Hinckley Branch Librarian to Retire

In November 1996, Ceci Cross-Maser, applied for the job as Hinckley Branch librarian.  Now over 18 years later she has decided it is time to retire from her position.  The Hinckley branch of East Central Regional Library has changed dramatically in those 18 years.  

Ceci says, "the biggest change has occurred in the use of the public internet computers.  Initially, there was heavy use by kids and there was an 'after school rush' of breathless students who ran to the library to be first in line to log on.  Now, there are very few kids on the computers since most have access on their smartphones or have been issued a tablet through the school.  Now I see mostly adults using the computers.  And of course, there has been a noticeable shift to e-books among some (but not all) groups of patrons."

Customer service has been an earmark of Ceci's tenure as the Hinckley Branch Librarian.  She has worked very hard at keeping her readers happy and current over the years, keeping them apprised of new releases, introducing them to new authors and more. I "loved having them leave the library feeling satisfied, served, respected and hopefully enlightened."  One of her biggest accomplishments is the enlarged large print collection the library has that offers readers lots to browse and enjoy along with the "innovative and colorful summer reading programs" that were available for the youngsters with the cooperation of ECRL and the City of Hinckley.

But what Ceci will miss the most "are the library patrons and the interactions with them regarding their reading habits and interests."  After retirement at the end of the month, Ceci plans to do "whatever I want without having a tight schedule to follow" and probably catch up on some projects around home and of course, read more and spend time in her garden.

A public reception will be held for Ceci on Friday, January 30 from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Hinckley Public Library.  Everyone is invited to attend and extend their well wishes to Ceci!

Technical Services Aide to Retire 

Kathy began her tenure at ECRL as a processor putting plastic protective covers on books. Two years later, she assumed primary responsibility for cataloging the books. There were no computers and not a lot of training available, so she had to find her own sources to learn the job. When ECRL automated library operations, Kathy once again eagerly learned a new way to do things and was responsible for turning all those paper catalog records into electronic data records. Along the way, ECRL also added records for first VHS then DVD movies and CDs for the public to check out. The majority of the records that you find in the online library catalog are the work of Kathy Gardner.
 

While Kathy has spent her library career days behind carts of books and a computer screen, she is passionate about physical fitness and says she'll take even more walks. She says she won't miss spending her days in the ECRL Headquarters basement office with no windows, but she will miss the friendships she's made with people through the library. She says she'll miss handling all the new books, especially children's. She's eager to travel more and spend time with grandchildren with her husband Rich, who expressed that he's tired of having only the cats at home to talk to all day.
 

Happy Retirement, Kathy! ECRL will miss you.

IRS Limits 2014 Tax Documents to Public Libraries

It's tax season.  Tax forms usually start to arrive at the libraries in January.  Minnesota Income and Property tax booklets and forms have begun to arrive.

East Central Regional Library has received notice that, due to budget cuts in the 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill recently passed by Congress, the IRS will significantly reduce the number of tax products they are sending to libraries for distribution.  

The IRS will not be sending out any 1040, 1040 A or 1040 EZ instruction booklets, as well as several other forms and publications that libraries used to receive.   Libraries will still receive Forms 1040, 1040 A, and 1040 EZ.  Individuals and employers may order forms from the IRS webpage or by calling 1-800-829-3676 Monday through Friday from 7 am-7 pm, and the IRS will deliver them by mail to you.  Many forms and instructions are also available to view and download online.

Library staff can assist with locating and printing online tax forms but are not able to give advice regarding the forms that you might need.   Printing and copying is $.15/single-sided black & white page, $.25/double-sided black & white page, and $.50/single-sided color page.

You may wish to call your local library to see if the form(s) you need are in.  The IRS has not started shipping the 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ forms.

*East Central Regional Library is funded by the counties of Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine. ECRL also receives state and federal funds.