Although the Winsted Public Library has seen some changes in leadership over the past year, its services have not changed. The library offers a variety of resources for its patrons at no charge as part of the Pioneerland Library system.

In the last year, head librarian Sharon Norenberg retired, and Mary Henke, head librarian at Hutchinson’s Pioneerland branch, was given dual-administrative duties at both libraries.

Although Henke is head librarian, most of her duties can be performed from Hutchinson, and Lisa Ebert, who has worked at the Winsted Public Library since November 1999, will be the face most patrons see when they walk through the door.

As a Pioneerland Library, the Winsted library has access to a statewide library system. If the library doesn’t have an item in its collection, an individual can request it from another library.

Library patrons can conveniently renew or request library materials online, as well as download electronic books and electronic audio books.

Henke describes the Winsted library as a very busy library, with an estimated 23,400 visits annually. Its circulation (items checked out) was 26,727 in 2010.

Library card

In order to borrow items from the library, patrons are required to have a Pioneerland Library card, which is easy and quick to obtain.

During library hours, residents can fill out the application for a card, which is available at the checkout desk. The new card will be processed and ready for use within a few minutes.

With a library card, books can be checked out for 28 days, unless the books are in high demand. Videos can be checked out for two days, and audio books for two weeks.

Requests for books or other library items that are not on site generally take one to two weeks to be filled, depending on the request and where the item is located.

Internet, copy machine, fax service

Along with books and videos, the library offers two computer stations, a copier, and a fax machine. Internet access is free for everyone, but computer time is limited to one half-hour per patron, per day unless told otherwise. Copies are 10 cents each, and faxes are $3.

Storytime

The Winsted library has storytime for children of all ages takes place each Tuesday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. during the months of October through December, and April through May. Summer storytime is during June, July, and August. There is also a summer reading program that ends with a party in the park in July.

The Winsted Library Board

The Winsted Library Commission is very active, striving to make the library a vital resource within the community.

Current members are Julie Guggemos, Lisa Ebert, Kim Hausladen, Rachel Getz, Irene Weinbeck, and Julie Hemmesch.

The board sponsors several activities during the year, which include an annual book sale, conducted during the Winsted garage sale days in May; and a silent auction during the Winsted Winter Festival, benefiting area elementary schools’ accelerated reading programs.

Hours

The library is located at 180 Main Avenue West, and is open six days per week. Hours are:

Monday and Wednesday, 2 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday, 2 to 5 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon

To contact the library, call or fax to (320) 485-3909. The library can also be contacted by e-mail at winsted@winsted.lib.mn.us.