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Differing Abilities Group Program at Humboldt Library
For many years, the Humboldt Reid-Thompson Public Library has been helping developmentally disabled adults meet educational and social goals. Meeting once a month, the group listens to books read aloud, then enjoys art or a challenging craft. Every meeting ends with refreshments and the chance to socialize.
"I've been working with the Differing Abilities Group for 16 years," said Assistant Branch Librarian Norine Mann. "It is a joy working with them."
Wapiti Returns to Back to Batoche Festival
Once again, Wapiti represented Saskatchewan Public Libraries at the annual Back to Batoche Festival, providing information about services. Staff conducted a free book giveaway and engaged library patrons in making a free button using the popular button maker kit. The booth was well attended, with staff and visitors enjoying the opportunity to chat about library services.
TD Summer Reading Club Across Region
Over 1000 participants took part in the annual TD Summer Reading program, which was held in Wapiti branches this summer. The TD Summer Reading Club is Canada's biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, all interests, and all abilities, which helps foster a love of reading in children, and counteract the so-called 'summer slump.'
During the months of July and August, participants took part in crafts, activities, and story times tied to this year's theme, "Natural World." Participation meant entry into the regional prize draw that was held in September. Prizes included a bike, Razor scooter, Ozobot, and 15 prize packs of books, toys, gift certificates, and more.
This year's prizes were made possible thanks to generous donations and sponsorships by SaskTel, CVS Midwest Tape, United Library Services, Diamond North Credit Union, Whitehots and McDonald's Prince Albert.
Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan
Presents at Melfort Public Library
In mid-July,
Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan
presented a free lecture,
The ABC's of Dementia
, hosted by the Melfort Public Library. Members of the public learned how dementia affects more that just memory, also causing changes in an individual's abilities, behaviors, and communication.
The warning signs of dementia were explained as well as how to help reduce stigma attached to this medical condition. A display table contained free handouts highlighting the Alzheimer Society programs and services available to people with dementia, as well as care partners, family, and friends who are also affected by the condition.
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Library Hosts KidsFirst Book Explosion Tour
The Spiritwood Public Library recently hosted a group from
Regional KidsFirst Prince Albert
who presented a Book Explosion Tour for families.
As part of the Saskatchewan Department of Education, KidsFirst aims to promote and improve literacy, especially helping families find ways to encourage reading among their children. The Spiritwood Public Library was the perfect venue to present the tour and meet program goals.
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National Indigenous People's Day Celebrated at Library
On June 21,
National Indigenous People's Day
, guest Elizabeth Price from the White Fish/Big River First Nation (now living in Debden) spoke to a large group at the Canwood Public Library. She told of early traditions while displaying beautifully beaded footwear, handbags, belts, and necklaces, much of which was created by her sister. She also shared how times have changed, remembering family and community gatherings at which she helped build teepees and had her hair cut according to the moon's cycle.
Price showed photos of her family, including two sons and two daughters-in-law currently serving as RCMP officers. Attendees also were treated to Price's freshly baked bannock and tea and coffee.
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So How Do You Successfully Drop an Egg?
This summer, kids at the Hudson Bay Public Library learned all about the laws of physics applied to handling eggs. Well, not just any type of handling, but actually dropping them from a high vantage point.
The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) challenge was all about constructing successful transportation for an egg that was to make a drop from the second story balcony of the local school. As part of Kids Club, participants spent a day researching and creating egg holders that would hopefully see each egg safely through the drop. Each kid received two eggs and the opportunity to make two different holders.
While some eggs did not survive the drop, six made it unbroken, an extraordinary success. It was eggs versus gravity and, courtesy of the library, these kids learned exactly how to handle that.
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Teddy Bears and Preschoolers: the Perfect Combination
Preschoolers, Storytime, and Teddy Bears go hand-in-hand at the
Shellbrook Public Library so it was only natural that the group's Bear theme should end with a Teddy Bear Picnic.
Thirty-six children brought parents, caregivers, and stuffed bears to enjoy stories and Bear Musical Theatre in the library. Then they moved onto the front lawn for a picnic and games. Popular activities included parachute games, bear bean bag toss, sidewalk chalk art, and a fishpond.
Branch Librarian Dian Campbell reported that "A great grizzly time was had by all."
The library thanks all parents and caregivers for their support of Storytime over the past year. It applauds them for their dedication to early childhood literacy and their willingness to participate and help with the program.
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Artist Teaches Song Writing then Performs Bilingual Concert at Library
In late July, performing artist Malika Sellami presented a workshop and concert at the Vonda Public Library. Fluent in English and French, Sellami first conducted a songwriting seminar attended by kids, teens, and adults.
"It was such a good time," said Branch Librarian Rebecca Fehr. "Malika led them in strategies and brainstorming challenges. They worked on lines together in both English and French and ended up with a song about summer."
A couple of evenings later, Malika performed for 33 younger children and their families. The Rhythm and Play concert consisted of singing, dancing, and playing assorted musical instruments and games.
"The performance was full of interactive stories and songs with heartfelt lyrics and catching loving melodies," said Fehr. "It was a fabulous time."
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Library Patrons Welcome Yoga at Noon
A pilot program at St. Brieux Public Library has proven that come next summer, a Yoga at Noon program will definitely be offered for adults.
Led by a local fitness instructor, the 45-minute weekly classes were always filled, often by working adults who came during their lunch break. Due to space restrictions, the program was run on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants signed up a week in advance and if someone couldn't make it, there was always another waiting to take the place.
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Women's Book Club Wraps Up Another Rewarding Season
The St. Louis Public Library Women's Book Club wrapped up its fourth season with a potluck supper in mid-June. The year's theme had been World Wars I and II, with many fiction and non-fiction works focused on France. Because of this, the club decided to focus on French cuisine.
Members enjoyed several courses that included French drinks, appetizers, a main course of meat pie, potatoes, and coq-au-vin followed by four different desserts.
The event was a pleasant cultural experience following a year of discussions about various books, authors and their writing styles. The group will reconvene this October to enjoy another reading season through June 2020.
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