Springside Library back from the brink

The summer season in 2017 didn’t quite go how they wanted it to at the Springside Public Library. On the 17th of July, someone from the town office found a leak.

It could have been worse, especially given that it’s a library. They only lost a single book. Librarian Marion Osckochinski explains that the leak happened to be right where the library’s technology was stored, however, which meant that while the books were saved, they lost a few pieces of electronics in the process. The library was also down for several months, with only partial operation in October, and full operation in mid-December. 

“There were a lot of glitches along the way.”

The library has new carpet and new paint, while the big change was to consolidate the office area, re-running the electrical and building it around an entirely new desk setup made from parts that Osckochinski found on Kijiji. 

“That makes it quite nice visually, and it’s a nice little corner for someone to sit at the public access computer.”

Another major change is a reading area in the front of the library, where patrons can make themselves a coffee or a lemonade before sitting down to read. The word Osckochinski hears most often when people see the new space for the first time is cozy, and more importantly, it makes the library a bit more of a meeting place.

“I used to find that everybody would walk in, find a book, and leave. Now it gives you a reason to sit and enjoy things.”

It also fits with one of the features that makes the library unique, which is that people can borrow board games to play with their families from the library.

The library is also proud to feature an artist on display, for only the second time. The work of Yorkton-based artist Jeff MacKenzie lines the walls of the library in the month of March. 

Also in March, the library will host the Healthy Together program, for kids under six and their families to learn about healthy eating on March 8, 13 and 27 at 10:30 a.m.

The Springside Public Library is open on Tuesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.