Unlimited possibilities @ your library: celebrate National Library Week April 12-18

East Central Regional Library joins libraries in schools, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating National Library Week April 12 - 18th. Libraries have observed National Library Week since 1958, but just as every other organization and business in our culture has changed in the last 57 years, so have libraries. Yes, there are still librarians to help you find what you need and rows of books on shelves in ECRL libraries, but in today's library there is so much more. ECRL has accepted as its mission for 2015-2017 " . . . to strengthen communities by connecting people with resources, spaces, and educational experiences that enrich and empower their lives."

Libraries connect people who walk in through the doors during library open hours and also who connect through the website any time of day or night. You can read an encyclopedia from the shelf, or you can read the online multi-media encyclopedia through the Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM). You can ask the librarian at the service desk a question, or you can chat online with the librarian on duty through the AskMN network. You can read any number of print magazines displayed on shelves or you can download the latest issue of HGTV Magazine or National Geographic.

People value the spaces in libraries. Some may meet their book club for monthly discussions or students may work on a group project like making a video. There's lots of activity when parents interact with children in the smart-play spots. Less tech savvy people feel comfortable using public Internet computers when guided by knowledgeable staff guides. Someone else may use a study room and wireless access to interview for a job via Skype.

Programs and activities both entertain and educate. People enjoy history programs, author presentations, or gardening programs. Displays in libraries draw together information about various subjects or events.

The 2015 theme for National Library Week this year is "Unlimited possibilities @ your library." Walk in or browse in. See what's there, and let us know what you'd like to experience today.

Barbara Misselt, ECRL Director

Tips & Tricks to Using Your Library!

Don't miss an issue of your favorite eMagazine! Receive an email notification from Zinio for Libraries when a new issue hits the stands. Log in to ECRL's Zinio page and access 'My Preferences.' Add titles for notification.

Have a title suggestion for the library to purchase? Send an email to [email protected] with your name, library card number, and what format you wish. Your suggestion will be forwarded to the selector for that format for consideration.

Forgot your PIN/Password? To obtain or change your PIN, reset it at: https://ecrl.mnpals.net/eg/opac/password_reset. An email will be sent to the email address on the library card account with instructions for creating a new password.

               Upcoming Legacy Programming

  (events funded with money from Minnesota's              Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund)

Old MacDonald Had a Banjo

The children's show, Old MacDonald Had a Banjo, imagines a farm full of songs bursting out entertaining, educating, and in volving the audience in singing, movement, and silliness. Folk musician Paul Imholte plays the part of Old MacDonald as he sings original and classic children's songs.

Old McDonald Had a Banjo program is part of ECRL's celebration of Once Upon a Reader, a statewide literacy initiative program that celebrates Minnesota's rich cultural heritage by bringing the joy of stories, art, and literacy to our state's youngest members through libraries.

Milaca Community Library - Thursday, April 16 - 10:30 am

McGregor Public Library - Saturday, April 18 - 10:30 am

Wyoming Area Library - Tuesday, April 21 - 10:30 am

Hinckley Public Library - Tuesday, April 21 - 2:00 pm

Pine City Public Library - Wednesday, April 29 - 10:15 am

David Ward - Loggin', Legends and Lore!

Rush City Public Library - Wednesday, April 22 - 4:00 pm

Fast, fun and fact filled, exciting and outrageous tales from the Paul Bunyan legend. Actor David Ward recreates characters from Paul's era such as "Ole the Big Swede" and "Hot Bisquit Slim" the camp cook. Kids will love seeing giant recreations of some authentic Paul artifacts such as Paul's baby bottle, toothpick and a giant mosquito from Paul's famous tale of "The Giant Mosquitobees!" Kids will learn about the logging industry, and how that time in history was influential in building our communities in the upper Midwest.

The Looney Lutherans

Cambridge Public Library -Monday, April 27 - 6:30 pm
Pine City Public Library - Tuesday, April 28 - 6:30 pm
IREC (Isle Recreation and Education Center)
Seniors 55+ are welcome to come at noon for soup and pie provided by the East Central Senior Resources Center
Wednesday, April 29 - 1:00 pm (all invited for the presentation)

If you're a f an of the  Church Basement Ladies you'll love The Looney Lutherans! The Looney Lutherans are a team of  professional actresses who have come together in a fun, interactive, family-friendly show. The idea for the "Looney Lutherans" was cooked up in 2006 when the founding members were appearing in the cast of the hit musical CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES at the Plymouth Playhouse in Plymouth, MN.

The Looney Lutherans are a trio of wacky gals on tour promoting their new cookbook and "lifestyle guide" entitled: Use Your Food: A Guide to Healthy Living Inside and Out, From Our Kitchen to Yours, Eat Like a Lutheran! Using music, comedy, and some help from the audience, these gals share some age-old wisdom for living a long and healthy life the Lutheran way.

Bev Proulx - Eye for Color
Wyoming Area Library - Tuesday, May 5 at 6:30 pm

View an antique and contemporary collection of quilts and then learn how quilters have used color for the past 200 years. No pre-registration required.

Bev Proulx - Magnificent Color Play Quilting Workshop

Wyoming Area Library - Saturday, May 9 -10:00- am - 2:00 pm

We will be using different fabrics to discover their potential. We will look at all colors, print types, and possible combinations, and will practice what you learn throughout the class. (This program is for ages 18+, space is limited and this workshop does require pre-registration. Please contact the Wyoming Area Library at 651-462-9001)

Teddy Bear Band

2015 Read to the Rhythm 

Summer Reading Program Kickoff

Summer is quickly approaching and it is time to get ready to hop and bop all summer long.  So plan to join us the Teddy Bear Band celebrates their 30th anniversary as a group.  Bring you favorite stuffed animal or teddy bear along to groove to the music.  

Wednesday, June 3
10:30 - am - Aitkin Public Library
1:30 pm - McGregor School Auditorium
Thursday, June 4
10:30 am - Milaca Community Library
1:30 pm - Pine City Public Library (Elementary School Auditorium)
Monday, June 8
10:00 am - Mille Lacs Lake Community Library
1:00 pm - Mora Public Library
Tuesday, June 9
10:30 am - Wyoming Area Library
1:00 pm - Chisago Lakes Area Library
3:00 pm - North Branch Area Library
Wednesday, June 10
10:00 am - Cambridge Public Library (Cambridge Primary School)
1:00 pm - Princeton Area Library
Thursday, June 11
10:30 am - Sandstone Public Library (East Central School District)
1:00 pm - Hinckley Public Library
3:30 pm - Rush City Public Library

Plus check out all the other activities going on throughout ECRL. 

Simply check any of the following spots on our website:  NewsBits at www.ecrlib.org, Google calendar, ECRL Facebook page or follow us on  Twitter@ecrlib.