SOUTHEAST SASKATCHEWAN - The Carlyle Public Library is offering the Truth and Reconciliation Quilt.
Branch librarian Naomi Twietmeyer said: “The goal is to encourage confidence, dexterity and literacy as a group while bridging the gap between cultural groups. We want to inspire the community to come together as a group. This is a wonderful opportunity to gather the diverse ethnic backgrounds that the town and district represent. This is a significant project for the community.”
Board member Heather Sparrow is heading up the group. The Truth and Reconciliation Quilt is based on the Seven Grandfathers' Teachings from the Ojibwe culture, traditionally passed down from generation to generation. Today, the oral traditions are shared by those who carry the knowledge of the seven guiding principles for many Indigenous organizations and communities. They are thought to be a moral stepping stone and cultural foundation.
They include the teachings of wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth. These concepts teach moral respect for all living things. Sparrow welcomes any help or presentation of ideas and skills to share. Contact the library online at [email protected].
The program began Oct. 19. Twietmeyer invites all ages, skills and interests to come out and share their energy with the group. Tasmin Bowerman offers her embroidery skills to those who require assistance. Sparrow is the seamstress for the group. They meet Thursdays at 4 p.m. in the library. The timeline for completion is dependent upon numbers that come out. Twietmeyer and Sparrow anticipate at least two to three months if necessary.
General programming will continue through the winter. A paint program will meet every other Wednesday at 4 p.m. The program started on Oct. 25 and will run through the winter.
The Kennedy Public Library celebrated Saskatchewan Library Week from Oct. 15-21. Local author Myrna Jewell read from her book, The Unkindness Society, a story of vampires and terrible secrets.
Librarian Mona West offered dessert and coffee to the group that attended while a conversation around the book ensued.
Jewell also did an afternoon writing workshop on Oct. 26. She offered one-on-one support to other local writers.
West mentioned the numerous activities that the library will be offering over the next month. Pickleball will be organized at the Langbank Community Centre. The Stop Motion program will be available to students eight to 12 years old. Teens 13-15 years old will form another group to create a video with the program.
Makerspace kits will be available in November, offering a variety of activities and kits. The kits will be offered from time to time, along with regular programming for students. Fridays are set aside for preschool story time. Please reference the library’s calendar of events and activities for dates and times.
The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan will be presenting Community Changes Everything at noon on Nov. 3. The presentation offers information regarding brain health and how to mitigate the risk of dementia. Pre-booking a spot is preferred.
The Wawota Public Library is offering a variety of programming for the town and district. Programs for kids, teens and adults typically run monthly.
Librarian Sarah Weatherald has organized several upcoming events and activities. Everyone is welcome to take part in these scheduled occasions.
Weatherald extends a warm welcome to the broader community as she hopes to engage the entire district to take part in their library and all that it has to offer. The Wawota branch offers a wide variety of Ukrainian books for the newcomers to enjoy.
Students enjoyed the art of making slime during the latter part of October. Take-and-make crafts are available to those students interested. Adult programming takes place during scheduled afternoons. A Sask. Lotteries Programming Grant covers most of the library’s activities. Weatherald added that they are hoping to continue fundraising efforts for future expansion and upgrades.
A used book sale on Nov. 18 will help with the general programming for the library. Guests are welcome to co-ordinate a date and time to share their talents and interests, in the spirit of fundraising for the future changes.
New hours of operation have been implemented to better reach the area on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. till noon. It is hoped that the new hours will reflect a better utilization of the facility.
On Nov. 7 at 2 p.m., author Marie Donais Calder has prepared a reading for the lead-up to Remembrance Day. The reading is from her series The Other Side. It follows the life of her father Edmond Donais in Germany after the Second World War.
New to the area is the Wawota Food Pantry. The service was recently started to address food insecurity within the area. Located in the foyer of the library, the gentle reminder to patrons is the slogan, “Take what you need. Leave what you can.”
Hours of operation coincide with the library and the municipal office: Monday through Saturday, with Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.
Food hampers are also available upon confidential request, either by calling 306-739-2233 or dropping off request forms, found in the community pantry. They are to be placed in the Wawota Public Library book return. Requests are collected weekly and remain confidential.
