Our mission: Connecting and strengthening communities through the power of knowledge
Serving libraries in East Central Minnesota: Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and  Pine Counties              
Home
ECRL Catalog
MnLINK
Magazines & Databases
Reference Desk
Contact us
Services & Resources
ECRL Branches
About ECRL
Blog - East Central Libraries
Photos
Staff webmail

Link to ECRL catalog

Enter the Evergreen online catalog

Download eBooks




Upcoming events in all branches        Find us on Facebook
Quick Links:



Minnesota Knows
encyclopedias, magazines
newspapers, ask a librarian,
mnlink, and more





Just Ask: Librarians are expert researchers
Send a question to the ECRL Reference Librarians at ref @ ecrlib.org
Technical alerts:
Passwords:
If you need help with your password for the ECRL online catalog please contact any branch.
Online catalog: If you have problems accessing the library catalog or other resources, please make sure that you  have java installed and updated. Also update your browser to the most current version.
                                
Search the Internet
Link to Google search
Link to Yahoo Search

News Bits

  • 3rd Thursday Book Club
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Thursday, February 16 - 6:30 pm
          Stop by the library and join us as we discuss
          the book, The Turtle Warrior by Mary R. Ellis.
  • Book Club & Pine City Reads Discussion Group
  • Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
    • Thursday, February 16 - 10:00 am at the library
    • Tuesday, February 21 - 7:00 pm at the library
    • Thursday, February 23 - 7:00 pm at the Northwest Fur Post
  • Book Sale
  • Cambridge Public Library
  • Friday, February 10 - 9:30 am -5:00 pm
  • Saturday, February 11 - 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
          Join us for our winter booksale.  Bagsale on Saturday
          ONLY - $2.00 a bag.  Sponsored by the
          Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.
  • Valentine Poetry Contest
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Saturday, February 11 - 10:00 am
          Kids, teens and adults are welcome to submit an original poem.
          All entries are due by Monday, February 6 to the library and
          participants must read their poem at the poetry event on Saturday,
          February 11 to be eligible for prizes.  Contact the library at
          651-674-8443 for more information.  Sponsored by the Friends
          of the North Branch Library.
  • Book Club Event
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Monday, February 6 - 12:30 pm
         Please join us for a discussion of David Wroblewski's "The
         Story of Edgar Sawtelle" at the library.

  • Happy 1st Anniversary!
  • Pine City Public Library
  • Wednesday, February 1
          Join us as we celebrate our 1st Anniversary in our rennovated
          library.  There will be cookies and a used booksale to
          commemorate the occasion.
  • Legacy Event
  • Journalist & Author, Greg Breining
  • Saturday, January 28 at 10:30 am
  • Hinckley Public Library
          Join us as journalist & author, Greg Breining talks about his
          book, A Hard-Water World.  His book talks about the beauty,
          wonder and insanity of ice-fishing.  His visit is funded with
          money from Minnesota's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
  • Paws to Read Program
  • Chisago Lakes Area Library
  • Saturdays - 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • January 28, February 25, March 31, April 28
          Practice reading aloud with certified dogs and their
          volunteers!  Kids ages 12 and under.  Sign up begins at
          10:30 each Saturday for 15 minute time slots.
  • Recycled Book Sale
  • Chisago Lakes Area Library
  • Friday, January 27 - Noon to 6:00 pm
  • Saturday, January 28 - 10:00 am to 1:30 pm
  • "Just for Friends" preview - Thursday, Jan. 26 -6-8pm
          Lotsa bargains available!  Adult, childrens, hardcover,
          paperback, fiction, non-fiction, videos & dvds for sale.
          Sponsored by the Friends of the Chisago Lakes Area
          Library.
  • Book Club Event
  • Cambridge Public Library
  • Thursday, January 26 at 6:30 pm
          Join us as we discuss the Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas at the library.
  • Legacy Event
  • Pine City Public Library
  • Quilts - Beyond Beauty by Bev Proulx
  • Wednesday, January 25 - 6:00 pm
          Using Bev's collection, we will investigate the purpose for quilts made
          duing the past 200 years.  The program was funded with money from
          Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage fund.
  • Book Club Event
  • Chisago Lakes Area Library
  • Thursday, January 19 - 6:30 pm
          Join us at the library as we discuss the book Dive from Clausen's Pier
          by Ann Packer.  Sign out a book at the desk.  Open to all!
  • Book Club Event
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Thursday, January 19 - 6:30 pm
          Please join the 3rd Thursday Book Club as we discuss Anne Tyler's
          Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant at the library.
  • Hot Reads for Cold Nights Adult Winter Reading program
  • Monday, January 9 thru Saturday, March 3
  • Chisago Lakes Area Library, North Branch Area Library, Princeton Area Library,  Wyoming Area Library
  • Hot Reads for Cold Nights Adult Winter Reading program
  • Monday, January 9 thru Friday, February 17
  • Cambridge Public Library
  • Hot Reads for Cold Nights, Adult Winter Program
  • Tuesday, January 10 thru February 29
          Need a cure for those cold, winter blues?  Then check out the adult
          winter reading programs at one of the ECRL branches listed above.
          Stop by or call for more information.  You might just win a prize!
  • Book Discussion Group
  • Tuesday, January 3
  • North Branch Area Library - 12:30 pm
          Join us as we discuss Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain
          at the library.
  • Free Basic Computer Course
  • Chisago Lakes Area Library
  • December 28, 29, 30 - 1:00-4:00 pm
          Adults with little or no computer experience my enroll in this FREE
          9-hour computer course.  To register call Sue S. at 320-358-1227.
  • Book Club Event
  • Pine City Public Library
  • Thursday, December 22 @ 10:00 am
          Join us in the Library Community Room to share a book of your choice.
          This is a chance to share a great book you've read and to hear
          recommendations from other readers.
  • Book Club Event
  • Pine City Public Library
  • Tuesday, December 20 @ 7:00 pm
        Join us for a discussion of the book, Bold Spirit:  Helga Estby's
        Forgotten Walk Across Victorian America by Linda Lawrence Hunt.

  • Book Discussion
  • Wyoming Area Library
  • Thursday, December 15  - 7:00 pm
          Please join us for our discussion of Baker Towers by Jennifer
          Haigh.  Books and discussion questions are available at the
          front desk.
  • Book Discussion
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Thursday, December 15 - 6:30 pm
          Join us as we discuss David Baldacci's Christmas Train at the library.
  • Own the Night Teen Video Challenge
  • All ECRL branches
          Teens ages 13-18 are encouraged to submit a 30-90 second video promoting the
          idea of using public libraries and reading using the 2012 Teen Summer Reading
          slogan, "Own the Night."  One winner from the State of Minnesota will be
          chosen by a committee of librarians and win $275 plus $150 for their local
          library.   For more information go to the Minnesota Summer Reading Program website.
  • Library Giving Trees - 'tis the Season!
  • Wyoming Area Library & Chisago Lakes Area Library
          Choose a tag off the tree in the library and purchase a book for a child
          or donate money to be used to purchase books for needy Chisago County
          children.  All money must be donated by December 10 and unwrapped
          books returned to the library by December 13. 
  • Author & Illustrator, Carrie Hartman
  • Ogilivie Public School Auditorium
  • Thursday, December 8 - 6:30 pm
          Stop in & listen as author & illustrator, Carrie Hartman, presents
          a program for Parents in Education Night.  This event is funded in
          part or in whole with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural
          Heritage Fund.
  • Book Discussion
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Monday, December 5 - 12:30 pm
          Join us at the library for a discussion of Kathryn Stockett's
          book, The Help!
  • Santa Day
  • Rush City Public Library
  • Saturday, December 3 - 2:00 -4:00 pm
          Come to Santa Day at the Rush City Public Library.  Mrs. Santa will
          read to the kids.  Help decorate the library tree.  Enjoy apple cider &
          Christmas music.  Sponsored by local businesses and the Rush City
          Friends of the Library.

  • Teddy Bear Band
  • Pine City Elementary School Auditorium
  • Saturday, December 3 - 12:30 pm
          Bring your teddy bear along for this fun-filled holiday music
          program.  ECRL and Pine City Community Ed are sponsoring
          the event.  Funds for the event are provided in part or in whole
          from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. 
  • Bluegrass Musicians, Douglas & Bryan Wood
  • Isle Rec Center
  • Wednesday, November 30 - 1:00 pm
          Join us as ECRL and Isle Community Ed present an afternoon of bluegrass
          music.  This event is funded in part or in whole with funds from Minnesota's
          Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
  • Social Networking Class
  • All ECRL Branches
  • November 17 thru January 24
          What is social networking?  Join us for a brief introduction & demonstration of Skype, Twitter,
          & LinkedIn followed by a more in-depth look into Facebook in this 90-minute class.  There is
          limited seating and pre-registration required.  Contact your local ECRL branch to
          register and for more information.  Below is the schedule of classes for 2011:

         November Classes:
              Monday, November 21 - 1:00 pm at the Aitkin Public Library
              Tuesday, November 29 - 1:00 pm at the Cambridge Public Library
              Wednesday, November 30 - 10:30 am at the Milaca Community Library

        December Classes:
              Thursday, December 1 - 10:00 am at the Hinckley Public Library
              Thursday, December 1 - 6:00 pm at the Mora Public Library
              Sunday, December 4 - 1:00 pm at the Wyoming Area Library
              Wednesday, December 7 - 10:00 am at the Rush City Public Library
              Wednesday, December 7 - 5:00 pm at the Pine City Public Library
              Thursday, December 8 - 2:00 pm at the Chisago Lakes Area Library
              Tuesday, December 13 - 11:00 am at the McGregor Public Lbirary
              Tuesday, December 13 - 6:00 pm at the Sandstone Public Library
              Wednesday, December 14 - 3:00 pm at the Princeton Area Library
              Thursday, December 15 - 10:00 am at the Mille Lacs Lake Community Library
  • Author Visit
  • Milaca Public Library
  • Saturday, November 19 - 1:00-3:00 pm
          Amanda Hughes, author of Beyond the Cliffs of
          Kerry and the Pride of the King will be at the
          Milaca Public Library for a book signing.
  • Book Discussion
  • Wyoming Area Library
  • Thursday, November 17 -7:00 pm
          Please join us for an invigorating discussion of the
          Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.  Copies of the
          book and discussion questions are available at the
          circulation desk.
  • Tweens & Teens Gaming Night
  • Cambridge Public Library
  • 6:00-7:30 pm
          Tweens and teens ages 11-16 are invited for a night of video games,
          board games and more.  Pizza, pop and prizes too!
  • Book Discussion
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Thursday, November 17 - 6:30 pm
          Join us on Thursday evening for a discussion of the book,
          Fire in the Blood by Irene Nemirovsky.
  • Book Discussion
  • Pine City Public Library
  • Thursday, Novemer 17 - 10:00 am
          Please join us in the Library Community room for a
          discussion of the book, Postmistress by Sarah Blake.
  • Book Discussion
  • Pine City Public Library
  • Tuesday, November 15 - 7:00 pm
          Please join us at the library for a discussion of the book,
          Guernsey Literacy and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary
          Ann Shaffer and Ann Barrows.
  • Cheri Andrews, Local Author
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Saturday, November 12 - 11:00 am
         Join us for a book talk and signing by Cheri Andrews, author
         of Reef Warrior:  Journey to Discovery, a book for kids ages
         10-14.  Refreshments will be served.  Sponsored by the Friends
         of the North Branch Library.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

  • Book Discussion
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Monday, November 7 - 12:30 pm
         Please join us for a discussion of Jodi Piccoult's House Rules
         at the library.
  • Booksale
  • Aitkin Public Library
  • Saturday, November 5 thru Saturday, November 12
  • During library open hours
          The Aitkin Friends of the Library are sponsoring a week
          long booksale at the library. 
  • Booksale
  • Milaca Community Library
  • Friday, November 4 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday, November 5 - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
         The Milaca Area Friends of the Library will be holding their fall
         booksale at the library during library open hours.
  • Eye for Color with Bev Proulx
  • Rush City Public Library
  • Thursday, November 3 - 6:00 pm
          View an antique and contemporary collection of quilts and
          then learn how
quilters have used color for the past 200 years with
          Bev Proulx. 
*This project was funded in part or in whole with
          money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

  • Halloween Party
  • Wyoming Area Library
  • Sunday, October 30 - 3:30-4:30 pm
          The library is sponsoring a Halloween Party with Meadows on
          Fairview
for area children ages 10 and younger.  Costumes are
          optional and children need to be
accompanied by an adult. 
          Sign-up in person or by calling 651-462-9001. 
Activities include
          cookie decorationg, listening to stories, coloring and making creepy crafts.

  • Audubon Center of the Northwoods
  • Sandstone Public Library
  • Saturday, October 29 - 10:30 am
          Join us for the raptor program, "Birds of Prey."
  • More Than Nikolina
  • Saturday, October 29 - 2:00 pm
    • Milaca City Hall
  • Saturday, October 29 - 7:00 pm
    • Rusheba Town Hall
         Swedish Folk Music and Dance performed by the Twin Cities area
         Nyckelharpalag.  *This project is funded with money from
         Minnesota's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
  • Halloween Fun for Kids, Teens & Adults
  • Milaca Community Library
  • Thursday, October 27
          Kids!  Come join us at 3:30 pm and hear some spooky tales and enjoy some
          tricks and treats.
          Teens and adults!  You're invited to stop by the library and revisit your youth
          as you hear some twisted tales to jump-start your heart read by Gary Fehring.
          The events are sponsored by the Milaca Area Friends of the Library.
  • Rhonda Lund Presents Chinese Ink Brush Calligraphy
  • Aitkin Public Library
  • Wednesday, October 26 - 5:00 pm
          Rhonda Lund will lead a beginner session on classic Chinese ink
          brush calligraphy.  All supplies provided by the library.  Class size
          is limited.  Pre-register at the library or call 218-927-2339.
          *This project is funded with money from
          Minnesota's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
  • Author Peg Meier
  • Sandstone Public Library
  • Saturday, October 22 - 10:00 am
          Join us as Minnesota author stops by for a book talk and book signing at the
          library.  She will talk about her new book, Through No Fault of Her Own, a book
          about growing up on Summit Avenue in what was later to become the
          Governor's residence.
  • Booksale
  • Princeton Area Library
  • Thursday, October 20 - 3:00-8:00
  • Friday, October 21 - 10:30-5:00
  • Saturday, October 22 - 9:00-12:00
  • Book Discussion
  • Wyoming Area Library
  • Thursday, October 20 - 7:00 pm
          Join us as we discuss the book, The Help by Kathryn Sockett.  Copies of the books and
          discussion questions are available at the front desk.
  • Booksale
  • Cambridge Public Library
  • Friday - October 14 - 9:30-5:00
  • Saturday - October 15 - 9:30 -1:00 ($2.00 Bagsale only)
          Lots of hardcover and softcover adult, teen and children's books and other items
          for sale.  Sponsored by the Cambridge Friends of the Library.

  • Icelandic Storyteller, Ingibjorg Gisladottir
  • Cambridge Public Library
  • Thursday, October 13 at 7:00 pm
          The library will host an evening of Icelandic storytelling.  The event is sponsored by
          the Rumelva Cambridge Sons of Norway Lodge and the Cambridge Swedish Festival
          and made possible in part through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.
  • Author Dean Hovey
  • Pine City Public Library
  • Saturday, October 8 - 10:30 am
          Author Dean Hovey will be stopping by the Pine City Public Library to visit
          and sign books.
  • Booksale
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Saturday, October 8 - 10:00 - 2:00
         Visit the North Branch Area Library's community and take a look at all
          the items available for sale at our booksale. 
  • Booksale
  • Mora Public Library
  • Friday, October 7 - 10:00-5:30
  • Saturday, October 8 - 10:00 -2:00
          Stop by the library and check out the donated items at our booksale.  There will
          be items for adults and children.
  • Special Storytime
  • Princeton Area Library
  • Thursday, October 6 - 6:30 pm
          Join us for a special storytime on Thursday, Oct. 6 featuring the book,
          Llama, Llama, Red Pajamas by Anna Dewdney and a real live llama (or
          alpaca).  Feel free to come in your pajamas!  For kids ages 3-6.  Sponsored
          by the Princeton Reading Corp and the Princeton Area Library.
  • Job Search & Resources Classes
  • All ECRL branches
  • October 3 thru November 17
         Looking for employment?  Need assistance with your job search?  Then join us for
         one of our online job search and resource classes.  The classes are part of our Digital
         Immigrants II series teaching individuals new skills.  Funding for the classes is provided
         by funding from a federal grant from the Institute of Museum & Library Services.  Class
         size is limited and you must pre-register.  Call
your local ECRL branch to pre-register or
         for more information:


         October classes:
              Monday, Oct. 3 - Chisago Lakes Area Library - 1:00 pm
              Tuesday, Oct. 4 - North Branch Area Library - 3:00 pm
              Thursday, Oct. 6 - McGregor Public Library - 11:00 am
              Wednesday, Oct. 12 - Rush City Public Library - 10:00 am
                                                 Pine City Public Library - 5:00 pm
              Friday, Oct. 14 - Mille Lacs Lake Community Library - 10:00 am
                                         Hinckley Public Library - 2:00 pm
              Wednesday, Oct. 19 - Milaca Community Library - 10:30 am
                                                 Princeton Area Library - 3:00 pm
              Thursday, Oct. 20 - Mora Public Library - 6:00 pm
              Tuesday, Oct. 25 - North Branch Area Library - 10:00 am
                                            Cambridge Public Library - 2:00 pm

         November classes:
              Wednesday, Nov. 2 - Aitkin Public Library - 10:00 am
              Thursday, Nov. 3 - Chisago Lakes Area Library - 1:00 pm
                                              Wyoming Area Library - 6:30 pm
              Friday, Nov. 4 - Sandstone Public Library - 10:00 am
              Tuesday, Nov. 8 - Mora Public Library - 2:00 pm
              Thursday, Nov. 10 - Princeton Area Library - 6:00 pm
              Saturday, Nov. 12 - Pine City Public Library - 10:00 am
              Wednesday, Nov. 16 - McGregor Public Library - 1:00 pm
              Thursday, Nov. 17 - Cambridge Public Library - 10:00 am
                                                Milaca Community Library - 6:00 pm
         
    
       
More news on the East Central Libraries blog





East Central Regional Library
244 South Birch Street Cambridge Minnesota 55008
Phone 763.689.7390      FAX 763.689.7389
ecregion @ ecrlib.org