Writers, bookworms and word-nerds know that few things enhance the enjoyment of Saskatchewan’s hot season more than a comfortable lounger or hammock, a cold beverage and a collection of good books to choose from. Whether escaping a summer drizzle or bathing in the sunshine, the Moose Jaw Public Library has a tome or ten to meet any reader’s taste in literature.
Located at 461 Langdon Crescent, the Moose Jaw Library’s home was designed by local architect James Puntin and constructed in 1963. The structure is a prime example of mid-20th Century, Prairie construction with an imposing brick façade, concrete trim and ornamentation. Inside lays a spacious, naturally lit repository that houses more than 100,000 books, periodicals, archival documents, DVDs, CDs, board games and video games. Patrons unable to find the book they want can peruse the Saskatchewan Public Library’s stock and have it shipped in for borrowing.
The conventional library hosts far more than paper and ink, however. Besides the varied computer services available – including a new 3-D printing ability – library users have access to Hoopla.com, Kanopy and Lynda.com. These streaming video services provide everything from ebooks, audiobooks, popular movies and television shows to a variety of educational courses on topics such as photography, business, technology, design and other fields of study.
The highlight of the Moose Jaw Library scene is, of course, the Saskatchewan Festival of Words in mid-July. Celebrating all forms of the written word, the annual event hosts more than 20 writers at over 50 events running July 13 to 16, 2023. The library is a key location for this renowned, city-wide event.
Want to dip a toe into some history? The Moose Jaw Library provides access to a multitude of historical resources for patrons to investigate their individual and communal past. The library contains a massive archive of newspapers, Henderson Directories, photographs and other periodical documents featuring Moose Jaw, South Central Saskatchewan, and the province as a whole.
And let’s not forget the Moose Jaw facility’s long list of summer activity programming for children, youth and adults. The library hosts activities and club sessions throughout the week during the afternoons and evenings. Special events are held for the weekend’s schedule.
Kids can catch on to the excitement with board games, educational activities, crafting and story time. Meanwhile, older youth can participate in video and board games – “Dungeons and Dragons” and “Magic: The Gathering” being most notable – technological education activities, movie nights, a writer’s circle and art programming. The library’s summer reading program also keeps young noses in their books on a regular basis from June through August.
Finally, adult book and library lovers are welcome to enjoy a variety of similar activities alongside a knitting and needling session, book clubs, live productions and a movie club.
When it comes to any reader’s summer bookstack, the Moose Jaw Library more than fits any bookworm’s needs. When the public taps into the facility’s programming, patrons have the perfect opportunity to wrap themselves in the written word regardless of the Saskatchewan weather outside.
For more information on the Moose Jaw Public Library, its services and its programming, visit moosejawlibrary.ca or call (306) 692-2787.
