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


Download eBooks



 Quick Links:


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

 We've been told that the joint House and Senate Legacy conference committee has agreed to the current funding level of $3 million per year for regional public libraries for the next biennium. Thank you all for your support!




Just Ask: Librarians are expert researchers
Send a question to the ECRL Reference Librarian at ref @ ecrlib.org
Technical alerts:
ECRL library cards need to be renewed every 2 years
Passwords: If you need help with your library account password or PIN, contact any branch or send email to ecregion @ ecrlib.org (include your name, address, and library card number in the email)
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. We recommend using Google Chrome.                                		Search the Internet
Link to Google search
Link to Yahoo Search

The following ECRL branches along with ECRL Headquarters will be closed for Memorial Day on MONDAY, May 27:  Aitkin, Cambridge, Chisago Lakes, Mora, North Branch, and Princeton.
The following ECRL branches will be closed for Memorial Day on TUESDAY, May 28:  Hinckley, McGregor, Milaca, Mille Lacs, Pine City, Rush City, Sandstone and Wyoming.

News Bits

  • Legacy Event
  • Tonic Sol fa
  • North Branch Area High School Auditorium
  • Wednesday, May 22 - 7:00 pm
          Before rock n' roll and jazz their was only one instrument -
         the human voice.  Join us as this popular and successful
         "a capella" quartet entertains.  Doors open at 6:30.  Free and
         open to the public.  Limited seating available.  The event is funded
         with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and
         is in partnership with North Branch Area Community Education.  Free
         and open to the public.

  • Legacy Event
  • Larry Yazzie and the Native Pride Dancers
    • Tuesday, May 21 - 4:00 pm
      • Educational Program
      • Chisago Lakes Area Library
    • Tuesday, May 21 - 7:00 pm
      • Live Performance
      • Chisago Lakes High School Performing Arts Center

           We welcome you to feel the beat of the drum, experience the hypnotizing
           power of dance and enjoy the rhythm of the music as we share the cultural
           history, traditions, ways, beliefs and spiritual importance of Indigenous peoples.
           Larry Yazzie is a member of The Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa/
           Meskawaki and is a two-time World Champion Fancy Dancer.  The event is
           funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.  Free and
           open to the public.

  • 3rd Tuesday Evening Book club Group
  • Pine City Public Library
  • Tuesday, May 21 - 7:00 pm
          Stop by the library as we discuss Shadow Divers:  The True
          Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve
          One of the Last Mysteries of WWII by Robert Kurson.
  • 3rd Thursday Morning Book Lovers Club
  • Pine City Public Library
  • Thursday, May 16 - 10:00 am
          Join us as we discuss Summit Avenue by Mary Sharratt.
  • 3rd Thursday Evening Book Club
  • Chisago Lakes Area Library
  • Thursday, May 16 - 6:30 pm
          Stop by the library as we discuss Those Who Save Us by
          Jenna Blum. 
  • May Book Club Discussion
  • Wyoming Area Library
  • Thursday, May 16 - 7:00 pm
          Join us in the library community room as we discuss Plain Truth by
          Jodi Picoult.  Copies of the book are available at the desk.

  • Book Club Discussion Group
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Thursday, May 16 - 6:30 pm
          Please join us as we discuss The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg
          at the library.  Everyone is welcome. 
  • Herb Gardening Workshop
  • Princeton Area Library
  • Thursday, May 16 - 6:30-8:30 pm
          Join us as Dan & Myrl Moran, authors of The Herbal
          Kitchen teach us all about herb gardening.  The event is sponsored
          by the Friends of the Princeton Library.

  • Legacy Event
  • "Sing, Play, Learn" with McPhail Center for Music
    • Chisago Lakes Area Library
      • Wednesday, May 15 - 10:00 am
    • North Branch Area Library
      • Wednesday, May 15 - 11:30 am
            Children ages Birth to 5 years of age are invited to explore
            musical concepts through songs, rhymes, instrument exploration,
            creative movements and dramatics.  The event is funded with
            money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

  • Mother's Day Crafts
  • Milaca Community Library
  • Saturday, May 11 - 1:30-2:30 pm
          Students in grades 1-3 are invited to come to the
          library for some Mother's DAy related stories and
          crafts.  Please register 3 days in advance by calling the
          library or stopping by the circ desk (320-983-3677).
  • Legacy Event
  • Minnesota Comic Workshop
  • Pine City Public Library
  • Saturday, May 11 - 1:00-3:00 pm
          Sharpen your pencil, lay out your plot and hone your
          cartoonist skills.  Learn how to apply techniques from a
          professional artist.  All materials provided; for teens and
          tweens; make your own mini-comic book.  Class size is
          limited.  Pre-registration at the library or call 320-629-6403.
          The event is funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and
          Cultural Heritage Fund and the Minnesota Historical Society.
  • Legacy Event
  • Mascot Mania Present Maisy
  • Mille Lacs Lake Community Library
  • Saturday, May 11 - 11:00 am
         Stop by the library for a short storytime and meet and greet with Maisy. 
         Bring your camera and have your picture taken with her.  Each child will receive
         a handout of activity sheets, too.The event is funded with money from
         Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
  • Library Book Sale
  • Milaca Community Library
  • Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11
          Stop by the library during our open hours on
          Friday, 10:00-5:00 and Saturday, 10:00-3:00 and
          check out our booksale.  There will be hardcovers,
          paperbacks and more for both adults and children.
          Come early for the best selection.
  • Legacy Event
  • 25th Minnesota Book Award Mini-Gala (see flyer above)
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Thursday, May 9 - 7:00 pm
          Join acclaimed and award-winning authors Catherine Friend,
          Julie Klassen, Kevin Kling and William Kent Krueger for an
          evening of reading and discussion, as well as book signings and
          a reception.  Books will be available for purchase.  See the flyer
          above for funding information. 
  • Book Club Discussion Group
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Monday, May 6 - 12:30 pm
          Please join us as we discuss The Camel Bookmobile by
          Masha Hamilton at the library.  Everyone is welcome.
  • Movie Showing - "Best in Show"
  • Pine City Public Library
  • Thursday, May 2 - 6:30 pm
  • Rated PG13
          Join us for this special event at the library.  Children under 13
          must be accompanied by an adult for the movie.  Steve Hallan, a local
          dog trainer, will do a brief demonstration of dog training during the
          intermission.  No tickets needed.  Snacks available for purchase.  The
          event is funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage
          Fund.
  • Cambridge Community Wide Read Event
  • Author, Peter Geye
  • Thursday, May 2 - 7:00 pm
  • Cambridge Campus - Anoka Ramsey Community College - RM G202
          Join us for the final event of the 2013 One Book Cambridge Community
          Wide Read Program as author, Peter Geye, shares about and discusses his
          novel, Safe From the Sea.  Books will be available for purchase.
  • Legacy Event
  • Mascot Mania Presents Curious George
  • Cambridge Public Library
  • Wednesday, May 1 - 10:30 am
         Stop by the library for a short storytime and meet and greet with Curious George. 
         Bring your camera and have your picture taken with him.  Each child will receive
         a handout of activity sheets, too.The event is funded with money from
         Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
  • Legacy Event
  • Mascot Mania Presents Clifford the Big Red Dog
  • Wyoming Area Library
  • Tuesday, April 30 - 6:30 pm
         Stop by the library for a short storytime and meet and greet with Clifford
         Bring your camera and have your picture taken with him.  Each child will receive
         a handout of activity sheets, too.The event is funded with money from
         Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
  • Book Club Rescheduled
  • 3rd Thursday Nigh Book Club
  • Chisago Lakes Area Library
  • Thursday, April 25 - 6:30 pm
          The book club meeting scheduled for last night (April 18)
          has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 25th!  We will
          discuss the Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne.
  • Community Wide Read Book Discussion
  • Cambridge Public Library
  • Thursday, April 25 - 6:30 pm
          Join us as the library for a discussion of Safe From the
          Sea by peter Geye, the 2013 Cambridge Community Wide
          Read selection, with local community members.
  • Author Mike Roberts
  • Cambridge Public Library
  • Tuesday, April 23 - 6:30 pm
  • Cambridge Communtiy Wide Read event
         As part of the Cambridge Community Wide Read program
         and keeping with the "sea" theme, author, Mike Roberts,
         will be visiting the Cambridge Public Library to discuss his book,
         The Last Keeper at Split Rock:  a Memoir on T. Mike turned off  
         the light at the Split Rock Creek Lighthouse at the end of the 1968-69
         shipping season.  The Friends of the Cambridge Public Library will
         also hold their annual meeting during the evening.
  • Senior Surf Day
  • Pine City Public Library
  • Tuesday, April 23 - 1:00-3:00 pm
          Join us and learn basic computer skills, set up an email address and more.  In
          partnership with the Senior LinkAge Line and sponsored by the East Central
          Senior Resource Center.  Registration is required and can be done by calling
          1-800-333-2422, ext. 83030 (Frances Nelson).  Robin Duple, Pine City
          Branch Librarian, will also teach a component of the program related
          to using the library's website, checking out eBooks, and placing holds
          online through the catalog
  • Civil War Interactive Experience
  • Legacy Event
  • Mille Lacs Lake Community Library
  • Saturday, April 20 - 10:30 am
          See what it was really like to be a soldier in the Civil War through
          artifacts, uniforms, equipment and drills. The program is funded with
          money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and in partnership
          with the Minnesota Historical Society. 
  • Book Club Discussion Group
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Thursday, April 18 - 6:30 pm
          Please join us as we discuss Sacre Bleu by Christopher
          Moore at the library.  Everyone is welcome to attend. 
  • Book Club Event
  • 3rd Thursday Evening Book Club
  • Chisago Lakes Area Library
  • Thursday, April 18 - 6:30 pm
          Join us as we discuss the Boy in the Striped Pajamas by
          John Boyne. 
  • Legacy Event
  • Mascot Mania Presents Llama Llama
  • Milaca Community Library
  • Thursday, April 18 - 10:00 am
         Stop by the library for a short storytime and meet and greet with Llama Llama. 
         Bring your camera and have your picture taken with him.  Each child will receive
         a handout of activity sheets, too.The event is funded with money from
         Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
  • Book Club Event
  • 3rd Thursday Morning Book Lovers Club
  • Pine City Public Library
  • Thursday, April 18 - 10:00 am
          Join us as we discuss Witch Hunt:  Mysteries of the Salem Witch
          Trials by Marc Aronson.
  • Legacy Event
  • Mascot Mania Presents "Froggy"
  • Rush City Public Library
  • Wedneday, April 17 - 4:00 pm
         Stop by the library for a short storytime and meet and greet with Froggy. 
         Bring your camera and have your picture taken with him.  Each child will receive
         a handout of activity sheets, too.The event is funded with money from
         Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
  • Book Club Event
  • 3rd Tuesday Evening Book Group
  • Pine City Public Library
  • Tuesday, April 16 - 7:00 pm
          Join us as we discuss Summit Avenue by Mary Sharratt.
  • Legacy Event
  • Tonic Sol Fa
  • Tuesday, April 16 -7:00 pm
  • North Branch Area High School Auditorium
         Before rock n' roll and jazz their was only one instrument -
         the human voice.  Join us as this popular and successful
         "a capella" quartet entertains.  Doors open at 6:30.  Free and
         open to the public.  Limited seating available.  The event is funded
         with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and
         is in partnership with North Branch Area Community Education.
  • Celebrate National Poetry Month
    • Poetry reading by Minnesota author, Frederick Blanch
    • Pine City Public Library
    • Tuesday, April 16 - 6:00 pm
          Mr. Blanch will share his poetry with us.  Free and open to the
          public.  Light refreshments provided
    • Poetry Open Mic Night
    • Pine City Public Library
    • Tuesday, April 23 - 6:30 pm
          Join us at the library and share your favorite poems, no matter who
          wrote them.  We encourage original poetry as well.  Free and open to
          the public.  Light refreshments provided. 
  • Teen Book Club
  • Cambridge Public Librry
  • Monday, April 15 - 4:00 pm
          Students in grades 7-12 are invited to join us as
          we discuss The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau.
  • Earth Day Craft Day at the Library
  • Milaca Community Library
  • Saturday, April 13 - 1:30-2:30 pm
          Students in grades 1-3 are invited to come to the library
          for earth day stories and crafts.  Please register 3
          days in advance by calling the library at 320-983-3677
          or stopping by the library. 

  • Book Sale
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Saturday, April 13 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
          Stop by the library and pick up some bargains.
          Adults and children's books for sale.  Sponsored by
          the Friends of the North Branch Area Library.
  • Legacy Event
  • Irish Songs from the Lumber Camps
  • Aitkin Public Library
  • Saturday, April 13 - 1:00 pm
          Nationally renowned masters of Celtic music Miller and
          Gosa transport you to the 19th-century lumber camps. 
          The program is funded with money from Minnesota's Arts
          & Cultural Heritage Fund and in partnership with the Minnesota
          Historical Society.
  • Legacy Event
  • Comedian C. Willi Myles
  • Friday, April 12th
    • 4:00 pm - Art of Storytelling
      • McGregor Public Library
    • 7:00 pm - Comedy Performance
      • McGregor School Auditorium
          Join us as America's everyday comedian entertains!
          Free and open to the public and in partnership with
          McGregor Communtiy Ed.  The event is funded with money
          from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
  • Local Author Angela Bennett
  • Chisago Area Library
  • Thursday, April 11 - 7:00 pm. 
          Join us as local author, Angela Bennett, visits the library
          to talk about her book, Losing Grip. "Once an outcast,
          always an outcast" Samantha can't escape the ridicule of
          high school politics. Her survival? Hide and and all weaknesses.
  • Mascot Tour Legacy Event
  • Mouse (from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie....)
  • Sandstone Public Library
  • Wednesday, April 10 - 10:30 am
         Stop by the library for a short storytime and meet and greet with Mouse. 
         Bring your camera and have your picture taken with him.  Each child will receive
         a handout of activity sheets, too.The event is funded with money from
         Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
  • Cambridge City Wide Read Events
  • Tuesday, April 9
    • Author Mike Roberts - 2:00 pm
      • Cambridge Senior Center
  • Thursday, April 11
    • Author Mike Roberts -6:30 pm
      • Cambridge Public Library 
          Author Mike Roberts will discuss his book, The Last
          Keeper at Split Rock:  a Memoir.

  • Legacy Event
  • Clifford the Big Red Dog
  • McGregor Public Library
  • Saturday, April 6 - 11:00 am
         Stop by the library for a short storytime and meet and greet with Clifford the Big
         Red Dog.  Bring your camera and have your picture taken with him.  Each child will receive
         a handout of Clifford activity sheets, too.The event is funded with money from
         Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
  • Legacy Event
  • Musician Peter Ostroushko
  • Old School Arts Center
    • 214 Eagle Drive, Sandstone, MN
  • Friday, April 5 - 7:00 pm
          Join us as reknown fiddle and mandolin player
          along with several other musicians presents an evening
          of delightful music.  In partnership with Old School Arts
          Center.  Free and open to the public.  The event is funded
          with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage
          Fund.
  • Legacy Event
  • Curious George Visits
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Wednesday, April 3 - 10:30 am
         Stop by the library for a short storytime and meet and greet with Curious George.
         Bring your camera and have your picture taken with him.  Each child will receive
         a handout of Curious George activity sheets, too.The event is funded with money from
         Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
  • Local Author Visit by A. L. Sanderson
  • Milaca Community Library
  • Tuesday, April 2 - 5:30 pm
          Stop by the library late Tuesday afternoon and listen
          as A. L. Sanderson talks about his book, Timber:  Fire in
          the Pines, a captivating story set in the fictional town of
          Pine Crescent during the 1800s at the time of the Great
          Hinckley Fire.

  • Book Club Discussion Group
  • North Branch Area Library
  • Monday, April 1 - 12:30 pm
          Please join us as we discuss Curtiss Anderson's Blueberry
          Summers at the library.  Everyone is welcome.

  • Name the Mascot
  • Legacy Event
  • All ECRL Branches
          ECRL will soon have a new mascot and we need your help naming our new fox!
          All ages may participate and you may submit up to 2 names.  Simply download form below or pick up an
          entry form at an ECRL branch, link site or outreach stop to enter.  The contest
          runs thru March 15!  The program is funded with money from Minnesota's Arts
          and Cultural Heritage Fund. download entry form


  • Mascot Mania Tour
  • Favorite Children's Book Characters visit ECRL
  • All ECRL Branches
  • January thru May 2013
          Who's your favorite children's book character?  Curious George?
          Maisy?  Or maybe Clifford the Big Red Dog?  East Central Regional
          Library will kick off its Mascot Mania tour with appearances by many
          popular children's book characters this January.  Download the Mascot
          Mania flyer for a list of dates and times for all the appearances of your 
          favorite children's book characters.  The program is made possible
          with funds from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. 



         
    
       
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