Services

Audiovisual
Video players, audiocassette/CD players, and a color magnifier are available for use in the library.

MN TERRITORIAL CENSUS SCHEDULES 1849, 1850*, 1853, 1855
*Includes references to Mortality, Productions of Agriculture, Products of Industry and Social Statistics Nonpopulation Schedules.

MN STATE POPULATION SCHEDULES	FED. POPULATION SCHEDULES
Mower County	Mower County
1865	1850
1875	1860 (also index)
1885	1870 (also index)
1895	1880
1905	1890*
All Counties	1900
1857	1910
	1920
	1930

* Regular census destroyed in fire. Contains special schedules of the 11th Census (1890) enumerating Union veterans and widows of Union veterans of the Civil War. Also certain federal, state, local and private institutions.

Also:
AGRICULTURE SCHEDULES, 1860, 1870, 1880
Mower County (Other MN counties included)
U.S. Census Office Nonpopulation Census

ALIEN REGISTRATION AND DECLARATION
OF HOLDINGS FOR MOWER COUNTY, 1918

AUSTIN CITY DIRECTORIES
1909, 1911/1912, 1922, 1924, 1928/1929

MN MORTALITY SCHEDULES 1860-1880
U.S. Census Office Nonpopulation Census
All counties in 2 rolls.

STANDARD ATLAS OF MOWER COUNTY, 1896
PLAT BOOK...OF MOWER COUNTY, 1925
MOWER COUNTY PLAT BOOK, 1942
*Includes other MN counties Lac-Nic

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
WALTHAM MN Church Records 1877-May 1998
Cemetery at end of roll

Computers
The library’s computers provide patrons with Internet access and Microsoft Office 2003 programs (Word, Excel, Access, and Powerpoint). There are 11 computer stations available in the computer lab. Three Express work stations and one Adaptive station are located near the Information Desk. There are six computers in the Children's Department for children under 12 to use.

Two laser printers are available to all stations. Black and white printouts are 10 cents each and color printouts are 50 cents each.

Files saved on the hard drives will be automatically removed when the computer reboots or is shutdown (for example, at the end of your session or in the event of a lock-up). Files may be saved to either a floppy disk or flash drive. Floppy disks and flash drives may be purchased at the Information Desk. Floppy disks are $1.00 each and flash drives are $10.00 each.

Library staff can provide basic assistance in helping patrons get started with using the computers. If further assistance is required, please ask the Information Desk staff about upcoming educational opportunities.

Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You may use the comptuers only if your library card is in good standing. Good standing is defined as consistent with general circulation policies, including a maximum fine of $10.00. All users must agree to and abide by all lab policies and procedures. To log on to an available computer, type your library card number (no spaces) and your PIN (the last four digits of your phone number) at the logon screen. If no computers are available, you may use the Reservation and Queue stations to reserve the next available computer. Place your reservation at the Reservation Station and then go to the Queue Station to see your approximate wait time. When your computer is available, you have 10 minutes to get to your assigned computer and log on. You may use any available computer for a maximum of 60 minutes.

Acceptable Use of the Internet

The Austin Public Library is committed to providing free and open access to informational, educational, recreational, and cultural resources for library users of all ages and backgrounds. These provisions, in regard to electronic resources, are offered within local, state, and federal guidelines. In compliance with state statutes and the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the library reserves the right to remove a person from the library if the person gains access or attempts to gain access to inappropriate materials in disregard of the library’s acceptable use policy. The library upholds and affirms the right to each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. However, the library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their own children’s use of library materials and resources.

Interlibrary Loans
Materials not owned by the library may often be borrowed from another SELCO regional library. Patrons' library cards in good standing are honored by SELCO libraries and by most Minnesota public libraries. Regional materials can be requested through the SELCO Catalog. To request materials not owned by any SELCO regional library, patrons in good standing can use the MnLINK statewide library system. For further assistance in requesting materials, please call the Information Desk at 507-433-2391.

Meeting Rooms
Two meeting rooms are available for the public's use. The small room seats up to 15; the large room up to 100. Non-profit groups pay no fee during regular library hours. For-profit groups pay $10 per hour ($25 minimum) for the large room and $5 per hour ($10 minimum) for the small room. The library must be notified at least 48 hours in advance if a meeting is cancelled. The library director's secretary is the official contact person at the library. The room seating must be left as shown on the diagram on the wall in either room. Audio visual equipment is available for a fee. Call the library to request a meeting room application. Food and beverages may be served in either room. The large meeting room contains a grand piano. Individual groups who wish to use the piano must fill out a meeting application. The piano is available for legitimate uses, i.e., not impromptu performances at meetings where its use is not scheduled. The piano may be used by juveniles under 18, with adult supervision. No food or beverages are allowed on the piano surface.

Microfilm Reader and Printer
Two microfilm reader-printers are available for public use. The Austin Daily Herald is available on microfilm from November 1891 to present, plus the Austin Post Bulletin, various county newspapers, census records, naturalization records, and other microfilm pertaining to Mower County.

Photocopier
Copies are 10 cents each (black and white) or 50 cents each (color).

Reserves
Titles that the library owns but are checked out may be reserved by using the Request command at one of the Public Access Catalog computers or by asking the Information Librarian.

How to Use the Computers