UNITY — If I were to tell you there was a place in your community that allowed free access to the internet, movies, books and activities and is a hidden source of information, would you even know where to look?
One of the most underused amenities of our communities is none other than the local library branch. Libraries used to be just about books, magazines and encyclopedias. One could go in and find a good read to take home for a while. If the literature was not available in your branch, the librarian would reach out to other branches, hoping someone would have the publication.
Some libraries were first established as early as 1912, with the most recent opening for a local library being in Macklin, which has been open for 39 years. In 1967, the Wheatland Regional Library system was constructed, which saw Wilkie, Unity, Luseland and Kerrobert libraries join. The Wheatland Library Region currently offers programs for the locations in the region, including summer and winter reading clubs and take-and-make kits. The Lakeland Library Region was established in 1972 which created a new library in Neilburg that same year and Macklin joined the region in 1985.
Over time and with the evolution of technology, the demands on libraries also had to change. Books were becoming available online, eliminating the need for print. E-books could be purchased at a lesser cost than print editions and could be accessed at the swish of a finger. Libraries were able to overcome this hurdle by having some publications available through their websites, which could be fully accessible with a library card. By meeting that demand, cardholders were able to still support their branch.
The use of technology has also helped cardholders find their next good read. The regional websites connects all libraries in Saskatchewan. No matter where you are, if you are connected to the internet, you can search for the book you want to read and request it be sent to your home branch. If you take your book from the local library on a weeklong getaway to Regina, you can return the book there.
“Saskatchewan was the first province to set up this service and I have yet to hear of any problems with the system,” said Michelle Schumack, librarian of the Unity branch.
The website also allows cardholders to search a wide variety of online e-sources, including auto repair manuals, newspapers from around the world and even audiobooks.
The librarians are the heart of the branches. They put in time and effort to ensure the library is kept going. They need to be creative on shoestring budgets, trying to entice visitors to come in and look around. Regardless of location, each facility offers use of computers, free Wi-Fi, on top of books, DVD and Blue Ray discs and CDs. printing, scanning and copying are also available for a small fee at most locations.
Depending on the season and the week, libraries in the area see anywhere between 30 to 100 patrons visiting the facilities. The libraries in Wilkie and Macklin have seen an increase in traffic post-pandemic, including new and returning cardholders. Other locations such as Luseland and Kerrobert have not seen any change in patron numbers. Unity saw a delayed increase in the number of kids visiting, with numbers climbing in the past year while Neilburg saw a big shift to more online ebooks and e-audiobooks being used.
Although each location offers similar services, what sets them apart is other programs they run. The Kerrobert Library hosts a storytime and two book clubs, while offering crafts for children and adults and performers for special events. Luseland also hosts a storytime and kids’ craft once a month. The hot beverage station has inspired a weekly “Sip and Stich.” inviting those who work on knitting, crocheting or needlepoint to work while socializing. Something new for Luseland will be a monthly Saturday matinee.
Macklin’s location offers winter and summer reading clubs, along with a playgroup for children under the age of six. The daycare visits each Thursday for a story and a craft. Along with contests, craft bags, author readings and the annual silent and virtual auctions in December, the library is a hub for many activities year-round.
Neilburg also offers reading clubs and has partnered with Sask. River Basin with the Notice Nature Bingo for the past three years. They also celebrate Saskatchewan Library Week in October with coffee time and door prizes for those who visit.
Unity’s library used to offer a storytime but interest waned once both schools offered pre-school programs. They still offer the summer and winter reading challenges along with the take-and-make kits. Storytime still seems to be a hit though in Wilkie, as they host every week from September to May, along with the reading challenges put forth by the Wheatland Library Region.
When asked what they would like to do for their branches, the librarians were consistent in one answer, building connections within the community. Tamara Rutley with the Wilkie branch suggested a community assessment be done, to determine what programs and services will complement the town’s needs.
Schumack is quite limited on space at the Unity branch, however she still has hopes she could create a large enough space to do crafts or other fun activities. She does take advantage of the green space near the library in the summer months for those types of activities.
Macklin’s branch librarian, Jennifer Wotschell, just wants to remind people that the library is more than just about books. Kate Hughes with the Luseland Library would like more people to come to the library to just hang out.
“We are so blessed to have a big library with so many resources, a supportive board that is committed to improvements,” Hughes said.
In Kerrobert, the librarians would like to be able to offer more programming and services but would need the budget for such things.
So, if you are looking for your next at-home adventure, want a movie night with the family or just a quiet place to unwind and relax, you may just find what you are looking for at your local library.
