The Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL) has some exciting opportunities coming up in February, including a commemorative plaque unveiling for historian Leith Knight, special activities for 'Snowtorious' Moose Jaw — and an in-person visit with Jeremy Hansen.
Naiomi Setter, public service/social media clerk at the MJPL, said they were inspired to apply for the visit from Hansen thanks to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) grant the library received last year.
"CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen will be joining us on Friday, February 9, at 10:00 a.m.," Setter said in an email. "We have arranged a closed presentation for students from the Prairie South School Division and the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division.
"The event will be livestreamed for the public in the Library Theatre. All are welcome to attend."
Hansen's livestreamed visit in the MJPL Theatre is free to attend for all ages. No seats will be held, and livestream participants will even get a chance to ask questions.
Learn more on the MJPL website at moosejawlibrary.ca/adult-programs/astronaut-visit, and learn more about Hansen (who is scheduled to be the first Canadian to travel to the Moon) at www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronauts/canadian/active/bio-jeremy-hansen.asp.
On Feb. 7 at 2:30 p.m., the library will commemorate local historian Leith Knight with a special event and the unveiling of an honorary plaque. Knight was a significant contributor to the library, including creating the Library Archives. The event is in conjunction with Saskatchewan Archives week from Feb. 4-10.
On 17 February from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the MJPL will participate in the second annual 'Snowtorious' Family Day event by the Downtown Moose Jaw Association. Library activities will include 3D printing demonstrations & giveaways, maker activities, LEGO building, and more.
Finally, February is Aboriginal Storytelling Month. This project has been in place by The Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP) for over 20 years. The goals of Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling month are:
• To support and promote First Nations, Metis, and Inuit oral storytelling traditions in Saskatchewan
• To celebrate First Nations, Metis, and Inuit history, language, and culture
• To promote cross-cultural relationships and understanding by promoting storytelling as an important foundational cultural activity
• To facilitate and grow a living oral storytelling collection
• To share the vision of the LSSAP committee to collaborate through partnerships to enrich communities by promoting and improving library services for Aboriginal peoples. Thanks to LSSAP sponsorship, the MJPL will host a storytelling event with Francis "Dickie" Yuzicapi on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. in the MJPL Theatre.
*Some library programs require registration by calling 306-692-8210 or emailing nsetter@moosejawlibrary.ca.
MJPL Adult programs in February
- Magic the Gathering
- Saturdays, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 at 2 p.m. in the Reading Room
- Drop-in program for ages 13 and up
- Moose Jaw Chess Club
- Sundays, Feb. 4 and 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the South Meeting Room
- Drop-in program for all ages
- MJPL Movie Club
- Monday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. in the Theatre
- Feature is Do the Right Thing (1989) by Spike Lee
- In the Archives: the Moose Jaw Wild Animal Park
- Thursday, Feb. 8 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Celebrate Library Archives Week with a presentation on the historic Moose Jaw Wild Animal Park
- Maker Night
- Monday, Feb. 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room
- The theme is 'leather-like goods' for ages 13 and up, *registration required
- MJPL Book Club
- Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in the South Meeting Room
- The book is Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast by John Vaillant
- MJPL Movie Club
- Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. in the Theatre
- Movie is Oppenheimer (2023) by Christopher Nolan
- Documentary Night
- Thursday, Feb. 29 at 6 p.m. in the Library Theatre
- Feature is acclaimed 2021 documentary Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
MJPL Youth programs in February
- Digital Dungeons & Dragons
- Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. on the library Discord server
- *Registration required, for ages 15-22
- Teen D&D campaign: Spellsinger Gulch
- Tuesdays OR Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Library Archives
- *Registration required, for ages 12 to 16
- Teen Makers
- Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room
- *Registration required, for ages 13 to 19
- Teen Movie Club
- Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2:30 p.m. in the Theatre
- Feature is Five Nights at Freddy's (2023), based on the video game
- For ages 14 and up
- Teen Gamers
- Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room
- Drop-in program for ages 12 to 19
- Teen Arts and Crafts
- Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room
- Drop-in program for ages 12 to 19
- All-ages movie matinee
- Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2:30 p.m. in the Theatre
- Featuring Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
- Teen Anime+ Club
- Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room
- Drop-in program for ages 12-19, cosplays welcome
