Winsted Public Library
When the Winsted Library was established in 1976 , local patrons came to the library to do things such as checking out books , looking up things in encyclopedias , and reading newspapers .
Today , patrons still check out books , but they also use the two patron computers and free WiFi , attend programs , visit with their friends and neighbors , and get movies to enjoy at home .
“ The outbreak of COVID-19 changed how the library is used this year ,” according to Winsted Librarian , Lisa Ebert . “ We have new safety and cleaning protocols in place , in accordance with state and local regulations . The library isn ’ t as busy day-to-day , but we are here during regular library hours if people want to call and make an appointment to come in and borrow books and other library materials .”
Browsing appointments are 15 minutes long , and are available Mondays , Tuesdays , and Fridays .
The patron computers are available by appointment Wednesdays and Thursdays .
Face masks or shields must be properly worn throughout library visits .
Library holds can be picked up on the curbside service cart in the library ’ s entryway during regular library hours . A spot for everything Near the entrance is a kids ’ corner , with picture books and room for children and their parents to sit and read or play with some of the educational toys together .
Next to the children ’ s section are books for middlegrade and teenage readers , followed by the adult large-print section .
With the 2013 expansion of the library , it is now possible to keep a larger collection on hand . The amount of new material is constant , but old items don ’ t need to be cycled out as quickly .
“ Every year we focus on building a better collection that refl ects what our patrons like to read , in the formats they want ,” Ebert explained . “ In 2020 , thanks to a generous donation from the City of Winsted , we were able to add over 50 new large-print books to the collection , which are being checked out and read by patrons .” More books than it looks If a specifi c book , video , magazine , or audio book you ’ re looking for isn ’ t on hand in Winsted , the library can often order it through the Pioneerland Library System or MNLink , which serves all of Minnesota .
Patrons can renew or request library materials in person , by phone , on the Pioneerland website , or via e-mail .
To borrow materials from the library , all that ’ s needed is a Pioneerland Library card . Applications are available at the checkout desk , and the card is ready for use within a few minutes .
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Staff at the Winsted Public Library encourage area residents to visit and participate in a variety of programs and events planned for 2021 .
If patrons live outside of the Pioneerland Library System area , they can still use the Winsted Library simply by registering their library card from their home library system .
There is also an option to get a digital library card to be used for OverDrive , Pioneerland ’ s eBook , eAudio , and eMagazine service .
With a Pioneerland library card , books and audio books can be checked out up to 28 days , while movies can be checked out for one week . Magazines can be checked out for 14 days . Books on your phone or other portable devices For people who like to read or listen to books on their smart phone , Kindle , or tablet , the library offers digital checkouts . The system is called OverDrive , and it can be accessed at http :// pioneerland . lib . overdrive . com .
Patrons are able to borrow up to fi ve titles at a time , and can choose their own due dates from the options provided , which range from seven to 21 days , at which time the item will automatically disappear from the device . Free wireless internet The library also offers two patron computer stations , a copier ( 10 cents per copy for black-and-white ; 25 cents for color ), and free wireless internet .
Patrons may work on their own laptops as long as they wish during library hours , but computer station time is limited to 30 minutes per patron , per day , if there are other patrons waiting .
There is also a laptop and an iPad available for checkout by patrons to use in the library for the day . Storytime and reading programs
The library offers programs and events for all ages