The mention of the word library often conjures images of dusty books and librarians shushing teens nearby, and it's a misconception that the Estevan Public Library is trying to deviate from.
"We're trying to challenge that view in the community," said Victoria Utman, adult program coordinator at the Estevan Public Library.
Ulma admits the task is a challenging one, especially when one lives in an age where information can be accessed with a few clicks of a button, or a few swipes on a smartphone.
"There's a common idea that there's no need for a library when you have the Internet and new technology," she said. "Why research something when you can do it on Google?"
It's a question that's been brought forth frequently, but it's one that receives a straightforward answer from Utman.
"We can help you with that research or point you in the direction of good resources, good books or even good movies," she explained.
The vast collection of DVDs and Blu-Rays might be unfamiliar territory for many people in the community, Utman said, adding the same can be said for audio books.
"Some people don't even know what audio books are," she said.
Audio books, which are audio recordings of novels to be listened to at your own pace, are a popular item among the regulars who visit the library and use its services. Utman said the library has a strong group of regular visitors, but new ones are always welcome.
"We're a community institution … everything we have to offer is free," she said. "You just need a library card."
On top of being Estevan's central core for accessing information and various forms of media, Utman said the Estevan library, which is one of 47 branches in the Southeast Regional Library system and only the second city branch in the region that covers the southeast all the way to Fort Qu'appellee, can actually access the entire database that connects all the libraries across Saskatchewan. That means any book, movie or audio book that for whatever reason cannot be found in Estevan one day, could likely make its way down to the local branch on another. In addition, all library material can be returned anywhere in the province.
"We have one of the largest library systems in the world," she said. "A lot of other libraries are restricted to their own regions when it comes to accessing materials outside of their branch."
Programs designed for people of all ages are a point of emphasis for the Southeast Regional Library system, and the library in Estevan has several that residents have been participating in for years. Existing programs are always accepting feedback in order for them to improve or evolve, while new ones are implemented frequently to attract a new crowd.
Aubrey Agarand is a young man who’s been involved with the library's weekly Magic: The Gathering and Role Playing Game programs, both of which are relatively recent additions to the library’s regular list of programs. Agarand said he was originally looking for an opportunity to play Magic: The Gathering, which is arguably the most popular trading card game in the world, and so he decided to participate in the program and test the waters. He quickly realized he had entered a positive atmosphere that garner to a diverse group of people.
"For me, it's more about the social aspect," he said. "The idle chit chat while the games are going on … they're good people who are fun to be around which is why I keep coming back."
However, even with vast amount of additional materials one can now find at the library, books are still what keep the engine running. Utman noted the types of books at the library have expanded greatly and now attract a wide range of people and personalities. From new releases, to adult fiction and graphic novels, literally anyone at any age will find something enjoyable to read.
"We try and provide it all, but books are still a big part of this place," she said.
Ultimately, Utman said she hopes everyone in Estevan eventually finds a reason to access the library's resources.
"We all have very big dreams for what the library can be in this community, and it's going to be one library card at a time … we want everyone in Estevan to have a library card and to access our resources because we want to be the centre of this community."
