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Image for event: Never Forgotten: Col. William Colvill, MN's Civil War Hero

Never Forgotten: Col. William Colvill, MN's Civil War Hero

with Historian and Author Steve Hoffbeck

2026-04-23 18:00:00 2026-04-23 19:00:00 America/Chicago Never Forgotten: Col. William Colvill, MN's Civil War Hero Join your library for a presentation bringing the legendary deeds of the 1st Minnesota Regiment to life. Detroit Lakes Public Library - Meeting Room

Thursday, April 23
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Join your library for a presentation bringing the legendary deeds of the 1st Minnesota Regiment to life.

Why did Minnesotans so deeply admire Colonel William Colvill, the 6’5” Civil War hero? Join your library for a presentation by Minnesota author and historian Steve Hoffbeck bringing the legendary deeds of the 1st Minnesota Regiment to life.


In his latest book, “Colvill Smiled,” Hoffbeck weaves together the powerful recollections, speeches and writings of William Colvill and Martin Maginnis, two officers from Red Wing who led their men through the smoke and fire of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. 


The program is offered free-of-charge thanks in part to funding from the Minnesota Legacy Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. Books will be available for purchase with a book signing following the presentation.
About Author Steve Hoffbeck:
Our speaker, Steve Hoffbeck, is a self-described “old but lively” Minnesotan who grew up as a farmer’s son near Morgan. His first book, The Haymakers, was a Minnesota Book Award winner. Hoffbeck, a recently retired professor (Minnesota State University Moorhead), and his wife, Dianne, live in Barnesville, MN, and have four adult children and seven grandchildren.

Find "Colvill Smiled": The Legend of the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Regiment at Gettysburg in the library collection here!

Detroit Lakes Public Library

Phone: 218-847-2168

Hours
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Mon, Oct 19 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Oct 20 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Oct 21 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, Oct 22 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Oct 23 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Oct 24 9:00AM to 3:00PM
Sun, Oct 25 Closed

About the branch

The Detroit Lakes Public Library is located in downtown Detroit Lakes at the intersection of Washinton Ave. and Frazee Street. The library offers two meeting rooms, four study rooms, a legal kiosk, free Wi-Fi and much more.

Upcoming Events

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Thu, Oct 22, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime.

Fri, Oct 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Join us to learn about the basics of paranormal investigating with Midwest Paranormal Files.

Mon, Oct 26, 10:30am - 11:00am
Join us on Monday mornings for songs, stories, and action poems for infants through preschoolers and their caregivers.

Mon, Oct 26, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Anime fans are invited to this nerdy chat session to share their favorite anime and manga.

Tue, Oct 27, 10:30am - 11:15am
Join us for an engaging, interactive and inclusive story and play time. Our library offers a welcoming, accessible space where children of all abilities can enjoy the magic of storytelling.  

Tue, Oct 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join Erika Gilsdorf as she discusses the various storytelling tools she has utilized over the years, focusing on her latest one: podcasting. Sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Library Club.

Wed, Oct 28, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Come join us for an unplugged jam. All experience levels are welcome to this supportive and family-friendly event. Bring your acoustic instrument and come have some fun!

Thu, Oct 29, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime.

Sat, Oct 31, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Beloved book characters are hiding in costumes all around the Detroit Lakes Library. Stop in on Halloween Day to find them all and win a prize! Appropriate for ages 3 and up.

Mon, Nov 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Join us on Monday mornings for songs, stories, and action poems for infants through preschoolers and their caregivers.

Mon, Nov 02, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Get help from library staff with your technology and electronic device questions monthly on the first Monday. Registration preferred.

Wed, Nov 04, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Our monthly Writers' Group is a place for writers of all levels to come together and share your work, ideas, and encouragement with each other. All genres welcome.  

Thu, Nov 05, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime.

Thu, Nov 05, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join us at Bucks Mill Brewing for the After Hours Book Club meeting to discuss this month's book, "American Born Chinese" by Gene Luen Yang.

Fri, Nov 06, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Tween and teen anime and manga fans are invited to learn how to make the most famous Japanese meal: Ramen.

Sat, Nov 07, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Try out a new hobby at your library! Join Brenda as she teaches you to create a Glass Painting. Registration required.  

Mon, Nov 09, 10:30am - 11:00am
Join us on Monday mornings for songs, stories, and action poems for infants through preschoolers and their caregivers.

Thu, Nov 12, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime.

Mon, Nov 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Join us on Monday mornings for songs, stories, and action poems for infants through preschoolers and their caregivers.

Tue, Nov 17, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us to discuss this month's selection, "If You Lived Here You’d Be Home Now" by Christopher Ingraham. All are welcome including those who haven't read the book.

Thu, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime.

Thu, Nov 19, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Relax before the holiday season with LEGOs at the Library. Stop in any time between 3:30 and 5 pm to put your kids' imagination to the test!