Redvers librarian Windell Seargeant says that Saskatchewan Library Week is "an opportunity to remind people that libraries are now more than books."
From Oct. 19-25-during Saskatchewan Library Week- area libraries opened their doors and hosted events to demonstrate all that local libraries have to offer.
In Redvers, the library planned a talk and tea on Oct. 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with Marie Donais Calder, author of the 13-book 'Other Side' historical fiction series, based on her father's experiences as a Canadian soldier in Germany immediately after the Second World War.
"We are so excited to have Marie, especially so close to Remembrance Day," says Seargeant, before the event. "She is a very popular author and of course, she used to live in the area, so we're welcoming everyone who can attend."
"Libraries in the provinces are becoming more of a community hub, but in different ways," adds Seargeant. "We're changing and we offer more than just books. You can do a lot here without reading a word. In addition to magazines, newspapers, audio books, downloadable books and all types of data bases, we offer music, movies and free wireless access. Library cards are also free in Saskatchewan, and you only need two pieces of ID-one with a Saskatchewan address-and that gives you access to libraries all over the province."
"Put simply, you can take a book out at home and return it anywhere in the province, or vice versa. You can also order books from other libraries and have them delivered to your local library. Because all of the libraries are connected, you have the same resources in your town library, as you would if you were in the city."
"In Redvers, we have three librarians and the library is open 25 hours a week. We welcome our existing patrons during library week, and we'd also like to welcome newcomers to our town and province. We may not have things like conversation clubs-where newcomers can practice speaking English-but we can take the time to help them and order things that can help them."
"We also welcome volunteers and would certainly consider any ideas they might have. As long as we're given notice, the library is a rent-free space for events. Sometimes we can't offer programs, but we might actually be able to work with you to make your event or idea happen."
Arcola librarian Tanya Pongracz agrees. "We're always happy to welcome new patrons. Setting up a library card is easy and it's free."
"During library week, we hosted a tea and bake sale on Oct. 23 from 2 until 4, and a book sale from Oct. 21-23. We've included a few contests, but what we really wanted to do is welcome people to the library and let them see what we have to offer. We've just received 70 new DVDs, for example, and with winter coming, that's a great entertainment option for our patrons."
Pongracz adds that Arcola Library also welcomes volunteers-including board members- and their input.
"We are actively looking for new board members, especially a treasurer. Anybody who is interested can get in touch with me," says Pongracz.
"I'm revamping the area of the library where the little kids go," she says. "I'd like to give it a more comfy feel, and make it more family-friendly, so parents or grandparents and their little ones can enjoy the library together."
"For that project, the library would greatly appreciate donations that would go towards purchasing of bean bag chairs, fuzzy carpets, things that would make that part of the library more comfortable for little kids to curl up and enjoy a book."
The library also welcomes volunteers, says Pongracz. "With all of the young families in Arcola now, we'd welcome people who are interested in conducting storytime for children ages three to five and doing a little craft with them."
Stoughton Library started crafting their library week plan in late summer.
Librarian Laura Sabados says, "Yarn-bombing is a great way to demonstrate the library's many resources during Library Week."
"In late summer, we opened up knitting and crocheting drop-in sessions, where we supplied whoever came in with supplies and if necessary, instruction. It turned out that it was mostly kids that came out. One girl, especially, came out every time and this 10-year-old girl taught me to finger-knit."
"Our library week event was a yarn-bombing event after school, so that all of the kids who participated could come out. Of course, everyone was welcome," adding that some author readings are also in the works for Stoughton Library.
In Carlyle, librarian Jonathan Nicoll says that the library was open as usual during the province's library week.
"The libraries in Saskatchewan offer access to so much with one card," he says.
