MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Public Library has announced its upcoming program options for readers, gamers, and lovers of a good read throughout the month of April.
Movie club
The library’s movie club meets twice monthly to watch a film and engage in short discussion starting at 6 p.m. in the library’s theatre.
- Charade: Set in 1960s Paris, Charade is described as one of the “most charming and stylish movies of the 1960s.” Show date: Monday, April 14.
- A Different Man: Aaron Schimberg’s dark satire, A Different Man, tells the story of Edward, an actor absorbed in self-pity over his severe facial deformity. When corrected through a medical procedure, he finds his idealized life subverted when he meets a confident and charismatic man with the same ailment. Show date: Monday, April 28.
The library’s Documentary Night showcases documentary films that rarely hit theatres and takes place on the last Thursday of each month starting at 6 p.m. in the library’s theatre.
- Anselm: Set over a three-year period, filmmaker Wim Wenders’ experimental documentary about the art, life, and creative process of German painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer promises to be “a deep and evocative tribute to the tangibility and grandiosity of art.” Show date: Thursday, April 24.
To celebrate National Canadian Film Day, the library will host a special showing in the library's theatre on April 16.
- All My Puny Sorrows: Written and directed by Michael McGowan and based on the book by Miriam Toews, All My Puny Sorrows is "the story of two sisters dealing with the emotional fallout and psychological scars of their Mennonite upbringing." Show date: Wednesday, April 16.
A few movie matinees will be shown for audiences of all ages in the library’s theatre starting at 2:30 p.m. Admittance is free and everyone’s welcome.
- Hook: Saturday, April 5 (rated G).
- In the Heights: Saturday, April 19 (rated PG).
Maker nights
Maker nights provide an evening dedicated to learning and creating with others. Register by calling 306-692-8210. The program runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room for ages 13 and up.
- Maker night: Guests will learn how to make a hanging rope planter on Monday, April 14. Advance registration is required.
- Teen Makers: Guests created embroidery projects on Wednesday, April 2.
- Maker Saturdays: Guests will create pipe cleaner animals on Saturday, April 12, and LEGO Spike Prime on Saturday, April 26. Advance registration is required.
Children’s programming
LEGO Weekends: Are open for ages four and up during the library’s regular business hours on Saturdays and Sundays. In this self-guided activity in the Children’s Department, children can have fun building wild LEGO creations that they’re invited to put on display.
Children’s Storytime programs run on separate days in the Children’s Program Room starting at 10:30 a.m. Here, young readers can enjoy a short story, rhymes, and songs as caregivers learn ways to improve early childhood literacy.
- Baby Storytime: Tuesday, April 8, 15, 22, and 29.
- Preschool Storytime: Wednesday, April 9, 16, 23, and 30.
- Daycare Storytime: Thursday, April 10, 17, and 24.
Be sure to check out Tumblebooks for Kids featuring an online collection of animated, talking picture books to teach children the joys of reading in the Digital Library.
Standalone events
- Make your own bouncy ball: Guests joined Miss A. for a fun story and made their own bouncy balls on Saturday, April 5.
- Natural landscaping, bees, and seed exchange: You’re invited to join Naomi Hunter as she talks about an environmentally friendly approach to landscaping, alongside a short presentation on bees by Wild About Moose Jaw, followed by a seed exchange in the library’s theatre from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.
- Paper flower picture frames: Guests will create paper flower picture frames with snacks provided in the Herb Taylor Room from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30.
- Take ‘N’ Make clothespin bunny: Clothespin bunny kits are available for ages four to 12 at the Children’s Circulation Desk throughout April.
Youth programming
The library’s Teen Anime+ Club meets every fourth Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 to watch anime, read manga, draw, chat, and eat Asian snacks. Anyone ages 12 to 19 is welcome to attend in the library’s theatre and yes — cosplay is welcome.
- Next Anime+ meeting: Featuring “I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo ANY BOSS to Clock Out on Time” on Wednesday, April 23.
The Teen Arts & Crafts program takes place once a month for youth ages 12 to 19 and runs 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room. The program features art, crafts, snacks, and the chance to meet new friends.
- Pop art pencil holders: Wednesday, April 16.
The Teen Gamers program provides an evening of video, card, and board games for youths ages 12 to 19. The program is held once a month in the Herb Taylor room with snacks provided from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and no registration is required.
- Next Teen Gamers meeting: Wednesday, April 9.
Kanopy
You’re invited to explore a wide range of material on the Kanopy app.
Hoopla
Patrons are invited to explore seven days of unlimited access to thought-provoking, quirky, and award-winning independent documentaries, series, and films, available on the Hoopla app with a valid library card. This April, be sure to check out a collection of The Hunger Games and join a community of creative Minecraft builders on the Hoopla app.
Regular events
The Moose Jaw Chess Club provides bi-weekly chess games every second Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. in the South Meeting Room.
- Upcoming chess games: Sunday, April 13 and 27.
Magic: The Gathering is held on Saturdays at 2 p.m. in the Reading Room. No registration is required, and all experience levels are welcome.
- Magic: The Gathering: Saturday, April 5, 12, 19, and 26.
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is typically played from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Archives Room and players ages 12 to 16 across all experience levels are invited.
- Digital D&D: Will take place Fridays on the youth Discord channel for ages 16 to 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. Email [email protected] to inquire.
- D&D: Bugbear Cove: Group A will meet on Tuesdays from April 15 to May 27, starting at 6:30 p.m., and Group B will meet on Thursdays from April 17 to May 29, starting at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Tech Time: Classes provide one-on-one instruction for modern-day electronic devices and are available by calling the library.
Library of Things
The MJPL offers more than just books, including a telescope kit, radon testing kit, SaskBats bat detector kit, C-PEN Readers for patrons with varying abilities in reading print, and more through its Library of Things collection. Ask a staff member at the front desk for more information.
French-language programs
L’heure du conte is a French-language program for children ages five and under with their caregivers. The program is held in the Children’s Room starting at 10:30 a.m.
- L’heure du conte: Saturday, April 12.
The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and can be reached online at MooseJawLibrary.ca, by calling 306-692-2787, or by emailing [email protected]. It’s advisable to check the library’s Facebook page for updates as programs are subject to possible cancellations or rescheduling.
