Released on October 22, 2019
Library Week occurs annually and promotes the programs, resources and services offered in more than 1,200 libraries across the province, including 305 public libraries. In 2019, there were more than 345,000 public library patrons using their library cards and more than eight million items borrowed each year, not to mention the numerous people who stop in for a quiet place to study or to read.“Libraries bring people together and are an essential part of our communities,” Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant said. “The library system in Saskatchewan has something for everyone, no matter the age or interest.”
The Saskatchewan Library Association has supported Saskatchewan Library Week since 1976. Saskatchewan Library Week celebrates the vital role that libraries play in communities and the dedication to the future of the province through various literacy programs, services and items available to Saskatchewan residents.
“The Saskatchewan Library Association is excited to be supporting the 43rd Saskatchewan Library Week this year,” Saskatchewan Library Association President Amy Rankin said. “Libraries across the province are celebrating the week with engaging programming around the theme of Libraries: Building the Future. This is also a time to celebrate our hard-working library staff members who offer excellent programs and services to their clients year-round.”
New this year and available to libraries around the province are more than 8,000 new books in more than 18 different languages, including Malayalam, Nepali and Somali. The books are for children aged zero to six and include board books, picture books and easy readers and are offered in either single or dual languages. The new books are housed at the Provincial Library and Literacy Office and are made available to Saskatchewan residents through their public libraries.
This year the Provincial Library and Literacy Office received $120,000 as part of the Canada-Saskatchewan Early Learning and Child Care Agreement to enhance the existing multilingual book collection, which supports Saskatchewan newcomers. People wanting to borrow a language book can either search their public library’s catalogue and place a hold using their library card, or they can contact their local public library branch for more information.
In addition to multilingual books, public library patrons can access books, magazines, newspapers and DVDs in a variety of different formats, as well as a variety of programs for all ages. A public event celebrating Library Week is scheduled to take place on October 22 at 11 a.m. at the Dr. John Archer Library at the University of Regina.
For more information about library week related programs and events, please visit https://saskla.ca/programs/slw.
For more information on the Saskatchewan Library System, please visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/library-system-in-saskatchewan.
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For more information, contact:
Chris Hodges
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: chris.hodges@gov.sk.ca