For the new adult program co-ordinator at the Estevan Public Library, continuing to broaden what the library does for the community is her main goal.
Jill Kergan, who assumed the position in early December, said a public library is more than just a free book exchange. Originally from Moose Jaw, she went to the University of Regina finishing with a bachelor's degree in history, before receiving her master of library science in London, Ont. From there she came back to Saskatchewan, and more specifically Estevan.
"When a lot of people think of libraries, they think of books," she said, adding that they offer much more than that, with services like free wi-fi and programming. "Not a lot of people think about programming. They think the library is for information, when really it's a place to gather in the community and promote recreation too."
Kergan said public libraries are her main area of interest, as opposed to legal, medical or corporate.
"I like the whole community aspect, and how it brings in children and older people. The community help, I like that," she said.
As the adult program co-ordinator. Kergan said her job is to identify local needs and interests and find programs or activities that meet those needs in both an informational and recreational way. She noted that involving the community in as many ways as they can is important.
"There are always different things happening in the community, so if we can partner with somebody to promote that, that's always good."
Some of the popular programs were a bit of a surprise to Kergan. Hello Computer, which allows people to book 30-minute sessions to learn some basics of computing like sending e-mails or organizing folders, is one she learned had more people taking part in than she thought.
"Coming in, I didn't think that. Computer classes, really? Computer basics I didn't think would be as popular as they are. So, you learn as you go."
The latest computer for people is the e-reader or tablet, and she noted that being aware of those trends, allows them to provide services for people who have been given an e-reader for Christmas and are figuring out how to use it. They'll be hosting sessions similar to what they do for Hello Computer for those in February.
Looking for new things to add to the library's repertoire of activities is also important.
"We're always looking for new programs. Anything that brings people in, pretty much. It's just a matter of seeing what's feasible and what people might come to."
Kergan added that part of doing that is finding people with a specific skill set or area of knowledge that might be of interest to others in the community.
"You meet different people who have different hobbies. A lot of my job is finding connections. Who could come in to do this? The longer I'm here, the more people and more resources I'll have to play around with."
Something that may make her job a little easier is the access to the library that people have with the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre, along with Spectra Place all in one building with the library.
"I like the centre. It's nice to have so many recreational things in one place. It kind of promotes the library too, because people go to the hockey game and stop in and get a library book," she said. "Since everything's integrated, all the Saskatchewan libraries, they can pick up books here and return them (anywhere)."
Some of the programs coming up at the library are the Chinese New Year on Jan. 21 and a tribute to the Scottish poet Robbie Burns, on Jan. 17 when they host Who was Robert Burns Anyway? The Legion hosts the Robbie Burns supper each year.
"A lot of people know about (the supper), but maybe they don't know who Robert Burns was or why they have it."
Their event will include a multimedia presentation, poetry reading and trivia. Last weekend Kergan was invited by Robert Rooks, who has been part of organizing the local ode to Burns since it started in the 1970s, to learn how to make haggis. It was her first time tasting the Scottish dish.
"I got to sample it. We just fried it because the boiling takes a couple of hours. It was kind of like a hamburger, fried, so it wasn't too bad."
He also donated a haggis to the library for Who was Robert Burns Anyway?
Other ways she noted they are trying to reach the community is through programs that aren't necessarily in the library, like Book Club in a Bag.
"(Groups) take a book club kit and there are 10 books in each kit. Even though this isn't happening at the library, we're trying to facilitate social involvement and community life."
