The Moose Jaw Public Library is adding to its list of virtual programming once again with a new history-focused series from the archives department.
On June 11 at 2:30 p.m., local history buffs are invited to join archives technician Stephanie Jeanes for Archives History Mystery, a new program featuring interesting photos from the archives’ collection.
Hosted through Zoom, Archives History Mystery will feature a selection of photos for attendees to try their hand at identifying the people, places, and timeframes in them. Attendees are also welcome to share memories and stories attached to the photos once identified.
The virtual program is a spin-off from the in-person programming the archives was hosting before the pandemic closed the building to the public, where people were invited to themed open-house style sessions to explore the materials in the archives.
It was a great way to promote the archives and all of the interesting things they possess, said acting assistant head librarian Carolyn Graham, and the in-person sessions were a hit before the pandemic.
Now, the new virtual program is hoping to continue highlighting the archives but with a social distancing spin.
“There’s a lot of history buffs in Moose Jaw, so we’re hoping to see lots of people come out to the program,” said Graham.
All of the materials housed in the archives have been donated from within the community, and the idea of hosting programs like these is to show off the resources and remind people that the archives thrives on donations.
“There’s a tremendous amount of resources in the archives and I think a lot of the time, people don't realize what an extraordinary collection we have,” said Graham. “And so part of it just to share information with the community, but the other part of it is to promote the archives department more to the community, so that they can come in and use it more.”
Archives History Mystery is just one of many virtual programs the MJPL now offers to patrons, after the pandemic cleared their events calendar completely.
The virtual programming has gone over well so far, said Graham. Community response has been varied depending on the program, but overwhelmingly positive. The children’s storytime events are wildly popular, some days seeing even more attendance than the in-person version of the program.
Library staff are even looking into maintaining some of the virtual programming after the pandemic regulations are lifted, to further increase the accessibility of their services.
Although things are going well, library patrons and staff alike still miss having the building open for regular services.
"We wish we were open, there's no doubt about that," laughed Graham. "But I think we've adjusted and the virtual programming has been going well."
"Even if we don't have high attendance [to every program], it is getting the library out there in the community, so people realize that we are really doing something and doing our very best to provide some kind of service," continued Graham.
Lending services at the MJPL are set to resume later this month, using a no-contact curbside pickup model, and staff are expecting to see plenty of patrons jumping on the chance to once again borrow books and other materials.
‘We won't be open to the public, but people can phone us, email us, message us on social media, with what they would like, and they can also place holds through our online catalogue, and we will take it from there,” said Graham.
But a complete reopening of the library building and a return to in-person programming is still far off on the horizon, so staff at MJPL are pushing forward with more virtual programming — including virtual summer reading programs for children, teens, and adults, and the return of the MJPL Book Club.
Details about the summer reading programs are still in development, said Graham, but the launch of the curbside pickup model is perfect timing for thinking about such programs.
"With the curbside pickup, we would be able to distribute [summer reading] materials with those packages, which is a real positive," said Graham. "That's a real advantage."
More details about upcoming virtual programs can be found on the Moose Jaw Public Library’s website and Facebook page.
