Virtual Reality Program Calls All Ages

When Wapiti's Community Services Librarian took the Virtual Reality Programming Kit to the Melfort Public Library, patrons of all ages enthusiastically responded. The library had advertised the program as being for ages 5 to 99, but everyone was inspired when a 100-year-old patron attended, excited about the chance for a new experience.

The Google Expeditions Virtual Reality program allows simulated exploration outside library walls. Patrons were guided through collections of 360° scenes and 3D objects as they explored Rome, the Moon, Mexico, and the Great Barrier Reef. Multiple sessions were held throughout the day, with approximately 70 patrons enjoying their adventures.

Wapiti's Branch Librarians may book the Virtual Reality programming kit through the Community Services Librarian for use within the library.

Budding Author Debuts First Book at Local Library

In late September, new author Dylan Aarestad (pen name Jarret Madden) was hosted by the Debden Public Library for his first author reading. The event was a means to promote his self-published teen adventure/fantasy novel, The Road to Blackthrush: The Sixth Order Book 1 .

Guests included library patrons, former teachers, fellow community members, and those who travelled some distance to meet Aarestad because they had purchased his book online.

Aarestad stated that he is appreciative of the library and to the community for all their support. Excited by the positive reception of his first book, he is currently hard at work on the second installment of his Road to Blackthrush series.

Storytime Preschoolers Craft with Seniors

In mid-October, the Leoville Public Library Preschool Storytime group took a trip to their local special care home, Evergreen Health Centre. While there, they spread cheer and provided chatty company for the residents.

The dedicated kids spent weeks at the library practicing action songs to entertain the residents before joining them to make crafts. When the assembling and gluing was over, everyone enjoyed cookies and juice.

Visiting the Centre is a regular activity for this young group, who, courtesy of their local library, are already learning the value of community service.

Art Exhibit Now at Shellbrook Public Library

Showing now until December 23, 2019 at the Shellbrook Public Library is artist Barbara Goretzky's exhibit, Diggers . The display showcases humankind's obsession with altering our habitat for ease of mobility, pleasure, and comfort.

Goretzky has a fascination with the heavy-duty equipment that was used to transform Wascana Lake in Regina. The sheer size of the equipment and magnitude of the project was impressive to the artist.

Although we are transforming the earth for own particular tastes, nature is ever present, waiting to burst forth and reclaim the world. We walk a thin line with our obsession with transformation and conservation of the natural world that surrounds us. Goretzky hopes that the viewer leaves with a sense of their actions and how we end up reshaping the world.