The Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL) is announcing a number of new programs that will take place through the conclusion of this year’s winter months and into spring 2024.
Containing more than 100,000 books and other materials, the MJPL – which is situated in Moose Jaw’s beautiful and historic Crescent Park – is sure to provide something for everyone.
Earth Day
Although exact details have yet to be confirmed, the MJPL will be hosting an upcoming event to celebrate Earth Day on or around Monday, April 22.
“In the fall we did a series of events on sustainability, and so we hope to continue that (and) do a similar thing in April for Earth Day…,” explained Naiomi Setter, the public service clerk at the MJPL.
If the Earth Day program proves to be as popular as the earlier fall event, Setter said the library is likely going to repeat both programs going forward.
Book Club
The library’s book club will be reading “Hang the Moon” by Jeanette Walls this March.
After each participant has read the book, the library’s book club facilitator, Stephanie, will provide a list of questions to encourage discussion. After the discussion gets started, participants are free to take the conversation where they wish.
“It’s… just a neat little way to get together and meet people who have similar interests or similar reading interests and (to) get out and do something different.”
Copies of the book are available at the library’s information desk, or online through the Libby app.
Feedback or book suggestions can be provided at ask@MooseJawLibrary.ca, by phone, or in person.
One Book, One Province
One Book, One Province is an initiative of the Saskatchewan Library Association.
The program usually runs in March, but for this year the program will take place on Friday, April 5. The selected book is titled “Miss G and Me” by Jennifer Wallace.
The MJPL was chosen this year to host a visit by Wallace, and she will be doing a book reading event and follow-up question and answer session on that date.
Maker Nights
Maker Nights have proven to be quite popular, and these programs will be continued as part of the library’s permanent scheduling.
Run by Andrew, young participants will create sock creatures on Monday, March 11, starting at 6:30 p.m. All supplies will be provided, and the event is free to attend.
For the teenage version of the program, Andrew will be hosting an introductory 3D printing workshop on Wednesday, March 6. Participants will take a creation from paper to physical printing using the library’s 3D printers, learn how to operate software, and can take their creations home free of charge.
Maker Nights run once each month in the Herb Taylor Room and advanced registration is required.
Regular events
In addition to these highlights, the library will continue to host its regularly scheduled programs throughout the year.
One thing Setter pointed out, however, is that the Dungeons & Dragons programs are now fully booked.
“It’s a very popular program. If people are interested, they should still let us know because if we have enough interest, we could potentially open up another (time) to offer that program,” she said.
On Saturdays, children’s story time programs are being planned with a St. Patrick’s Day event scheduled for March 9, and a “Unicorn Slime” event on March 23.
“Those programs – especially the Unicorn Slime – will be quite popular, so people should sign up for that pretty early,” she advised.
The regular Monday night movie club is now expanded to take place twice each month, and a popular new documentary night was added this year for the last Thursday of each month.
On March 28, the documentary “Honeyland” will be shown at the library’s theatre. Honeyland features a remove Macedonian beekeeper who shares an important environmental message.
On Saturday, March 23, the library will be showing “Spaceballs: The Movie.”
For more details about ongoing programs, visit MooseJawLibrary.ca.
French programming
The MJPL is also looking to expand its programming to include more French language opportunities.
French Storytime is a new French language reading program that is being trialled this March. If the program proves to be popular, the library is planning to make it a permanent, bi-monthly event.
The French Storytime program is designed for children under age five and will take place March 11 and again on March 25 at 10:30 a.m.
A French language workshop will take place across three dates in March, and on April 11, students enrolled in the program will present their videos to the public at the library’s theatre. The showing will be free of charge and begins at 7 p.m.
The MJPL is also launching a new website that should be online around mid-March. Once up and running, the new website will contain a permanent feedback and program suggestion form.
The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and is open seven days a week.
The library can be reached online at MooseJawLibrary.ca or by calling 306-692-2787.
