Summer Programming
Children’s Storytelling and Performer Tours
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 these summer programming grants open on April 1, 2024 and close on May 3, 2024.
Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate commitment to a number of key areas, including literacy, diversity and inclusion, and creating community and social connections.
Funding will be awarded based on how closely the program meets grant criteria, the number of requests received, and consideration for providing support across the province. SLA grants cannot be used to pay for library equipment, staff wages or books.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their funding request by the end of May 2024. 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.
The TD Summer Reading Program launch, “Get Your Summer Read On”, happens at libraries between June 13 – June 27, 2022. More information is available here.
Children who register 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.
This program is a joint initiative between TD Bank Group, Toronto Public Library and Library and Archives Canada. Every year a theme is selected from suggestions made across the country. 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