski race. Its history encompasses everything from bloodbaths to friendship and heroic deeds! The Vasaloppet”™s roots extend back to 1521 when the Danish King Christian II ruled the Kalmar Union of Sweden, Norway and Denmark.… Read the rest “Alley Cooks”
METRO TRANSIT: Answer the Survey, We”™re Counting on You
By JOHN CHARLES WILSON
Public transit is one of the few government functions where the people in charge actually listen to suggestions from common citizens. I have been going to public forums about transit changes for many years, though recently I”™ve had trouble getting to them. However, because of the pandemic a lot of this stuff is being done online now.
Metro Transit is currently doing a survey which can be accessed at https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/futurebus or from the Metro Transit website regarding future Bus Rapid Transit routes.
As you probably already know, two BRT routes already exist, the A on Snelling (Saint Paul) and the C on Penn Ave. N., and three more are “in the pipeline”: the B (Lake St.), the D (Chicago Ave. – Fremont Ave. N.) and the E (Hennepin – France Ave. S.)
This survey is about what three routes will next get the BRT treatment after the ones already planned. You are being asked to pick three of four choices and rank them in order of importance to you: Central (Minneapolis), Como/ Maryland (Saint Paul), Lyndale S./Johnson, and Rice/ Robert (Saint Paul). While none of these routes would directly pass through the Phillips neighborhood, the value of a transit system is where it enables you to go.… Read the rest “METRO TRANSIT: Answer the Survey, We”™re Counting on You”
Keep citizen journalism alive!
