Summer Programming
Regional Park Pass Lending Program
SLA is proud to partner with the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association and the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association to bring the Regional Park Pass Lending Program to libraries across Saskatchewan. Now in its third year, this program provides a way for anyone with a library card to visit one of the province’s beautiful regional parks for free!
From May 17 to September 15, 2024, anyone with a valid library card can borrow a regional park pass for seven days from any Saskatchewan library. This pass provides free access to nearly 100 regional parks across the province. This year, 850 passes have been distributed to all regional library branches, libraries in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, and university libraries in Saskatoon and Regina.
By removing barriers to participation, the program aims to encourage people to enjoy the natural beauty of the province. Saskatchewan’s regional parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, from interpretive trails and scenic lakes to secluded camping spots and challenging golf courses.
Summer Rider Reading Challenge
SLA is teaming up with the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation to bring you an exciting new summer reading challenge, with the goal of inspiring children to have fun reading during the summer! Load up on books from your local library and track your reading minutes for a chance to win some fantastic prizes! Rider Reader bookmarks featuring Gainer the Gopher are also available at participating libraries.
The Summer Rider Reading Challenge runs from July 11 to August 29, 2024, with registration for the challenge opening on July 11. Visit the Saskatchewan Roughrider website to register for the program.
contest rules
- Visit your local public library and load up on books.
- Go to https://www.riderville.com/riderreadingchallenge/ and register for the Rider Reading Initiative, beginning on July 11, 2024.
- Read and record your daily minutes to be automatically entered to win a cool weekly Rider prize.
SLA Summer Children’s Storytelling & Performer Tours Grants
The Saskatchewan Library Association offers grants each year to member libraries to create summer programming. This year, SLA is offering 15 grants of up to $300 each for member libraries to offer summer programs for children and teens between July 1 and August 31, 2024. These grants are generously sponsored by SaskTel.
Applications for the 2024 Summer Children’s Storytelling & Performer Tours grants have now closed.
All successful applicants are required to submit a final grant report by October 1, 2024. SLA will pay exact costs via cheque, up to $300, once the final report with all receipts has been received.
TD Summer Reading Club
TD Summer Reading Club is an inclusive program that strives to engage all children in the joy of reading during the summer months, while championing Canadian writers and illustrators. The program helps connect families with books and build confidence in reading through the delivery of free incentives and fun, accessible library activities. All summer long across Canada, libraries aim to inspire a sense of adventure and wonder, nurture children’s imaginations and celebrate their accomplishments. Click here for more information on the program!
Children who sign up for the TD Summer Reading Club at their local library receive free program materials and are encouraged to earn 12 collectible stickers by reading books over the summer. They are also invited to participate in programs organized at their local library and share their love of reading with children across the country through the TD Summer Reading Club website. Children can sign up at their library and/or online at tdsummerreadingclub.ca starting on June 12, 2024.
This program is a joint initiative between Toronto Public Library and Library and Archives Canada with TD Bank Group’s title sponsorship. Supporting materials for the program are developed by a team of children’s librarians from Toronto Public Library with the francophone component developed by librarians from Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal. SLA supports the program in Saskatchewan through the distribution of materials and providing information to libraries and the public.
2021 & 2022 Children's Summer Performer Videos
Through the generous support of SaskTel, SLA developed Children’s Performer Videos that can be used to support virtual programming inlibraries, TD Summer Reading Club activities or other opportunities. The videos may be accessed here:
Shyla Gaebel – Yoga for Beginners – SLA Children’s Storytelling and Performer Tour 2022
Shyla Gaebel is a Dakota woman from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, raised in Regina, Saskatchewan on Treaty 4 Territory. She unites her knowledge of yoga and her Indigenous roots to offer a unique experience. By teaching from an Indigenous perspective, she shows how one can find balance – mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually through the ceremony of yoga. In this video, Shyla will delight children (and adults!) with a fun introduction to yoga.
Dustin Ritter – Visual Artist – SLA Children’s Storytelling and Performer Tour 2022
Dustin Ritter is a visually-impaired visual artist from Regina, Saskatchewan. His solo work can be found in Saskatchewan galleries and private collections across Canada. Recently, he has begun creating expansive, collaborative murals with large groups of artists. Dustin teaches drawing and painting to youth and adults of all abilities and has developed techniques that are accessible and inclusive. Dustin has found great satisfaction in his own creative practice, and in this video, he shares a fun artistic process that can be used by everyone.
2021 Children’s Performer Videos
- Simon Moccasin – SLA Children’s Storytelling and Performer Tour 2021
- Danny Kazam – Magician – SLA Children’s Storytelling and Performer Tour 2021
- Danica Lorer – Storyteller – SLA Children’s Storytelling and Performer Tour 2021
- Patrick Roth – Balloon Artist – SLA Children’s Storytelling and Performer Tour 2021