By Sarah Nigbor

ELLSWORTH – Ellsworth Public Library, along with other libraries in the MORE System, is hoping to inspire adventure and local exploration with the new MORE Passport Program.

People can obtain a “library passport” at any participating MORE library, collect passport stamps for a chance to win prizes, and discover beautiful communities with unique local businesses, parks and museums.

“There are scenic treasures, local and natural history finds, nummy treats and new friends to find on your Explore MORE road trips,” the program description states.

“This is for all ages,” said Youth Services/Program Coordinator Caroline Herfindahl. “It’s a great activity for a family to do together and everyone can have their own passport if they want.”

Another goal is for libraries to increase visitors and to highlight the MORE catalog collaboration.

“Your local library card gives you access to most of the materials at our group of 50-plus libraries,” Herfindahl said. “You can check out something in Ellsworth and return it to Amery or any of the other MORE libraries.”

The Ellsworth Public Library plans to give out Cairns Woods Trail maps and information, local business maps made by E3, plus information on area parks, Cheese Curd Festival and the Summer Fun Series.

“We welcome any local businesses or organizations to provide or suggest things to include for visitors, and even local folks who participate,” Herfindahl said.

During National Library Week (April 3-10), EPL will also hold an EPL Tote Bag Giveaway. They plan to give away multiple tote bags; people can enter to win whenever they stop by the library that week.

“We also plan to have treats for children who stop in,” Herfindahl said. “This isn't totally related to the Explore MORE Passports – but we'd love to see everyone at the library.”

Here is how you can be a passport explorer: 1. Stop by any participating MORE library to pick up your passport, or download your passport at (available April 4 at iflsweb.org/exploremore2022/). Passports can be stamped from April 4, 2022 until July 15, 2022.

2. There are two ways that you can get your passport stamped.

•Visit a MORE library and do one of the following: check out an item, participate in a program or activity, or sign in and use a public computer (Maybe to print out a map and directions to the next library you want to visit).

•Can’t travel? Call a MORE library and ask the librarian for a book or movie recommendation, or ask a question about the library or the community. You’ll get a secret code to add to your passport. Please don’t share your code.

Only one stamp or code per patron per library with the exception of the following MORE libraries. Visiting one these libraries in person gets you two stamps: Bruce Area Library, Rusk County Community Library in Ladysmith, Ogema Public Library, Phillips Public Library, Park Falls Public Library (Price and Rusk counties).

3. Once you’ve collected ten stamps or codes, go to a MORE-member library, have your passport marked and get an entry form for a chance to win prizes. If you want to continue your Explore MORE adventure ask to keep your passport. You may enter up to five times. 4. The prize drawing will occur on Aug. 1, 2022. Winners will be notified using the contact information on their entry form. Staff of IFLS Library System and MORE libraries are not eligible to win.

Prizes

•Grand Prize: One state park pass, one state trail pass, gas gift card, compass, road atlas, car blanket

•First prize: State park pass

•Second Prize: State trail pass

•Third prize: Gas card

•Fourth prize: Road atlas and compass Most of the libraries are in rural areas that may not have cell coverage (all MORE libraries have public internet access), so it may be a good idea to find and download directions to your destinations. You also might want to call ahead to confirm program details and open hours, especially if it’s a long drive for you.

Download the MORE app to see locations, details and directions for all MORE libraries on your phone or mobile device. Find 'MORE Libraries' on the Google Play or the Apple App Store.

You can also find that information on the MORE online catalog.

Participating libraries include: Barron County – Barron Public Library, Cameron Public Library, Chetek – Calhoun Memorial Public Library, Cumberland – Thomas St. Angelo Public Library, Rice Lake Public Library, Turtle Lake Public Library Chippewa County – Bloomer – G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library, Cadott Community Library, Chippewa Falls Public Library, Stanley – D.R. Moon Memorial Library Dunn County – Boyceville Public Library, Colfax Public Library, Elk Mound Community Library, Menomonie Public Library, Sand Creek – Clarella Hackett Johnson Public Library Eau Claire County – Altoona Public Library, Augusta Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire – L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Fairchild Public Library, Fall Creek Public Library Pepin County – Durand Community Library, Pepin Public Library

Pierce County – Ellsworth, Elmwood, Plum City, Prescott, River Falls, Spring Valley

Polk County – Amery Area Public Library, Balsam Lake, Centuria, Clear Lake, Dresser – Gerladine E. Anderson Village Library, Frederic, Luck, Milltown, Osceola – Wilberg Memorial Public Library, St. Croix Falls Price County – Ogema, Park Falls, Phillips Rusk County – Bruce Area Library, Ladysmith – Rusk County Community Library

St. Croix County – Baldwin, Deer Park, Glenwood City, Hammond, New Richmond – Carleton A. Friday Memorial Library, Roberts – Hazel Mackin Community Library, Somerset, Woodville