Why can't I get this eAudio from ECRL?

As mentioned in a previous blog post (Why can't I get this eBook from ECRL?), unlike a regular consumer, a library cannot pay Amazon or Barnes & Noble for an eBook and then lend it out to our patrons. We can buy a printed book from these companies, put it on the shelf, and lend it out--but digital content is different. Instead, publishers sell their content to OverDrive, our eBook vendor, who then allows libraries to license titles from them to lend out. 

In June, East Central Regional Library launched its eAudio collection with Overdrive.  The story is the same with eAudio.  The following popular eAudio publishers and their subsidiaries currently refuse to sell or license eAudio to libraries through Overdrive:

·         Brilliance Audio        

·         Recorded Books      

We desperately want to offer you eAudio from these publishers, but the companies won't let us.  As your library, we commit to continuing advocacy for change in these policies.

ECRL has now offered eAudio for two months, and we are just starting to build the collection. The following publishers currently sell and/or license eBooks and audiobooks to libraries:

• AudioGo
• Blackstone Audio
• Books on Tape
• Hachette Book Group
• HarperCollins
•  Listening Library
• Penguin Group
• Simon & Schuster
• Tantor Media
• Many smaller publishers

We appreciate their commitment to digital content for libraries.

A final reminder: If you would like to request that ECRL purchase a specific eAudio or eBook title, you may make suggestions by sending an email with the title and author to ecregion@ecrlib.org.   All suggested items will not be purchased, since suggestions will be considered with regard to collection development plans and budget available.

Sarah Biro, Branch Librarian, Chisago Lakes Area Library

ECRL Blue Ribbon Reader Named

It’s fair time and everyone wants to win a blue ribbon! This year, the Minnesota Summer Reading Program and Youth Services Committee decided to recognize a Blue Ribbon Reader from each public library region in the State of Minnesota.

Each of the 12 public library systems in Minnesota was asked to submit the name of one child (K-12) who has shown great enthusiasm in the summer reading program, participation in summer reading events and who deserves to be recognized for their summer reading achievements.

Each of the 14 branch libraries, two link sites and the outreach program in the East Central Regional Library system submitted the name of one such summer reading participant. The names of the children nominated from each were put in a hat and a winner drawn from the nominations. Irene Oquist representing our East Central Regional Library Outreach program was named the Blue Ribbon Reader for the ECRL region. Irene is 12 years old and lives in Braham. She received a four pack of MN State Fair tickets plus her very own “Star Reader” blue ribbon!

Tim Olson, ECRL Outreach Librarian, congratulates Irene on being chosen East Central Regional Library’s 2012 Blue Ribbon Reader!

Vickie Sorn, Youth and Community Services Librarian

Stuffed Animal Sleepover at the Chisago Lakes Area Library

14 lucky stuffed animal friends got to sleep over at the Chisago Lakes Area Library on July 17th as part of the DREAM BIG--READ Summer Reading Program. 

First, children and their stuffed animals came to a special evening storytime.  We read sleepover stories such as Sophie and Sammie’s Library Sleepover and Time to Sleep Sheep the Sheep and had a bedtime snack.  When the children were ready to leave, we sang lullabies to our animals, and tucked them in for the night. 

After the children left, the animals didn’t stay in bed for long.  They got up and wanted to play.  How FUN the library is at night! Here’s a peak at the mischief our special friends got into.

Playing games on the children's computer.

Hanging out by the picture books.

Coloring a BEAUTIFUL picture.

Relaxing with "Read It" the froggy who lives at the library!

"Look!  This movie is about a puppy, just like me!"

These animals decided to take a break from all the fun and help the librarians by shelving books.  Thanks guys!

When these animals grow up, they might want to work in the library.

Peek-a-boo!

"Can we go for a ride in this basket?"

Playing hide-and-go seek in the book drop.

Hanging out in the staff's breakroom.

Uhoh, the animals are hungry again.  They're getting into the librarians' food!

Settling down to watch a movie.

The next morning, the children came to our regular storytime at the library to pick up their friends.  Each child took home a photo book of their animal’s adventures.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the program!

Sarah Biro, Branch Librarian, Chisago Lakes Area Library