Albert Lea Public Library

Knitting in Tuscany by Nicky Epstein

Knitting in Tuscany by Nicky Epstein explores many aspects of knitting and builds each project around a theme of Tuscany. This book is generally for the advanced knitter but a beginning knitter will enjoy challenging their skills. The book features "fabulous design, luscuious yarns, shopping secrets, food and wines, travel notes" of Tuscany.

Car Trip? Why Not Try an Audiobook!

Add some reading to your driving...with an audiobook. Any reader, child and adult - and the WHOLE FAMILY, will be able to find a topic they will enjoy with an audiobook. Fiction, biographies, humor, romance, politics, mysteries, westerns, poetry - you can find it all!

Be sure to ask your library's staff about Playaways, too. (An audiobook that is on a device the size of your palm - similar to an MP3 player - no skipping, scratches or discs to keep track of.)

Need Directions?

Are you planning a road trip this summer?  Or do you just need to know exactly how to get from point A to B? 
www.mapquest.com is a great website to help you with that.  It lists detailed directions along with estimated travel time and maps to anywhere in the United States as well as France, Germany, Italy, Spain and other countries.  It also lists the gas prices for any area, the lowest and highest and where to find them.
You can also check out an atlas or maps from the Information Library to take along.  The Rand McNally Road Atlas and other travel guides can be found in the 912- 919 sections.

Thinking Warm Thoughts . . .

When it's this cold out, these somewhat extreme places sound kinda warm and cozy:

Krakatoa (DVD 551.21 Kra) - This program brings the 1883 volcano eruption to life.

The Sahara (DVD 966 Sah) - The forgotten history of the world's harshest desert.

Or, if you just want to daydream:

India (915.404 Ind) - A travel guide to India

Unofficial Guide to Mexico's Best Beach Resorts (971.204 Uno)

The Ultimate Cruise Collection (910.2 Ult)

Fodor's Orlando's 25 Best (917.592 Orl)

Fodor's Exploring the Greek Islands (914.9504 Gre)

Money Saving Tips When Traveling

The average family spends $2,200 per year on their vacation.  There are ways to cut back and still have a great trip.  Start with these money saving tips.
Be thorough- Don't accept the first price you see.  Shop for the best deals on flights, hotels, and entertainment.  Compare all the prices before you book, you'll know a good deal when you see one.
Be flexible- Changing your flight by a day can save you hundreds of dollars, or moving your trip from March to June may save you even more.  Being flexible puts you in a better position to take advantage of travel bargains.
Be bold- Ask and you shall receive.  You'll be surprised to know how many freebies and discounts are out there if you have the courage to ask for them.
Be nice- Simple as that. You'll get a lot further with a smile than a frown.  Most hotel clerks and travel professionals are used to dealing with angry customers.  They might be so appreciative of your pleasant attitude that they'll lower your price or upgrade your room.
Enjoy-  Travel is what you make of it.  And it's even more rewarding when you know you have saved money on a good deal.
These ideas taken from the book Readers Digest- Free Money, Free Stuff.