There are more and more programs gradually being offered by the Weyburn Public Library, but the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on what they are able to do or to offer to the public.
There are a limited number of programs that can be held in person, plus a number which are being offered online for people to check out. Due to the limited resources and COVID guidelines, all programs for children aged nine and under are virtual only, and preregistration will be needed for all programs at the library.
The impact of COVID-19 include a limit of 30 people who can be in the branch at any one time, and physical distancing is encouraged at all times. Some services or facilities are not available, such as the library’s toy-lending library, and the virtual reality system.
There are three public computer terminals available for use, and curbside pickup service will continue to be available for anyone who wishes it rather than coming into the branch in person.
The library’s branch hours have returned to normal, plus the Allie Griffin auditorium is open.
All of the library’s virtual programs will be posted on Southeast Regional Library’s YouTube channel, as well as on their Facebook and Instagram social media pages. Some virtual programs are offered through Zoom.
Saskatchewan Library Week will be celebrated from Oct. 18-24, and there will be a number of activities through the week, plus there is a contest where patrons can win a prize package worth up to $100. Patrons can enter with one or all of these options: check out an item; sign up for a new library card; like or share their Facebook page; and attend a program either in person or online.
Children’s programs which are available online include music and movement for one-to-five-year-olds, movement Friday, the Lego Club challenge, and the toddler and preschool story take-and-make chats.
The toddler take-and-make chat is on Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 20 between 10 and 11 a.m., and the preschool take-and-make chat is on Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 22 between 10 and 11 a.m. for children aged three to five.
The pumpkin carving is a big event every year that attracts many families to take party, but as this is not possible this year, the library is holding a pumpkin decorating contest from Oct. 19 to Oct. 31.
The library will have pumpkins available for pickup (a limit of 50 available), and families can paint and decorate them any way they want. When finished, take a photo of the pumpkin and email it in to the library to [email protected]. The winners will be announced on Nov. 4.
In-person programs include the family glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, which will be available on Monday, Oct. 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and on Monday, Oct. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. Families need to sign up as social distancing will be in place. This gives people the chance to play mini-golf with black lights and LED golf balls.
Also for teens there will be CD scratch art available on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 4 p.m.
An experimental painting class will be held for adults or teens on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m., or on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. This program is available virtually or in person, and includes a video workshop with artist Erickka Patmore on experimental painting. Arts council curator Regan Lanning will be on hand on the two dates to explain more, and participants can then experiment as they wish.
Of local interest, an interview will be presented with local author Jan Keating, and will be posted on the regional library’s YouTube channel starting on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. For those who do not have Internet access but would like to see the video, call the library for an appointment to come and watch the interview.
