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Estevan’s library earns top award again

The Estevan Public Library continues to be one of the best in the Southeast Regional Library system.
Library Staff
The staff of the Estevan Public Library: Back row, from left, Krista Larocque, Sarah Wright, Victoria Utman, Morgan Jones, Elaine Wempe and Barb Dodd. Front row, from left, Anna Lee, Sofia Baluyut, Rachel Kramer, Jolie Walliser and Kate-Lee Nolin. Submitted photo.

The Estevan Public Library continues to be one of the best in the Southeast Regional Library system.

The local library was presented with the Branch Award of Merit for 2015 during the annual general meeting of the Southeast Regional Library on April 16 in Weyburn.

It’s the third time in the last four years that Estevan’s library has earned the distinction. They were also recognized for 2012 and 2014.

Bengough and Indian Head were the other communities to receive the Branch Award of Merit for 2015.

“The Branch Award of Merit is aligned with Southeast Regional Library's vision, mission, values and goals, and is awarded for the combined efforts of branch staff and local trustees in delivering public library services to their communities,” said Kate-Lee Nolin, the Estevan Public Library’s branch manager.

In order to be eligible, a library must have two of these three activities: a Summer Reading Club, an event for Aboriginal Storytelling Month and a function for Saskatchewan Library Week. The Estevan Public Library had all three.

They must also have a wide variety of programs, promotional events and services; host at least four local library board meetings throughout the year; have their regional trustees attend both the annual and semi-annual meetings; and submit reports and timesheets that are complete and on time throughout the year.

The Southeast Regional Library cited the local library’s various programs, including the Lego Club that started in January 2015; the Harry Potter Alliance for teens and adults that began in September 2015, and the role-playing games that were offered each month.

The local library was also lauded for allowing various community organizations to meet there on a weekly or a monthly basis. And they were praised for their promotional efforts, such as visits to schools and senior citizens’ homes, their booths at the Estevan Farmers’ Market and other community events, and their use of social media and regular newspaper advertising.