About the library and our services
When will the library reopen?
This is a rapidly changing situation and we just do not know at this time. Please watch our website and Facebook page for updates.
What library services are available digitally?
Overdrive/Libby has a large collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks available for you to borrow. If you do not already have a card, the instant digital card feature allows most users in our area instant access to our collection.
RBDigital also has a collection of materials that are available to patrons who already have an ECRL card.
Ebooks MN is a statewide collection of materials available to all MN residents.
We offer a wide variety of databases that include language learning (Mango), ancestry research (My Heritage), instructional classes (Universal Class). Check them out here.
Can I get a library card online?
Community members can now apply for an East Central Regional Library card from home. This new online application process is very similar to getting a card in our branches. We ask that you click the link below. This will take you to a page in our Online Catalog. From here you will need to enter the following required information: your name, address, date of birth, phone number and e-mail address. After you submit your request, we will process your application within one business day and get back to you via e-mail with your barcode number and the PIN will be the last 4 digits of the phone number you entered.
Please know that library cards are available to any resident of East Central Regional Library’s counties (Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine).
Use your card to access our digital library that offers eBooks,eAudiobooks and eMagazines that you can access right from your home.
*We will mail physical cards to all who sign up when normal operations resume.
Can I use the Wi-Fi?
Yes, the Wi-Fi is still up and running in all 14 of our locations. You can access it outside the building. It is not password protected, just agree to the terms of service.
About COVID-19
Where can I find out more information?
Phone:
Health Questions- Minnesota Department of Health
651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903
Available from 7a.m. to 7p.m.
Community mitigation (schools, child care, business) questions:
651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Child Care Providers – Minnesota Department of Human Services
1-888-234-1268
8:00a.m. – 4:30p.m. Monday to Friday
Online:
World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Minnesota Department of Health Services
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
When you announced Pine City etc would be closed Tuesday why didn’t you make the same announement for Chisago Lakes etc,
It would have been nice to come in and check out several books!
Richard, I apologize for the inconvenience this is not the way anyone here at the library wanted this week to go. Before we made the decision to close every location in the region we were getting reports from different locations about cleaning concerns. staffing issues and local units of government were also making decisions about their locations. That is why Pine City closed earlier than the rest of the locations and why Chisago Lakes closed with so little notice. Again we apologize for the inconvenience. We are working on plans to try to offer some services during this rapidly changing situation.
Erica,
i am a 78 year old 22 year widower.
Just finished my 24th book and read 115 last year.
Dropped by Tuesday with an opening offer to donate $1,000 to set up a delivery system for seniors and shut-ins.
Something like your Outreach program.
Would be nice to be able to make appointment to come in and pick a bunch of books.
Sunday I put a hold on 13 books to offset the chance you would be closing.
C.L. has 3 of them.
Dick Brennan
We are exploring different options to deliver limited services during this time. Exactly what the services will look like I cannot say at this time. We are working to develop a plan that would keep both library members and library staff safe. When providing services to populations who might be more susceptible to COVID-19 we want to take every precaution. We understand what a vital role the library plays in many of our members lives and we want to provide services. Please check back for updates regularly as we will be posting changes as they are implemented. If you would like to make a donation it would certainly be very appreciated, for more information on make donations please visit: https://staging.ecrlib.org/give-to-ecrl/ Thank you for being such a strong supporter of our library.
Sincerely, Erica