East Central Libraries

Email Pre-Overdue Courtesy Notifications

2012-01-23T13:24:00.000-06:00

East Central Regional Library is now offering pre-overdue email notices for all patrons with a valid email address. Can you remember when your items are due? Would you like to save on fines and never have overdues again?

In late December 2011, ECRL starting sending patron's courtesy reminders via email 3 days before their items were due. This gives you time to either find the item sand return them or renew them.

If you are not already receiving these pre-overdue courtesy notices from East Central Regional Library, all we need is a valid email account from you. Patrons may sign up for this service on the ECRL Online Catalog.

Follow the following steps to complete the process:

1. Click on My Account.

2. Enter your username and password

3. Click on change email address

4. Enter your current password and new email address

5. Click Submit

6. Click on Account Preferences from the Menu at the top

7. In the drop down menu under Default Hold Notification Method, choose email only

8. You will now receive your pre-overdue courtesy notification notice and your hold notices via email.

Call your local ECRL branch if you need assistance.

Vickie Sorn

Youth & Community Services Librarian

Internet protest over Congressional bills

2012-01-18T10:44:00.000-06:00

You may be wondering why if you go to Google today, you'll see a black square, and a message about censoring the web. If you go to Wikipedia, you'll find that the site is blacked out today, in protest over potential legislation that some say would limit access to the web and the information it holds. Many other sites and blogs are blacked out today in an organized online protest.

Libraries stand for protecting individuals' First Amendment rights that support open access to information. The American Library Association (ALA) has put together a chart of the 3 copyright-related bills that are currently in play at the start of 2012: PIPA, SOPA, and OPEN Act.

ALA states the organization's position on the bills:

. . . all of which take aim at any website beyond U.S. borders that distribute counterfeit or copyright infringing products. All three bills operate under the assumption that there is a problem that needs to be solved – and the best, or only, way to combat online infringement overseas is with more law targeted at foreign websites. These bills have the potential to negatively impact fundamental library principles. The following chart is for quick reference (not meant to be comprehensive), and outlines the primary issues and concerns of interest to the library community and those who use the Internet,

Link to the ALA comparative chart:
http://www.districtdispatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ALA_pipasopaopen_ref_guide.pdf

Barbara Misselt, Director

Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library

2011-12-22T16:13:00.000-06:00

Here's a great place to find primary source documents on Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States.
http://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/Research/Digital-Library.aspx
From the website:

Unlike modern presidents, Theodore Roosevelt does not have a presidential library. Instead, his personal and presidential papers are scattered in libraries and other sites across the United States. The mission of the Theodore Roosevelt Center is to gather together and digitize copies of all Roosevelt-related items, to make his legacy more readily accessible to scholars and schoolchildren, enthusiasts and interested citizens. Items in the digital library include correspondence to and from Roosevelt, diary entries, notes, political cartoons, scrapbooks, newspaper columns and magazine articles by and about Roosevelt, speeches, and photographs. Users can also view film clips and listen to audio recordings.

Barbara Misselt, Director

Happy Birthday, Ludwig van Beethoven

2011-12-16T15:04:00.000-06:00

Today is recognized as the anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven in 1740. His exact birthdate is unknown, but his baptism was recorded on December 17th. In the time and place he was born, it was customary to baptize babies the day after birth, so he was probably born on the 16th. Besides, Beethoven himself celebrated the anniversary of his birth on the 16th.
While he was born 241 years ago, he may have had a profound impact on the digital age, since some believe that when the compact disc was developed, it had to have enough capacity/length to hold Beethoven's 9th Symphony. (The 9th Symphony when recorded on LP records filled 3 sides.)

According to Wired online: When Sony and Philips were negotiating a single industry standard for the audio compact disc in 1979 and 1980, the story is that one of four people (or some combination of them) insisted that a single CD be able to hold all of the Ninth Symphony. The four were the wife of Sony chairman Akio Morita, speaking up for her favorite piece of music; Sony VP Norio Ohga (the company’s point man on the CD), recalling his studies at the Berlin Conservatory; Mrs. Ohga (her favorite piece, too); and conductor Herbert von Karajan, who recorded for Philips subsidiary Polygram and whose Berlin Philharmonic recording of the Ninth clocked in at 66 minutes.

You can check out books about Beethoven or CDs of Beethoven's music. Also, read more about Beethoven on the Minnesota Public Radio site.

Barbara Misselt, Director

2011-12-13T08:22:00.001-06:00

Saying Goodbye After 38 Years

One day in May 1973, a young gal by the name of Shari Wilcox stepped into the original East Central Regional Library building and applied for the job of catalog typist for Technical Services. Little did she know that it would be 38 years later when she would walk out the door and end her career at ECRL.

Shari was so excited in 1973 because she had a window by her desk and she could gaze out the east side of the library. Well, that view lasted a grand total of 2 days! The windows on the east side of the building were closed up so the present day garage could be built. For the next 37 years, 363 days, Shari would never see the light of day again through a window from her workstation.

Shari worked as a catalog typist in Technical Services for 6 ½ years and then moved into the accounting and bookkeeping position after the previous employee, Leona Medin, retired. During her tenure, Shari worked for 5 East Central Regional Library directors. The Regional library budget went from less than 1 million a year to 3 million a year and Shari’s position went from Administrative Assistant to Administrative Services Manager.

Remember card catalogs, records and audio cassettes? That’s what you would have found in the library in 1973 when Shari started working at ECRL. At that time she could not envision all the technology that would be a part of the library today. One thing that has not changed in her time at ECRL, however, is the yearly struggle with the budget. Shari feels it will continue to be the biggest challenge facing ECRL in the future.

“I’ll miss the people I work with the most,” says Shari. “They have made my job easier, so it will be very hard to leave them.” Over her 38 years she remembers working with lots of different people – she says Eunice Wickland, Mary Koepsell, Barb Nord and Sandy Novak and many more come to mind. Many became lifelong friends.

The East Central Regional Library Board recognized Shari for her years of service at a brunch and presentation on Monday, December 12 and her friends and co-workers will be celebrating with her before she retires at the end of December. What’s in store for Shari when she retires? She says, “relaxing, relaxing, relaxing and reading the long list of authors and titles I want to read.” It’s a good thing she’s got great connections at the library!

Vickie Sorn, Youth & Community Services Librarian
(Press release)

ECRL to Increase Overdue Fees

2011-12-01T16:44:00.001-06:00

Upon recommendation by the finance committee, the East Central Regional Library Board approved an increase in overdue fines at their November 11 board meeting. Fines for all overdue items will increase from the current .10 per day to .20 per day per item beginning Monday, January 9, 2012. The overdue rate has not been increased since East Central Regional Library automated back in 1996. The new fine structure is similar to that of other Minnesota library systems.

Since we have a limited materials budget, it is important for individuals to return their items on time, so others may check the item out. When items are kept past their due date, it prohibits others from being able to use that item. We hope that individuals will return the items they have checked out on time and thus, avoid any fines. Most items can be renewed online, by phone, or in person at any ECRL branch. You cannot renew an item for which someone else has placed a hold request. Fines will accrue to a maximum of $6.00 per item for juveniles, teens and adults. Remember that fines will increase on any items checked out beginning Monday, January 9, 2012.

Vickie Sorn, Youth & Community Services Librarian

Penguin titles and Kindle

2011-11-23T15:19:00.000-06:00

Currently owned eBooks published by Penguin are once again available for download to Kindle through ECRL's eBook service. However, we understand that we will not be able to buy new Penguin titles, at least not now, anyway.

Yesterday I posted notice that the Penguin titles were not available for Kindle. That was changed sometime this morning. As I said in yesterday's post, the eBook landscape is constantly shifting in its implementation. We'll try to stay on top of it and keep you informed.

Further information about these developments are in these posts:
OverDrive blog
Publishers Weekly

Barbara Misselt, Director

eBooks - not everything is available

2011-11-22T16:57:00.003-06:00

Warning . . . whatever I'm writing in this post may very well be outdated before I push the "publish" button . . .

eBooks have overtaken the information industry like a tsunami. Almost everyone knows someone who has an eReader, if they don't have one personally. While many die-hard print booklovers have decried eBooks as a passing fad, it appears that not only are they not going away, their presence in the information world is getting more prevalent. And it seems like the whole atmosphere surrounding eBooks is market-driven and planted not-so-firmly in the sand. Like anything else in this techy-obsessed world, desirability appears to be based on newer, shinier, and faster. Thus, the relationships and the rules are being written and changed as we go along.

Almost every library system in Minnesota provides eBooks as one of its choices for book formats and the company OverDrive is the primary provider for the subscription service. ECRL buys eBooks from OverDrive title by title, just as we would from a print book vendor. OverDrive provides the website on which readers search for and check out the eBooks.

When OverDrive first launched eBook service for libraries, owners of one eReader device could not take advantage of their library's service -- the Kindle. Kindle is a product of Amazon. By September of this year, OverDrive had brokered a deal and accomplished the logistics for library subscribers to check out and download eBooks to their Kindle device. So, by the time ECRL launched eBook service, eBooks were available for almost all eReader devices.

Meanwhile, there has been considerable jockeying within the industry about how individual publishers allow their publications to be used and made available. Macmillan and Simon and Schuster do not license ebooks to public libraries. Hachette Book Group withdrew its frontlist ebook titles from library circulation in July 2010, although reportedly they may be reconsidering their position. Harper Collins caps the number of checkouts for their licensed books to 26 per purchase. Then there are some books that simply are not available for libraries to check out as eBooks - like the Harry Potter series.

The news in recent days is from Penguin Group (USA) to not allow their books to be checked out and downloaded to the Kindle. Indeed, a check on ECRL's OverDrive site (http://ecrl.lib.overdrive.com) shows that Penguin books that ECRL currently owns are available for checkout only as Adobe EPUB or Adobe PDF (which will work fine for your Nook, or Sony Reader, or many other eReaders) but not Kindle. Furthermore, Penguin is not licensing any of their new books for any format - so it appears that we will not be able to purchase any new Penguin published books.

ECRL regrets that some of our current books are not available to Kindle owners. It's not a decision made by ECRL, and we'll continue to advocate on behalf of all eBook readers and keep you, our public, informed through this blog.

More information is available in this article from Digital Shift.
Notice from OverDrive concerning non-availability of Penguin books for Kindle

Barbara Misselt, Director

Yes, we have eBooks

2011-11-22T15:38:00.001-06:00

You asked, we listened! ECRL has added another format for your reading enjoyment -- eBooks. Refer to this document for guidelines and more information about the service:
http://www.ecrlib.org/ebooks-ecrl.pdf

Readers enjoy books in many ways and use a variety of formats:

Books for reading - for reading and enjoyment while in one place, like curling up in a chair:

Print - Some of them are even in Large Print - easier on the eyes than smaller type. Print books come in hard cover and paper back. Libraries usually buy hard-cover, because they last longer through multiple users.
eBooks - the newest format edition, books are downloaded to be read from an eReader device.

Books for listing - for reading and enjoyment while moving around, like walking or riding/driving:

Audio books on cassette - we used to buy books that were recorded on a cassette tape, for use in cassette players. We don't buy books on cassette any more, but have a few older ones that people still enjoy.
Audio books on CD - we buy books recorded on CDs, for use in CD players.

Another format that ECRL does not currently purchase is the downloadable audio book, which is downloaded to a personal listening device, like an MP3 player or an iPod. This format appears to be replacing the books on CD format and is available from some other library systems.

Barbara Misselt, Director

Veterans History Project

2011-11-11T18:20:00.003-06:00

Today is Veterans Day. Thank you to all Veterans for your service!

The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. The United States Congress created the Veterans History Project in 2000. The authorizing legislation (Public Law 106-380), sponsored by Representatives Ron Kind, Amo Houghton, and Steny Hoyer in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senators Max Cleland and Chuck Hagel in the U.S. Senate, received unanimous support and was signed into law by President William Jefferson Clinton on October 27, 2000. The address for the site is http://www.loc.gov/vets/

Veterans can contribute to the project by personal narratives through audio and video-taped memoirs or written memoirs; correspondence via letters, postcards, v-mail and personal diaries; and visual materials in the form of photographs, drawings and scrapbooks. There is information on the site on how to contribute memoirs, etc.

The database is searchable by name of war or conflict, branch of service, and other variables by selecting Search the Veterans Collections from the main page. You can also browse the collection by a variety of ways by selecting the browse tab on the search page.

The collection provides interesting reading and is an excellent primary research source.

Barbara Misselt, Director
information in this post from the Veterans History Project site

Book Clubs Galore!

2011-10-28T13:40:00.001-05:00

Pine City currently has three - yes, three book clubs. Two that meet at the Pine City Public Library (facilitated by Pine City Branch Librarian, Sarah Biro) and one faciliated by former Pine City Branch Librarian, Christy Koch hosted at the Our Redeember Lutheran Church.

Read the interesting article about these book clubs on the Pine City Pioneer website
http://www.presspubs.com/pine_city/news/article_dff768ca-ffe5-11e0-a2e3-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=story

It sounds like they're having way too much fun!

Vickie Sorn
Youth & Community Services Librarian

National Book Awards Finalists

2011-10-12T17:56:00.000-05:00

The finalists for the National Book Awards were announced this morning. The winners will be announced on November 16th.

The list of finalists is on the National Book Awards site at: http://www.nationalbook.org/
Use the NBA site to build your reading list with winners of past awards.

Barbara Misselt, Director

2011-10-06T11:02:00.001-05:00

Willow Skogen from Rural Isle Wins $1,000 from
Minnesota College Savings Plan Sweepstakes

Mille Lacs Lake Community Library awarded $500

Thirteen year old Willow Skogen of rural Isle was selected as a winner in this summer’s “One World, Many Stories” @ Saving for College” sweepstakes, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education, State Library Services and the Minnesota College Savings Plan. Mark and Cameo Skogen, parents of Willow, have been awarded a $1,000 cash prize that can be invested in a Minnesota College Savings Plan account for the benefit of Willow. (right to left: Barbara Misselt, ECRL Director, Willow Skogen, Kathy Morrow, Mille Lacs Lake Community Branch Librarian)

The sweepstakes, which received over 4,000 entries statewide this summer, was a component of this year’s Minnesota Library Summer Reading Program, held at public libraries throughout the state. The Mille Lacs Lake Community Library branch of East Central Regional Library where Willow participated in the Summer Reading Program, also won a $500 cash prize for future reading programs.

The Minnesota Library summer reading program is offered through local libraries to encourage children to read during the summer and has over 100,000 children participating every year. The Summer Reading Program is offered through Minnesota’s libraries to encourage children to continue to read through the summer.

The Minnesota College Savings Plan (the “Plan”) is a state-sponsored, tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan to help parents and grandparents invest in a child’s future college education. The Plan is implemented and administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc.

Vickie Sorn, Youth & Community Services Librarian

Grand Marshals

2011-08-24T16:46:00.001-05:00

Both outgoing and incoming Pine City Branch Librarians were honored on Saturday, August 6 as they served as Grand Marshals in the Pine City Parade.

Retiring Librarian
(on the left), Christy Koch and new librarian (on the right ), Sarah Biro, led the parade on this gorgeous Saturday.

Christy retired after 17 years of service as Pine City's Branch Librarian. Sarah Biro started as the new Pine City Branch Librarian in early July.

(Photo courtesy of Pine City Pioneer)

Vickie Sorn
Youth & Community Services Librarian

Ebooks are coming!

2011-08-12T15:25:00.002-05:00

You asked and we listened! East Central Regional Library will launch ebook service in late 2011. The ECRL Board of Directors gave their approval, an implementation team is established, and we're making plans.

An ebook (also called e-book, electronic book, digital book) is a book-length publication in digital form, consisting of text, images, or both, and produced on, published through, and readable on computers or other electronic devices. E-books are usually read on dedicated hardware devices known as e-Readers or e-book devices. Personal computers and some cell phones can also be used to read e-books. (definition from Wikipedia).

People who love their ebooks say they appreciate being able to have multiple books on a single device that weighs less than 8 ounces. With a backlit screen, ereaders are read easily in low light, and print size can be enlarged or reversed (white on black) for comfortable viewing.

ECRL provides books in a variety of formats - traditional print in either hardback or paperback and audio books on CD. Soon, residents of the east central region will be able to download an ebook to their own ereaders 24/7. Ebooks can also be read on some cell phones, home computers, or tablet computers (like iPads). Downloading can be done via the Internet, and the book will be available on the ereader until the checkout period expires, when access to the book will end. No trips to the library to pick up or return books, and no risk of overdue fees.

Watch this space over the next couple months for further details about ECRL's coming ebook service. For now, please help us make plans for the launch, select the initial offering of books, and set up our system by taking an online survey at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SC8P7QV

Barbara Misselt, Director

Sustainable Landscape Plan Underway

2011-07-27T13:51:00.001-05:00

The completion of the Sustainable Landscape Plan is underway by the Wyoming Area Library Society using, in part, an awarded $10,000 grant through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Legacy Funds. The landscaping is scheduled to be completed by the end of the summer.

Cody Eggers constructed four benches to beautify the front landscaping of the Wyoming Area Giese Memorial Library as his Eagle Scout badge project. Along with other members of Scout Troop 487 of St. Peter Catholic Church, Forest Lake, Eggers (pictured back row, farthest left), installed the benches last week.

Vickie Sorn
Youth & Community Services Librarian

New Pine City Branch Librarian Named

2011-07-25T11:20:00.001-05:00

“I’m so lucky to be entering a community that is so invested in its library, which cares about its success and its librarian,” says the new Pine City Branch Librarian, Sarah Biro. She is overwhelmed by the warm welcome she has received and of course, working in the beautiful new library is wonderful. Sarah received her Bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Benedict and recently completed her Masters of Library and Information Science from Drexel University.

Before coming to Pine City, she worked at several surrounding library systems and university libraries including the Anoka County Library, St. John’s University-Alcuin Library, Great River Regional Library and St. Cloud State University. Sarah was able to gain a wealth of experience by working in several different library departments including reference, circulation, interlibrary loan and technical services. It has given her a broad spectrum of library experience that will no doubt serve her well in her new position as Pine City Branch Librarian.

Sarah, as an avid reader, “grew up in public libraries; attending storytime, checking out books, participating in summer reading programs, and maxing out her checkout limit.” She happened upon a part-time library aide position in high school and never looked back. Her job titles and responsibilities have changed over the years, but her “love for libraries has only grown.” One of her favorite quotes is from the book, The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown – “There is no problem a library card can’t solve.” She feels lucky to have stumbled upon a career which she loves so early in life.

Sarah is “excited to use the insight” she has gained from all her previous library experience and what she has learned as she finished her Master’s degree. She hopes to “build on the library’s success, serving the needs of the Pine city library users and operating the library as efficiently as possible.”

Sarah will serve as Grand Marshal of the Pine County Parade on Saturday, August 6 along with retired Pine City branch librarian, Christy Koch. Wave as she rides by or even better, stop by the Pine City Public Library and take a moment to welcome her.

Vickie Sorn
Youth & Community Services Librarian

Weather calculators

2011-07-19T11:22:00.000-05:00

We're having a really hot summer here in east central Minnesota. But I'll bet that those of us living here already knew that. It's been a year of extremes - just a couple months ago, we thought that summer had been canceled. Six months ago each snowfall broke a new record. Mostly, living in Minnesota, the weather gives us lots to talk about.

Here's a nifty tool from the National Weather Service to calculate heat index (and make you look real smart around the water cooler.)
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/html/heatindex.shtml
Also, follow the link for "Heat Index Chart and Explanation." And to be prepared, there's a link to more calculators, where you can calculate the wind chill in just a few months. Uff da!

Barbara Misselt, Director

Legislative Women's Legislative Timeline Published

2011-06-17T10:24:00.003-05:00

The following is a press release about the new Minnesota Women's Legislative Timeline from the Legislative Reference Library

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY TIMELINE IS PUBLISHED
Timeline shows key laws passed for women since suffrage in 1920.

On June 15, 2011, the Legislative Reference Library of the State of Minnesota and the Office on the Economic Status of Women published an interactive online historical timeline. The timeline looks at the history of legislation affecting women enacted in Minnesota since the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. The state laws featured on the timeline show the legislative progression of women’s rights in Minnesota since women earned the right to vote.

Funded by a grant from the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants Program, this timeline is the culmination of research into the types of laws that were significant milestones for women in the state of Minnesota. Resources included the Legislative Reference Library, Office on the Economic Status of Women archives, Minnesota Historical Society, interviews, surveys and commentary from historians and leaders who have worked on women’s issues in Minnesota.

Of the many fascinating insights into women’s history in Minnesota, the timeline shows that after a flurry of post-suffrage legislation in the 1920s, women’s legislative issues in Minnesota receded during the years before and after World War II, only to resurface with marked strength in the post-Civil Rights years of the 1970s and 1980s. One key component of the timeline project was determining which laws to feature. Said project co-director Amy Brenengen, “We were able to choose from over one hundred relevant laws during this time period, and highlight some key milestones. We got excellent feedback from the academic and women’s rights communities and touched on areas ranging from economics to health to female jurors! It’s an important reminder of the incremental but vital steps taken by the state of Minnesota to ensure fair treatment of women across a wide spectrum of issues.”

The project was spearheaded by Robbie LaFleur, Director of the Legislative Reference Library, and Amy Brenengen, former Director of the Office on the Economic Status of Women. Project staff included Mary McGreevy, Elizabeth Lincoln, Mike Schatz, and Jennifer Schwope.

The public is invited to view the timeline at www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/womenstimeline, and to share your feedback.

Minnesota's Own - JUDY GARLAND !

2011-06-10T16:22:00.008-05:00

Eighty-nine years ago today, Frances Gumm was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. In 1935, she signed a seven-year contract with MGM, the biggest motion picture studio in Hollywood. In 1939, she shot to international stardom as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz".

Frances Gumm was better known as JUDY GARLAND.

It was a rough and rocky road for the young girl who first entertained audiences at age two in her father's theatre. Musical hits like "Meet Me in St. Louis", "The Harvey Girls" and "Easter Parade" kept her at the pinnacle of Hollywood stardom in the 1940s, even though she battled personal demons and drug addiction in her private life. Today Garland is considered one of the great icons of 20th century American entertainment.

The 36th Annual Judy Garland Festival will be held June 16-18 in Grand Rapids. Her childhood home is a popular museum and can be visited. For additional information, call 1-800-664-5839 or visit the following website: http://judynoplacelikehome.org

East Central Regional Library has a wide variety of materials pertaining to Garland that can be requested and checked out.

"Get Happy" by Gerald Clarke is the definitive biography, while "Me and My Shadows" by Lorna Luft is an enlightening, bittersweet memoir written by Judy's second daughter.

If you enjoy musicals, look no further than our DVD collection. "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944) is a gentle, nostalgic look at a Midwestern family during the 1904 World's Fair. Judy and Van Johnson play feuding music store clerks destined for romance "In the Good Old Summertime" (1949). And in "A Star is Born" (1954), she gives the finest performance of her career as a young singer rising to stardom while her husband battles alcoholism. Garland received her only Academy Award nomination as "Best Actress" for this film.

To find these materials -- and more, including music CDs -- visit the library's homepage: www.ecrlib.org and click on "ECRL Catalog" on the upper left. Then enter "Judy Garland" as a keyword search.

Staff are always willing to help or make suggestions!

Bob Gray
Reference and Interlibrary Loan Librarian

Searching and privacy

2011-05-27T15:14:00.002-05:00

Do you ever get a little spooked when you type a search term in Google, and the results are just a little too similar to your recent searches or interests or are near you geographically? I have! It kind of makes me look over my shoulder to see who is reading my screen. Or maybe makes me feel like the computer and all that artificial intelligence is smarter than I'd like it to be.

That's because search engines are tuned for optimized results, using cookies and other tools to harvest information from your browser and its search history to provide personalized results that are hopefully relevant to you. Sometimes that's good and saves time, and sometimes it could feel a little creepy. Even more importantly, when Google and other search engines are trying to personalize results, they may not be delivering all the relevant hits, in favor of customizing the results to previous searches and eliminating results that could be more relevant.

If this subject intrigues you, I recommend reading an article written by Mary Ellen Bates, a professional researcher, who knows (and regularly shares) all the tricks of searching - Getting "Pure" Search Results. A couple years ago I attended a workshop that she taught, and came away with my head so full of useful information I thought I would burst.

My personal favorites cited are Scroogle and Ixquick (a metasearch engine that employs the results of several other search utilities). Ms Bates also recommends the Chrome browser's "Incognito mode." (I'll have to try that). ECRL's automation services department regularly recommends Google's Chrome browser for its unencumbered light-weight speed.

Sources cited:

Scroogle - http://www.scroogle.org
Ixquick - http://www.ixquick.com
Google Chrome this is a browser you download. Using Chrome itself does not result in an anonymous search. After it's installed, go to the wrench icon in the upper right-hand corner of the window and select from the drop down menu options "new incognito window."

Happy searching!

Barbara Misselt, Director

"Last Man's Club" at Minnesota Digital Library

2011-04-22T13:22:00.002-05:00

This column shared by Minitex and the Minnesota Digital Library. Reprinted with permission

This is a special edition of “Digital Delights from Minnesota Reflections,” in honor of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War.

Sometimes, memories are our only companions.

July 21, 1930, marked the 69th anniversary of the First Battle of Bull Run. In Stillwater, an old man named Charles Lockwood sat at a table surrounded by 33 empty chairs, drinking a bottle of burgundy wine. Why did this Civil War veteran relive his memories of the bitter conflict alone, with only a bottle of wine to console him?

The records of the “Last Man’s Club,” contributed to Minnesota Reflections (http://reflections.mndigital.org) by the Stillwater Public Library, answer this question.

Charles Lockwood was a member of Company B of the famous 1st Minnesota Volunteer infantry. The 1st Minnesota suffered heavy losses in the First Battle of Bull Run as well as Antietam, later showing heroism at Gettysburg. View an accounting of Company B officers and soldiers: http://reflections.mndigital.org/u?/spl,1724.

After the war, 34 surviving veterans of Company B formed an organization known as the “Last Man’s Club,” devoted to keeping the memories of the 1st Minnesota alive. The group held an annual banquet every year on the anniversary of the First Battle of Bull Run. View a book of “Last Man’s Club” member biographies: http://reflections.mndigital.org/u?/spl,1728.

As time passed, so too did veterans of Company B. View a list of deceased and living members of the Last Man’s Club by following this link: http://reflections.mndigital.org/u?/spl,1726.

In joining the “Last Man’s Club,” each veteran promised that, if he were the organization’s last surviving member, he would drink a bottle of burgundy wine in his comrades’ honor. Charles Lockwood was the “Last Man.” Thus, on July 21, 1930, he convened the final meeting of the “Last Man’s Club,” fulfilling his promise to drink the wine of memory alone.

Click the following link to view a soliloquy by the last survivor of the Last Man’s Club, entitled “The Wine of Memory:” http://reflections.mndigital.org/u?/spl,1727.

Read a poem entitled “The Last Survivor to His Dead Comrades” by following this link: http://reflections.mndigital.org/u?/spl,1725.

To view other Last Man’s Club records, conduct an advanced search for “Last Man’s Club” in the Stillwater Public Library’s collection.

Minnesota Reflections contains other Civil War collections. The Hennepin History Museum (Minneapolis) contributed a ca. 1905 descriptive book of Hennepin County Grand Army of the Republic members to Minnesota Reflections. Follow this link to see a page from the book: http://reflections.mndigital.org/u?/hchm,1076. Search for “Descriptive Book of Members of the Grand Army of the Republic, Hennepin County, Minnesota” to find the item from the Minnesota Reflections homepage.

The Olmsted County Historical Society (Rochester) contributed letters and other materials documenting a Minnesota family’s Civil War experiences. Follow this link to read an 1863 letter written by soldier Jacob Dieter: http://reflections.mndigital.org/u?/olms,928. Browse the entire Dieter family collection by using the advanced search feature to limit your search to the Olmsted County Historical Society. Then search for “Dieter.”

The Civil War ended long ago, but the conflict lives on in national memory. Though we will never know how Charles Lockwood felt as he drank the wine of memory one summer’s day in 1930, explore Minnesota Reflections to peer into the state’s Civil War past.

Alex L. Ames
Graduate Assistant, Minnesota Digital Library Coalition
Learning Resources & Technology Services

Barbara Misselt, Director

Black History Month

2011-02-08T15:44:00.000-06:00

Black History Month, or African American History Month, has been celebrated since 1926. It was started in February 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson. He and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History) chose the month of February because it contained the birthday of Abraham Lincoln (2/12/1809), responsible for the Emancipation Proclamation, and abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass (birthdate in February 1818 not certain).

We'll see many students in the library this month working on class projects for Black History Month. We recommend these online sources for information:

1. ELM, the Electronic Library for Minnesota, http://www.elm4you.org/ - select "Biographies" to search for notable individuals. If asked for your library card number, enter it without spaces.

2. Biography.com - quizzes, biographies, interactive timeline, and more from the Biography channel

3. History.com - photos, videos from the History channel

4. Smithsonian Education - check out the virtual tour and the "Educator Resources"

5. Library of Congress collection

Barbara Misselt, Director

New Rush City Branch Librarian Named

2011-02-01T08:57:00.003-06:00

“People who subscribe to a personal philosophy of ‘living to learn’ have, I think, a natural affinity for the library, “says the new Rush City Branch Librarian, Donna Larson. Donna, who recently accepted the position in Rush City, previously worked at the Princeton Area Library, so she is familiar with the East Central Regional Library system. Being with and serving people who want to and love to learn is her favorite part of working at the library. Witnessing that sense of desire and anticipation when a customer comes into the library is invigorating.

Donna’s love of reading started early in her life. Being somewhat of an insomniac, Donna found that reading novels at night helped her sleep. Reading books helped direct her mind away from the activities of the day and allowed her to vicariously experience other people’s lives and experience the world from its pages.

Donna hopes to become more acquainted with the Rush City community and ascertain how the library can best serve its patrons. She is eager to become involved in the children’s storytime, summer reading activities and other library events. As she starts her new position, Donna is also excited about working with the Rush City Friends of the Library and developing a larger volunteer base to benefit the library.

Donna hopes to use her overriding enthusiasm plus all the tools the library has to offer including its collection and its network of people to best serve the community. So be careful, she might just infect you with her enthusiasm. Donna believes as Charles “Tremendous” Jones once said, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today but for the people you meet and the books you read.”

Stop by the Rush City Public Library and take a moment to meet Donna and check out something from the library. Who knows….you might just be a different person the next time you come back to visit.

Vickie Sorn, Youth & Community Services Librarian
Press Release

Minnesota Book Awards Nomination

2011-01-20T16:30:00.002-06:00

East Central Regional Library: Fifty Years of Connections 1959-2009 has been nominated for the 23rd annual Minnesota Book Awards. The book was written by recently retired Technical Services Librarian Marilyn McGriff as part of the observance of ECRL's fiftieth anniversary. The book has been nominated in the category titled "Minnesota." You can check out a copy from any ECRL branch. Reserve your copy in our online catalog.

Preliminary round finalists of the 23rd Annual Minnesota Book Awards will be announced after judging on January 29th. Winners will be announced at the Book Awards Gala.

The list of all 2010-2011 nominees is here.

If you're looking for a good read, check out the list of past Minnesota Book Awards honorees. Minnesota is the home of some of the best authors, and many of their books are about Minnesota or are set in locations you'll recognize.

Barbara Misselt, Director

Minnesota's Own - F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

2010-12-21T16:59:00.019-06:00

When F. Scott Fitzgerald died suddenly on this day 70 years ago, his latest novel, The Last Tycoon, was unfinished. His only child was miles away - in school on the other side of the country. His wife, diagnosed with schizophrenia, was living quietly in Alabama, after years of periodic hospitalization.

He was 44 years old.

On December 27, 1940, Fitzgerald was buried in Rockville Union Cemetery in Rockville, Maryland, after the Baltimore Diocese refused him a Catholic service and interment in the family plot at St. Mary's Church in Rockville.

During his lifetime, The Great Gatsby brought him only $8397.00 in royalties. Today the book is a staple in high school and university English classrooms and is widely regarded as one of the two or three greatest 20th century American novels. On June 10, 2009, a first edition, first printing, copy sold for $180,000.00 at Bonham's in New York.

Scott, as he was called, was born on September 24, 1896, at 481 Laurel Avenue in St. Paul. As a young man, after a stint at Princeton, he settled into his parents' house at 599 Summit Avenue and wrote his first book. This Side of Paradise was published to wide acclaim in March 1920 when Fitzgerald was 23 years of age. The Beautiful and Damned followed in 1922, The Great Gatsby in 1925, and Tender is the Night in 1934. During the early 1930s, he was one of the highest-paid writers in America, earning $4000.00 per story from The Saturday Evening Post. His masterpiece in short fiction, "Babylon Revisited", appeared in the February 21, 1931, issue of that magazine.

East Central Regional Library owns many of Fitzgerald's works in various formats: regular print, large print, audio cassette, audio disc, and DVD.

If you haven't read The Great Gatsby since high school, it may be time to revisit Nick Carroway, Daisy Buchanan, and Jay Gatsby. And perhaps ponder again the closing words of the novel, which seem to whisper of the Jazz Age and the "Lost Generation" - words that F. Scott Fitzgerald's daughter had inscribed on his grave, after his remains were disinterred and finally laid to rest near his father in 1975:

"So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past"

Bob Gray

Reference and Interlibrary Loan Librarian

Holiday Spirit Alive!

2010-12-20T10:37:00.007-06:00

The Grinch did not steal the holiday spirit from Wyoming Area Giese Memorial Library patrons this year. Branch Librarian, Rebecca Hostetler, collaborated with Heidi Neff of Chisago County Human Services, to create a list of names for the library Giving Tree. This year 31 children requested books. First names and ages of the children were written on tags. Children, teens, and adults chose names and purchased a book for each of them. Monetary donations of nearly $350 purchased an additional 66 books providing roughly 100 children with the gift of reading.

In this second year of the Giving Tree, based on the book by Shel Silverstein, I wish to express my sincere thanks to all who helped make this another successful year. The generosity of the community to these children is indeed a sign that the Grinch is not welcome here!

Rebecca Hostetler

Branch Librarian

Wyoming Area Giese Memorial Library

Election Results

2010-11-03T10:08:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was election day. Here are a couple good sources to find election results:

Minnesota Public Radio - lists races by various breakdowns, so you can scan through them.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2010/campaign/results/mn/

Star Tribune - "My Vote" directs user to enter address and gives customized results for that location.
http://elections.startribune.com/myvote/pf.php?do=start_over

Barbara Misselt, Director

Local bookstore, library work together to promote literacy

2010-09-02T11:02:00.008-05:00

This is a letter written by Judith Kissner, owner of Scout and Morgan Books in Cambridge. She says she wrote the piece for the upcoming issue of Bookwomen Magazine (Minnesota Women’s Press)which will have a feature in their next issue about supporting public libraries. She also sent the letter to the Isanti County News, where it was published last week.

Scout and Morgan Website
Scout and Morgan on Facebook

Local bookstore, library work together to promote literacy
Thursday, 26 August 2010

Dear Editor:

As the owner of an independent bookstore in a small community, I have noticed that people often think that we are somehow in competition with our local library, and that they need to offer an apology for checking a book out at the library rather than buying it from us.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

I can’t imagine wanting to live in a community that didn’t have a public library. In the same way that you can tell a lot about a person by the books on their shelves, you can tell a lot about a community by their public library. Do they have an active Friends Group? What kinds of services do they provide? Are there lots of new arrivals displayed? Do they have book groups? How about a City- Wide Read? Do they celebrate Banned Books Week?

Our bookstore is a business member of our Friends of the Library and I volunteer on the City-Wide Read committee. Many of our loyal customers and supporters are strong supporters and users of our local libraries. We often suggest to customers that they check a book out at the library first before making a decision to purchase a copy. We regularly promote our local library’s author events and book groups, as well as remind people of what a resource a public library is, especially in tough economic times. Public libraries are essential to a healthy democracy where everyone, regardless of income has access to information and ideas. Public libraries are often at the forefront in defending the First Amendment that guarantees freedom of the press and speech. We see public libraries as partners and librarians as colleagues.

To candidates running for local and state offices, we ask, “What will you do to insure that our public libraries receive the funding they need to thrive?” The answer to that question speaks volumes.

Judith Kissner, Owner
Scout & Morgan Books

Used with permission of author
Posted by: Barbara Misselt, Director

McGregor Library Supports Habitat for Humanity

2010-07-13T17:15:00.006-05:00

McGregor Library for opened up for Habitat for Humanity on Monday, July 12, 2010.

135 bicycle riders and approximately 40 support staff came into McGregor for the Habitat 500 - a 500 mile bicycle ride fund-raiser: Pedaling to build a cycle of hope.

They started in Sandstone and after passing through many other towns, end up in Cloquet.

They camped in the yard at the McGregor School in tents or slept on the floor in the BIG gym. The school is across from the library so I thought maybe we could offer them some connection to their family and friends. We opened the library for two hours (4-6 p.m.). They were waiting at the door to get in at four and I had to shoo several out of the community room, the WiFi center, at 6 p.m., for another group that had reserved the room.

There were approximately 65 that stopped in to use the internet, relax in the coolness or browse the shelves. Several bought books from the Friends' dollar cart; a nice surprise. One did a little research in a Consumers Report magazine and another requested the words to Home On The Range. ALL the computers were in use, and I figured we had it in one of our sheet music books, and sure enough we did. He was happy because they do a program on Friday night and he was incorporating the song into his act.

Although everyone was very laid back and shared, I was happy to have Branch Library Aide Norma stop in and help for an hour and a half.

They appreciated us being open "just for them" and thanked ECRL for opening up. It went very well for all.

The last bicyclist left town, followed by a support vehicle, at 7:09 a.m., with a temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday, July 13th.

Penny Olson, McGregor Branch Librarian

Bicyclists using wireless in the Community Room. Click on the photo for more photos.

ECRL PRESENTS: Fool in a Mask Productions !

2010-06-28T14:59:00.008-05:00

From June 28th through July 9th the library will present Fool in a Mask Productions in "The Amazing Adventures of Stuart Lindman and Other Short Plays".

Four young actors will perform in four short plays commissioned for the "Minnesota's Greatest Generation Project". This program is made possible through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and results from a new partnership between the Minnesota Regional Public Library System (MRPLS) and the Minnesota Historical Society.

Danielle Bronshteyn, Jacob Budnick, Tylinn Fahrni, and Marshall Sonsteby will entertain ECRL patrons in the following plays, all of which are based on oral histories and original historical documents:

"The Amazing Adventures of Stuart Lindman" by Joseph Scrimshaw

"Parachute Silk" by Carson Kreitzer

"The Secret Storm" by Sheri Wilner

"Swell" by Craig Johnson

Please check the ECRL homepage for the dates and times of scheduled performances. The theatre troupe will perform at all branch libraries in the ECRL service area.

This FREE program is suitable for the entire family!

Bob Gray

Reference and Interlibrary Loan Librarian

Library Online is open while branches are closed

2010-05-17T17:23:00.005-05:00

East Central Regional Library branches are closed this week while we transfer our data to a new online library system. Just like road construction season, when sometimes the transportation department has to close a road in order to make major upgrades, we’ve closed all 14 of our branches in order to perform the migration of data. During this week, staff members are learning the new system so that when we re-open they’ll be ready to serve the public and help people use the new online catalog.

In truth, I think that many people will find that the new catalog is so user friendly that they will easily find what they need on their own. The menu screens are cleanly designed, and options are clearly described.

We’ve been testing the system for a couple months. All library records are transferring correctly, the hold lists are maintained, even fines and fees are transferred (sorry ).

In the meantime, all of our online resources are still available – our online branch never closes. For the Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM) – use this link to MnKnows.

Newsflash! Find Encyclopedia Britannica in 3 editions (Academic, Public Library, and School editions). Select the MnKnows box above > select "ELM" > select "Databases, alphabetically" from the left menu > find "Britannica . . . "

Please note that you won’t be able to request through MnLINK during this time, because MnLINK relies on the ECRL system to authenticate your library card.

While the ECRL branches are closed, you might find AskMN especially useful. At AskMN, you can contact a librarian (in real time) to get questions answered that you would usually ask someone at an ECRL branch. AskMN is ready to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Besides MnKnows, our other popular ECRL resources are still there: Chiltons, Learn a Test, NoveList -- find them here: http://www.ecrlib.org/database.html
The other resource provided by ECRL is Ancestry.com, which is only available in our branches (no remote access due to licensing restrictions).

We will re-open with our shiny new catalog the week of May 24th -- but then, we're really not completely closed!

Barbara Misselt, Director

It's TWELFTH NIGHT at Anoka-Ramsey!

2010-04-17T20:00:00.012-05:00

William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night was first performed over 400 years ago on Candlemas night, 2 February 1602, in England. Some of the greatest names in 20th century English and American theatre have since performed in the play - Sir Ralph Richardson, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, and Helen Hayes, to name a few.

Twelfth Night, one of the Bard's most accomplished comedies, is currently being performed on the stage of the Performing Arts Center at Anoka-Ramsey Commmunity College in Coon Rapids.

I was delighted to attend opening night on April 16th. Scott Ford's inspired direction, the stark yet effective scenic design, and the striking costuming made for a memorable evening.

The young actors, by and large, did a commendable job of interpreting Shakespeare's intricate and complex prose. A few struggled, others should remember that they must react to action and other actors on the stage, but Marcus Coker (Sir Toby Belch), Jacob Budnick (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), and Emily Moulds (Feste) gave diverting and entertaining performances in their comic roles. Neal Skoy was outstanding as Malvolio.

Mr. Skoy is a remarkably talented young man, and the audience was captivated by his exceptional performance from the moment he first appeared on stage. Malvolio is a complex and fascinating character that he handled with assurance and aplomb, especially through the use of his rich and eloquent voice - which filled every corner of the auditorium, seemingly without effort.

The actors cavorted about the stage in some of the most intriguing, if not startling, costumes I've ever seen in a Shakespeare production. Special kudos to Costume Designer Barb Portinga for combining vintage evening gowns, fright wigs, and red high-top sneakers with more conventional ensembles recalling the 16th century. Lauren Haven was lovely in everything she wore, Mr. Skoy bore a striking resemblance to the young F. Scott Fitzgerald in many of his scenes, and Mr. Budnick looked like an escapee from the Court of Versailles throughout. It was all very strange, but it worked.

The public can enjoy upcoming performances of Twelfth Night at 7:30 pm on April 22, 23, and 24. Tickets are $8.00 at the box office.

Bob Gray
Reference and Interlibrary Loan Librarian

82nd ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

2010-03-08T20:16:00.008-06:00

On the evening of March 7, 2010, the 82nd annual Academy Awards were presented at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was officially organized on May 4, 1927, but the first "Oscars" were not awarded until May 16, 1929. That evening, in the ballroom of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, "Wings" was named "Best Picture" of the year. Emil Jannings and Janet Gaynor took home the acting prizes.

Fast forward 81 years. On March 7th the following winners were announced:

Best Picture: The Hurt Locker

Best Actor: Jeff Bridges in "Crazy Heart"

Best Actress: Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side"

Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz in "Inglorious Basterds"

Best Supporting Actress: Mo'Nique in "Precious"

Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow for "The Hurt Locker"

It was a night of firsts! Bullock, Waltz, and Mo'Nique were all first-time nominees, and Bigelow was the first woman in the history of the Academy Awards to receive the "Best Director" prize. Also, for the first time since 1943, ten films were nominated for "Best Picture".

Here are some fascinating facts about the Oscars:

Most Awards (11): "Ben-Hur", "Titanic", and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"

Most Nominations (14): "All About Eve", "Titanic"

Most Awards - Acting (4): Katharine Hepburn

Most Nominations - Acting (16): Meryl Streep

East Central Regional Library has many Oscar-winning films on DVD and more are being added to the collection on a regular basis. Check our catalog!

The best book ever written about the Academy Awards is probably "80 Years of the Oscar" by Robert Osborne. It's located in the central reference collection at the Cambridge library for your enjoyment and perusal.

Bob Gray

Reference and Interlibrary Loan Librarian

LOOKING FOR RELIABLE HEALTH INFO?

2010-02-19T16:26:00.006-06:00

Did you know that East Central Regional Library maintains an extensive list of web sites that we use on a daily basis? Just check our "Reference Desk" page and click on "Web Links". There are many different categories! One of the most popular is Health & Medicine.

Here you'll find links to the American Medical Association, Medline Plus, WebMD, and the Mayo Clinic, among other reliable online resources. You can easily locate information on diseases, medical conditions, drugs, and specific health-related topics pertaining to children, men, women, and seniors.

The library also maintains outstanding print resources for your use, including:

"Mayo Clinic Family Health Book"

"Complete Guide to Prescription & Non-Prescription Drugs"

"American Medical Association Complete Medical Encyclopedia"

Please contact your nearest ECRL branch library for assistance with these and other library resources!

Bob Gray

Reference and Interlibrary Loan Librarian

2010 STATE ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL

2010-01-31T22:39:00.014-06:00

On Friday, January 29, 2010, it was my privilege to attend the evening performance of "4 A.M.", presented by the Cambridge-Isanti High School Theatre Department as part of the 2010 State One-Act Play Festival.

An ensemble piece written by Jonathan Dorf, the play explores the question, "What's it like to be awake when the rest of your world is asleep?" Teen characters examine themselves, their relationships, and their place in the world through a series of vignettes and monologues tied together by the character of Frankie, a lonely and somewhat isolated radio DJ.

"4 A.M." premiered at a similar festival in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in April 2009. It is one of many plays and monologues written by Dorf, who holds a Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting from UCLA.

While the entire cast is commendable, special kudos go to Jake Budnick and Tylinn Fahrni. As Frankie, Mr. Budnick transcends the stationary nature of the part through the use of his very expressive voice, while Ms. Fahrni is remarkably natural and unaffected as Jane.

The Cambridge-Isanti High School Theatre Department hope to bring their interpretation of the play to the State Tournament, which will be held in the O'Shaughnessy Auditorium at St. Catherine's University on February 11, 2010.

"4 A.M." is directed by Kelly Fahrni.

Bob Gray, Reference and Interlibrary Loan Librarian

NOVELIST - Your Guide to Fiction !

2009-12-30T13:22:00.015-06:00

As we move into the chilly, dark days and nights of January, there's nothing more rewarding than relaxing with a good book.

Many people come to the library to request the latest bestsellers or to browse the new books recently added to the collection. Others like to discuss their favorite authors with library staff and make recommendations.

Did you know that the NOVELIST database is available to all East Central Regional Library cardholders? It is your complete guide to fiction and can be used in the library, at home, or wherever you have access to a computer!

With NoveList you can search for books by author, title, or series. You may also limit your results to adults, teens, or children.

On the left side of the home page, you'll find links to "Author Read-alikes", "Award Winners", and "Recommended Reads". Are you interested in books similar to "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown"? Locate his entry under "Author Read-alikes". Who won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction? You'll find the answer under "Award Winners". Would you like a list of historical fiction novels? Check "Recommended Reads"!

To access NoveList go to the ECRL homepage: http://www.ecrlib.org/

Then:

---Click on "Magazines & Databases" on the left

---Scroll down and click on the "NoveList" link.

You're in and can begin looking for that perfect novel!

Please feel free to contact your nearest ECRL branch library if you have questions or comments about NoveList. Staff are happy to assist!

Bob Gray

Reference and Interlibrary Loan Librarian

The Gift of Reading

2009-12-21T11:04:00.002-06:00

I love children’s books. One of my many favorites is called, The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. It’s the story of a tree and a little boy she loved with all her heart. She gave the little boy a place to play when he was little and shade when he was tired. As he grew he wanted to make money and so she gave him the apples from her tree to sell hoping that that would make him happy. As an adult he wanted a house and the tree gave her branches so that he could have lumber. He grew older and wished a boat to sail away; the tree gave her trunk to make him happy. When he came back once more, she thought she had nothing left to give; but she did. He could sit on her stump as an old man and rest.

December is a time of giving. Depending on your tradition, it may be for any number of reasons. In the Christian tradition, the Magi brought gifts to the Christ Child and many give gifts on that basis. The more secular celebration of this holy day/holiday includes Santa Claus. Kwanzaa is celebrated by the African American community in recognition of the African harvest. In many families, small gifts are given in the seven day period from December 26 – January 1. Each of the days is centered on one of the seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Each day is marked by the lighting of a candle in the kinara or candleholder. Hanukkah is celebrated by the Jewish community as the Festival of Lights. This celebration marks the rededication of the temple that had been desecrated. For eight days candles are lit in the menorah remembering the miracle of the oil lamp in the temple.

Residents of the Wyoming area were invited to give new children’s books or cash for the purchase of books for families with children in need. This project, “The Giving Tree”, was in partnership with the Chisago County Health and Human Service, a replica of what is done in Isanti County at the Cambridge Library. On December 17th, Heidi Neff, a Social Worker from Chisago County Health and Human Services, stopped to pick up books donated at the Giese Memorial Library of Wyoming. Rebecca Hostetler, Branch Librarian, said many people gave the gift of reading to children of families in need. Thirty-nine books were donated; $183.00 was collected for books to be purchased. Scout and Morgan Bookstore, an independent bookseller in Cambridge, offered a discount and thirty-three more books were purchased making a total of seventy-two books for children, infants through early teens. What a great response! Thanks to all who contributed! We’ll be doing it again next year!

Rebecca Hostetler
Wyoming Branch Librarian

Tweens & Teens Gaming Night at the Cambridge Library

2009-12-08T11:04:00.009-06:00

Tweens and teens flooded into the Cambridge Library last Thursday evening, December 3rd to play video games, online games, board games, and card games. Guitar Hero tunes, Wii gaming tunes, and the din of engaged 11-16 year-olds was the backdrop for the evening. Pizza, pop, and prizes were enjoyed by over 60 participants.

The evening was sponsored by the Cambridge Friends of the Library.

Nancy Dunbar, Cambridge Branch Librarian

Cambridge Library Friends Awarded $1000

2009-12-04T08:49:00.003-06:00

The Cambridge Friends of the Library received a $1000 cash award for the best Friends of the Library project in the State of Minnesota at the Minnesota Library Association convention in St. Cloud this past October. Lorie Fetzik, 2009 Cambridge Friends of the Library co-president, accepted the Evie Nordley Award on behalf of the Friends.

The Evy Nordley Award was presented by the Minnesota Association of Library Friends. The award recognizes the importance of Friends of the Library projects and the impact they have on their local libraries. Second and third place winners went to the Friends of the Lake City and Pelican Rapids Public Libraries.

The Cambridge Friends won the award for their 2009 Community Wide Read program which featured the Night Birds by Thomas Maltman, a book about the Sioux Uprising of 1876. The Community Wide Read Program included book discussion groups, a documentary and a hoop dance presentation by Dallas Chief Eagle. A companion children’s book about the Sioux Uprising, Battle Cry by Jan Neubert Schultz, was also part of the program. The award was judged on the impact of the project, the objectives, cost effectiveness, collaboration, planning, the target audience and funding sources.

Along with the $1000 cash award, the Friends were given a beautiful plaque representing their accomplishments. The award is on display at the Cambridge Public Library. Congratulations Cambridge Friends of the Library!

Vickie Sorn

Youth & Community Services Librarian

THE ROAD to Cormac McCarthy

2009-11-30T18:44:00.015-06:00

When No Country For Old Men won the Best Picture Academy Award in 2007 I told myself, "I must read Cormac McCarthy."

I didn't get around to it, however, until recently. I knew that All the Pretty Horses, volume one of "The Border Trilogy", had received both the 1992 National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Then The Road was awarded the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

Last week I picked up The Road, thumbed through it, and noted the absence of quotation marks to indicate dialogue. Finding this somewhat distracting, I laid the book aside and turned to a different novel. Yesterday I picked up McCarthy's book again----and finished it this morning.

A man and his son, both unnamed, struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. Possessed of meager provisions and a pistol with two bullets, the man convinces the boy that some kind of salvation exists near the sea. Through a blighted landscape of gray ash, dead trees, and chilling temperatures, the reader joins them on the road, encountering harrowing instances of debased humanity, cannibalism, and despair. The boy, who has never known any other life, seems, at times, touched by God, for he is ever aware of the fact that he and his father are the "good guys" who "carry the fire". Eventually the man succumbs to disease, starvation, and exposure---yet remains convinced that "Goodness will find the little boy. It always has. It will again."

The Road has been called both "a masterpiece" by Booklist and "a novel of horrific beauty" by Kirkus Reviews. I agree. The book, deceptively simple and straightforward, is devastating and reminds us that the world teeters on the edge of the abyss.

On June 5, 2007, McCarthy sat down with Oprah Winfrey for his first and only television interview. When asked about his writing, McCarthy said he prefers simple, direct sentences and refuses to muddy up his text with "weird little marks" (quotation marks). The video can viewed on Oprah's site: http://www.oprah.com/. Just enter his name in the "Search oprah.com" field on the upper right of the screen.

Directed by John Hillcoat, the film adaptation has just been released in theatres and is receiving generally favorable reviews. Viggo Mortensen, whom many will remember as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, plays the man.

East Central Regional Library owns all of McCarthy's works in various formats: regular print, large print, audio, VHS, and DVD. Access our homepage at http://www.ecrlib.org/ and click on "ECRL Catalog" if you'd like to request a specific item. Remember that library staff are a quick phone call away if you need assistance.

Bob Gray
Reference and Interlibrary Loan Librarian

ECRL College Sweepstakes Winner

2009-11-24T09:07:00.003-06:00

Six year old Danielle Cavallin of Pine City was selected as a winner in this summer’s “Get Creative @ Saving for College” sweepstakes, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education, State Library Services and the Minnesota College Savings Plan. Jeff and Jaclyn Cavallin, parents of Danielle, were awarded a $1,000 cash prize that can be invested in a Minnesota College Savings Plan account for the benefit of Danielle. The sweepstakes, which received over 4,000 entries statewide this summer, was a component of this year’s Minnesota Library Summer Reading Program, held at public libraries throughout the state. The Pine City Public Library branch of ECRL where Danielle participated in the Summer Reading Program, also won a $500 cash prize. In total, 15 $1,000 cash prizes were awarded to summer reading program participants in Minnesota. The 15 libraries where the winners participated in the summer reading program also won $500 towards future reading programs.

Danielle received her "big" check at the 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Pine City Public Library on Thursday, November 19. Danielle's entire family was there to help her celebrate.

The Minnesota Library summer reading program is offered through local libraries to encourage children to read during the summer and has over 60,000 children participating every year. “This is the first time that we’ve offered a college savings sweepstakes through the annual Summer Reading Program,” said Suzanne Miller, Director of Minnesota’s State Library Services. “We are pleased with our partnership with the Minnesota College Savings Plan and the response from the children, their parents and the libraries. It was a good opportunity to encourage children to read while school was out for the summer, and to emphasize saving for college with Minnesota’s 529 College Savings Plan.”

Vickie Sorn, ECRL Youth & Community Services Librarian

Veterans Day, November 11th

2009-11-11T11:00:00.003-06:00

Today is Veterans Day, and the East Central Regional Library Headquarters and branches are all closed. Veterans Day is a national holiday, first proclaimed as Armistice Day by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 with the following words: To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…

Armistice Day commemorated the end of World War I – known at the time as “The Great War.” The War officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting had ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. November 11, 1918, was regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Armistice Day became a legal holiday through congressional action on May 13, 1938. (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a). Armistice Day was a day dedicated to world peace and to honor veterans of World War I. In 1954 the 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 by changing the word "Armistice" to "Veterans" following World War II and the Korean Conflict. With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

The observance of Veterans Day moved to Monday, along with Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day, when the Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968. This was unpopular with many states, who continued to observe Veterans Day on November 11th, and ignored the legislation. In response to the desires of the the majority of state legislatures, all veterans service organizations, and the American people, Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479) on September 20, 1975, which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978.

Source of information, Department of Veterans Affairs http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/
See also, History.com http://www.history.com/content/veteransday

Barbara Misselt, Director

Berlin Wall Anniversary

2009-11-09T14:58:00.003-06:00

Today is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. For over 25 years a city existed within the confines of a wall that encircled it, keeping its residents in and everyone else out. Travel to and from West Berlin was only permitted through applications and documents. The Wall was a symbol of the Cold War

Following World War II, the defeated country of Germany was divided into four sections and governed by the Allied Control Council or Allied Control Authority, the Alliierter Kontrollrat, a military governing authority. The members were the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union. France was later added with one vote, but no duties. As was the country divided, so too was the capitol city, Berlin. Berlin was well within the Soviet controlled section known later as East Germany.

When the Soviets and East Germans erected a wall around the portions of Berlin governed by the Americans, Brits, and French, West Berlin was isolated from West Germany. Armed guards patrolled the wall and the checkpoints going in and out of West Berlin.

I lived in West Berlin from 1983 to 1987, while my husband served with the Air Force. While we lived a relatively normal lifestyle there, getting "Flag Orders" every time we wanted to travel outside the city was an inconvenience. While I lived there, the political climate was relatively calm and we traveled back and forth into East Berlin fairly often. One very tragic incident in 1985 affected us personally, when Major Arthur Nicholson was killed in the line of duty. His daughter Jennifer was in my son's class. We were also there when President Reagan cried "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall" at the Brandenburg Gate.

The cold gray wall served as a grim reminder of the differences in lifestyle from East to West. Bus drivers who drove through Checkpoint Charlie often played "God Bless the USA" or "Born in the USA" -- with the windows open.

Shortly after we moved from Berlin to Maine, I was overwhelmed with emotion as I watched throngs of East Berliners pour through the torn down wall. I feel that way yet.

This website about the Berlin Wall has some good information: http://www.berlin.de/mauer/index.en.html

Also, check for books about the Berlin Wall under the number 943.155

Barbara Misselt, Director

Department of Interior waives fees November 11th

2009-11-08T20:11:00.004-06:00

Here's a low-cost way to enjoy the Veterans Day Holiday on Wednesday.

From the National Park Service website:

To honor America’s service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has announced that areas managed by the department will not charge entrance fees on Wednesday, November 11th.
Visitors to public recreation lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation are invited to take a day to honor and reflect on what our service men and women have done to maintain our freedom and keep peace around the world, Salazar said.
“The Department of the Interior is honored to offer this fee free day to thank our nation’s service men and women,” said Salazar said “The sacrifices and achievements of the brave men and women of our armed forces can never be understated. We invite all of our visitors to enjoy this fee free day and take time out on this national holiday to remember our service men and women who are currently serving overseas in harm's way. ”
The Department of Agriculture also is waiving entrance fees at its national forests.

Barbara Misselt, Director

JOB WORRIES? CHECK OUT THESE LEGAL RESOURCES!

2009-10-27T20:32:00.006-05:00

Minnesota Dept. of Human Rights http://www.humanrights.state.mn.us/index.html -- Investigates charges of illegal discrimination under the Human Rights Act

EEOC (http://www.eeoc.gov/) -- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigates charges pertaining to employment discrimination

American Civil Liberties Union ( http://www.aclu.org/)-- National organization advocating individual rights, by litigating, legislating, and educating the public

The library has other sites of interest pertaining to legal issues and employment discrimination on our "Reference Links" page:

---Access the library homepage: http://www.ecrlib.org/

---Click on "Reference Desk" on the left, then "Web Links"

---Click on the "Legal Resources" link

If you need assistance, please feel free to contact your nearest ECRL branch library.

Although staff cannot offer legal advice or assistance, they can refer you to appropriate literature, reference books, websites, and other resources.

Bob Gray
Reference and Interlibrary Loan Librarian

FIND THAT PERFECT JOB - IT'S STILL POSSIBLE!

2009-09-18T15:16:00.009-05:00

It's still possible to find that "perfect job", even in this economy. The library can help!

Check out the following books:

"Knock 'em Dead 2009: The Ultimate Job Search Guide" by Martin John Yate
"The Job Search Solution" by Tony Beshara
"60 Seconds & You're Hired" by Robin Ryan

Need help polishing up your resume or interview skills? Take a look at these:

"301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions" by Vicky Oliver
"Resumes for Dummies" by Joyce Kennedy
"No-Nonsense Resumes" by Wendy Enelow

There are many others. Search the ECRL catalog or ask your librarian for assistance. ECRL staff can also point out our "Web Links" page and the "LearningExpress Library" database.

There are many excellent internet sites that can help you in your job search.

---Go to the library homepage: http://www.ecrlib.org/
---Click on the "Reference Desk" link on the left
---Click on "Web Links", then "Employment"

Minnesota residents may want to pay particular attention to the following sites:

---"Minnesota Jobs"
---"Minnesota's Job Bank"
---"Workforce Centers"

The library also has access to a very helpful database: "LearningExpress Library".

With LearningExpress you can polish up your basic math, reading, writing, and grammar skills, take tests geared toward specific careers (military, nursing, civil service, teaching, law enforcement, and more), as well as get tips on effective interview techniques, job search strategies, and writing resumes.

---Go to the ECRL homepage: http://www.ecrlib.org/
---Click on "Magazines & Databases" on the left
---Scroll down to "Learning Express Library" and click on the blue "Learn A Test" link
---New users must click on "register". You can then create your own, confidential, account and add tests and courses to "My Center". You can use the database wherever you have access to a computer - home, work, school, or in the library.

Stop by your local ECRL branch library for an introduction to "Learning Express Library". We have a helpful brochure that will guide you through account setup and taking the online tests. Staff are happy to answer any questions you may have!

Bob Gray
Reference and Interlibrary Loan Librarian

A Maroon and White Bus

2009-09-01T17:15:00.003-05:00

The small maroon and white bus pulled into the parking lot. Ebenezer Meadows Campus was painted on the side. The driver got out and opened the doors that made the bus handicap accessible with a lift. Slowly the lift was lowered and one by one the occupants were out of the bus and ready to come into the library. Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, independently; one-by-one they made their way into the building.

Three of them needed library cards; two came for the ride. They looked over different parts of the library. Then they checked out a few books and were on their way.

This will become part of their routine; every two weeks they will be able to visit our branch and see the world with different eyes. I’m excited about this opportunity for them and for us. They get a “road trip” and we have a new occasion to serve area residents. Hopefully, more campus residents will become eager at the prospect of visiting the library.

The facility program coordinator will be ordering Bi-Folkal Kits for them and other people at the campus to remember the old days…remember farm days, remember the Depression, remember school days, and remember work life. These and many other topics are covered with individual kits. Each kit includes an extensive program manual, a media presentation, sing along booklets, things to touch and a carrying case. Some have even more.

These kits are multi-media and multi-sensory to prompt memories and discussion. They are the perfect choice for programs and activities for older adults and mixed age groups in senior centers, retirement communities, nursing homes and other settings. If you are interested in finding out more about the Bi-Folkal Kits, stop in at your local East Central Regional Library branch or contact Vicki at 763-689-7390 x13.

I’m looking forward to seeing that maroon and white bus. Once it’s part of the routine, I’ll be planning some inter-generational activities.

Rebecca J. Hostetler, Branch Librarian
Giese Memorial Library, Wyoming

Gearing Up for Fall

2009-08-21T09:30:00.000-05:00

Now that summer is beginning to wind down and "back to school" is beginning to wind up, it's time to once more think about preschool storytime at the library. Our most excellent volunteer, Karen Breach, is anxious to get the fall sessions started. Storytimes will be every Friday at 10:30am starting Friday, Sept ll. This is a wonderful opportunity to get your preschool youngster involved in a pre-literacy experience while having a great time socializing and doing projects. Please mark your calendars for this free and valuable childhood learning adventure.

For adults, ECRL is once again offering classes in the exploration of your family history. You will be able to learn about our new AncestryPlus genealogical database and much more from ECRL's reference coordinator, Bob Gray, who will be in Hinckley at 10:30am on Thursday, September 10. Class size is limited to 13, so pre-registration is necessary by calling 320-384-6351 at least 3 days prior to the date of the workshop. Basic computer skills are mandatory.

ECRL will soon be celebrating 50 years of public library service and in honor of that achievement will be hosting celebrations in each of the 14 branches throughout the 6 county region. We are eagerly seeking historical trivia and information about early library use and development. If you have a story or a clipping, please stop in to share it. More details will be forthcoming as they develop.

Ceci Cross-Maser, Hinckley Branch Librarian

Summer Reading a Hit

2009-08-21T09:26:00.001-05:00

Eight weeks sure can fly by in a fast flurry when they are as busy as they've been for the 2009 summer reading program. In spite of the shaky start when the roof leaked and the library became flooded, "Be Creative @ Your Library" turned out to be a really fun and successful reading promotion for 121 kids pre-school through 6th grade, and "Express Yourself @ Your Library" was a hit with the teens.

The closing program was held on Wednesday, August 5 with a show called "Imagineering" presented by Robert and Lynn Halbrook of Cloquet. He entertained with clever sleight of hand, audience participation, creative theater, and a strong emphasis on books. Parents and kids alike expressed their delight and hopes that he could come back next year.

As usual, following the entertainment was the much anticipated ticket drawing and contest winners. The 56 kids who completed their reading logs were eligible for an additional prize in the drawing and after all the ticket earners had made their choices, the names of those present were all put back and one more name was drawn to receive a pair of donated Twin's tickets. The winner of those was Killeen Prater.

All summer, the scavenger hunts are a huge favorite. The creative mascot was a musical Beethoven doll who was hidden in a different location each week, so kids had lots of chances to search for him and enter the drawing to win him. Dylan Miller was the lucky winner who got to take him home. The "major art theft" scavenger hunt was a little more difficult than in other years, but there were plenty of kids (with some parental help) who succeeded and then entered the drawing for a Dairy Queen gift card. Vinnie Brackenbury got to take that one home. The guessing contest was for crayons in a jar. The closest guesser, Holly Sybrant, was just one off so she won the whole jar.

A new contest this year was a photo competition with 6 kids submitting their creative efforts. There were winners in three age catagories: for ages 5-7 the winner was Luke Knudson, for ages 8-10 it was Ryan Rabe, and for ages 11-12 the winner was Jared Knudson. This may be a contest that is repeated next year, since many families felt the time limit was too short and they were unable to prepare an entry.

Some of the ticket drawing winners were not present for the drawing, but a prize was selected for each one and those can be picked up at the library.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the 2009 program so great. These include Laura Eyre, Carol Carney, and Alyssa Prater. And a big thank you to all the parents and grandparents who made the extra effort to encourage their youngsters to read and get them to the library to record their progress, pick up their prizes, and attend events....it wouldn't have happened without your participation! Thanks also to the Hinckley Lions Club for their generous sponsorship of the traveling storyteller, to the City Council for their budgetary support which paid for incentives, the Arboretum programs, and the Halbrook performance, and to Hardees for the drink mix served after the closing program.

The Teen level promotion inspired 41 teens to sign up, and 26 to actively participate with a total of 194 books having been read in the eight weeks. Weekly winners were: week 1, Colleen Christian, Sierra Sorgaard, & Angel White; week 2, Daniel Christian, Tyler Fish, & Lauren Rabe; week3, Nikki Mans, Jonathan Nelson, & Lindsay Rootkie; week 4, Trent Doyle, Adam Finke, & Natalie Peel; week 5, Jessica Nelson, Sierra Sorgaard, & Lauren Worlickey; week 6, Brianna Grinsteinner, Lanae Nelson, & Paige Hodena; week 7, Colleen Christian, Nikki Mans, & Trent Doyle; and week 8, Daniell Christian, Lauren Rabe, & Erika Winter. By far the favorite prize selection for these weekly winners was the free movie pass. Many thanks are extended to Grand Cinema for their donation of these passes and their generous support of reading, creativity, and libraries. Those teens who have not yet stopped in to pick up their prizes are encouraged to still do so.

Thanks to a generous donation given by Marge Lehman, cash prizes were awarded to the top three readers. $25 went to 1st place reader, Lauren Rabe who read 38 books, and $12.50 went to tied 2nd place readers, Trent Doyle amd Sierra Sorgaard who each read 20 books. Congratulations to all the teens who participated and won prizes....keep on reading!

Next year's theme will be "Make a Splash @ Your Library" and plans are already being discussed for yet another great summer.

Ceci Cross-Maser, Hinckley Branch Librarian

Arts and Culture in the Library

2009-08-20T15:11:00.002-05:00

Libraries are at the center of their communities in providing information and recreation. Now, thanks to funds provided through the Legacy Amendment, we will be providing arts and cultural experiences in our libraries. The Legacy Amendment was approved by 56% of Minnesota voters in November 2008. This Amendment raised the state sales tax 3/8 of 1% (starting July 1, 2009 and lasting 25 years) to generate money for four funds: Clean Water, Outdoor Heritage, Parks and Trails, and Arts and Cultural Heritage.

Libraries were included in the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund of the legislation*, which will receive 19.75% of the sales tax generated each year. This Fund will be divided among many recipients, including the following:

Board of Arts (with opportunities for partnerships with libraries and schools)
Regional Public Library funding for arts and arts education programs (will receive $4.25 million in FY 2010 and $4.25 in FY 2011)
Minnesota Digital Library (will receive $500,000 in FY 2010)

Public Library funding for arts and arts education programs will be allocated to the 12 regional public library systems according to the current regional library basic system support (RLBSS) grant formula. The Department of Education will administer this funding. In addition to our local programming, ECRL will participate along with the other regional public library systems to fund a state project to bring arts and culture into libraries.

The funding from the Legacy Amendment must be used to supplement, not supplant, traditional sources of funding. Recipients of the funding will need to prove that their use of the money was “supplemental” in nature—not a supplanting of current funding.

At its August 10th meeting, the ECRL Board of Directors authorized a committee to oversee the use of ECRL's portion of the Legacy Funds. We will also be participating in a statewide project of arts in libraries.

*Minnesota Session Laws 2009, Chapter 172, Article 4, Section Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, Subdivision 3

Barbara Misselt, Director

Letter from Japan

2009-07-14T11:02:00.005-05:00

This E-mail came from John Becker, a Milaca branch patron who has moved to Japan. He tells us about the library in Japan.

I GOT MY LIBRARY CARD!!!! 4 years ago the library here was small, but I didn't know that from last year they have a new library. It is nice, I have my choice of 18 computers if I get here at opening time, and a view of the green mountains.But no nice red-haired librarian. Or Betty. Instead, there are about a dozen young women in a kind of uniform vest over nice shirt and slacks. They hustle around with such energy, arms pumping and pony tails bobbing up and down, finding material, answering questions, laughing at my bad jokes, bringing the hot towel to relieve weary shoulders. BUT, instead of the few books in English, now they have thousands, including recent Vince Flynn. I was surprised. Regretably, and when I get more known here I will mention this to them, the periodical selection is poor. Although there are about 30 Japanese papers, in
English, the newspapers are the JAPAN TIMES (quite good, except for Americans continuing to snipe at each other in the letters section) and USA TODAY. Non-technical magazines in English are limited to News and World Report, Sports Ill., Elle, Cosmo, Glamour, Good Housekeeping. But the DVD/CD selection is excellent.

Some differences: Checkout is for 2 weeks only for up to 15 books and only 2 CDs or DVDs at a time. But there is no late fee! I asked why and they said "Why should you not be responsible? If you are human, why would you want to shame yourself with thoughtless irresponsibility? And why would we shame ourselves by not trusting you, Bekka-san?"

Also computer time is a choice of 30 min or 1 hour. And they mean it. When they swipe your card, time begins and when it reaches 1 minute countdown, I know that in one minute the screen will blank, and I'd better not be in the middle of something or poof, it's gone.

The library is a nice place to spend a day. There are 4 restaurants and a coffeeshop in the building. And the toilets have those $1500 toilet seats that wash and dry and eliminate the need for toilet paper. Someday I must ask them how this is all funded.

John (Bekka Jion) has written a book, The Touch of Our Sleeves and we are acquiring a copy of it.

Sharon Strack, Branch Librarian, Milaca

Minnesota Video Vault

2009-07-13T17:08:00.000-05:00

Sharing with you this announcement about an unbelievable new online resource:

From Keith Ewing, Saint Cloud State University and the Minnesota Digital Library:
Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) has released the Minnesota Video Vault. The vault provides access to hundreds of videos and TPT productions, from short clips to lengthy shows. The "Educators" button allows you to sort by very broad K12 areas (e.g., Social Science, Science, or Language Arts), then focus by "grade level," then "strand" (e.g., Minnesota History or US History), and then by "sub strand" (e.g., under the Minnesota History "strand" you can select "sub strands" like the "Civil War and Dakota War" or "Contact and Fur Trade"). The "Interest Areas" button provides a more immediate breakdown by history, people, places, MN issues, arts & entertainment, and special collections, with further topical subdivisions beneath that. This is a terrific resource, of special value to schools and educators, but also for everyone interested in Minnesota and regional history (although the content goes far beyond Minnesota).
Online at http://www.mnvideovault.org/

I'm amazed at all the quality viewing available. Here's a sample of my favorites:

Dakota Conflict (the film shown for the Cambridge Reads event)
Tales of the Road: Highway 61, Almanac with Cathy Wurzer
American Experience Series
Antiques Roadshow
Great Performances
America at War
Nova

Barbara Misselt, Director

Minnesota College Savings Plan Offers ECRL Summer Reading Participants a Chance to Win $1,000 Toward College

2009-07-08T15:51:00.001-05:00

Encouraging a child to read this summer could lead to $1,000 toward his or her college savings. The Minnesota 529 College Savings Plan and Minnesota libraries today announced the launch of a Saving For College Sweepstakes as part of the 2009 Be Creative at Your Library Summer Reading Program at libraries across Minnesota.

“The Summer Reading program is a good opportunity to encourage children to read and to emphasize saving for college with Minnesota’s 529 college savings plan,” said David Metzen, director of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, the agency responsible for administering the Minnesota College Savings Plan.

The Get Creative @ Saving For College Sweepstakes, which runs through August 21, will award fifteen $1,000 prizes to individuals statewide that can be used toward a child’s future college education. In addition, each individual winner’s local library will receive $500 toward future reading programs. “This is a great opportunity,” says Vickie Sorn, ECRL Youth & Community Services Librarian. “One individual from an ECRL branch will win a $1000 prize and one ECRL branch library will win the $500 prize.” Parents can enter to win by filling out an entry form at any ECRL branch when their children sign up for the Summer Reading Program.

For more information on the Minnesota College Savings Plan and the Get Creative @ Saving For College Sweepstakes, visit www.mnsaves.org/library or visit your local East Central Regional Library branch in Aitkin, Cambridge, Chisago Lakes, Hinckley, McGregor, Milaca, Mille Lacs Lake (Isle), Mora, North Branch, Pine City, Princeton, Rush City, Sandstone, or Wyoming.

ECRL Press Release - July 2009

Stop Asking Questions!

2009-06-29T11:20:00.003-05:00

The Oklahoma College Saving Plan is proudly sponsoring free admission for dads to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on Father’s Day, June 17, from 1:00 p

At my recent visit to the Sandstone Public Library, branch librarian Jeanne Coffey, and I were talking about how her summer reading program was going. She told me about what happened at one of their special programs.

The Sandstone Public Library held a program called Meet a Musician for kids of all ages on Tuesday, June 16. The program fit perfectly with the Be Creative @ Your Library summer reading program. Peter McGuire, first violinist and John Snow, Principal Oboe from the Minnesota Orchestra visited the library for a demonstration followed by questions.

A small but enthusiastic crowd attended the program. Mr. McGuire and Mr. Snow played their instruments for a while and then paused for questions from the audience. Generally not too many young children fall in love with classical music. But after a few questions, a 4 year old boy spoke up and said, “Stop asking questions….play some more!”

How wonderful that this 4 year old appreciated the talents of these gentlemen. He knew why he had come to the program – to hear the music!

Vickie Sorn, Youth & Community Services Librarian

Photo courtesy of the Pine County Courier

Needed more than ever

2009-06-18T11:39:00.002-05:00

Governor Pawlenty, like it or not, has just done what he feels is best for the state of Minnesota. There is no doubt that something needed to be done; we cannot continue to live beyond our budget. But it's painful and it's scary. Our libraries will no doubt be affected, as will other agencies that exist to serve the public. The problem is that we are already busier than ever and needed more than ever. People who have lost their jobs are coming in to the libraries to look for work and to file for unemployment. They are looking for classes or assistance to update their work skills in order to better prepare themselves for the workforce. They need resources on writing resumes; they need computers to produce these documents, and many need someone to show them how to use that computer.

Tighter personal budgets necessitate looking for free entertainment. We are the best bargain in town, offering all the free reading materials, movies, and Internet use one could want. We also offer many educational and leisure events in our buildings. Attendance at these events, as well as general traffic in our libraries has skyrocketed. We do our best to keep up with this increasing demand for our services. Now we face the possibility of cuts to our operating budget. I know that we will do our best to keep up with our service to the public, but to do so with budget cuts will be extremely difficult. It's a good problem to have when you are needed, but it is still a problem.

Sharon Strack
Branch Manager
Milaca Public Library

D-Day Anniversary

2009-06-06T21:49:00.001-05:00

Today is the 65th anniversary of D-Day: the day 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy. Landings on Utah, Omaha, Juno, Gold and Sword Beaches enabled the march across Europe to eventually defeat Hitler. The History Channel had some excellent programming on today, including interviews with a number of D-Day veterans.

To find information about D-Day, check out the following:

Search the books and media we have in the library using the call number 940.5421 in our online catalog
Army.mil D-Day feature
Encyclopedia Britannica's Guide to Normandy 1944, includes a collection of Veterans' oral histories

Barbara Misselt, Director

More Kill A Watt Monitors Donated to Library

2009-05-26T16:03:00.002-05:00

Press Release

Back in February four Kill A Watt monitors were donated to East Central Regional Library for circulation to its patrons by East Central Energy. Almost immediately we had a waiting list for the monitors. With the demand so high, Mille Lacs Energy in Aitkin, donated two more Kill A Watt monitors to the library. Mille Lacs Energy services customers in Aitkin, Crow Wing and Mille Lacs counties. Any registered patron of East Central Regional Library may check out and use the monitor.

Winter may be over, but often times we use even more energy in the summer months. Everyone wants to save money and A Kill A Watt can do just that. It is a device that can help you identify what appliances in your home are the biggest energy abusers. Simply plug Kill A Watt into any appliance (refrigerator, fan, computer, etc.) and it will assess how efficiently it runs. It has a large LCD display that counts the number of kilowatts per hour used by an appliance just like your local electric utility company.

Is it time to replace that window air conditioner, fan or dehumidifier? Are they the reason that your utility bill is so high? A Kill A Watt monitor can help you make that decision by giving you the information you need.

How do I borrow a Kill A Watt device to use? Simply visit your local East Central Regional Library branch or visit the library’s website at www.ecrlib.org and place a hold on a Kill A Watt device. You will be notified when one becomes available. Then simply drop by your nearest ECRL branch to pick it up.

Thank you to Mille Lacs Energy and East Central Energy for their invaluable donations. These monitors will help consumers in the region make informed decisions on their energy usage. So why not take advantage of the Kill A Watt device and use the information you discover to help you save money? Plug it in and find “watts” killing you. Contact your local ECRL branch for more information.

Organic Puppet Theater at the Cambridge Library

2009-05-11T12:46:00.005-05:00

Maryauna, Aaron, Brandon, and Carson learned how to lead happy and healthy lives at the Cambridge Public Library on Saturday, May 9 when Linda Sorenson and her Organic Puppet Theater were here. The children made lung puppets and then presented a puppet show donning healthy organ props and costumes.

Nancy Dunbar, Cambridge Branch Librarian

MedLinePlus for flu (and other) health information

2009-04-30T14:05:00.007-05:00

Many of us are watchful of the potential for a flu pandemic - specifically the H1N1 flu, popularly known as "swine flu." Panic can reign when the public is uninformed, but for those who are armed with reliable information, preparation and common sense will contribute to peace of mind. I suggest MedLinePlus as a good place to look for timely and accurate medical information. MedLinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. They're doing a good job of gathering together credible information and news about the spread of this new flu. Link to swine flu resources on MedLinePlus.

Another source for information about swine flu is on the Centers for Disease Control site which is also a credible source for health information.

Use MedLinePlus or CDC whenever you need current health and medical information. There is an encyclopedia, a dictionary, and an alphabetized list of health topics. You can even look up names of drugs (both prescription and over the counter) and supplements to find extensive information about them. http://medlineplus.gov/ http://www.cdc.gov/

If you need help finding information on MedLinePlus, CDC, or other sources, ask your local librarian!

Barbara Misselt, Director

2009-04-30T11:41:00.001-05:00

21st ANNUAL MINNESOTA BOOK AWARDS

The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library has announced the results of the 21st annual Minnesota Book Awards! A panel of judges selected winners in eight categories, and over 2000 online voters from across Minnesota selected the winner of the Readers’ Choice Award. The awards were presented on the evening of April 25, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in St. Paul.

It was my pleasure to serve on the panel that selected The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich as the winner in the Novel & Short Story category. This remarkable novel was also a runner-up for the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction.

Here’s the complete list of the winners:

Children's Literature: The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson

General Non-fiction: The Compassionate Carnivore by Catherine Friend

Genre Fiction: Stalking Susan by Julie Kramer

Memoir & Creative Non-fiction: The Latehomecomer by Kao Kalia Yang

Minnesota: Hard Work and a Good Deal by Barbara W. Sommer

Novel & Short Story: The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich

Poetry: National Monuments by Heid E. Erdrich

Young Adult Literature: Twelve Long Months by Brian Malloy

The Latehomecomer also won the Readers’ Choice Award!

Please check the library catalog or contact your ECRL librarian if you’re interested in reading any of these books.

Enjoy!

Bob Gray, Reference and Interlibrary Loan Librarian

Aitkin Volunteer Earns President's Volunteer Service Award

2009-04-30T11:10:00.006-05:00

Recently, Ardith Kane received a letter from former President George W. Bush thanking her for her 4000 hours of volunteer service. This service earned Ardith the 2008 President’s Volunteer Service Award. The letter stated, “By volunteering, you have joined a remarkable team that includes millions of Americans whose everyday acts of kindness and decency make our country a better place.” In January 2002, President Bush called on all Americans to dedicate at least two years, or 4000 hours over the course of their lives to serve others.

(Pictured right to left) Roseann Johnson, Ardith Kane, Mary Beth Woodrow, Elaine Haberkorn, Shirley Pick...all Aitkin Public Library staff.

Ardith volunteers through Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, or RSVP. She has volunteered since September, 2005 at the Aitkin Public Library, where she works 5 days/week. Ardith, a volunteer, is a valued and integral part of the library staff. On Monday, April 20, 2009 the library staff at the Aitkin Public Library celebrated this milestone with Ardith. Ardith has also volunteered for many years at First Lutheran Church, Aitkin.

Through Ardith’s service to others, she demonstrates the outstanding character of America and is helping to strengthen our country. Thank you Ardith!

By Mary Beth Woodrow, Aitkin Public Library Branch Librarian

New Wyoming Branch Librarian Named

2009-04-30T10:34:00.012-05:00

By Vickie Sorn

The new Wyoming Area Branch Librarian “loves the challenge of meeting the patron’s needs.” “It’s sometimes like being a detective trying to figure it out,” says Rebecca Hostetler, new branch librarian. “Many times you don’t know where the search will take you.” Rebecca was chosen for the branch librarian position when former librarian, Maria Gruener, took a new library position as Watertown Regional Library Assistant Director in her native South Dakota.

Rebecca moved to Pine City five years ago and began working for ECRL in January 2007 as a reference assistant at the Cambridge branch. During her time at Cambridge she has become knowledgeable in electronic databases, reader’s advisory and interlibrary loan resources. Rebecca has a Masters of Divinity degree and is currently enrolled in the Minnesota Voluntary Certification Program for librarians.

From visiting her school and public library growing up in South Bend, Indiana, to the Carnegie Library in Barron, Wisconsin, where she worked as a public librarian, libraries have always been an important part of Rebecca’s life. “Libraries educate, re-create, gather, motivate and challenge members of a community,” believes Rebecca. They are an important part of the community because they can “open worlds for users by providing them with information in a variety of forms.”

Teaching is Rebecca’s passion and she would like to empower everyone that visits the Wyoming Area Library with the skills they need to use the library to its fullest. Rebecca sees one of the biggest challenges to be “to connect individuals, families, groups and the community with their library so that they use it to its fullest potential for their own benefit.” It’s important that the community realize what their “free” Wyoming Library card has to offer.

To get people in the door of the Wyoming Library to utilize all its services, Rebecca says we need “education, education and more education and satisfied customers will bring more users.” From quiet libraries with books with cards and pockets to bustling libraries with online databases and teens playing Wii , libraries have come a long way. Rebecca asks, “When was the last time you entered the doors of endless knowledge?” Stop by and meet the new Wyoming Area Branch Librarian, Rebecca Hostetler. Her enthusiasm for libraries is contagious, so be careful….

you might just catch it, too!

Thank you letter we received

2009-04-27T15:42:00.001-05:00

April 23, 2009

East Central Regional Library Staff,

There are eight book-club members in Milaca that are in awe of the precious right to borrow books from our very own community library. Our April book selection was one of your book-club kits. Just like that we were on the same page at the same time reading with communal pleasure and nary a nickel spent. What a privilege!

With gratitude we thank you for the library's range of reading opportunities.

Respectfully yours,

Eight Avid Readers

Monday morning humor

2009-04-20T07:42:00.000-05:00

Frazz, by Jef Mallett (Sep 18, 2004)

Thanks to Stephen Abrams at Stephen's Lighthouse for digging up this old gem (with lots of truth)

Barbara Misselt, Director

When did it happen?

2009-04-17T13:12:00.007-05:00

History books will document the period we're living in, although I'm not sure what they'll call it. My grandparents endlessly recounted the horrors of the 30s. My husband and I took it pretty hard in the 80s. What will our descendents say about the first decade of the 21st century? As recently as October 2008, news journalists and even economists were debating whether we were in a recession (and I wrote a post on my personal blog I know it when I see it.) The official benchmark for a depression is defined by the National Bureau of Economic Research as “a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales.” A simpler definition is that recession occurs when real gross domestic product (GDP) growth is negative for two or more consecutive quarters.

Well the official depression marker has been reached, and no one had to tell us in libraries that it's official. Our branches are busier than ever from open to close. Folks are waiting in line to use our computers to find unemployment and job search information. By everything we count, library use in East Central Minnesota is up 20% or more. People are using our resources and services -at no cost - and are using our collections to find ways to save money. East Central Energy donated 5 Kill a Watt electricity usage meters to check the amount of efficiency of household devices. The devices circulate just like books and there are currently 157 people on a waiting list to check one out.

An old story goes: A recession is when your neighbor loses his job. A depression is when you lose yours. Over the last months fewer and fewer people are working. As a result, tax receipts are going down and government is less able to fund services.

To see a gut-wrenching graphic depiction of the spread of unemployment, check out When Did Your County's Jobs Disappear, on Slate (an online magazine published by the Washington Post.) Using the Labor Department's local area unemployment statistics, Slate presents the recession as told by unemployment numbers for each county in America. In January 2007, many blue dots represented areas of net job gains. Moving through month by month, red dots representing job losses take over the map. Check it out. Link to online article.

Barbara Misselt, Director

Sandstone Classics Corner Open House

2009-03-05T13:00:00.031-06:00

With Friends Like These…the Sky’s the Limit!

The Sandstone Friends of the Library recently celebrated their new CLASSICS CORNER with an open house. Having purchased over 175 volumes from the Library of America series, the Sandstone library now has an outstanding collection of the best literature America has produced over the centuries. The Library of America books are beautifully produced and there’s something for every interest.

For example, for early-American history buffs, check out the Writings of our Founders: Washington; Jefferson; Franklin; Madison; Hamilton; and Paine each have a volume in the series. Or tackle the monumental history by Henry Adams on the Administrations of Jefferson and Madison. (By the way, when’s the volume of Henry's great-grandfather--our second president--coming out?) Perhaps you wish to go back further with Captain John Smith’s Writings, with Other Narratives of Roanoke, Jamestown, and the First English Settlement of America. Francis Parkman’s history, France and England in North America, is a must-read ending with (spoiler alert!) England's victory in the French-Indian War.

Picking up the story from there, The American Revolution: Writings from the War of Independence, gathers the literature surrounding the birth of our nation. Of course, it’s one thing to “dissolve the political bands” between peoples and quite another to have to establish one’s own. For that attempt, see: The Debate on the Constitution (Vols. 1 & 2).

With an outsider’s perspective, Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America offers a portrait of our country’s social and political character that is still considered one of the best. Then back to Parkman for The Oregon Trail, a chronicle of his 1846 trip West, his encounters with the Plains Indians, and a vanishing frontier. The two volumes of Lincoln’s Speeches and Writings, which begin in 1832, are excellent accompaniment to the many outstanding books currently being published to celebrate the bicentennial of his birth.

Above: Ray Marcotte (l), Maker of the "Classics Corner" sign and Art Olstead, Maker of the Bookshelves! Many, many Thanks!

Area Lions Club members, left to right: Branch Librarian Jeanne Coffey, Carrie Olstead, Irma Faulkner, Carol Nelson, Sandy Snadwick, Chester (behind) and Janice (front) Gustafson, Tony Nelson, Judy Loken, Art Olstead, Ken Sample.

Below: Never letting a fundraising opportunity pass, the Friends held a silent auction. A few elbows were thrown as the clock ticked down but no injuries were reported. Below Left: Silent Auction items and (front to back) Carrie Olstead, Judy Loken, Sylvia Marcotte, JoAnn Alexander. Middle: Irene Sandell plans her strategy. Right: JoAnn Alexander (below left) reveals her talent for accessorizing by putting a quilted Christmas tree skirt to use as a cape.

I could go on and on. So I will!

(L-R) Judy Loken, Elsie Lundorff, Irene Sandell
Perhaps fictionalized accounts of these times are more your style. Then take a look at James Fenimore Cooper’s The Leatherstocking Tales, which includes the novel “The Last of the Mohicans.” Washington Irving’s and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s stories also present windows through which to view our nation’s early years. The Writings and Drawings of John James Audubon capture the natural landscape, as does the work of environmentalist William Bartram (1739-1823), described as “the most significant American writer before Thoreau and a nature artist who rivals Audubon.”

Explore other aspects of the cuture with American Poetry: The Seventeenth & Eighteenth Century (2 vols.); American Sermons: The Pilgrims to Martin Luther King; American Sea Writing: A Literary Anthology; or American Speeches: Political Oratory from the Revolution to the Civil War. Civil War? Read on!

Right: (L-R) Merlin and JoAnn Alexander, Patti Hapke, Branch Librarian Jeanne Coffey, Branch Aide Carol Nelson

Below: Friends of the Library (L-R), JoAnn Alexander, Melissa Grabau, Patti Hapke (back), Sylvia Marcotte (front), Jeanne Coffey.

There’s the Memoirs of Generals William T. Sherman and Ulysses S. Grant, The Autobiographies of Frederick Douglass, and the anthology of Slave Narratives. Post war? How about little-known Lafcadio Hearns’ American Writings, “the master of a gaudy and sometimes self-consciously decadent literary style…a tough-minded and keenly observant reporter, with an eye for the offbeat, the sensual, and occasionally the gruesome”?

And I've only described one avenue through this collection!

Talk to Jeanne or Carol about what's available--or, better yet--come on in and browse through these wonderful books and discover on your own.

Also, go to the Library of America website for their description of each volume.

CONGRATULATIONS SANDSTONE LIBRARY!

(Become a Friend of the Library today!)

Posted by Nick Dimassis, Assistant Director

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

2009-03-02T17:22:00.001-06:00

Today is the 105th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Seuss. We have Dr. Seuss books in every single one of our branch libraries. Go to the catalog page of our website, and do an author search -- enter seuss, dr as the search term. When you get your Dr. Seuss book, grab a kid, and once again enjoy the lyric poetry. The National Education Association has proclaimed March 2nd as Read Across America Day. They even have this Read Across America poem on the NEA website:

You're never too old, too wacky, too wild,
To pick up a book and read with a child.
You're never too busy, too cool, or too hot,
To pick up a book and share what you've got.
In schools and communities,
Let's gather around,
Let's pick up a book,
Let's pass it around.

There are kids all around you,
Kids who will need
Someone to hug,
Someone to read.
Come join us March 2nd
Your own special way
And make this America's
Read to Kids Day.

When you're done with the Dr. Seuss books, the NEA site has a list of Teacher's Top 100 Books for Children.

Barbara Misselt, Director

How are the roads?

2009-02-26T14:49:00.005-06:00

It's a snowy Minnesota kind of day. I went out for lunch and got back just fine, and having gotten my driving teeth in this kind of climate, I would describe it as "not so bad, just gotta-take-it-easy." However, delivery driver Jerry, a well-seasoned Minnesota driver came back after finishing half the route saying after 8 cars in the ditch and white-out visibility it's one of his top bad driving days.

I just showed someone my stand-by reference tool for assessing road conditions and thought a few more might not have found it -- 511mn.org. 511 is part of a national effort that began in July 2000, when the FCC designated “511” as the national traveler information phone number. The primary source of data for 511 services originates with the Condition Acquisition and Reporting System (CARS). Mn/DOT and the Minnesota State Patrol staff from dispatch centers, the field and the Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) use this system to maintain real-time information about travel conditions throughout Minnesota.

You can find Minnesota's 511mn.org at http://www.511mn.org
For other states, look at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/511.htm

Minnesota Department of Transportation was one of the first state DOTs to implement the 511 service. Many of the other states' web resources are not nearly as well-developed as the Minnesota site.

Here is this afternoon's map. For southern readers a hint -- all that red means it's a good day to stay home and read a book.

Barbara Misselt, Director

First Cambridge Branch Librarian Named

2009-02-26T11:23:00.002-06:00

Press Release

History was made at the Cambridge Public Library on Monday, February 2nd when local resident, Nancy Dunbar, started her position as the very first Cambridge Public Library Branch Librarian. The Cambridge Public Library is one of 14 branches that make up East Central Regional Library system, which provides library service in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine Counties in east central Minnesota. Thirteen of those branch libraries already have a Branch Librarian. Up until this month, the ECRL Director has also served as the Cambridge Librarian, as has been the practice since the regional library system began 50 years ago. Public service, reference service and programming duties were all divided amongst ECRL headquarters staff.

Nancy has lived in the Cambridge area for 25 years and worked for ECRL in circulation and reference services for 18 of those years. Nancy loves “learning new things everyday and helping others learn about what interests them.” Variety is one of the reasons she loves her job. It enables Nancy to work with all ages, genres and subjects. Plus one of the best things about working at the Cambridge Public Library and for ECRL, she says, is the “satisfaction I feel when I know a patron’s needs have been met and he/she leaves (the library) happy.”

When asked “Why do you believe libraries are an important part of a community?” Nancy replied that “libraries provide materials, activities and services that fulfill the lifelong learning needs of its patrons.” Considering that only 43% of Isanti County residents have a library card, Nancy believes it is important to “publicize library services, so patrons become aware of the diverse ways that libraries can benefit them.” With regard to public service, Nancy says, “It’s also important to provide good and helpful service. Satisfied users are great advocates for the public library.”

Library advocates are very important because providing services and funding libraries during these difficult economic times can be challenging. The biggest challenge Nancy sees at present is “providing for the needs of patrons and staff within” the “limited space of the Cambridge Public Library.” Thus, the biggest challenge for the future “will be funding and building a new library with adequate and functional space for patrons and staff.”

Nancy is spending the first few weeks as Cambridge Branch Librarian becoming familiar with her new duties, plus visiting several neighboring library systems for inspiration and ideas. ECRL Assistant Director, Nick Dimassis, will introduce Nancy to the Isanti County Board of Commissioners at their County Board meeting on March 17th.

The Cambridge Friends of the Library invite the public, including local city officials and business leaders, to an open house for Dunbar on Tuesday, March 10, from 5-7 p.m. at the library to celebrate this history making event for the Cambridge Public Library.

Kill A Watt Empowers You

2009-02-26T10:56:00.002-06:00

Press Release

Electricity bills are rising and in these tough economic times, everyone wants to save money. A Kill A Watt can do just that. It is a device that can help you identify what appliances in your home are the biggest energy abusers. Simply plug Kill A Watt into any appliance (refrigerator, fan, computer, etc.) and it will assess how efficiently it runs. It has a large LCD display that counts the number of kilowatts per hour used by an appliance just like your local electric utility company.

Is it time to replace your water heater or refrigerator? Are they the reason that your utility bill is so high? Kill A Watt can help you make that decision by giving you the information you need.

East Central Energy donated five Kill A Watt electricity usage monitors to East Central Regional Library. The five monitors are currently housed at the following ECRL branch libraries served by East Central Energy: Cambridge, Hinckley, Milaca, Mora and Wyoming.

How do I borrow a Kill A Watt device to use? Simply visit your local East Central Regional Library branch or visit the library’s website at www.ecrlib.org and place a hold on a Kill A Watt device. You will be notified when one becomes available. Then simply drop by your nearest ECRL branch to pick it up.

The donation made by East Central Energy will help consumers in the region make informed decisions on their energy usage. So why not take advantage of this great device and use the information you discover to help you save money? Plug it in and find “watts” killing you. Contact your local ECRL branch for more information.

Era Comes to an End

2009-02-25T09:42:00.001-06:00

Press Release

After 49 years, an era will come to an end when the East Central Regional Library Bookmobile makes its last run on May 21st. The decision to replace library services delivered with the current bookmobile with other more cost-effective modes of service is part of the ECRL 2007-2010 Strategic Plan.

Declining use of the bookmobile, along with rising maintenance costs and an aging vehicle precipitated the decision. The current bookmobile purchased in 1996 has traveled over 350,000 miles delivering items to patrons. The bookmobile serves those individuals that are not able to use one of the Library’s 14 branches.

Current bookmobile patrons were recently sent a survey, asking for their input on how best to serve their library needs once bookmobile service has ended. Over 60 surveys were returned. The survey indicated that 50% of those visited by the bookmobile do have access to an ECRL branch and visit them on occasion. It also showed that over 50% using the bookmobile have access to a computer and the Internet. However, barriers still exist for many of our bookmobile patrons. Transportation for many, especially the elderly, remains an issue, along with access to computers and the Internet.

Members of the ECRL’s Long Range Planning Committee met and compiled the survey results and made a recommendation to the Library Board on how to best suit the needs of bookmobile patrons once service comes to an end. The Library Board approved these recommendations at their February 9 board meeting. Among the recommendations approved by the board was the promotion of existing services such as storytime kits for licensed center or family-based daycare providers, plus Bifolkal kits, long term loan checkout and institutional cards for nursing homes and assisted living facilities serving seniors.

Possible new service options among the recommendations include Library Link sites or a mail-a-book option. A library link site is a secure locally supported physical space with a small collection of library materials that would be open very limited hours. Cities or communities must apply to be a Library Link site. For people living in remote locations and who do not have options to pick up materials at a library, other delivery options will be considered.

The decision to end bookmobile service was a difficult one to make, but ECRL is striving to meet the needs of those individuals unable to access an ECRL branch by offering a variety of new and existing services. ECRL Headquarters staff is working with communities and individuals in our 6-county service area to determine the best way to provide library service when bookmobile service ends.

February is Black History Month

2009-02-20T18:46:00.007-06:00

During theme months, we never have enough materials to satisfy all the requests for papers being written. Such is the case this month - February is Black History month.

In addition to the print resources we have, we librarians are always on the lookout for good online resources that are not limited to the number of copies we have. The following sites are good jumping off places to find authoritative information:

infoplease -- an excellent webliography . . . . but don't stop there!

Gale - Black History Month -- a free resource from the company that publishes many of the ELM sources

Time.com - Celebrating Black History -- not just history, but modern newsmakers as well

biography.com - Celebrate Black History -- 200 notable icons, 101 fast facts, and more

National Geographic Online Presents the Underground Railroad -- an interactive guided tour

Dream in Color - Dare. Dream. Do. Target celebrates Black History Month -- from Scholastic - lesson plans for all grades

And as always . . . if you need assistance, please contact one of our Branch Librarians!

Barbara Misselt, Director

Happy Birthday, Abraham Lincoln

2009-02-12T22:47:00.004-06:00

Today is the 200th anniversary of the birth of 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. With the use of the Lincoln Bible at the recent inauguration of President Obama, and the bicentennial observance of Lincoln's birth, we've recently been hearing Lincoln's name frequently. A couple of years ago I ran across a website created by Roger Norton, who describes himself as a "former American history teacher who enjoys researching Abraham Lincoln's life and accomplishments." In other research, I found that Mr. Norton taught middle school history -- I wasn't surprised. It has a wealth of information, all written in the style of that favorite history teacher we all had who made history live for us. I even learned the name of Lincoln's dog (Fido, a yellowish mutt)!

The website is named Abraham Lincoln Research site. It is divided into 3 parts: Abraham Lincoln Research Site, Abraham Lincoln's Assassination, and Mary Todd Lincoln Research site. There are photos of Lincoln's children and the Inauguration as well as the Assassination.

Check out Mr. Norton's history lesson at: http://rogerjnorton.com/Lincoln2.html

link was updated March 30, 2010 at request of Roger Norton

Barbara Misselt, Director

Thank you, Tonja

2009-02-09T15:31:00.001-06:00

Approximately 10 ½ years ago the Kanabec County Commissioners put a notice in the paper asking for someone interested in representing the county on the East Central Regional Library Board. Tonja Brown saw the notice and jumped at the chance to send a letter to the commissioners expressing her interest in the position. Needless to say, she was chosen to represent Kanabec County and 10 ½ years later, attended her last ECRL Board meeting on Monday, December 15. Tonja has served the maximum time allowed by Minnesota statute for library trustees.

The written word has always been important to Tonja. She majored in English in college, worked in bookstores and always used the library, so sitting on the library board as a representative for Kanabec County was a perfect fit. “I grew up in the library” says Tonja. She believes there will always be a need for that “physical space.” Especially in these economic times, Tonja believes “libraries are important because not everyone can afford to buy books.”

The biggest challenge over the past 10 ½ years according to Tonja has been funding local libraries. When I began the library system was “doing well,” she says, “but now funding libraries is a challenge economically.” Tonja doesn’t see libraries changing all that much in the next 20 years. According to Tonja we will have many more digital and electronic resources to offer our customers, but there will “still be books on the shelves and we will still need staff” to serve them.

The East Central Regional Library Board would like to thank Tonja for her commitment to serving not only the people of Kanabec County, but to all those people in the ECRL region that believe libraries need a voice in our communities. We appreciate your dedication and hard work.

Vickie Sorn, Youth and Community Services Librarian

A short story and a movie

2009-01-24T22:02:00.002-06:00

I went to see the movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" this afternoon. Cold January days on which the temperature barely edges above zero (and we won't even talk about the wind child) allow me the guilty pleasure of foregoing all the work I could catch up on and heading for a movie theater. "Benjamin Button" piqued my interest, especially after the film received 13 Academy Award nominations. I've also got a fascination with its quirky theme, based on the the F. Scott Fitzgerald short story from his Tales of the Jazz Age collection (1922) which I once read in a literature class.

Reviewers of the movie say it is adapted from the F. Scott Fitzgerald story, but I saw very few similarities of the movie plot line to the story beyond the basic kernel of a baby born as an old man who ages backwards to eventually end up as an infant. Oops, I told you the ending, although I'm sure you would have deduced it from all the movie reviews.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, all 2 hours 48 minutes of it -- and give it my personal 2 thumbs up. Then I came home and re-read the short story. The full-text is on Project Gutenberg at http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/6695 From the online text: This story was inspired by a remark of Mark Twain's to the effect that it was a pity that the best part of life came at the beginning and the worst part at the end.
Project Gutenberg is a project that began in 1971. The Project digitizes books in the public domain through the efforts of donors and volunteers. It began as text and now includes a selection of audio books. The Project is also coordinating production of formats for portable readers.
While you won't find anything on this year's bestsellers list, Project Gutenberg is a good source of classical literature. They've even already added President Obama's inaugural address. I find digital editions of books particularly useful because of the ability to use Windows tools to search the text for specific passages.
Barbara Misselt, Director

Regional library system offers a template for cooperation

2009-01-20T17:13:00.002-06:00

From the Star Tribune, January 19, 2009
by Mark Ranum, Minneapolis; Legislative Chair, Minnesota Library Association

Letter of the day: Regional library system offers a template for cooperation

Gov. Tim Pawlenty believes in sharing resources to create efficiency. So do I. He wants to create 15 new "regional enterprises" to manage and run human-services programs. If he wants a successful, working model for these regional enterprises, he should look to the tremendous 50-year history of Minnesota's 12 regional public libraries. The system was created by the Legislature in 1959 when three counties in east-central Minnesota decided they could save money by working cooperatively to share materials, staffing and services. Over the next 20 years, the rest of the state followed suit. Librarians have created shared collections and services, use new technology wisely, and effectively manage our committed human resources. Librarians and library workers have a terrific track record of creating collaborative and cooperative services to benefit Minnesotans. Local cities and counties provide 90 percent of the funding for library staffing and services. Through cooperative purchasing efforts, we save money on books, magazines, computers and supplies. Local governments already know how much better local library services can be when they come together and share resources. Minnesotans are so used to seamless library services that interlibrary use is now commonplace. When you want to take the book you checked out in Worthington on your vacation to Grand Marais, you can return the book to any library along the way. When you get off work in Roseville, you can stop at the local library to check out that book on CD you listen to while commuting to Eagan. When you want to ensure your child is ready for school, librarians can provide expert early literacy tips and training, fun story times, and new or old favorite books every week for bedtime. And you can choose the library you want to visit based on your home, school or work schedule. All of these benefits come with one library card which you can use at virtually every public library in Minnesota. That's what I call regional enterprise!

Attention Norwegian-Americans

2009-01-09T11:27:00.004-06:00

TV SHOW IS LOOKING FOR SOME NORWEGIAN-AMERICANS

A television production company wants to give Norwegian-Americans in the Midwest a chance to go to their ancestral homeland.

Producers of Norway's version of "American Idol" and other shows say they're looking for outgoing Americans with Norwegian ancestry to go to Norway and compete for a $50,000 prize in "The Great Norway Adventure."

Participants must be 18 to 60 and can't have traveled to Norway before, apparently so the producers can film their initial reactions to all things Norwegian. Ingvild Daae, of the sponsoring production company, says the show is like "The Amazing Race" with plenty of fish-out-of-water situations.

The company is casting for the show nationwide, but with a special push in North Dakota, Minnesota and other states with large numbers of Norwegian-Americans. The deadline to apply for an audition is January 25. Applications may be downloaded at www.oconnorcasting.tv/Norway.

By Rebecca Hostetler, Reference Assistant

My First Library Card

2009-01-05T15:51:00.007-06:00

My First Library Card…..

What was the best gift you got for Christmas this year? Well, I can tell you what the best gift one little boy got this year – his very own “library card!” Spencer stopped in at the Cambridge Public Library (during a snowstorm, I might add) with his mom, dad and baby sister on Tuesday, December 30. “He has been waiting for this day for months,” said his mom, Francine.

The library encourages parents to let their children get their very own library card once they can write or print their name. Spencer had been practicing diligently for a long time. “I think he writes better than most adults,” I told his parents that day. It was wonderful to see the excitement in his eyes as he carefully wrote his name on the back of the card. It was also so refreshing to see parents so involved in making this a special moment in their young child’s life.

There are so many reasons for a young child to have a library card. The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children (Becoming a Nation of Readers). Thus, by checking out library materials, a child is on the fast track to success. By giving a child a library card, parents such as Spencer’s, are telling their children that reading is important. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all parents felt the same way?

Give your child a gift of reading, a library card. It is a timeless and classic gift that does not require batteries or any assembly. Plus, it’s free and it doesn't have to be Christmas to get one. Let your child’s library card be the first step in a journey of a lifetime!

By Vickie Sorn, Youth & Community Services Librarian

New faces

2008-12-30T10:22:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Julie and Frances, who will be working in the public services area of the Cambridge Branch of East Central Regional Library

Barbara Misselt, Director

Internship at Cambridge Branch

2008-12-29T11:25:00.003-06:00

Cambridge library users were fortunate to receive enhanced services for 8 weeks this fall, thanks to Jennifer Larson, who did an internship as part of her degree requirements for Metropolitan State University. Jennifer worked 3 days a week in the computer lab, and twice a week she gave after-school research help to children and young adults in the youth section of the library. Jennifer also put together pathfinders (research or study guides) on Minnesota History and Health and Nutrition.

Thank you, Jennifer!

Barbara Misselt, Director

Librarian like a gas station attendant

2008-11-24T16:36:00.002-06:00

At the Cambridge Library/Headquarters, staff members enjoy having a monthly birthday coffee. Shannon made cards for the many November birthdays. This is mine. I particularly like it, because I see the services provided by library staff to be a valuable community asset.

This quote: "Librarian is a service occupation. Gas station attendant of the mind." is from The Gold Bug Variations p.35, 1991. The author, Richard Powers (born 1957) is a novelist whose works explore the effects of modern science and technology. The Gold Bug Variations is an exploration of biology, computer science, classical music, and librarianship. From NoveList:

Librarian Jan O'Deigh researches Stuart Ressler's past at the request of Frank Todd, Ressler's colleague. Ressler, a promising young molecular biologist of the fifties, has disappeared from the scientific community and is now working as a lowly computer operator.

I do find it amusing that in 1991 (the copyright date) a computer operator is described as "lowly" in contrast to the career of being a scientist. Another sign of the times . . . it won't be long until we have a generation that doesn't know what a "gas station attendant" is.

The Gold Bug Variations is not available in the ECRL catalog, but it is in MnLINK, and can be requested via interlibrary loan.

Barbara Misselt, Director

Planning and building for the future

2008-11-07T20:18:00.003-06:00

Perhaps you think your town needs a library. Or, you've had a library for a long while and you want to enlarge it or move it to a more accessible location. About half of the communities in the East Central Region are at various stages in exploring these questions. Some are looking for land to build on and some are looking to expand current facilities. Thus was the impetus to bring in an expert in the planning and building libraries business, Jack Poling, Managing Principal of Meyer Scherer and Rockcastle Architecture and Interior Design.

The workshop was attended by 41 library leaders that included librarians, library supporters, and city and county elected officials. Poling led a discussion on the library building process that included: identifying and establishing need; defining needs; funding campaigns; design; construction; and the post construction period. Poling's nationally-known firm has built more than 100 libraries. He shared his experiences and offered valuable insight into the process including lessons learned. The audience asked many questions and shared experiences with each other. The attendees thanked Poling for the valuable information and expressed a desire for the Region to sponsor additional opportunities to get together and learn more about the process.

Jack Poling answers a question posed to him by Dwight Haberman,
part of the committee working on getting a new library built in Isanti.

Participants from Princeton, Onamia and Sandstone converse about library planning issues.
It never hurts to get a little help from your friends.

Barbara Misselt, Director

After school pilot project

2008-10-27T18:23:00.005-05:00

Long about mid-afternoon in most libraries, the activity pace picks up and the noise level becomes a little more noticeable as the kids get out of school and descend on the library. Many of them sign up for computers, and others head for the tables to work on their homework.

This semester, the Cambridge library has a pilot project for those kids needing help finding the sources they need to do projects or write papers. Jennifer Larson, on an internship with Metro State University, has implemented an after-school program to help kids find what they need to do school projects, work on a hobby, or enjoy recreational reading. Flyers were sent to middle school students, inviting them to come and ask Jennifer to assist them in the library.

After school help is available at Cambridge on Monday and Tuesday afternoons from 3:15 to 6:15. The program runs from October 27th through December 16th.

Barbara Misselt, Director

ELECTION 2008

2008-10-06T15:55:00.023-05:00

November 4, 2008 is election day!

You may want to look at the following websites and familiarize yourself with your Federal and State governments. Become an informed citizen!

In this election year you may also need to locate your polling place or view election results.

Check out these sites:

USA.gov

http://www.usa.gov/index.shtml

This is the official website of the Federal Government. Peruse the A-Z index of government departments and agencies. Note the links to State, Local, and Tribal governments. Contact your elected officials, replace vital records, or find out how to apply for a passport. Its all here!

Minnesota North Star

http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/home.do?agency=NorthStar

This is the official website of the State of Minnesota. See the various links to state agencies, jobs, education, social services, and natural resources. Find a phone number in the Government Telephone Directory. Look at the "Kids Page" and the resources for "Minnesota Seniors". Or contact the office of Governor Tim Pawlenty!

Polling Place Finder

http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/Default.aspx

Locate your polling place (where you go to vote) in Minnesota. Get maps and directions. Locate a specific district number. Just enter your zip code or county of residence to get started!

Election Center

http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=4

From the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. Access voter and candidate information, view election results and statistics. Includes historical facts and figures from past election years!

Above all, don't forget to vote on November 4th!

Bob Gray, Reference and Adult Services Librarian

Book Sale at the Milaca Public Library

2008-09-17T15:16:00.002-05:00

The Milaca Public Library is holding a

BOOK SALE

on Saturday, September 27th

from 10:00 to 3:00.

We have had a lot of donations of really great materials, and you are sure to find something of interest. We are located at 235 1st St East in Milaca - 1 block east of Casey's, and right next door to City Hall and the DMV.

Hardcover books sell for 1.00

Paperbacks are .50

Videos are 1.00

You can't go wrong!

All proceeds go to the Friends of the Library, who use the money to provide programming for our area. Please attend and help both yourself AND your community!

The Smartest Card is @ the North Branch Area Library

2008-09-02T09:08:00.001-05:00

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and the North Branch Area Library wants to make sure that your child is among the two-thirds of Americans that carry the smartest card of all—a library card. With the Smartest Card, you have access to a goldmine of books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, VHS, computers and Internet access. Why buy when you can borrow?

Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.

Of course, library cards are not just for kids. A recent study by the American Library Association also showed that families use libraries to spend time together. Forty-four percent of survey respondents report taking the children to the library for this reason.

This September in order to make sure that you and your children have the Smartest Card, Domino’s Pizza in North Branch is offering a $5.00 coupon for each person that opens up a brand new library account at the North Branch Area Library!

For more information on how you can sign up for your library card and receive a Domino’s coupon, visit the North Branch Area Library at 6355 379^th Street, or call the library at 651-674-8443. The library hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 am- 6pm; Tuesday & Thursday noon-8 pm; Saturday 10 am–2 pm.

Sue Monroe
North Branch Area Library
Branch Librarian

Home Schooling Resources

2008-08-26T11:21:00.005-05:00

Are you planning to homeschool? If so, you’re probably wondering what the Minnesota laws are concerning home education, the types of curriculum to use, and where you can go for support. Here are some helpful websites that will answer these important questions:

● A to Z Home’s Cool Homeschooling - Features laws, lesson plans, support groups, and community networking resources
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/regional/Minnesota.htm

● National Home Education Network - Provides a wide array of information and resources for all styles of homeschooling
www.nhen.org

● ECHO (Early Childhood Homeschooling Opportunities) - An inclusive outreach group that helps connect families by setting up local support groups
www.echo-mn.org

● Jon’s Homeschool Resource Page - One of the largest and most popular collections of online homeschool resources
www.midnightbeach.com/hs

● Homeschool.com - A comprehensive resource for all aspects of home schooling
www.homeschool.com

Minnesota Home School Associations:

Minnesota Homeschoolers' Alliance: www.homeschoolers.org

Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators: www.mache.org

Don’t forget your local library! We have resources and materials available for all age groups. Contact us at 1-888-234-1293 (x16), or email us at ref@ecrlib.org.

Nancy Dunbar, Reference Assistant

Building gets a facelift

2008-08-15T17:30:00.001-05:00

As I walked into the building this morning a guy facetiously said to me, "gee, I thought I was in the wrong place." Well, the address hasn't changed, so I assume that he meant that the Cambridge library looks really different these days since Isanti County crews have undertaken a cleanup and redo project on the building exterior. For the last couple weeks visitors to the library have been greeted by chainsaws, backhoes, and trucks hauling away the overgrowth. Lots of days pedestrians and cars have been directed away from the front of the library in the interest of safety. Even the interior of the library is affected since the shrubs that covered the large windows are gone and light streams in. No longer is there a hiding place for all sorts of who-knows-what potentially threatening public safety.

While standing on the sidewalk conferring with the crews, I've talked to lots of people who are thrilled with the work on their library home. I've had the opportunity to provide information (that's what librarians do best, you know) about the system. In Cambridge, Isanti County owns the building, which is the home of Cambridge library (upstairs) and East Central Regional Library headquarters(basement). The city partners with the utility costs. In all of ECRL, the branch facilities are owned by the cities and/or counties. ECRL provides staff and materials to operate the branches. It's a good system and cost-efficient by partnering multiple funding sources.

All the ECRL branches have unique looks that fit their communities. Marketing begins at home, and attractive, well-kept libraries project the pride of their communities. Expectation of quality is greatly influenced by visual perception and atmosphere. Our libraries are attractive and welcoming community centers to residents and readers for all sorts of educational and recreational retreats.

All cleaned up and ready for a paint-job
>

Barbara Misselt, Director

Hinckley Summer Reading Winds Down....

2008-08-04T09:18:00.001-05:00

Time is winding down for this year’s summer reading program, but not the enthusiasm or participation!!

July 30 was the day for our “Happy Birthday to Everyone!” party and a party it was! Thanks to the excellent coordination by volunteers Jill Hopkins, Laura Eyre, and Florence Lyseth, nearly 40 children celebrated birthdays. After reading A Birthday Cake is No Ordinary Cake, the signature book for “What’s Cookin’ at your Library?”, kids were involved in a rotation of activities including making a birthday card, decorating their own cupcake, and playing “pin the candle on the cake”.

But the main event was the result of an amazing collaboration of seniors, parents, and kids. After hearing about the upcoming party, Jeannie Van Der Schaegen put in a request to the seniors at the dining center for birthday cake supplies for the food shelf. Those great folks responded with an overwhelming 28 sets of ingredients for a birthday cake. Tobies responded with a donation of donut boxes. Parents brought more supplies to the party. When it was all put together and the kids had decorated the boxes and some bags, a total of 47 birthday cake kits were assembled for the food shelf! They were complete with sprinkles and candles and delivered later in the day by the generous volunteers. What a wonderful inter-generational cooperative effort that everyone involved can be really proud of. Thank you to everyone who donated…it will mean so very much to those who use the food shelf.

“What’s Cookin’” will be winding down next week as the closing program takes place on Thursday, August 7 at 1:00pm in the community room. After yet another magic show (we just can’t get enough of that sleight of hand and tom-foolery) by Mr. Jon Adams, a program sponsored by the City of Hinckley, we will conduct the much anticipated ticket drawing, when each child who has completed their reading log will have a chance to choose yet another great prize from among a selection of book bags, t-shirts, books, play food, cooking sets, and much more.

The teen level reading program has now come to an end with a total of 133 books read by most of the 39 teens who signed up. Week 6 winners were Paige Hodena, Melanie Nelson, and Nikki Mans. Week 7 winners were Robert Bustamante, Chris Carlstrom, and Liz Sikkink. Week 8 winners were Breanna Grinsteinner, Lauren Rabe, and Janiqua Robinson. For the final cash prizes, !st place was earned by Nikki Mans who will receive $25, and 2nd place winners came in as a tie, so $12.50 will be received by both Trent Doyle and Liz Sikkink. Congratulations to all you wonderful teen readers…you will absolutely be leaders one day!

Ceci Cross-Maser
Hinckley Librarian

Rush City Summer Reading Program "Tasty" Success

2008-08-04T09:16:00.001-05:00

The summer reading program at the Rush City Library was a tasty success with over 200 children participating. With the completion of 10 books the children received a large curly lollipop but the big prize was given when the children read 20 books. Al Stewert of "Big Al's Cafe and Pizzeria"generously gave each successful reader a personal pizza. "The kids were so excited about finishing this year and we had a record number of them complete the program. We really appreciate Al's support and help with this project." states the library staff. Parents have reported that Al makes the children feel like "real winners" when they present their coupon.

The summer reading program is an important feature of the library. It helps the children keep their reading skills up, promotes family reading time and is a fun way to pass the summer. Visit your library and see why it's called "the best bargain in town".

Jeanette Monthye
Rush City Library

Look What's Cookin' Summer Reading Celebrations

2008-07-17T15:40:00.003-05:00

Things have really been cookin' at all of our East Central Regional Library branches this summer and we're getting ready to celebrate. The 2008 Look What's Cookin' at Your Library summer reading program is coming to a close and it's time for us to get together and celebrate everyone's reading accomplishments.

Aitkin, McGregor, Mille Lacs Lake, Mora, Princeton & Wyoming Libraries

Puppeteer, Diane Gasch, will be visiting several ECRL branches with her gigantic 8 foot puppets to entertain summer reading program participants. Diane is a member of the Twin Cities Puppetry Guild and the Puppeteers of America and has performed at many Minnesota libraries. She will be performing on the following dates:

Wednesday, July 30

McGregor Public Library at 10:00 am
Aitkin High School Choir Room at 1:00 pm

Thursday, July 31

Mille Lacs Lake Community Library at 1:00 pm

Saturday, August 2

Wyoming Area Library at 2:00 pm

Wednesday, August 6

Mora Public Library at 10:00 am
Princeton Area Library at 1:00 pm

Cambridge

Our final celebration and reward will be held on Monday, August 4 from 1:00-2:00 pm. Summer reading participants are invited to visit the library for a special treat. Pick up your reading record, any earned unclaimed incentives, and completion certificate. You'll also get a chance for a free polaroid picture with our giant "pig" chef and a coupon for a free ice cream treat from the Schwan's truck. You can pick from 3 different kinds of treats! Help us beat the heat with some fun and treats as we celebrate a great summer filled with books and reading.

Chisago Lakes

Help us close out the summer reading program at our Beat the Heat Treats Celebration on Saturday, August 2 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Kids ages 4-12 are invited to make their very own ice cream sundae (toppings will be provided) in our community room.

Hinckley

Mr. Adams magic will have your kids laughing hysterically as he performs at the Hinckley Public Library on Thursday, August 7 at 1:00 pm. Watch as he makes rock soup, peanut butter mustard cake and hippopotamus toothpaste. The ticket drawing and drawings for other prizes will be held after the event.

Vickie Sorn, ECRL Community Services Coordinator

Another Round of Genealogy Classes

2008-07-17T15:32:00.005-05:00

If you missed it the first time, now is your chance to learn all about East Central Regional Library’s genealogical database, Ancestry Library Edition. It provides instant access to a wide range of unique genealogical and historical resources. Classes were held this past spring and were so successful, several branch libraries are offering them again.

Reference staff from will be presenting classes for those interested in learning all about this new and exciting genealogical database. Classes will be offered at the Cambridge Public Library on Friday, August 8 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm; the Milaca Community Library on Wednesday, August 13 from 5:30-7:30 pm; the Pine City Public Library on Thursday, August 14 from 6:00-8:00 pm; and the Sandstone Public Library on Tuesday, August 19 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Registration is necessary for each of the classes. Call the Cambridge, Milaca or Sandstone library branch for more information about the class.

Vickie Sorn, Community Services Coordinator

Another Bookmobile Adventure

2008-07-16T17:40:00.002-05:00

“My name is Jug, J-U-G.” I glanced apprehensively past the dashboard trinkets and girlie calendar to the burly tattooed driver.

“When they called, they asked if I could haul a Bluebird bus.” Jug was no novice. “It’s not a Bluebird—it’s The Bookmobile!”

I was struggling to find common ground for conversation as we faced a two-hour trip back to Cambridge, when Jug offered the magic segue: “The only thing that’s worse to haul than the Bookmobile is the vehicle for the State correctional facilities!”

So began my assortment of lessons on towing services, customers, double clutching, and the adventures of a hardworking business owner and former repo man. I had thought it would be just another hot summer day on the bookmobile, but I never expected to return to Cambridge in a super-sized wrecker hauling our 13-ton bus.

Just last spring, the bookmobile hobbled back to Cambridge sporting a cracked block. Thankfully, this time we’re looking at something as minor as a starter that won’t start. I hope that’s all it is, because we have a job to do. The bookmobile is our way to provide library services to folks in remote areas, early readers in children’s groups, elderly folks no longer able to get around, and more. There is nothing like its services, and there is nothing like its adventures!

Yes, I had left Cambridge full of hope, prepared for eight hours on the road. Eagerly I started my audiocassette tape, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, determined to understand men by the time I returned to Cambridge. (I like a challenge!) Well, I never reached eight hours on the road, I still don’t understand men, but I did finish my tape—and “it was a good thing.” Little did I know that I’d be riding back to Cambridge entertained by stories from a guy named Jug. Using my newfound knowledge, I enjoyed the ride and conversation (as well as the obligatory quiet times, of course).

So, next time I venture out on the bookmobile, I’ll be shopping the shelves for an audiocassette tape on either diesel mechanics or a sequel to the Martians and Venusians. We never know what to expect on the bookmobile—apart from groups of eager readers who are always thrilled to see us. Can it get any better than that!?

Jackie Shaefer, Bookmobile Driver

Got Fish?

2008-07-14T12:06:00.006-05:00

During the summer, library patron, Roger Branville and his sons, Jason and Stephen, visited the Cambridge Public Library. Roger wanted the boys to read. They approached the reference desk while I was working. It seemed Jason loved to read, but Steven wasn't much into it. When I found out that Steven liked to fish, I took him to the fishing section in the library.

Over the summer, he has read several books about catching walleyes and northern pike. Since I love to fish, I was soon getting fishing reports from various family members when they came to get more materials. Out on the lake, Stephen was showing-up seasoned fisher people. "How'd you do that?" they asked. "I went to the library, checked out some books and read them, " Steven replied.

Do you have a skill you'd like to improve? Stop by the library and see what we can find!

Check out Steven's picture at the library's Flickr site

Rebecca Hostetler
Reference Assistant Cambridge Public Library

Summer Library Fun at Hinckley Public Library

2008-07-14T11:54:00.006-05:00

Library kids had a great time last week celebrating the 150th birthday of
the state of Minnesota.  Guest storyteller, Steven Keillor, entertained
with stories from our great state’s past.  Following his delightful
anecdotes, volunteers Lori Klar and Mindy Johnson kept the kids busy with
a gummy worm fishing game, creating colorful pictures of Minnesota symbols
which were crafted into a “quilt” decorating the hallway, and snacking on
“firecrackers” made from combining twinkies, frosting, and red licorice.

This week’s library event features the excellent puppetry of Robert and
Lynn Halbrook who will be presenting “Chef Roberto’s Magical Cooking Show”
at 1:00pm on Wednesday filled with amazing illusions and a myriad of
kitchen mishaps, along with a generous dose of literature inspired
references.

The next scheduled summer reading event for kids comes up on Wednesday,
July 30, at 1:30pm, when we will be having a birthday party for everyone!!
Jill Hopkins and Laura Eyre have agreed to coordinate this one, along
with Florence Lyseth who will be in charge of the cupcake decorating
station.  One of the activities planned for this party involves putting
together “birthday cake kits” for the local food shelf. Here is an easy
opportunity for all library patrons to help out by donating a boxed cake
mix, a can of frosting, and a box of birthday candles.  Kids will be
decorating cake boxes at the party which will then be filled with the
donated ingredients and delivered to the food shelf.  Please consider
adding to the fun by bringing in to the library your donation of birthday
cake needs by Wed. the 30th.  The library kids will put them to good cause
in a colorful way!!!

This week’s winners in the teen level reading program are:   Trent Doyle,
Lauren Rabe, and Quamari Robinson.   Congratulations, teens…keep on
reading, enter often…you could win the cash prize in August!

Ceci Cross-Maser
Branch Librarian
Hinckley Public Library

Library News from Hinckley

2008-07-07T09:37:00.002-05:00

"Look What’s Cookin’ at your library" took on a whole new meaning as the delicious smell of stone soup filled the library this past Wednesday, July 2. Of course the soup had lots more than just a stone in it. 10 vegetables, plus beef, pasta, and seasonings were prepared under the watchful eyes of volunteers Michelle Letourneau and Alyssa Prater. After hearing the story "Stone Soup", kids surrounded a table of work stations and were all peeling, chopping, dicing, slicing, grating, or julienning (is that a word?) It was a sight to behold! And then while the soup was cooking, they kept busy with other stories, games, and activities until it was time to sample the yummy results of their labors. Much thanks to those two gals for all the time they enthusiastically put into prep and production.

This week’s event on Wednesday, July 9 will be the "Happy Birthday, Minnesota" party where Lori Klar and Mindy Johnson will help the kids celebrate our state’s sesquicentennial. A special part of this celebration will be stories told of early Minnesota by guest storyteller, Steven Keillor. 150 years deserves a party and details will be in next week’s column.

Winners in the Teen level program for week three were Colton Blesi, Robert Bustamante, and Janiqua Robinson, while week four’s winners were Chris Carlstrom, Erika Winter, and Liz Sikkink. Congratulation to all of you and keep on reading and entering!!!

A new feature this year is a drawing for prizes for parents, or other adults who have been helping their kids participate in the summer reading program. It’s one way to say thank you for all the efforts they have to put in to enhance their kid’s library experiences. Prizes are from the Daily Dollar store, who generously donated a portion of them. Make sure you register when you’re here with your kids!

Holy scavenger hunts!!! The activity around the library gets intense as kids scurry around searching for items or pictures for the various hunts…and this week a new one will begin. This one appropriately has to do with the great state in which we are all fortunate enough to live in.

Ceci Cross-Maser, Hinckley Branch Librarian

WHAT'S IT WORTH? The Library Can Help!

2008-06-24T20:19:00.008-05:00

Like many people, I enjoy poking around flea markets, antique shows, and book fairs.

Michael Sparks does, also. In 2006 he was browsing through a thrift store in Nashville, Tennessee, and purchased an old print of the Declaration of Independence for $2.48; on March 22, 2007, he sold that “old print” at auction for $477,650.

Did he know what he had? Perhaps not. I wonder if he contacted his local library and asked the reference librarian, “What’s it worth?”

Yes! The library has a rich collection of resources that can help you determine the value of your flea market find or that dusty antique in grandma’s attic.

Three of the best general guidebooks are:

“Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price List 2008”

“Schroeder’s Antiques Price Guide”

“Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2009”

Reference staff can also guide you to books that cover very specific areas of collecting, such as coins, dolls, guns, pottery, and toys---even Civil War memorabilia.

Stop by the library in Cambridge and browse the extensive collection of reference books we have on display near the magazine shelves. These materials can be used freely within the library. If you need something to check out, staff may be able to locate circulating copies for you.

And keep an eye out for that one-of-a-kind treasure. If Michael Sparks can find it, perhaps you can, too.

I'm still looking!

Bob Gray
Reference and Adult Services Librarian

Branch email address

2008-06-24T08:55:00.003-05:00

Hello,

Branch email address, xxmail@ecrl.lib.mn.us, are available again. They have the same generic password that your users started with. Any questions give us a call.

Andy

Website and Mail access

2008-06-23T08:25:00.003-05:00

Good morning,

As of this morning our website and staff email should be accessible from all branches and from home. This means that if you have patrons or staff who still cannot access our content, you should let us know.

Thanks,

Andy