by Zach Miller
Quick Summary
East Central Regional Library seeks a Branch Librarian II to manage day-to-day operations of the Aitkin Branch Library. The ideal candidate has experience in providing excellent library customer service to all ages, above-average technology skills to help others with computer devices, and a passion for finding information and recommending engaging reading. View the full job post on the ECRL website. Review of applications begins January 13.
East Central Regional Library seeks a Branch Librarian II to manage day-to-day operations of the Aitkin Branch Library. The ideal candidate has experience in providing excellent library customer service to all ages, above-average technology skills to help others with computer devices, and a passion for finding information and recommending engaging reading. View the full job post on the ECRL website. Review of applications begins January 13.
The Aitkin Community
The Aitkin Library is one of two ECRL branches in Aitkin County, well known to vacationers, both in summer and winter months. During the summer, 365 lakes covering 123,000 acres provide endless opportunities for fishing and water play. In the winter, snowmobilers, skiers, and snow lovers come to enjoy the area’s open lakes and trails.
The City of Aitkin (population 2,165) is the county seat. The current library was built 20 years ago, replacing a well-preserved Carnegie Library that now houses the Jacques Art Center. History is important to the area, with a 1916 Northern Pacific Depot that houses the Aitkin Historical Society.
The Library
Aitkin is one of 14 branches of the East Central Regional Library system. The mission of ECRL is to strengthen communities by connecting people with resources, spaces, and educational experiences that enrich and empower their lives.
The 8,000-square-foot library was expanded last year to include a community room, two smaller meeting rooms, and a beautiful children’s cove, surrounded by a bench and windows. The library is a community hub for all ages – a quarter of the city population is under the age of 20, another quarter is 65 years and older.
The Aitkin branch is open six days per week (Monday-Saturday) for a total of 48 hours per week. The library has about 2,700 visitors per month and 3,400 checkouts per month. Aitkin ranks 8th of the 14 branches in ECRL service statistics. Aitkin Library has excellent community support with an active Friends group and volunteers.
Text (lightly edited) courtesy of Barbara Misselt, Director, East Central Regional Library.
