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Letter from the President I am writing this from my most amazing craft room/home office with sun shining through the window. I am very fortunate to be able to continue to work and do it from home. I know that this has been a challenging month for everyone out there - even the introverts. As my sister told me the other day, I have never wanted to visit people   Photo Credit: Andrew Marshall and have fast food more than now, and she is a major homebody. In all seriousness, I hope that you and your families are able to weather this storm with as little stress as possible. I would like to express my appreciation for all of you doing your best to self-isolate according to your circumstances. I am doing the same with my husband, who is seriously immunocompromised. We are still going outside for an almost daily walk. I hope that people are finding that this is a time when you are in fact connecting more often and perhaps more deeply with people. I have been finding that my workmates are reaching out to me more often and I am having more regular conversations with friends and family. Read more.  |
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Saskatchewan Libraries and COVID-19 The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted communities and individuals worldwide, and Saskatchewan libraries are no exception. In an effort to slow the COVID-19 spread, the Government of Saskatchewan has declared a state of emergency, which for us means the closure of library facilities and cancellation of in-person programs, events and services. SLA has compiled a list of locations and services that have been affected by the restrictions. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and some information may be subject to change. We also encourage library patrons to use online resources available through libraries' websites. If you have any questions, please contact your local library directly. Read more. Reminder: SLA Board Nominations for 2020-21 As a board member, you have an opportunity to lead and influence the direction of the Association. You will become familiar with issues affecting libraries of all types. As an organization, we work collectively to improve and support libraries through advocacy, communication, stakeholder engagement, professional development and networking. You will gain experience that contributes to your professional portfolio and at a personal level, you get to make new friends and contacts. There is a time commitment; SLA typically holds 6 - 7 meetings a year (June Board changeover, August retreat, October, November, January, March, April/May), some of which are through teleconference. Board members chair and/or participate on the Association's committees including: Continuing Education, Advocacy and Development, Membership, Publications, Program. The work accomplished by these committees benefits the Saskatchewan library community. This year, there are four positions available. Read more. 
Message from the Chair, CFLA-FCABWhat challenging times we are all experiencing across Canadian libraries and our CFLA-FCAB membership. It is my hope that the message below gives acknowledgement, some encouragement, support, and identifies a way for you to reach us if we can help in any way. We see all our members currently doing their absolute best to work within their local, regional, provincial/territorial, and national jurisdictions, and in addition, the other levels of governance that are directing our association members and their members. Read more.  Education Institute Webinars In these unprecedented times, the Education Institute's upcoming webinars will continue to run with a modified schedule. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many webinar presenters are taking on more work to support their communities and are unable to run their session during previously scheduled times. The calendar has been updated to reflect any changes made. The following webinars are available for viewership: FREE: Together in Isolation: Engaging Your Users During COVID-19. Presenter: Ardis Chedore FREE (for members): Crisis Communications: Communicating with Consistency and Transparency. Presenters: Paul Takala and Shelley McKay. Date: April 2, 12:00-1:00 p.m. EST. Host a Webinar or Suggest a Topic The Education Institute is curating content to help the library community navigate this pandemic, whether you are running programs virtually or figuring it out. Please email [email protected] if you have an idea that can support the library community. All Access Pass The Education Institute offers an annual subscription to its continuing education platform called the All-Access Pass. This pass provides you and your staff with unlimited access to upcoming webinars and archived sessions. If you or your organization are seeking solutions for providing professional development for staff in bulk, please get in contact with us at [email protected]. |
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TDSRC and COVID-19
The
TD Summer Reading Club material is currently being printed and
distribution should take place as planned, in late April/early May. All
distribution points will be contacted prior to delivery to confirm that they
are able to receive their order ad/or
make alternate arrangements. The
Kids'
website is scheduled to launch in mid-June. Kids will be able to track
their reading and participate in online activities, as in previous
years.
Click here to read the full message.
2021 Theme Vote
Please cast your vote for the 2021 TD Summer Reading Club theme. The poll is open until April 9, 2020. Happy Voting! Click here to access the poll.
Get Your Summer Read On
Given
the exceptional situation and instructions from governments on
gatherings, TD Summer Reading Club had to cancel three official Get Your
Summer Read On events that were scheduled for June 2020.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, SLA
was forced to cancel the last three stops on the OBOP tour. Our
apologies to the libraries and their patrons in Assiniboia, Shaunavon
and Muenster. These events will be rescheduled when it is safe to do so.
We
were thrilled to begin the OBOP program on February 28 with the
official launch at Government House, hosted by their Honours Russ and
Donna Mirasty. Here are a few words from His Honour's address:
"I want to thank the Saskatchewan Library Association for
this wonderful program. Literacy is very important, in so many aspects
of our lives. This program not only supports literacy, it uses reading
as a way to bring people together - to create a sense of community.
I feel very strongly that everyone in this province - no
matter where you are from or what your background is - everyone can
contribute to their communities and to the larger community. In fact, we
need everyone to contribute.
Read more.
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The Saskatchewan Library Association (SLA) regrets to announce that we have decided to cancel
the Saskatchewan Libraries Conference 2020 in Regina on May 7 and 8, as
well as the Pre-Conference on May 6 in response to COVID-19 precautions.
The health and well being of the community are our priority. SLA
appreciates everyone's (presenters, exhibitors, and sponsors) interest
in participating in our conference. If you have already paid the conference registration fee, you will receive a full refund from SLA. Please note that our office is handling a high number of refunds and cancellations. We will do our best to get back to you in a timely manner. We have received many messages of support and solidarity in this difficult time and we are grateful to work with such wonderful people. Thank you, especially, to our Conference Planning Committee and Subcommittees (Program, Local Arrangements, Volunteer and Communications) for all your work on the Saskatchewan Libraries Conference 2020. Once again, thank you for your involvement in the Saskatchewan Libraries Conference. We hope to see you at our next Conference on May 6 and 7, 2021. |
 The Library Toolshed The Library Toolshed is an online repository of work and knowledge contributed by the Canadian library community that is freely available to all. Library workers can access, share, and comment on a wide variety of training, instructional, and programming resources created for and by the Toolshed contributors. The Library Toolshed is a collaborative venture initiated and supported by The Alberta Library, the Association of BC Public Library Directors, Saskatchewan's Multitype Library Board, and the Manitoba Public Library Services Branch. The platform is hosted by the Library Toolshed's shared-service partner, the BC Libraries Cooperative. Where appropriate, items in the collection have been approved for uploading by the home library. Read more. Willow Awards  Willow Board Decisions In response to COVID-19 precautions, the Willow Awards, Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Assoc Inc has decided to postpone the upcoming fundraiser, Books, Burgers, and Beer at Bushwakkers on April 28, 2020. Any tickets sold will be refunded. Depending on the events in the coming weeks/months, they will determine whether to re-schedule. Willow Voting Deadline Postponed In light of school closures and the uncertainty around COVID-19, the voting deadline for this year's Willow Award finalists has been postponed. More details about a new voting deadline will be announced in the days ahead. Details will be posted on the Willows website: willowawards.ca.  SPL launching online programming during closures Though trips to Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) have been temporarily suspended, there will soon be ways to enjoy everything from storytimes to local history slideshows from the comfort of home. SPL is preparing to offer online programming beginning next Monday, March 30. There will be a total of eight programs launched, with something for all ages and ability levels. Programs will take place on SPL's social media channels. Read more. Mental Health Commission of Canada: Choosing sources of information carefully is critical to COVID-19 mental well-being The Mental Health Commission of Canada shared suggestions for preserving your mental health while staying informed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read what they have to say. Government of Saskatchewan provides information during the COVID-19 outbreak For official, up-to-date information and resources about COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, including public health orders and instructions for the public and health care practitioners, please visit the Government of Saskatchewan website. Newsletters from other cultural organizations Check out the latest newsletters from the following organizations: Canadian School Libraries Culture Days Heritage Saskatchewan Libraries Transform SaskCulture Wapiti Regional Library |
