Here in Aitkin we still have Redbox and a selection of DVDs at Paulbecks, and they certainly have their place, especially if you are looking for recent releases.

But want a better selection, longer time limit, budget-friendly, right in your own backyard? Have you discovered the library? Yes, our Aitkin Library and, to a greater degree, the whole East Central Regional Library collection is available to you. All you need is a library card, and it's free!

There's always a selection of movies in DVD format as well as those in the older VHS format that are ready to pick up and go. However, it's also easy to comb through the online catalog on the library website and reserve a DVD/VHS direct from there. They're usually available within a few days.

Check it out. You may find almost everything you've been looking for. Are you interested in some of those long-running TV series, like Lost, Grey's Anatomy, Bones, or NCIS; perhaps a newer series such as Under the Dome (season one) or Game of Thrones.

Want to catch up on Downtown Abbey? You can find these DVDs elsewhere, but you can watch the first three seasons for free, courtesy of any of the library systems within our state (each of which will let you borrow from the other, as long as you register your card.) A caution, though: With the fourth season now airing, many Downers are trying to get current on the antics of the dowager countess, so there may be a lot of requests for these titles.

You may be interested in Hitchcock. His movies, such as Psycho, Rear Window and The 39 Steps are classics within the history of the cinema. Also check out newer films like The Hunt for Bin Laden, War Horse and Silver Linings Playbook.

There's a good selection of family/children's movies, such as Disney's Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins and The Muppet Movie.

Actually there's a selection of "flicks" for everyone. Come to your library and see what's available. While you're there, you may want to check out the selection of e-books, audio books and magazines now available to download. Best of all, of course, it's all free.