Ecrl

Carla Lydon, Assistant Director

East Central Regional Library

Creative Spaces, Creative Places @ your library

About ECRL• Regional Library System –

12 in the State of MN• Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti,

Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine Counties

• 14 Libraries and Outreach services

• Smaller communities – populations from 400 to 10,000

Libraries as Creative Places• Inspire Creativity through Resources and Programs• Provide Space for Creativity• Provide Opportunities

Inventors Display (above), Quilting Class (top right), Author Reading (bottom right)

At ECRL• Lego Clubs

• Music Jams

• Poetry Nights

• Writer’s workshops

• Quilting groups

• Knitting sessions

• Exhibit spaces

• Children’s Crafts

SmartPlay SpacesSpaces that promote early literacy skills through creative play

Lego RoboticsTaking Legos to the next level while inspiring STEM skills for youth

Coming Soon! Technology Petting Zoo

Opportunities for patrons to have hands-on experience with many different devices and explore different apps with guidance from knowledgeable staff

High Tech Ideas from Other Libraries:• Maker Spaces

• Sewing Machines• Die Cutting equipment (ie. Cricut)• 3D Printers• Video Production Spaces

• Digital Storytelling Classes• History and Preservation Days – Scan Day• Self Publishing Tools

Digital Services and Resources Make Communities Creative• eBooks, eAudio, Digital Magazines• Online Resources - Databases• Facebook or Twitter Book Clubs• 24-7 Chat services• Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)

• Over 10 million items from Libraries, Archives

& Museums (dp.la)

Working with your library• Who should I talk to?• Relate to the library’s mission if possible• What’s easy?

• Space – many libraries have spaces available • Partnership – we like to share resources and make partnerships• Technology – high speed internet, computer labs• Staff expertise – generally well trained and skilled staff• Literature related

• What’s tough?• Money • Staff time

QUESTIONS?Carla Lydon

[email protected]