Wapiti 2018 Semi-annual Meeting Report

On November 24, Regional Board members representing municipalities within Wapiti's geographical area met to update bylaws and policies, review the proposed 2019 budget, and participate in discussions around the Ministry of Education/Provincial Library and Literacy Office "Public Library Engagement" process, which is currently underway.

One high point point of the meeting was recognizing Ed Poniatowski for over 30 years service on the Executive Committee. Poniatowski stepped down from the Executive at the 2018 AGM, but retained his appointment as the Regional Board member representing the Town of Porcupine Plain. Fellow board members and Wapiti staff gave Poniatowski a standing ovation in recognition of his service and dedication to Wapiti Regional Library.

A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to discussion among Wapiti's municipal partners about the provincial government's "Public Library Engagement" process. Using the Public Library Engagement panel's five questions, feedback was gathered by the Wapiti Executive to inform the Wapiti Regional Library submission to the panel.

To close the meeting, Board Chair Cheryl Bauer-Hyde thanked Regional Board members and local library boards for their dedication and service to Wapiti and its communities. She announced that the Annual General Meeting will be held Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 1pm at the Messiah Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Prince Albert. She encouraged all Regional Board members to attend in order to represent their municipalities in final approval of the 2019 budget and participate in the election of Executive Committee members from the larger, Regional Board.

It's French Before Bedtime at Vonda Public Library

Once a month, patrons eagerly attend the Vonda Public Library for an evening storytime in French. Held just before bedtime, children come dressed in pjamas, cuddling a favorite stuffie who wants in on the fun.

Branch Librarian Rebecca Fehr uses her bilingual skills to patron advantage as she regularly offers storytimes in both French and English. Those wishing exposure to both languages simply double up on the experience by attending both versions that offer stories and interactive fun like songs and fingerplays.

"Our community, Vonda and area, is bilingual; thus we make a real effort to have programming in both English and French," said Branch Librarian Rebecca Fehr. "It is a wonderful opportunity to both reflect and encourage our community."

Melfort Public Library Celebrates 90 Years

September 8, 2018 was a day of celebration as the Melfort Public Library celebrated 90 years of community service.

"Normally we at the library just go about our business, providing programming for the community," said Melfort Branch Librarian Penny Markland. "It's just great to acknowledge that we have been here doing our thing and to celebrate that. It means a little extra special celebration and recognition."

Visitors were treated to a comprehensive historical display chronicling the library over the years since its establishment in 1928. Bill Selnes of the library board emceed a short ceremony Congratulatory speakers included Melfort Mayor Rick Lang, MLA Todd Goudy, and Wapiti Regional Library Regional Director Tony Murphy.

Once speeches were over, the serious fun began. Three cakes were served while children received balloon animals before heading for the bouncy castle. Older kids and adventurous adults tried their skills on a Climbing Wall courtesy of Tisdale Day Camps.

It turned out to be a day filled with excitement for Melfort patrons who appreciate their local library.

"We get a lot of community support," said Markland. "We wanted to acknowledge that today."

Third Annual Halloween Event Raises Funds for Library

Oct 31 was a spooky evening in Leoville as community members turned out in costumed droves for the Leoville Public Library's third Annual Halloween Fundraiser.

Ghouls, goblins, princesses, and action heroes were treated to a supper of hot dogs, perogies, and choice of water, pop, or juice. Once fed, the monster mass began to dance.

To top off the evening, raffle draws were made for prizes purchased with money donated by local businesses. Overall, $1500 was raised by the event that will help fund library programs.

Book Advent Calendar Popular December Program at Wapiti Libraries

Several Wapiti branch libraries are hosting Book Advent Calendar programs this month. Local board members and Branch Librarians select an assortment of books, wrap them, then assemble into a bundle of books to be read, one per day until Christmas Eve.

Upon advertising the program, Arborfield Public Library received bundle requests within minutes. In the end, participating patrons checked out over 260 books.

Tisdale Public Library tagged their program the "Christmas Book CountDown" consisting of 24-book bundles featuring children's picture books. Patrons registered their children for bundles with some families requesting a bundle for each of their children.

"The response from our patrons was amazing," said Tisdale Branch Librarian Isabel Hankins-Wilk. "They were so enthusiastic when registering their children. The youngest child that we had registered was 11 months and the rest ranged in age up to 8 years. We had various volunteers help wrap a total of 720 books."

So far, feedback has been very positive. Arborfield Branch Librarian Julie Gray says her patrons think it such a great idea that the program will definitely be offered again next year.

In Tisdale, parents have reported children thoroughly enjoying the unwrapping of each book before reading it on a designated day. One family reported that their kids are sharing opening the books first thing every morning. They then read the book together before carrying on with their daily routine.

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