The Winsted Public Library offers a variety of resources for its patrons at no charge, as part of the Pioneerland Library system.

Mary Henke, head librarian at Hutchinson’s Pioneerland branch, was given dual-administrative duties at both libraries in 2011. Lisa Ebert, who has worked at the Winsted Public Library since November 1999, is 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 a circulation (items checked out) of 24,609 in 2012.

Library card

In order to borrow items from the library, patrons are required to have a Pioneerland Library card, which can be attained quickly and easily.

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.

Computers, Internet access, and copy machine

Along with books and videos, the library offers two computer stations, a copier, and free wireless Internet. Patrons are free to work on their own laptops during library hours, but computer station time is limited to one-half-hour per patron, per day, unless told otherwise. Copies are 10 cents each.

Storytime

The Winsted library has storytime for children of all ages each Tuesday from 9:30 to 10 a.m., and Wednesdays from 9:45 to 10:15 a.m. October through December, and February through May. Summer storytime takes place in June and July. 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, and Julie Hemmesch.

The board sponsors several activities during the year, which includes an annual book sale during the Winsted Summer Festival, and a silent auction during the Winsted Winter Festival, which benefits 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:

Mondays and Wednesdays, 2 to 7 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fridays, 2 to 5 p.m.

Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon

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