Blaine Lake Wapiti Public Library was honoured to celebrate its 40th anniversary with the community of Blaine Lake April 27.
The successful event began with Blaine Lake Mayor Andy Ciona presenting a warm congratulatory speech and sharing humorous stories of the library's early years. Mayor Ciona then cut and served the guests with pieces of the 40th anniversary cake made by Kitty Larson.
Substitute librarian Tanys Sherstobetoff assisted patrons wanting to check out material or use the free Internet service provided by the library. Board members and staff were on hand to welcome guests and answer questions.
The celebration of Blaine Lake Wapiti Public Library highlighted the many accomplishments achieved over the years and the people who contributed to making it all happen.
Volunteers have always been and continue to be the backbone of the operations of the library. It all began with the group of proactive individuals who shared a vision to open the first community library in the basement of the municipal building in 1973.
Elizabeth Borisinkoff was the first librarian at the newly opened Blaine Lake North Central Sask. Library, and Christine Cheveldayoff was the first substitute librarian, who later advanced to become main librarian when Elizabeth retired in 1979. Lucy Cheveldayoff became assistant librarian that year and, when Christine resigned in 1982, she took over as head librarian. Lucy served in that position for almost 20 years.
The region's name was changed from North Central Sask. Library to Wapiti Regional Library in April 1975.
The library moved from the basement location in town hall to the town's old railway station building Oct. 12, 1983. The CNR Station, built in 1912, became a heritage site in 1980, and the town obtained the heritage site the same year, for $100 plus $5 tax.
Today, the CNR building houses more than just the library. The back portion of the building contains the town museum and has a number of historical artifacts on display for public viewing during library hours. The library grounds provide ample room to display the original town jail and the old millstone that was used by the Doukhobors to grind wheat into flour. A memorial gazebo is the ideal place to enjoy the beauty of the new memorial gardens while eating your lunch.
Library volunteers and board members have hosted book sales, fundraising events, children's programs, special events and contests to the betterment of the library for its patrons. The volunteers provide the helping hands that keep the library active.
"Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit a branch of the library near you. Connect with your link to a world of information and access a free resource where books come alive and provide fundamental building blocks for our continued development," commented librarian Sheryle Powley.
In an age that says "the printed book is going out of fashion," libraries are growing in importance "because they provide so much," says a bestselling author. But the most important role of the library is the one it began with and it's the one the library still fulfills best - it's a repository for the record of human civilization the keeper of collective wisdom of the past.
"Over the past 40 years, the Blaine Lake Wapiti Public Library service has grown in leaps and bounds," said Powley, adding, "just last year, Wapiti launched a cool new website providing online access to various genres of literature, as well as the regular fiction and nonfiction books from across the globe. It also provides access to dozens of membership only databases ranging from world newspapers, children's websites, to auto repair manuals, health and many other topics, all free for library members."
Membership is free and allows members to search, order and renew online, borrow popular movies and videos, books, e-books and e-audio, and current magazines. Members also have use of a proctor service and the library computers with Internet access. The library also offers photocopying services for a nominal fee.
The Blaine Lake library is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. For more information or to download the libraries brochure, go to www.blainelake.ca. Visit their Facebook page for updates on the arrival of new materials and events at the library.
