---

The East Central Regional Library system is putting on a party to mark 20 years of serving the community in the library facility in Chisago Lakes.  The event is  January 13, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The week of January 12 to 17 the library will have programs, book giveaways (bring one-take one) and there will be prizes.

The Chisago Lakes Library was one of a number of facilities opened in Chisago County. A library arose in North Branch, Wyoming city, and in a remodelled existing Rush City location in approximately 2005.  The ECRL provides fundamental technology services, headquarters facility and material storage, a region director, human resources and other integral facets of operations. (The library in Taylors Falls is not part of the East Central Regional Library and is an independent municipal operation.)

The new generation of libraries did not have any easy time coming into being.  The Chisago County Board at the time was being lobbied heavily in favor of certain locations and the Board was especially reluctant to develop a site in Wyoming, which had not had a structure of its own.   Area businessperson Myles Giese donated major financial support, as did Earl Andersen to the Chisago Lakes Library. Andersen had held the title of Chisago Lake Township Clerk for decades. 

---