At Your Library
East Central Regional Library
Curious about everything your local library has to offer? See what there is to do at your library in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine Counties.
If you’re looking to see if we have a specific item, we recommend checking the catalog.
Your library is home to so much more than books!
The library is an essential part of the community and offers many free services.
At the library you can find:
- programs, events, and author visits
- groups to connect with
- library staff to help you research and learn
- a great selection of board games, activity kits, and equipment to check out
- Minnesota State Park Passes (at select locations)
- WI-FI Hotspots
- public art displays
- and so much more!
Events at your library
East Central Regional Library hosts events for all ages, all year long. From concerts to crafts, and bookclubs to Storytimes, ECRL offers many ways to engage our communities and support learning!
Meet Your Librarians
Each branch of East Central Regional Library is staffed by skilled librarians. They are a great resource of knowledge and a great way to find answers to your questions! All of our staff love to assist you!
Need help right now? AskMN, our 24/7 chat service, allows you to get help from a librarian and ask questions even if you’re not in the library.
Kits for All Ages
Kits are a great way to explore a new subject or hobby!
Active Living Kits
Kits are activity-based and contain the activity equipment and instructions for play.
Book Club Kits
Kits contain 12 copies of a single title and related discussion questions.
Brain Fitness Kits
Kits contain 4 games designed to keep or build brain power.
Fitness Kits
Fitness Kits promote health and wellness by offering the opportunity to learn how to use portable exercise equipment. An instructional DVD or guide is included in each kit.
Play and Learn Kits
Kits offer young children an avenue to practice their logical thinking, problem-solving and gross and fine motor skills by using one of the five basic literacy skills – play.
Reminiscence Kits
Kits contain themed items that can be used by caregivers to converse with individuals affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Storytime Kits
Kits are theme-based and contain items to present a storytime program to children ages 3-5. They may be used by any Head Start teacher, preschool teacher, elementary school teacher or licensed daycare provider with a current East Central Regional Library card.
Storytime To Go Kits
Kits are theme-based and contain items to promote early literacy development.
Board Games
Board games are a great way to build literacy, communication, and interpersonal skills while having fun!
East Central Regional Library has added circulating board games to its collection. The collection currently features 77 unique titles.
Games range from easy to difficult, and are geared toward ages 8 and up.
East Central Regional Library patrons may check out two board games per card at one time, and may request up to five titles per card. Games are checked out for a three-week period and may be renewed if others are not waiting.
Board games may be returned to any ECRL branch. To avoid damage to the items, please return these items to the front desk.
Need help deciding which game to play first? Our comprehensive Games Guide, arranged either alphabetically or by difficulty level may help. Happy playing!
Magazines, Newspapers, & Microfilm
East Central Regional Library branches have an assortment of magazines and newspapers for browsing. The current issue is for in-library use only. Back issues of magazine may be checked out. There is a core collection that is funded by East Central Regional Library, though many branches also have additional subscriptions funded by local support groups and individuals.
All branches do not have the same titles.
Use the PDF directories below to identify where you may find specific subscriptions.
Microfilm allows you to read and print a variety of old documents from as far back as 1860. Newspapers, tax records, census reports, and more are available at select East Central Regional Library branches.
Computers, WiFi, & Hotspots
East Central Regional Library has computers in all locations available for use by the public. All computers are equipped with the Microsoft Office Suite. Printing is also available from all computers.
Have your own device? WiFi is available 24/7 in all locations, even our parking lots! No password required.
Need internet at home or on the road? Check out one of our Hotspots!
More Services to Know About
Faxing
Faxing
Printing & Copying
printing & copying
Meeting Spaces
Proctoring
proctoring
Whether it’s for business, school, or something else, your local East Central Regional Library branch provides you with the services and tools you need.
And of Course,
Books
Our library branches hold thousands of book titles for you to check out. Get lost in a novel, or read up on a new subject.