Information updated January, 2024
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 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 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.