When the Winsted Library was established in 1976 , local patrons came to the library to check out books , look things up in encyclopedias , and read newspapers .
Today , patrons still check out books , but they also use the two patron computers and free WiFi , attend programs , borrow internet hot spots and Chromebooks , and get movies to enjoy at home .
A spot for everything
Near the entrance is a kids ’ corner with picture books and a table for children and their parents to sit and read together .
Next to the children ’ s section are books for middle-grade and teenage readers , followed by the adult large-print section .
“ Every year , we focus on building a better collection that reflects what our patrons like to read in the formats they want ,” Ebert explained .“ Thanks to the City of Winsted ’ s continued support as well as generous patron donations , we can expand the collection each year .”
More books than it looks
If a specific book , video , magazine , or audiobook 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 . With a Pioneerland library card , books and audiobooks can be checked out for up to 28 days . DVDs and magazines can be checked out for 14 days .
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 .
Books on your phone or other portable devices
The library offers digital checkouts for people who like to read or listen to books on their smartphone , Kindle , or tablet . The system is called OverDrive , and it can be accessed at http :// pioneerland . lib . overdrive . com .
Patrons can borrow up to five titles at a time and can choose their due dates from the options provided , which range from seven to 21 days , when the item will automatically disappear from the device .
In addition , Pioneerland now offers a subscription to Tumblebooks , a free online resource for digital children ’ s books . Families can enjoy talking picture books , graphic novels , nonfiction books , games , puzzles , and more ! A direct link to Tumblebooks is featured on the Winsted Library ’ s website . Tumblebooks can also be accessed using an app .
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 laptops as long as they wish during library hours , but computer station time is limited to 30 minutes per patron per day if other patrons are waiting . There is also a Chromebook and an iPad available for checkout by patrons to use in the library .
For those patrons who want to access the internet on the go , Pioneerland also offers hotspots available for checkout with a
Winsted Public Library
valid Pioneerland library card . These library hotspots are in high demand , but patrons can be put on a waitlist for the next available device .
Storytime and reading programs
The library offers programs and events for all ages throughout the year . For example , during the chilly months of January through March , readers ages 16 and older can curl up with a good read while they take part in the annual winter reading program from January 1-March 15 . Registration opens in mid-December . Instead of in-person storytimes this year , the library staff continues to offer Sidewalk Storytimes , where they post a book in the front window of the library for people to enjoy , and pair it with a take-home craft kit , available in the library ’ s foyer .
The 2024 summer reading program , “ Read , Renew , Repeat ,” will start Saturday , June 1 , and go through the end of July . The program is open to children five and older , teens , and adults . Registration opens in mid-May .
Events at the Library
Free Book Fridays will return in May and run through the last Friday in October .
Carts will be outside the library from 2 to 5 p . m . and are a great way to find a new read or stock up on books for winter . Book donations are accepted year-round but must be in good condition and have been published within the last three years .
During October , Booktoberfest 2024 will again feature the popular “ World ’ s Easiest Book Club ,” and more Minnesota authors are coming to talk about their current books .
The signature fundraiser for the Winsted Library is the annual Silent Auction and Holiday Market during the Winsted Winter Festival . The proceeds of the auction help fund all library programs , as well as the summer and winter reading programs and story times throughout the year .
The Winsted Library Commission
The Winsted Library Commission is very active , striving to make the library a vital resource within the community . Current members are : Rachel Dolly , Lisa Ebert , Julie Fairchild , Julie Guggemos , Kim Hausladen , and Pam Johnson . The commission sponsors several library activities during the year . Library information Location : 180 Main Avenue West Phone : ( 320 ) 485-3909 Email : winsted . staff @ pioneerland . lib . mn . us , or lisa . ebert @ pioneerland . lib . mn . us . Website : www . winsted . lib . mn . us Facebook : www . facebook . com / WinstedLibrary Instagram : www . instagram . com / winstedlibrary Hours : Mondays and Wednesdays , 2 to 7 p . m .; Tuesdays and Thursdays , 10 a . m . to 1 p . m .; Fridays , 2 to 5 p . m .; and Saturdays , 10 a . m . to noon .
– 20 – Winsted Community Guide | 2024 Winstedheraldjournal . com