By Jennifer LaCharite
The library is not just a place to get books anymore. The Weyburn Public Library (WPL) has lots of programs to suit young and old this summer.
The library has programs for children all summer long. The theme for this year's summer reading program is "Splash! Celebrate Summer!" This multifaceted program begins in July.
"Over the summer it's good to have a program where kids can have fun and do 'kid things' but also continue to be literate," said Librarian Kam Teo.
Something new this year is a program geared toward girls. The Girly Get-ta'gether is a program for girls aged eight to 12 who will get to take a peek into the past through books, crafts and cooking. Children's Programmer Elsie Lai said that she is hoping to get the girls involved in the annual Wheat Festival.
"Each age has its own wonderful thing to learn," said Lai. "I hope the girls have fun with it."
Kidz Corner classes, Toddler Time and Preschool Story Time are regular activities at WPL. Precious Moments for parents and their babies will begin again in November.
For those looking to get a little green, there are two gardening classes in June. Over the Hills Orchard will hold a workshop on June 2, while the Regina Floral Conservatory will visit WPL on June 6.
The library even caters to movie buffs. Canuck Film Night begins at 6:30 p.m. on May 30 with Joshua Jackson's "One Week."
Chocolate lovers will appreciate a trip to the library on June 28 when they compare the movie "Chocolat" with the sweet confectionary.
Settled immigrants and new-comers alike will appreciate a large range of books in their native tongue. WPL is bringing in several books this May featuring Ukrainian, Pilipino, Spanish and Russian languages.
There is still lots in store for book lovers at WPL. The Book Club, Graphic Novel Club and Sci-fi Book Club meet once a month.
"This is a great discussion group," said Adult Programmer Chris Harrow. "The participants are much more knowledgeable about sci-fi than I am!"
The library also hosts many community groups. A quilters group, writer's guild, genealogy club and a new meditation group all meet at WPL regularly.
Teo invited all local groups to share their programming space, "Call to see if a room is available. We're always happy to help out if we can."
"We want to make it a place that not only collects material, but where people can come together as a community," added Teo.
WPL offers several services in addition to the many books that may be borrowed. There are public computers to be used with printing capabilities in both color ($1.00/page) and black and white ($0.25/page). There is a photocopier on premises as well ($0.25/page) and a fax machine available for use ($1.00/page for sending and receiving).
In addition to computers on-site, the City of Weyburn has installed wireless Internet throughout the library for public use of laptops and other wireless devices.
Library materials available for loan or use in the library include fiction and non-fiction books, reference materials, maps and atlases, feature film and informational videos, music cassettes and CDs, newspapers, and magazines.
WPL also houses a genealogy collection, including Canadian census data from 1831-1911 on microfilm, a microfilm reader/printer, and Saskatchewan Homestead Map Collection.
WPL serves visually impaired clients and provides delivery to clients in homes and institutions who are unable to visit the library because of a disability or illness. Special materials include talking books, large print books, videos and spoken word cassettes. Currently the WPL delivers to Legion Towers, Weyburn Special Care Home, Heritage Place, Bison Manor, Crocus Plains, and Hilltop Manor.
The WPL houses on its lower level a closed-circuit television (CCT) that magnifies written material to assist the visually impaired. The CCT was donated by the CNIB with funding provided by the United Way.
And if the WPL doesn't have it, they can borrow it from any of the 10 public libraries in the province through the Single Integrated Library System (SILS).
"Instead of one library, it's like we've become a mega-library," said Harrow.
A Library Card is the key to all the services and resources at WPL. To register for a free Library Card, residents must visit WPL in person and present two pieces of identification with a current residential address.
To learn more about what WPL has to offer, visit www.weyburnpubliclibrary.weebly.com or visit their newly launched Facebook page.
