Minnesota. Cold, snowy, Scandinavian. Our state, like librarians, has an image problem. Both images may carry elements of truth, but the full reality is so much more than the stereotype. Situated almost smack, dab in the center of North America, Minnesota enjoys a continental climate. That means variety!

Visitors are often struck by the large part weather plays in the conversation of Minnesotans. When you come here, an opening question or comment about the weather will probably be your first indication you're talking to a native. Most of us truly enjoy our ever-changing and varied weather. The record low and high temperature for Minneapolis in June are 34%F and 102%F (1% and 39% Celsius).

June in Minneapolis can be magical. It can provide crisp, clear, cool mornings perfect for enjoying a brisk walk or jog around the lake. It can also serve up hot, humid afternoons that call for a quick swim to cool off or just languishing on the beach, catching some rays. On occasion, storms brew up, seemingly from nowhere, providing torrential downpours and spectacular displays of lightning and thunder.

True Minnesotans love the variety and are prepared for what comes. We know if it's chilly, a light sweater or jacket will keep us comfortable. If it's hot, it's always ten degrees cooler by the water. If there's a thunderstorm, we enjoy the show, since we know it will soon blow over. When you come to the conference, chances are it will be a typical week with moderate temperatures and an occasional shower.

The climate that really counts in Minnesota is provided by her citizens. Garrison Kiellor, quoted in the July/August 1998 issue of National Geographic Traveler, describes it well, saying of the Twin Cities, "A mannerly place. A fine compromise between excitement and common sense, whose citizens are private, humorous, and honest--small-town people once removed, with a high level of politeness and, being steeped in farming, they are tolerant, helpful and friendly."

As for the ethnic portion of the state's stereotype, it's true Minnesota attracted more immigrants from Scandinavia than did other parts of the country. But Minnesota, and particularly the Twin Cities, is much more ethnically diverse than most realize.

Immigrants from eastern and southern Europe settled in Minnesota's Iron Range to mine the ore that fed the nation's industrial revolution. The German, English and Irish homelands of farmers who were attracted by the rich soils of the western and southern parts of the state are reflected in the names of the communities they created, including New Ulm, New London, and Kilkenny.

The cultural life of both cities is enlivened by a number of ethnic neighborhoods. A large area of Minneapolis, affectionately labeled "Nordeast," is proud of its slavic heritage. That heritage will live on, bolstered by new waves of immigrants from Russia and The Ukraine following the break up of the Soviet Union. Southeast Minneapolis is home to the nation's largest urban Native American community.

Saint Paul has long been known for its Irish pride, but its largest ethnic group is German. The city's West Side is home to an unusually integrated community including Chicano and Philipino groups. The area supports at least two Mexican/Lebanese delicatessens. In a portion of the city long known as "Frogtown," either for its early French inhabitants, or the amphibians that once chirped beneath its boardwalks, one of the largest communities of Southeast Asians in the United States has taken root. Vietnamese, Laotians, Cambodians and Hmong are all adding to an already diverse community.

Relatively small but active communities of African-Americans enrich both cities and have played a role in the formative years of such leaders of color as Roy Wilkins, Gordon Parks, Kofi Annan, and Sharon Sayles Belton, mayor of Minneapolis. Recent immigrants from Ethiopia and other African nations, bringing with them their art, music and food are adding to the already rich mix.

For more information and surprises about Minnesota be sure to check out the SLA '99 web site at http://sla99.westgroup.com. $