…more than just books on the shelves…
One Sunday morning when I walked in to work and had the library to myself, I noticed there was nice light in the stacks and got out my phone and took a couple of pictures. One of the perks of being in the library before it opens, is walking through the stacks undisturbed!
Fast forward to a few years later, and because of the recent provincial budget cuts, much will be changing in libraries in Saskatchewan. The best part of what we had, was that no matter where you lived in the province, you had access to many of the same resources (books, music, dvds) as those that live in the bigger cities and towns. AND, you could put those items on hold and they would be delivered to your local library no matter where it was in the province. Saskatchewan’s a big place so that’s pretty amazing!
Just a few weeks ago, not only didn’t I think it was in jeopardy, but that the libraries would be forced to stop that service in just a few short months. It’s a huge step backwards.
Because the Minister of Education said a few weeks ago that bricks and mortar libraries aren’t relevant anymore, here’s one of my favourite quotes about libraries.
“Congratulations on the new library, because it isn’t just a library. It is a space ship that will take you to the farthest reaches of the Universe, a time machine that will take you to the far past and the far future, a teacher that knows more than any human being, a friend that will amuse you and console you — and most of all, a gateway, to a better and happier and more useful life.
[Letters of Note; Troy (MI, USA) Public Library, 1971]”
― Isaac Asimov
No matter where you are reading this in the world, particularly if you haven’t been to a library lately, check out your local library’s website to see all the different programs and services that are offered. I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Libraries are more than just books on the shelves.
prairie girl wonders 
That’s an unfortunate turn of events. It seems the minister lacks any proper Education and has no idea that Libraries bring people together, educate & strengthen a community. Hopefully there will be enough backlash to change such a ignorant attitude toward libraries in the Saskatchewan government.
In my opinion, the Sask Party is doing this purposefully. It is an act of class warfare, part of their process of redefining our province. And yes, it is incredibly sad.