East Central Regional Library Events
James Wedgewood
Join us Thursday, April 23rd at 10:30am via Facebook Live for c omic ventriloquist James Wedgwood!!! James is pleased to bring his outrageous characters and hilarious audience participation directly to your home via Facebook Live. You will be surprised and delighted as James blends amazing technical skill seamlessly with quick wit and a whole cast of wacked-out wooden friends, ranging from hunter Willard Twitsnoggle to blues Diva Luanda LeDeuce. It's a great opportunity to see the fascinating art of ventriloquism up close. Come see why James is truly "The Most Fun You Can Have Without Moving Your Lips!".

To watch our Facebook Live events, visit the   East Central Regional Library Facebook page . Any live video streams will be available in our newsfeed.
This program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Storytime
Storytime is now happening via Facebook Live


Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday at 10:30am

Join us for a fun-filled early literacy experience with stories, songs, and more. Supporting early literacy and reading readiness is important, especially while education facilities are closed.
 
Storytime is designed for ages 3-5, and siblings are always welcome. No registration necessary.

To watch our Facebook Live events, visit the  East Central Regional Library Facebook page . Any live video streams will be available in our newsfeed.

*Special Storytime events maybe substitute during the regular schedule.
Teen Events
*Teen Night

Calling all teens! Join us virtually to hang out, chat, and play games using the Zoom platform each Friday night at 6:00pm. This event is being lead by our Mora branch staff and is recommended for ages 12-18. 

Never used Zoom before? It’s easy! All you need is internet access and a computer or smartphone with audio and video capabilities. This is a great way to see friends face-to-face while maintaining social distancing. Don’t have Wi-Fi? You can also call in to the meeting!

If you are interested in attending, please register for the event on our events calendar and Katherine will reach out to you with further instructions. 


Next meeting: Friday April 24th at 6:00pm


*Teen Book Club

Join us virtually for Teen book club! We will take the time to check-in, hang out, and discuss any good books you have read during the past few weeks. We will also select an eBook that everyone will read so we can discuss it in our next virtual meeting.

The meeting will be hosted by Cambridge Branch Assistant, Adam K. We will be using the Zoom platform. This is recommended for ages 12-17.

Never used Zoom before? It’s easy! All you need is internet access and a computer or smartphone with audio and video capabilities. This is a great way to see friends face-to-face while maintaining social distancing. Don’t have Wi-Fi? You can also call in to the meeting!

If you are interested in attending, please register for the event on our events calendar and Adam will reach out to you with further instructions. 


Next meeting: Thursday May 14th at 3:30pm
           
* = Registration Required on our events calendar at http://ecrl.evanced.info/signup/Calendar
Tech Help by Appointment
Are you struggling with technology while we are all staying home? Do you need help accessing the library's eBooks? Are you trying to figure out how to get on Zoom? Did you get a new device and are struggling to get started?

Call us Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm to schedule an appointment with our tech savvy staff who will help you to the best of their abilities. However, some advanced technical issues may require professional assistance. Appointments are available several different days of the week and at different times. Staff will reach out to you via phone at the time you registered for.

Recommended for adults. Registration is required. We will ask what type of device you have and what issue you need assistance with. One of our friendly staff members will call you back at the appointed time so please leave your best contact number as well. 
Book Clubs
Join us for Virtual Book Club! In several locations around the region we will be leading book clubs via Zoom.

Never used Zoom before? It’s easy! All you need is internet access and a computer or smartphone with audio and video capabilities. This is a great way to see friends face-to-face while maintaining social distancing. Don’t have Wi-Fi? You can also call in to the meeting!

If you are interested in attending, please register for the event and our staff will reach out to you with further instructions.

*Cambridge

Thursday – May 28th - 6:30pm

*Mora

Wednesday – May 20th - 1:30pm

*North Branch

Monday – May 18th - 11:00am

* = Registration Required on our events calendar at http://ecrl.evanced.info/signup/Calendar
One Book One Minnesota
Minnesota Author Kate DiCamillo’s first book  Because of Winn-Dixie  is the first title in a new statewide book club which is being launched by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library as the Minnesota Center for the Book. One Book | One Minnesota invites Minnesotans of all ages to read a common title and come together virtually to enjoy, reflect, and discuss.

About the book:

Because of Winn-Dixie  is a classic tale that follows the story of ten-year-old India Opal Buloni who, one summer day, goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries and instead comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog, and this is where the story really begins. Because of Winn-Dixie is written for middle grade readers and older, and this story of friendship will delight readers of all ages.

About the book club:

During the months of April and May, East Central Regional Library invites you to join us in reading the book. Through the program, you will have access to author videos, reading guides, and virtual book club discussions including a statewide virtual discussion with the author in May.  Because of Winn-Dixie  will be available on multiple platforms, including as a downloadable eBook without wait lists or hold on  Ebooks Minnesota , a statewide digital library available to all Minnesota residents that does not required a valid library card. You can also purchase a hard copy through  Scout & Morgan Books. 

One Book | One Minnesota is presented by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, as the Minnesota Center for the Book, in partnership with State Library Services. Program partners also include Candlewick Press, Council of Regional Public Library System Administrators, Minitex (a joint program of the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Office of Higher Education), and the Minnesota Department of Education. This program is made possible in part by the State of Minnesota through a grant to the Minnesota Center for the Book through the Minnesota Department of Education.
National Library Week
Your library is here to support you and our communities during this unprecedented time. We are working to modify and adapt the services you've come to depend on for your educational and recreational needs.

The need for library services has only grown in the past few months. Many of our neighbors and friends suddenly find themselves in a new reality wrought with social and economic challenges. The library is here to help. We provide credible information, support for schools and families, access to unemployment resources and a connection to each other.
Did you know?

  • We've issued 135 new online library cards and helped many people regain access to the library.

  • Our eBook and eAudio book collections contain more than 22,000 titles and are growing daily.

  • We will soon begin circulating Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the region thanks to a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.

  • In just under four weeks, virtual Storytime has reached more than 14,000 in their homes. Storytimes support early literacy and reading readiness which is especially important while education facilities are closed.

  • Curbside pickup is coming soon! More details to follow shortly.

Please consider making a gift today to keep our library and community strong now and in the future.

As a library user you know the impact our libraries have in our communities and how much these services matter . Thank you for supporting our library during this trying time.

Stay safe, stay healthy and Stay Home Minnesota,


Carla Lydon
Executive Director
All library events are made available at no cost and are open to the public.