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ECRL Calendar - What's happening?

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News Bits


  • Mille Lacs County Fair - Heritage Building
  • Saturday, August 14, 3:00 pm
         ECRL presents Fool in a Mask Productions in "The Amazing Adventures of Stuart Lindman and Other Short Plays."  These four short plays are based on
         materials from the collections of the Minnesota Historical Society.  This project was funded
with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4,
         2008 which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota's cultural heritage.  
  • Wyoming Area Library
  • Saturday, August 14, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
          The Wyoming Area Library Society & Wyoming Library Friends are sponsoring a community celebration, "Stepping into the Future."  There will be a
          celebration of the new rain garden at 11:00 am followed by live music by the Second Fiddle Band*.  There will be kids activities & free ice creams cones.
          Hot dogs, pop and popcorn will also be for sale, with the proceeds going to the library.  If you are interested in making a stepping stone* for the garden,                 
          stop by the library for more information.  Designs must be submitted by August 1st!

         
*some of these events are funded with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 which dedicated funding to preserve   
           Minnesota's cultural heritage.
        
  • Make a Splash - READ @ Your East Central Regional Library branch this summer:  Ahoy Readers!  Set sail for our 2010 summer reading program for kids ages preschool and up.  Stop by your local ECRL branch for more details about special programs, contests, prizes.
  • 2010 Kids Summer Reading Program
  • Magician Brian Richards (Make a Splash Final Summer Reading Program Event)
          McGregor - Wednesday, July 28 @ 10:00 am - McGregor City Hall
          Aitkin - Wednesday, July 28 @ 1:00 pm - Aitkin High School Choir Room
          Cambridge - Tuesday, August 3 @ 10:00 am - Cambridge Intermediate School
          Princeton - Tuesday, August 3 @ 1:00  pm
          Chisago Lakes - Wednesday, August 4 @ 10:00 am
          Hinckley - Wednesday, August 4 @ 2:00 pm
          Mora - Thursday, August 5 @ 10:00 am
          Mille Lacs Lake (Isle) - Thursday, August 5 @ 1:00 pm
  • Children's Legacy Funding* Activities throughout ECRL this summer
          *Climb Theater presents a mini-play followed by activities
        
          Pine City - Wednesday,  July 21 @ 10:30 am (Stubby the Elephant)
          Giese - Thursday, July 22 @ 9:30 am (Stubby the Elephant) - Wagner Town Hall
          Princeton - Thursday, July 22 @ 1:00 pm (Stubby the Elephant)
          Onamia - Saturday, August 7 @ 11:00 am (Stubby the Elephant)- Onamia Link Site

          *Musician Hans Mayer - Music for kids, grownups and just for fun!

          McGregor -
Saturday, July 17 @ 10:00 am  
          Hill City -
Tuesday, July 27 @ 2:00 pm  - Hill City Community Hall
          Braham - Monday, August 9 @ 11:00 am - East Central Energy Meeting Room 
          McGrath - Monday, August 16 @ 11:00 am
          Duquette - Monday, August 16 @ 2:00 pm - Duquette Hall

          *WonderWeavers Storytellers - Join us for some Wild & Wacky fun!

           Jacobson -
Tuesday, August 10 @ 3:00 pm - Jacobson Community Center
           Isanti -
Thursday, August 12 @ 1:00 pm - Isanti Community Center

          *these events are funded with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota's
            arts and cultural heritage.
         
  • Wyoming Area Library Book Club
  • Thursday, July 15, 7:00 pm
           Join us on for a discussion of Blueberry Summers:  Growing Up at the Lake by Curtiss
           Anderson.  This memoir of wonderful summers growing up at a Minnesota lake brings back
           nostalgic personal memories to the reader!
  • Chisago Lakes Area Library
  • Thursday, June 10, 4:30 pm
          Chisago Lakes Area Library and the Chisago Lakes Area Schools present "Authors Live", 
          featuring mother-daughter eam known as PJ Tracy at the Chisago Lakes Middle School Media
          Center.  PJ Tracy is the author of the Monkeewrench mystery series.  Their latest book, Shoot
          to Thrill, was released in April.  Books will be available for sale at the event.  A suggested
          donation of $5.00 will go to support future author visits in the "Authors Live" series.

  • Wyoming Area Library Book Club
  • Thursday, June 17, 7:00 pm
          Join us on Thursday, June 17 at 7:00 pm as we discuss The Latehomecomer by Kao Kalia
          Yang.  This memoir presents the journey of a Hmong family from Thailand to Minnesota. 
          Copies of the book and discussion questions are available at the library.

  • McGregor Public Library
  • Friday, May 28, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday, May 29, 9:00 am - Noon
          The McGregor Library Board is sponsoring an auction and book sale.  View furniture
          at library and submit your bid NOW.  Silent auction ends Saturday, May 29.  Giant
          book sale will be held May 28, 29.  Books - 25 cents to $2.00 a bag. 
  • Cambridge Public Library
  • Monthly Book Club Discussion
  • Thursday, May 27, 6:30 pm
          Join us by the magazine section of the library for the Cambridge Freinds of  the Library book
          discussion of the book, Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander.

  • Rush City Open House
  • Wednesday, May 26, 4:00-6:00 pm
          Please join us in welcoming our new Rush City librarian, Heidi Cava.  There will be
          coffee, punch, cookies and good company being served.  The event is hosted by the
          Rush City Friends of the Library.
  • Sandstone Public Library
  • Saturday, May 15, 9:00 am -11:00 am
          Join us for the Annual Friends of the Library perennial plant sale.  There will be
          perennials, vegetables and annuals for sale.
  • North Branch Library Spring Book Sale
  • Saturday, May 15, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
          Used books and videos for all ages.  All proceeds go to library programming &
          furnishings.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
  • Milaca Community Library Spring Book Sale
  • Friday, May 14 & Saturday, May 15 during open library hours
         The Milaca Friends of the Library are sponsoring a spring book sale with lots of used
         books and other items to choose from.  Shop early for the best selection.
  • Wyoming Area Library Book Club
  • Thursday, May 13, 7:00 pm
          Join us on Thursday, May 13 at 7:00 pm as we discuss Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey   
         
Niffenegger, an untraditional love story about Henry DeTamble, who involuntarily travels through
         
time and his love, Claire Abshire.  Copies of the book and discussion questions are available at
          the library.
  • Aitkin County Radiothon!
  • Saturday, May 8, 8:00 am to 12:00 noon
          Our libraries, the Aitkin Public Library, McGregor Public Library and Aitkin County   
          Outreach Services, face closures and/or other service reductions.  Please help keep libraries
          open by making your pledge during the Radiothon.  Call 218-927-2100 or 1-800-450-5546 to
          make your pledge.  Sponsored by the Aitkin & McGregor Friends of the Library and KKIN
          Radio. 
  • Aitkin Public Library Booksale
  • Saturday, May 8, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
          Lots of great books and other items for everyone.  Sale continues through Saturday,
          May 15 during library hours.  Sponsored by the Aitkin Friends of the Library.
  • North Branch Library Art Unveiling
  • Saturday, May 8, 11:00 am
          Please join the Friends of the Library as they unveil "The Oak Tree" by local artist, Katherine      
          Salverda in the Community Room.  Following the unveiling she will demonstrate techniques &
          concepts involved in landscape painting with watercolor.  Sponsored by the Friends of the
          Library.  Free & open to the public.
  • Cambridge Friends ofthe Library Annual Meeting
  • Thursday, May 6, 7:00 pm
          Thomas Maltman, author of last year's City-Wide Read selection, The Night Birds, will speak at
         
the Friend's annual meeting on Thursday, May 6 at 7:00 pm. in the library (by the magazines).
          Everyone is welcme.
  • North Branch Area Library Kids Book Club
  • Thursday, May 6, 3:30-4:30 pm
          Children in grades 4-6 who enjoy reading are invited to join our new book club.  Join us for the
          discussion of the book, Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson. 
  • Aitkin Public Library Computer Classes
  • Wednesday, May 5 at 10:00 am
  • Friday, May 7 at 10:00 am
          Join us on Wednesday, May 5 at 10:00 am for our Basic Computer Class and/or on Friday,
         
May 7 at 10:00 am for our Basic Internet Class.  Class size is limited to 13 and you must register
         
by calling the Aitkin Library at 218-927-2339 to participate.  Some computer experience is
          required for the Basic Internet Class.
  • North Branch Library Book Discussion Group
  • Monday, May 3, 12:30 pm
          Please join us as Max Malmquist visits with us about early schools in the North Branch Area. 
  • Climb Theater Legacy Activity
  • McGregor Public Library
  • Saturday, May 1, 10:00 am
  • Atikin Public Library
  • Saturday, May 1, 1:00 pm
          Join us for a 30 minute mini-play, Stubby the Elephant, followed by 20 minutes of
          activities focusing on children's literacy and reading readiness.  This project was funded
          in part or in whole with money fro the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4,
          2008 which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota's art & cultural heritage.
  • Cambridge One Book, One Community Read Program Event 
  • Thursday, April 29, 7:00 pm
          Join us for the final event of the 2010 program as author, Kao Kalia Yang, and shares about her
         
discusses her novel, The Latehomecomer at the Cambridge Campus of Anoka-Ramsey                Community College in Room G202 on Thursday, April 29 at 7:00 pm              
  • Focus Group Meetings - ECRL is conducting 2011-2014 Strategic Planning sessions throughout its six-county region to give residents an opportunity to shape services for the next few years - and into the future!  Join the one-hour chat session nearest you.  Check out this flyer for dates and locations to the focus groups.
  • Art in Bloom Bus Trip* - Join ECRL for a bus trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts Exhibition "Art in Bloom" on Thursday, April 29.  There will be two bus pickups:   
          Bus 1 Pickups - Cambridge Library at 3:00 pm; Princeton Library at 3:30 pm
          Bus 2 Pickups - Sandstone Library at 2:00 pm; Pine City Library at 2:45 pm; North
                                   Branch Library at 3:30 pm and Wyoming Library at 4:00 pm.
          Call your local ECRL branch for more information.  The deadline to pre-register is        
          Monday, April 26th!

         *This project is funded in part or in whole with money from the vote of the people of  
          Minnesota on 11/4/08 which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota's arts & cultural   
          heritage. 
  • Sandstone Public Library - Join us for a special Storytime, Wednesday, April 21st at 10:00 when Miss Casey will be joined by "Annie" the hearing dog and Vance, her owner and trainer.
  • Wyoming Library Tail Waggin' Tutors - Kids in grades 1 to 6 are invited to join us on Sunday, April 18 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and read with Echo, the German Shepherd from Therapy Dogs International.  Call the library at 651-462-9001 for more information.
  • Chisago Lakes Paws to Read - Children ages preschool thru grade 6 are invited to join us on Saturday, April 17 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and practice reading with our certified dogs and volunteers.  Sign up starts at 10:30 am on Saturday ONLY, so get there early to reserve a time slot.
  • Chisago Lakes Area Library "Author Live" Event - Chisago Lakes Area Library and the Chisago Lakes Area Schools present "Authors Live", featuring Center City Author Sue Leaf on Thursday, April 8 at 4:30 p.m. at the Chisago Lakes Middle School Media Center.  Sue Leaf is a 2010 Minnesota Book Award Nominee for her book, The Bullhead Queen: a year on Pioneer Lake.  Books will be available for sale at the event.  A suggested donation of $5.00 will go to support future author visits in the "Authors Live" series.

March 2010

  • Wyoming Branch closed Easter Sunday: Wyoming Area Giese Memorial Library will be closed Sunday, April 4, 2010.
  • North Branch Library Kids Book Club - Children in grades 4-6 who enjoy reading care invited to join our new book club.  Meetings are held the first Thursday afternoon of each month at the library from 3:30-4:30 pm.  Join us on Thursday, April 1 at 3:30 for a discussion of theis month's title, Hoot by Carl Hiassen.  Call the North Branch Area Library at 651-674-8443 for more information.
  • Pine City Library Rennovation Fundraiser - The Pine City Library's Spring Hot Dish Buffet will be held Friday, April 16 from 4:30pm to 7pm at Zion Lutheran Church fellowship hall across from the library.  The menu includes: hot dishes, bison sloppy joes, salads, buns and bars. This wonderful community wide fund raising event will help push our thermometer towards our $400,000 goal.  For more information call the Pine City Library, 320-629-6403.
  • Wyoming Area Library Book Club - Join us on Thursday, April 15 at 7:00 pm as we discuss Erik Larson's book, Isaac's Storm:  a Man, a Time and the Deadliest Hurricane in History.  Is is the story of Isaac Cline, the National Weather Service and the town and people of Galveston, Texas. 
  • Cambridge One Book One Community Wide Reading program - The book chosen for the 2010 program is The Latehomecomer by Kao Kalia Yang.  A children's companion title, Mai Ya's Long Journey by Sheila Cohen has also been chosen.  Community members are encouraged to read the novels and then join together for several community events.  For more information and a list of events, check out the Cambridge Friends of the Library webpage at
    www.cambridgefol.webs.com
  • New Face of Library Outreach - There is a new face behind the wheel of the East Central Regional Library outreach van.  Lisa Kosin was recently named the new Outreach Librarian for ECRL.  Lisa takes over for Heidi Cava, who was named the new Rush City Branch Librarian. 
  • New Face of Outreach
  • New Rush City Branch Librarian Named - Heidi Cava was selected as the new Rush City branch librarian after former Branch Librarian, Jeanette Monthye, retired after 26 years.  Heidi will begin her new position starting Monday, March 22.
  • Cambridge Friends Book Club - the Friends book club will be discussing the novel, The Night Birds by Thomas Maltman, on Thursday, March 25th at 6:30 pm. in the library (by the magazine area).  Come join us!
  • Wyoming Tail Waggin' Tutors - Come join us for some tail waggin’ fun at the Wyoming Area Library on Sunday afternoons from 2:00-4:00 pm on March 21, April 18, & May 16.  The Library is hosting Tail Waggin’ Tutor events at the library for young readers Grades 1 to grade 6.  Echo, a German Shepherd, is registered with Therapy Dogs International (TDI). Kids will read out loud to Echo for 15 minutes.  Registration for the event begins at 1:30 at the front desk at the library.  You must register to be able to participate.
  • Wyoming Area Library Book Club - Join us on Thursday, March 18 at 7:00 pm as we discuss Mutant Message Down Under by Marlo Morgan.  In this fictional account published in 1994, an American woman's 4th month odyssey through the Australian Outback with native people sends a message about living in harmony with the world around you.  Books and discussion questions are available at the front desk.
  • Hinckley One Book, One Community Event - Join us at the library on Tuesday, March 16 at 1:00 pm as we discuss our One Book, One Community selection, Blueberry Summers - Growing Up at the Lake by Curtiss Anderson.
  • Pine City Public Library Expansion Fundraiser - Join us at the Pine City Pizza Pub on Thursday, March 11 from 3:00-9:00 pm for our fundraiser.  25% of all sales (dine in or take out) go to the Library! 
  • Chisago Lakes Area Library "Author Live" Event - Chisago Lakes Area Library and the Chisago Lakes Area Schools present "Authors Live", featuring Chisago City Author Rachel Coyne on Thursday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at the Chisago Lakes Library.  Rachel Coyne is the author of Whiskey Heart.  Books will be available for sale at the event.  A suggested donation of $5.00 will go to support future author visits in the "Authors Live" series.
February 2010
  • Friends of the Mora Public Library Booksale - The Friends of the Mora Public Library invite you to their used book sale on Friday, March 12 from 10:00 am till 5:30 pm and on Saturday, March 13 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. There will be a wide selection of books and other items to choose from.
  • Aitkin Public Library Book Club - Be part of a new book club. Join us in the library meeting room on Wednesday, March 10 from 6:00-7:00 pm to discuss titles and genres to read, plus choose a meeting place, day and time.
  • Aitkin Public Library Presents Picturing America - Art prints given to the library through the Picturing America grant will be on display at the Aitkin Public Library on Wednesday, March 10 from 1:30-2:30 pm.  Picturing America aims to introduce people to America's history and culture through America's art treasures. Our presenter will be Linda Hommes.
  • Sandstone Library Friends Booksale - The Sandstone Friends of the Library will be holding their annual Spring Book Sale on Friday March 5th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, March 6th from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Lots of great books for everyone.
  • New Borrowing Policies to Begin - Beginning March 1, 2010, East Central Regional Library branches will institute new borrowing policies.  Due to long waiting lists, limited quantity and a limited materials budget, current or new books (published within the past year) may now only be checked out for 2 weeks.   Current or new books may be renewed if no one else is waiting for the book.   Please call your local ECRL branch with any questions. 
  • North Branch Area Library Kids Book Club -Children in grades 4-6 who enjoy reading are invited to join our new book club.  Meetings will be held the first Thursday afternoon of each month at the library from 3:30-4:30 pm.  The  first meeting will be on Thursday, March 4.  We'll be discussing the book, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi.  Call the North Branch Area Library at 651-674-8443 for more information. 
  • HolidayAll branches and the ECRL Headquarters office will be closed on Monday, February 15 in honor of President's Day.
  • Shop Online?  Bank Online?  Why Not Library Online?  - What’s better than snail mail?  Voice mail?  And saves taxpayer dollars?  It’s email notification at your local East Central Regional Library!  During the month of February, ECRL is marketing its email notification service.  Patrons looking for a quick way to find out when the items they put on hold are available and when they are overdue, should take advantage of this time and cost saving service.  Contact your local ECRL branch for information on how to sign up.

         Email notification
  January 2010

  • Grand Opening Celebration - It wasn't too cold for people to come out to the Grand Opening of the Isanti Link Site yesterday, January 27.  An open house was held from 10:30-4:00 with a short program at 1:00 pm led by Susi McCune, president of the Isanti Friends of the Library.  Many dignitaries, ECRL staff, Friends and patrons came to celebrate the grand opening.
  • More Ribbon Cutting
  • Wyoming Area Library Valentine's Party - Hey Kids!  Come and decorate cookies, make valentine cards, crafts and listen to stories with residents of Meadows on Fairview on Saturday, February 6 from 12:30-1:30.  Ages 5+ welcome.  Please sign up at the front desk at the Library.
  • Snowflake Used Book Sale - The Chisago Lakes Friends of the Library invite you to their used book sale on Friday, January 29 from 12 Noon till 6:00 pm and on Saturday, January 30 from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm.  There will be a wide selection of hardcovers, paperbacks, childrens books and VHS tapes.
  • Pine City Reads - Join the Pine City Reads community wide discussion of the book, Tortilla Curtain by T. C. Boyle at the Northwest Company Fur Post on Thursday, January 28 at 7:00 pm.
  • Isanti Link Site Open House - The Friends of the Isanti Link Site cordially invite you to their celebration on Wednesday, January 27.  An open house will be held from 12:30-4:00 pm with a short ceremony at 1:00 pm.
  • Holiday:  All branches and the ECRL Headquarters office will be closed on Monday, January 18 in honor of Martin Luther King Day.
  • Twilight Saga:  the Official Guide by Stephanie Meyer - We have received notification that this title has been canceled.  Thus all holds for this title on the ECRL catalog have also been canceled. 
  • Hot Reads for Cold Nights -Need a cure for those cold, winter blues?  The Cambridge and North Branch libraries invite all adults, 18 years and older, to participate in the Hot Reads for Cold Nights adult winter reading program. Don't be left out in the cold, check out our Hot Reads winter reading programs for adults. 
    • @ the Cambridge Public Library - To participate, simply checkout an item any time between January 11 and February 19.  When you return it fill out a review and entry form.  Drawings for prizes will be held on Fridays starting January 15, with the grand prize ($25 gift certificate from Scout & Morgan books) drawing on Saturday, Februrary 27.
    • @ the Chisago Lakes Area Library - To participate, simply checkout an item any time between January 11 and February 26.  When you return it fill out a review and entry form.  Drawings for prizes will be held on every other Friday starting January 22, with the grand prize ($25 gift certificate from Many Voices Booksellers) drawing on Friday, Februrary 26.
    • @ the North Branch Area Library -  To particpate, simply read any library book between January 4 and February 27.  Stop in the library and fill out the back of the Hot Reads for Cold Nights bookmark for each book you read.  Turn it in weekly to the library.  A drawing for prizes will be held each Monday. 
  • Chisago Lakes Area Library - Chisago Lakes Area Library and the Chisago Lakes Area School District Present the “Author Live Series” featuring Julie Kramer MN. Book Award Winner and author of Missing Mark and Stalking Susan on Thursday, January 14 at 7:00 pm at the library. Tickets will be available starting January 2 at the Chisago Lakes Area Library or through Chisago Lakes Area School District. A suggested donation of $5.00 will go to support future author visits in the “Author Live” Series.
  • North Branch Area Library - The North Branch Friends of the Library Present "Grandma Kept It Going: Quilts from 1900-2010"  By Bev Proulx on Saturday, January 9 at 10:30 am.  Bev will use quilts, quilt tops, fabrics, and quilting ephemera from her collection as she talks about how our quilting Grandmas kept the art form going through the wars,  the Great Depression, and the tremendous changes of the 20th century into the 21st century.
December 2009
  • Happy Retirement! 


    New Year's Eve will not be just the last day of the year for Jeanette Monthye, but her last day as Branch Librarian at the Rush City branch of East Central Regional Library.  Jeanette became Branch Librarian at the Rush City branch in October 1983.  Jeanette was the first president of the Rush City Friends of the Library.  Plus four years prior to that she was the library's storyteller, did library outreach to the Rush City schools and worked as a sub at the library before becoming Branch Librarian.

    Congratulations, Jeanette, on your many years of service to the people of Rush City and East Central Regional Library.  Here's to a happy and healthy retirement!

    Rush City Branch Librarian Retires
  • Holiday:  All branches and the ECRL Headquarters office will be close at 5:00 pm on New Year's Eve, December 31 and be closed on New Year's Day, January 1.
  • Holiday: All branches and the ECRL Headquarters office will be closed on Christmas Eve, December 24 and Christmas Day, December 25.
  • Give the Gift of Reading @ ECRL 

    Cambridge Public Library – The 9th Annual Give the Gift of Reading program sponsored by the library and Isanti County Family Services is now underway.  Pick a tag off the tree with the age and gender of a needy child in Isanti County and purchase a new book for the child or teen.  Books must be returned by Wednesday, December 16 to the library.  Cash donations also accepted.

    Wyoming Area Library – There are three ways to give this holiday season at the library.  Simply pick a tag off the tree and buy a book; buy a book and donate it to the red tub; or donate cash to purchase a book.  The Giving Tree is sponsored by the library and Chisago County Health and Human Services.

  • Sandstone Holiday Booksale - Join us for our holiday booksale for children and teens on Saturday, December 12 from 10:00 am to 12 Noon.  The sale is sponsored by the Sandstone Friends of the Library.  For more information call 320-245-2270.
  • Princeton Holiday Tea/Book Signing - Enjoy refreshments, crafts and holiday music in the Library Community Room from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 12.  Plus join us for book signings at 10:30 am - Linda Buturian, author of World Gone Beautiful:  Life Along the Rum River and at 12:00 pm - Sherry Winter and Nancy McCreight, authors of Celebration Circles:  A Guide for Celebrating and Honoring People and Events in Our Lives.  The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Bremer Bank
  • 6th Annual Pine City Reads  - You are invited to join us for an Open House on Thursday, December 10 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the library.  Pick up your books, Tortilla Curtain by T. C. Boyle and Mercy Falls by William Kent Krueger along with the discussion guides.  Coffee, punch and cookies will be served.
November 2009

PSEO booklet
  • Holiday: All branches and the ECRL Headquarters office will be closed on Thanksgiving, November 26. 
  • Happy 50th! Join the party at any of the ECRL branches through November 21st. see schedule below
    3 Mayors and a Senator party at Chisago Lakes branch: Senator Rick Olseen; Mayor Kyle Johnson (Shafer); Mayor Keith Carlson (Lindstrom); Mayor Don Taylor (Chisago City)

    3 Mayors and a Senator
  • Holiday: All branches and the ECRL Headquarters office will be closed Wednesday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day.
  • East Central Regional Library Celebrates 50th Anniversary and You're Invited to Help Us Celebrate!

     East Central Regional Library will be celebrating the entire month of November.  It’s our 50th Anniversary and each of our 14 branch libraries will be having a celebration.  Patrons, local City and County officials are invited to join State Legislators, State Librarian, Suzanne Miller, and present and former library staff for this momentous occasion.

    Below is a list of all the celebrations and entertainment scheduled at each of ECRL Branches throughout the month of November.

    • ECRL Headquarters/Cambridge Public Library - Kickoff Celebration
      • Thursday, November 5 – 2:00-6:00 pm
      • Refreshments and Harpist, Sally Ahlgren 
      • Special Program at 4:00 pm with Guest Speaker, Bill Asp, former ECRL director from 1967-1970 and State Librarian  
    • Sandstone Public Library
      • Tuesday, November 10 – 1:00-4:00 pm
      • Refreshments with flute player, Sara Harris & violinist, Jamie Tvedt
    • Mora Public Library
      • Tuesday, November 10 – 2:00-5:00 pm
      • Refreshments and Acoustic Guitarist, Caleb Jacob
    • Rush City Public Library
      • Thursday, November 12 – 2:00-5:00 pm
      • Refreshments and Instrumental Trio, the Spinoffs
    • Mille Lacs Lake Community Library
      • Thursday, November 12  - 3:00-6:00 pm
      • Refreshments and Strolling Violinist, Douglas Curnutte
    • Chisago Lakes Area Library
      • Thursday, November 12 – 6:00-8:00 pm
      • Refreshments and Harpist, Valerie Brunnette
    • Hinckley Public Library
      • Saturday, November 14 – 9:00 am-1:00 pm
      • Refreshments and Violinist/Guitarist, Catrina Campbell
    • North Branch Area Library
      • Saturday, November 14 – 10:00 am-2:00 pm
      • Refreshments with Author/Musician, Karen Swanson; Musician Phyllis Keating; Author/Musician, Katherine Salverda
    • Wyoming Area Library
      • Sunday, November 15 – 2:00-4:00 pm
      • Program at 3:00 pm
      • Refreshments and Harpist, Mike Kline
    • Aitkin Public Library
      • Tuesday, November 17 – 2:00-4:00 pm
      • Refreshments and the Great River String Ensemble
    • McGregor Public Library
      • Thursday, November 19 – 3:00-6:00 pm
      • Refreshments and Coyote & the Crow
    • Pine City Public Library
      • Thursday, November 19 – 4:00-7:00 pm
      • Refreshments and Piano/Classical Guitar with Jennifer Hannsmann and Paul Bacigalupi
    • Princeton Area Library
      • Saturday, November 21 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
      • Refreshments and Ensminger Family Bluegrass
    • Milaca Community Library
      • Saturday, November 21 – 1:00-3:00 pm
      • Refreshments and Tunes of Our Lives with Bob & Marilyn Wig
October 2009

  • More Halloween Fun @ at the Wyoming Area Library - Meadows on Fairview Campus (Life-long Learning Program) and Giese Memorial Library are sponsoring a Halloween Party on October 31st from 12:30 to 1:30 for 6-9 year-olds and Meadows residents in the Meeting Room.  Painting pumpkins, decorating cookies and hearing stories are some of the planned activities.  Pre-register at the front desk at the library or call 651-462-9001. 
          For children under 6 there will be stories and treats in the children's area of the library from
         1:00-1:30.  No pre-registration necessary for this portion of the day.

  • Halloween Fun @ the North Branch Area Library - Kids, ages 5-8, are invited to the library on Friday, October 30 from 4:00-5:00 pm for some books, games, crafts and snacks all with a Halloween theme.  The North Branch Youth Advisory Board teens will be presenting the program.  The event is free, but space is limited.  Register by calling the library at 651-674-8443 beginning Friday, October 16th!
  • Halloween Party @ the Chisago Lakes Area Library - Kids ages 12 and under are invited to join us for a Halloween party at the Chisago Lakes Area Library from 6:30-7:30 pm on Thursday, October 29.  There will be stories, treats and a chance to decorate your own pumpkin.  Costumes are encouraged and the event is sponsored by the Chisago Lakes Area Friends of the Library.
  • October Computer Classes at Aitkin Public Library - The library will be hosting three separate computer classes in October including Basic Computer on Tuesday, October 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm; Basic Internet on Monday, October 26 from 10:00 am to noon; and Basic Microsoft Word on Wednesday, October 28 from 1:30-3:30 pm.  Class size is limited and you must call the library at 218-927-2339 to register.  No fee.
  • Chess Extravanga at Princeton Area Library - chess events for children, teens, parents and adults include Traps to Beat Your Chess Playing Child on Tuesday, October 20 from 6:00-7:00 pm and an all day chess event on Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm that includes a huge chess set, a simultaneous exhibition, a chess tournament and more.  Call the Princeton Area Library at 763-389-37543 for more information.
September 2009

  • Sneaky Chess for Teens at Princeton Area Library - Professional Chess teacher Ms. Daa presents a variety of hands on activities for beginner through intermediate chess players Including Sneaky Moves, Secret Battle Pans and other Tricks and Traps. FREE  - Tuesday, October 6 from 6:00-7:30 pm.

  • Aitkin Public Library Closed for Memorial - The Aitkin Public Library will be closed on Saturday, September 26 to honor the memory of Mary Ellen Moriarity.  Mary Ellen was a Library Board Chair, past Friends of the Library President, Aitkin Library Building Task Force Chair, Library Advocate, ECRL staff member from 2002-2003 and an organizer of countless library programs.  She will be missed.
  • William Kent Krueger to Visit Chisago Lakes Area Library - Popular Minnesota mystery writer, William Kent Krueger will be at the Chisago Lakes Area Library on Thursday, October 8 at 7:00 pm.  Mr. Krueger's latest book about Cork O'Connor is Heaven's Keep and was recently released. 
    MN Author Coming to Chisago Lakes Area Library
  • Holiday: All branches and ECRL Headquarters office will be closed Monday, September 7, Labor Day.
  • Cambridge Friends of the Library Garage Sale - The Cambridge Friends of the Library will be holding a garage sale in conjunction with the Cambridge City-Wide Garage Sale day on Saturday, September 19 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. We've cleaned out the library and there will be tons of books and lots of miscellaneous items from the library for sale.
    Cambridge City-Wide Garage Sale
  • Minnesota Book Award Winning Author - Barbara Sommer will be visiting the Cambridge Public Library on Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 pm.  Ms. Sommer was awarded the 2009 Minnesota Book Award in the Minnesota category for her book, Hard Work and a Good Deal:  The Civilian Conservation Corps in Minnesota.
    Minnesota Book Awards Winner
August 2009
  • Bookmobile for Sale - (click graphic for larger version)
Bookmobile for sale
  • ECRL Blue Ribbon Reader Named - Each of the 14 branch libraries in ECRL nominated one child as their blue ribbon reader. A drawing was held and Jonathan Chinn representing the Rush City Public Library was named the Blue Ribbon Reader from the ECRL region.  Jonathan will receive a four pack of MN State Fair tickets and will be recognized on stage at the Great MN Read-Together on Wednesday, September 2 at the State Fair.  Congratulations, Jonathan!
  • ECRL Blue Ribbon Reader Named
  • The Cat Who Smelled Smoke - We have received notification that publication of this book by Lillian Jackson Braun has been cancelled. All holds on the ECRL catalog have been cancelled.
  • Read & Ride at the Minnesota State Fair - Wednesday, September 2nd. Show your library card for reduced gate admission. Activities and entertainment all day west of the Grandstand Ramp in Carousel Park. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Create your own story on a stick; Learn to yo-yo; Author Will Weaver; Songs and games; Bill the Juggler; Non-stop story time; Book giveaways; Trivia prize wheel; Temporary tatoos.  Complete details, click here
Great Read Together
  • Explore Your Family History Classes - East Central Regional Library recently expanded access to one of the premier genealogical databases available to users, Ancestry Library Edition.  It provides instant access to a wide range of unique genealogical and historical resources. Reference staff from East Central Regional Library will be presenting classes for the public to learn all about this new and exciting genealogical database.  Basic computer skills are mandatory and class size is limited to 13.  Register by calling the library you plan to attend at least 3 days prior to the date of the class.
    • McGregor Public Library - Thursday, August 20 at 4:00 pm
    • Pine City Public Library - Wednesday, September 2 at 10:00 am
    • Wyoming Area Library - Tuesday, September 8 at 7:00 pm
    • Hinckley Public Library - Thursday, September 10 at 10:30 am
    • Rush City Public Library - Monday, September 14 at 7:00 pm
    • Sandstone Public Library - Tuesday, September 15 at 10:00 am
    • Chisago Lakes Area Library - Thursday, Septemer 17 at 1:00 pm
    • Aitkin Public Library - Monday, September 21 at 2:00 pm
    • Mora Public Library - Tuesday, Septemer 22 at 1:00 pm
    • Mille Lacs Lake Community Library - Wednesday, September 23 at 7:00 pm
    • Princeton Area Library - Thursday, September 24 at 7:00 pm
    • North Branch Area Library - Thursday, October 1 at 10:00 am
    • Cambridge Public Library - Tuesday, October 6 at 6:30 pm
    • Milaca Community Library - Thursday, October 8 at 7:00 pm

July 2009

  • New Outreach Services Underway - Heidi Cava was recently named the new ECRL Outreach Librarian.  Heidi will be serving as the Outreach Librarian at the new Onamia Library Link Site on Saturdays (beginning July 18) and serving patrons in northern Pine and Aitkin Counties with the new Outreach Services delivery van. 
    New Outreach Librarian
  • ECRL's Outreach Van
  • Holiday: All branches will be closed Saturday, July 4th
  • Author Presentation at Milaca Community Library - Dennis Weidemann, author of This Water Goes North, will be visiting the Milaca Community Library on Saturday, July 25 at 1:00 pm.  The book is about four Iowa farm boys who hatch a plan to paddle 1,400 miles from Minnestoa to Hudson Bay.  Join us for a slide show presentation and book signing. 
  • Chisago Lakes Booksale - Stop by the Chisago Lakes Area Library on Friday, July 10 from 12 noon to 6 pm and on Saturday, July 11 from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm for our booksale.  Lots to choose from and bargains for everyone!

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East Central Regional Library
244 South Birch Street Cambridge Minnesota 55008
Phone 763.689.7390      FAX 763.689.7389
ecregion@ecrl.lib.mn.us