East Central Regional Library Events |
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Join the Summer Learning Program! |
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The 2021 Summer Learning Program, "Reading Colors Your World," runs through Saturday, August 14th. All ages can join!
Participate by visiting your local library, downloading the Beanstack Tracker app on your device, or by visiting ECRL’s Beanstack online. Track your reading progress, take challenges, and earn entries for grand prize drawings! |
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Express Your Creative Side |
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BEADED DRAGONFLY CRAFT
Note: Registration is still open -- join the waiting list as additional events may be added per demand.
Do you love the quick, shiny dragonflies that dart around the lakes and rivers in the summer?
Register for one of our Beaded Dragonfly Craft kits! Each kit includes materials to make 2 dragonflies, instructions, and a little info about these fascinating insects. All you need is scissors and some creativity.
Recommended for ages 6 and up, and registration is required. Kits limited to two per family. Kits will be sent to your library of choice starting the week of Monday, July 26th.
Sponsored by the Aitkin Public Library
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PATIO CRAFTS (NORTH BRANCH)
Tuesday, July 27th, 2-5pm
No registration necessary
Join us for craft time on the North Branch library patio! This activity will run from 2-5 p.m. or until supplies last. The crafts are intended for ages 6 and up. Some of the crafts may involve paint and other messy substances. Please dress accordingly. Questions? Call the North Branch Library at 651-674-8443.
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PAINTING ON THE GOGH (VIRTUAL)
Group 2
Tuesday, July 27th, 6-8pm
Register today!
Get your brushes ready for a virtual painting party on Zoom! Mac from the Mora Library will show you how to paint a traditional Dala horse with scenery inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Beginner artists are welcome to follow along step by step while experienced painters can play it by ear and add their own unique touches. All necessary supplies will be provided by the library. Recommended for ages 16 and older.
*Participants will be contacted to pick up their supplies at the Mora Library the week prior to the event.
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PAINT A BOOK END (AITKIN)
We are looking for budding painters (ages 6 and up) to help make the Aitkin Public Library a little more colorful. Register and pick up a kit including one book end, a set of paint brushes, and 3 bottles of acrylic paint. Then get creative and paint a design on the book end! You get to keep the paint and brushes.
- Registration opens Monday, July 19th
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Kits will be ready for pick-up on Monday, Aug. 2nd
- When you’re finished, and the paint has dried, return your book end to the Aitkin Library by Monday, Aug. 30th
Sponsored by the Friends of the Aitkin Public Library
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GLASS ETCHING ON THE PATIO (CAMBRIDGE)
Saturday, Aug. 7th, 10:30-11:30am
Note: Registration is still open -- join the waiting list as additional events may be added per demand.
Enjoy beverages in style with drinking glasses you designed. Learn the fun technique of glass etching at the Cambridge Public Library. Each participant will make two glasses, each with a different design (Minnesota Nice and Book Nerd -- pictured). Recommended for ages 15 and up.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library
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The following programs are funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
JAPANESE BORO BOOKMARKS WORKSHOP
Monday, July 19th, 2-3:30pm (virtual instruction)
Note: Registration is still open -- join the waiting list as additional workshops may be added per demand.
The Japanese tradition of boro grew from necessity when rags and scraps of cloth were patched together to extend the life of textiles. In this spirit and tradition of sustainability, learn to combine fabrics using a simple boro running stitch to make a beautiful bookmark. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
All supplies provided in a Take & Make kit. Kits limited to 2 per household. Instruction will be virtual via Zoom with an instructor from the Textile Center.
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PASSPORT CLUB-CONGO (VIRTUAL)
Monday, July 26th, 5-6pm
Register today!
Have you ever wondered about or wanted to visit other parts of the world? Join us for Passport Club on the Zoom online platform!
In this installment of Passport Club, Siama Matuzungidi will share some of his favorite stories from his native country, Congo, which is located in the central-western part of sub-Saharan Africa, along the Equator.
Passport Club is recommended for families with children ages 6-12. Registration for each participant is required. Enjoy take-home activities, too!
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NEEDLE-FELTED APPLIQUE WORKSHOP
Monday, Aug. 2nd, 6-7:30pm (virtual instruction)
Note: Registration is still open -- join the waiting list as additional workshops may be added per demand.
Learn how to needle felt and create painterly effects by blending colors of loose wool while working on a design of your own choosing. By using a barbed needle, create a piece of artwork on cloth, or use a non-stretchy garment of your own to decorate. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
All supplies provided in a Take & Make kit. Kits limited to 2 per household. Instruction will be virtual via Zoom with an instructor from the Textile Center.
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Pine City's Pollinator Fest & Pop-Up Crafts |
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POLLINATOR FESTIVAL
Monday, July 19th, 9am-1pm
No registration necessary
All ages welcome!
Stop by the Pine City Public Library from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, July 19th to see our new pollinator garden. While you're here, make wildflower-seed paper with artists from Paper Plains, learn about bug houses and make one of your own to take home. You can also have your faces painted by the Pine City Leos! Refreshments provided by event sponsor, The Friends of the Pine City Public Library.
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POP-UP PATIO CRAFTS
Kids of school age (ages 4-11) and Teens (ages 12-18) are invited to drop by the Pine City Public Library Patio on upcoming Wednesdays for an hour of crafts! No registration necessary. All materials provided.
Pop-up Patio Crafts for Teens
Make edible dino nests -- Wednesday, July 21st, 1:30pm
Decorate cupcakes -- Wednesday, Aug. 4th, 1:30pm
Pop-up Patio Crafts for Kids
Make play binoculars -- Wednesday, July 28th, 1:30pm
Decorate cupcakes -- Wednesday, Aug. 11th, 1:30pm
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Gaming and Trivia, Anyone? |
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LORD OF THE RINGS NERD OFF (VIRTUAL)
Tuesday, July 20th, 6-7:30pm
Register today!
Do your loved ones not understand the difference between hobbits and elves? Is your knowledge of The Lord of the Rings underutilized and unappreciated? If so, then join us for our Lord of the Rings Nerd Off event!
We will meet virtually via Zoom with other Lord of the Rings fans for a variety of trivia questions and time to just chat about our favorite stories by J. R. R. Tolkien. We will use the Kahoot app for our trivia games. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
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VIRTUAL DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
Adult Edition
Monday, July 26th, 4-6pm
Register today!
Teen Edition
Monday, Aug. 2nd, 4-6pm
Register today!
Have you been curious about playing Dungeons & Dragons? Are you looking for a new group to play with? Everyone is welcome! Join us via Zoom for an adventure filled with mystery and magic!
Unwind and escape into a new world while meeting and socializing with others who enjoy role-playing games. Rules and pre-made characters will be available for all! We will be playing using the 5th Edition rules. This program is for players age 18 and up.
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Spice Things Up with Baharat |
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SPICED! FLAVORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Explore a new spice each month by participating in this event, which will provide us with a unique opportunity to learn about the different flavors that spices bring to our food. We'll also learn the rich history and culture of each spice. Each take-home kit will include a sample of the spice as well as a few recipes.
The featured spice for July is Baharat.
This program is recommended for teens and adults, and registration is required.
*Kits will be sent to the library of your choice the week of July 26th. Kits limited to one per household.
Sponsored by the Chisago Lakes Friends of the Library.
FOOD ALLERGY DISCLAIMER: East Central Regional Library is not responsible for adverse reactions to foods consumed or items one may come in contact with while participating in this event. Those concerned with food allergies should participate at their own risk.
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Friends Events and Book Sales |
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BOOK SALE IN PINE CITY
Saturday, July 17th, 9am-3pm
The Pine City Leos, comprising teenage members of the Pine City Lions Club, are volunteering their time to host a book sale to benefit the Pine City Public Library. Drop by the patio, facing Robinson Park, and gather some treasures. The Pine City Arts Festival will be held in the park across the street from the library, so plan a full day's adventure!
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MILACA FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
DONATION DAYS & BOOK SALE
Donation Days
Wednesday, July 28th, 1-3pm
Thursday, July 29th, 10am-12pm & 1-3pm
Volunteers will be on hand at the Milaca Community Library to receive donations of gently used adult fiction and non-fiction books, children's books, CD audiobooks, music CDs, and DVDs for the Milaca Friends of the Library Book Sale. They will not accept Bibles, cassette tapes, encyclopedias, dictionaries, textbooks, Reader's Digest condensed books, VHS tapes, or moldy/smelly items.
Book Sale
Tuesday, Aug. 3rd, 10am-6pm
Wednesday, Aug. 4th, 10am-5pm
Thursday, Aug. 5th, 10am-5pm
Browse the Milaca Friends of the Library Book Sale! A great selection will be available for purchase at the library.
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FRIENDS OF THE AITKIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOOK SALE
Friday, Aug. 6th, 9am-3pm
Saturday, Aug. 7th, 9am-3pm
Join the Friends of the Aitkin Public Library for their special Book Sale--Riverboat Days edition! The book sale will be held in the library's community room. All hardcover books are $1, and everything else is $.50. Bag sale Saturday afternoon. All you can fit in a bag for $3! Proceeds go to the Friends to help fund new events and programs at the Aitkin Library.
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ICE CREAM SOCIAL IN AITKIN
Friday, Aug. 6th, 2-4pm
The Friends of the Aitkin Public Library are hosting their Ice Cream Social for Riverboat Days. The Friends will be serving root beer floats on the library lawn. Weather permitting, there will be lawn games for all ages. Everyone is welcome to this free event!
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DEAN HOVEY AUTHOR VISIT IN NORTH BRANCH
Tuesday, Aug. 17th, 6:30pm
No registration necessary
The Friends of the North Branch Area Library are sponsoring an author visit featuring Dean Hovey, who is well known throughout the region for his Pine County mysteries. He will share his inspiration and process for his newest releases.
This event will take place outdoors on the North Branch Library patio, accessible by following the sidewalk along the right side of the building.
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STORYTIME ON THE PATIO
Wednesdays, June 2nd - August 4th
10:30am-11:00am
Cambridge Public Library
Join us for storytime on the Cambridge Library patio! We will be reading stories, singing, and having general fun as we practice our early literacy skills. Recommended for families with children ages 2-6. Registration is required for each child who attends.
In case of inclement weather, storytime will be canceled and resume the following week. Questions? Call the library at 763-689-7390.
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STORYTIME ON THE PATIO
Wednesdays, June 9th - July 28th
10:30am-11am
North Branch Area Library
Join us for storytime on the patio! Together we will have fun, sing songs, read books and learn! Registration is required for each child who attends.
When arriving at storytime, access the patio via the sidewalk to the right of the building. In case of inclement weather, storytime will be canceled and resume the following week. Questions? Call the library at 651-674-8443.
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STORYTIME AT THE SANDSTONE FARMER'S MARKET
Select Saturdays, 10:00am-10:30am
July 17th, Aug. 14th, Sept. 11th, and Oct. 9th
Join Mr. Josh for a special storytime at the Sandstone Farmers Market! We will read stories, sing songs, dance dances, and have a great time! This program is intended for children from birth to 5 years old and their caregivers. Caregivers are encouraged to bring their own chairs if sitting on the ground poses difficulty.
The Sandstone Farmers Market is located at Train Park on Main Street in Sandstone, about a block west of the library. In case of inclement weather, storytime will be canceled.
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EVENING STORYTIME ON THE PATIO
Tuesdays, July 27th - August 24th
5:00pm-5:30pm
Cambridge Public Library
The Cambridge Public Library is now offering an evening storytime. Join us for stories, songs, and play out on the patio. Recommended for children ages 5-8, and siblings are welcome. Registration is required for each child who attends.
In case of inclement weather, storytime will be canceled and resume the following week. Questions? Call the library at 763-689-7390.
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NORTH BRANCH BOOK CLUB (AT THE LIBRARY)
MONDAY, AUGUST 16TH
11:00AM-12:00PM
Join North Branch Librarian, Amelia, for book club on the third Monday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. We will meet on the library's patio -- just follow the sidewalk around the right side of the building. Please bring your own chair.
Though a book title has yet to be selected for this month. updated information will be posted on the Events Calendar. Contact Amelia with any questions by calling (651) 674-8443 or emailing nbmail@ecrlib.org
In case of inclement weather, we will meet on Zoom. If you are interested in attending, please register for the event. If we need to meet on Zoom, Amelia will contact you the morning of book club with a link to the meeting.
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MORA BOOK CLUB (AT LIBRARY PARK)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18TH
1:30PM-2:30PM
Love talking about books? Want to get to know new people? Consider joining the Mora Library Book Club on the third Wednesday of every month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. We will be meeting in person at Library Park, unless otherwise specified. Please bring your own chair.
This month we are reading Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance. Copies are available in our Library Catalog. In the event of inclement weather, Book Club will be canceled.
Questions? Reach out to Mora Branch Librarian, Katherine, at (320) 679-2642. For current services and hours, visit the Mora Public Library page at ecrlib.org.
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PINE CITY BOOK GROUP (AT THE LIBRARY)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19TH
10:00AM-12:00PM
Join us for Book Group on the patio at the Pine City Library. Book group is held on the third Thursday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is hosted by Pine City Librarian, Heidi. This month we are reading The Library Book by Susan Orlean.
Copies of the book are available in a book club kit at the Pine City Library. Stop by the library and speak with staff about signing out a copy, or call (320) 629-6403 to arrange a curbside pick-up. You can also request to have a copy sent to your local East Central Regional Library branch.
In case of inclement weather, we will meet on the Zoom platform. If you are interested in attending, please register for the event, and you will receive the Zoom meeting information via email.
Questions? Contact us via email at ecregion@ecrlib.org or give us a call at (320) 629-6403, Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. 3 p.m. For current services and hours, visit the Pine City Public Library page at ecrlib.org.
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CHISAGO LAKES BOOK CLUB (VIRTUAL)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19TH
5:00PM-6:15PM
Join us virtually for the Chisago Lakes Library book club, held on the third Thursday of the month. Hosting is Chisago Branch Librarian, Kerstin, and we will be using the Zoom platform. This month, we are reading Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson. Copies are available in our Library Catalog.
If you are interested in attending, please register and you will receive the Zoom meeting information via email.
You can also call the library at 651-257-2817 or email Kerstin at kfinsness@ecrlib.org. For current services and hours, visit the Chisago Lakes Area Library page at ecrlib.org.
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CAMBRIDGE BOOK CLUB (AT THE LIBRARY)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19TH
6:30PM-7:30PM
Join the Cambridge Public Library's monthly book club on the patio! This month we are reading The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict. Copies of the book are available at the library. Space is limited. Registration is required.
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CAMBRIDGE TEEN CLUB (AT THE LIBRARY)
TUESDAY, JULY 20TH
2:00PM-3:00PM
Register for Teen Club and join us on the patio as we catch up and eat snacks! Recommended for ages 12-17. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.
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SANDSTONE TEEN BOOK CLUB (VIRTUAL)
THURSDAY, JULY 22ND
3:00PM-5:00PM
Join us on Zoom for Virtual Teen Book Club, hosted by Hinckley and Sandstone Librarian, Josh. This month's book is The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.
Copies are available in a book club kit at the Sandstone library. Speak with staff about signing out a copy or call (320) 629-6403 to arrange a curbside pick-up. You can also request to have a copy sent to your local East Central Regional Library branch.
Once registered, you will receive the Zoom meeting information via email. Questions? Contact us via email at ecregion@ecrlib.org or give us a call at (320) 629-6403, Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Note: The book selection for August will be determined by the group attending this month's Virtual Teen Book Club.
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All library events are made available at no cost and are open to the public. |
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