Saskatchewan Library Week 2009 helped to link Saskatchewan communities, both social and geographic, with a variety of activities and events.

The Saskatchewan Library Week launch, held on Monday, October 19th at the Luther College University Library, kicked off the celebrations. Invited dignitaries and the general public enjoyed presentations by authors Jo-Ann Epineskew and Martine Nol-Maw, who both offered insight into how libraries and reading have impacted and improved their lives.

The My Favourite Book contest, sponsored by the Afternoon Edition on CBC, received entries from many avid readers. There were 15 on-air winners each for Radio One and Radio-Canada; an additional 75 winners received book prizes, courtesy of SaskEnergy and Canadian publishers.

Monday

Julie from Waldron, SK (youth)

Lawrence from Unity, SK (teen)

Trudi from Dodsland, SK (adult)

Tuesday

Josh from Shaunavon, SK (youth)

Graham from Spiritwood, SK (teen)

Juanita from Prince Albert, SK (adult)

Wednesday

Hope from Carlyle, SK (youth)

Sydney from Meadow Lake, SK (teen)

Alena from Demaine, SK (adult)

Thursday

Amy from Osler, SK (youth)

Anna from Regina, SK (teen)

Nona from Assiniboia, SK (adult)

Friday

Shaelyn from Invermay, SK (youth)

Kevin from Saskatoon, SK (teen)

Garnet from Swift Current (adult)

The new limerick contest offered by the Saskatchewan Library Association was also a big hit, with around 400 entries in the categories of youth, teen, and adult. There were three winners in each age category and the winning limericks can be found on the website (http://www.saskla.ca/limerick09):

Youth

1st place – Bri, Frenchman Butte

2nd place – Kaitlyn, Kenaston

2nd place – George-Paule, Moose Jaw

Teen

1st place – Katrina, North Battleford

2nd place – Chantel, Wilkie

2nd place – Sheldon, Humboldt

Adult

1st place – Lyne, St. Walburg

2nd place – Brenda, Esterhazy

2nd place – Diane, Saskatoon

Many other events and activities took place across the province, with school libraries, academic libraries, special libraries and public libraries showcasing the variety of services, programs and collections they offer their patrons.

The Saskatchewan Library Week 2009 committee worked hard at creating a memorable week of celebrating our libraries and our communities. Thanks to those who served this year:

Carla Hancock, Chair, Luther College University Library, University of Regina Library

Bev DuBois, Saskatoon Public Library; president, Saskatchewan Library Trustees Association

Carolyn Graham, Palliser Regional Library

Kam Teo/James Richards/Greg Salmers, Southeast Regional Library

Pam Fingas, Regina Public Library

Carlene Walter, Saskatchewan School Library Association

Many thanks to SLA Executive Director Caroline Selinger and Program Administrator Kirsten Hansen, whose dedication in promoting and supporting Saskatchewan libraries is much appreciated.