Blaine Lake Library hosted its second annual Valentine's extravaganza Feb. 15 at the Blaine Lake Seniors' Centre.
"This event provides an entertaining way for the public to assist the library with funding for improvements that our budget will not allow," said Ed Bajak, chairperson of the library board. "This is the second year for this event. Our first year was so enjoyable that we knew this year was going to be an even bigger success."
The evening featured a pre-dinner refreshment social with local musician Ed Bajak providing background instrumental music. Following the social hour, guests enjoyed a complete meal consisting of delicious roast beef and Greek riblets catered by Gateway Grill on Main. The tables were attractively decorated, complementing the Valentine's Day theme. Each lady in attendance received a LED lighted red rose.
The main attraction was the musical comedy skit written by local artist Doreen Kalmokoff. The cast consisted of five angry but determined hens played in character by Pat Ciona, Pat Shabbits, Emily Koolick, Gertie Postnikoff and Doreen Kalmakoff. Two roosters, played by Lloyd Koolick and Loewell Loewen kept the hens on the move while an agricultural representative played by Terry Rapsey and the singing chicken farmer played by Gerry Laughren kept the audience laughing. Audience interaction was incorporated into the act as six volunteers told chicken jokes to lighten the mood of the broody hens.
Tanys Sherstobetoff, accompanied by Ed Bajak on guitar, entertained the audience with some vocal musical selections. To finish the evening's entertainment, Ed played Ghost Riders in the Sky as a tribute to Blaine Lake poet and writer, Weldon Parsons, who passed away last year. Parsons was known for captivating his audiences with his cowboy poetry reading and storytelling including at last year's Valentine extravaganza.
Although a dedicated library board and volunteers worked diligently to present the dinner and entertainment, the entire community is credited for the success of this and other fundraisers.
The Blaine Lake Public Library is a branch of the Wapiti Regional Library and is located at the corner of Main Street and Railway Avenue in the historic CNR train station building. The site also holds the town's museum with displays of local antiques and memorabilia.
While the library may be small, the access to books and information is large. The library offers books, current magazines, DVDs, talking books and so much more. There are dozens of new titles arriving on the shelves monthly. The library has books and movies for all reading levels and age categories. There are even fancy cake pans available to borrow, and they still offer movies and talking books on VHS and cassette.
If you are looking to purchase good used books to complement or complete your home library, then stop by the library. The library regularly replaces duplicate or old adult and children's books with new ones. These books are offered for sale to raise funds for new print material.
The Blaine Lake Library also accepts donations of gently used books. Paperbacks must have been printed within the last five years and hardcover within 10 years. Local authors or local history of any year are gratefully accepted.
Visit the library to get your free library card. With your card you will be able to request materials you want by searching their online database at www.wapitilibrary.ca. Your free card also gives you access to over 35 subscription-only databases such as the Auto Repair Reference Center, Tumblebooks, Library Press Display and numerous databases of magazine and journal articles. You can read today's issue of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix with your morning cup of coffee. Ebooks and audiobooks may also be borrowed with your library card. You can access the collection of every public library in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan has a one province/one library card system so you may borrow and return materials at any library in the province.
The Blaine Lake branch also offers free computer use for word processing and Internet access. Patrons may pre-book their time by placing a telephone call to the library or by visiting the library when open. Patrons can log into their account to find out what books they have out, when they are due, the status of material they ordered and even a list of all the books borrowed. Search for items and order items online. Books can also be renewed from home - a definite asset. Blaine Lake Public Library is "into overdrive". You can now view Wapiti's website on your mobile phone or iPad.
Library hours are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Blaine Lake Wapiti Library has been successful in hosting a variety of children's programs and in-library contests for its patrons over the past few years. Currently, there is a Mom and Tots play date held the last Wednesday of the month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., playschool visit and story time the first Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon and a Thursday Craft 'n Chat for adults from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For updates and information on these programs and more, visit the Wapiti Blaine Lake Library Facebook page or the Blaine Lake homepage at http://www.blainelake.ca.
This is an exciting time to join the Blaine Lake Public Library board. Diverse backgrounds, opinions and experience help to ensure the board remains vibrant and relevant in providing library service to the community. Volunteers are also needed to help with events, shelving items, organizing and cleaning the museum and other areas. If you are a community-minded individual interested in assisting the library, please contact the library at 306-497-3130.
