ASSINIBOIA -- Assiniboia’s Palliser Regional Library wants you to check out what they have to offer as they mark their 50th year in operation.
Although a library in Assiniboia dates back more than nine decades ago, Palliser Regional Library began in !973. The 50th anniversary will be celebrated Dec. 16 with a come and go tea and open house. There will be a display of historic photos and memorabilia. Library patrons, as well as current and former staff and library board members are encouraged to visit and share stories.
On January 13, 2010 Palliser Regional Library was in the first group of Regional Libraries to join the Saskatchewan Information & Library Services Consortium (SILS) – a “one province, one library card” system providing a more equitable access to library services and materials for our patrons.
The current library location, situated in the Prince of Wales Cultural and Recreational Centre, marked 20 years in 2023.
Lorelei Rogers, contributed to a compilation based on library history written by many contributors over many years to Assiniboia Library history. “The first library board meeting was held on June 19, 1926 in the Town Hall and the library was opened in the council chambers in January of 1927. The I.O.D.E. paid the librarian’s salary until 1931.”
Rogers continues, “As the library grew it moved from the council chambers to the mayor’s office and then to the basement of the Town Hall. A new building, located at 110 4th Avenue West, was officially opened on July 9, 1966. In July of 1973 the Assiniboia Library became the first rural branch of the new Palliser Regional Library system.”
“In the mid 1990’s with automation looming it became apparent that the library was again too small (for example there was space for only one computer for public use). The library board, made up of representatives from Rural Municipalities 71(Excel), 72(Lake of the Rivers), 73(Stonehenge), the Village of Limerick and the Town of Assiniboia, approached the town council looking for a larger space. “
The board, under the leadership of Chairperson Kay Cristo, was encouraged to partner with the Assiniboia Civic Improvement Association to fundraise for a complex which would house the Curling Rink, an Auditorium, the Regional College and the Library. The new library of 5,160 square feet would be twice the size of the old building. “
Approximately 19,000 items were moved by a crew of volunteers down the street on Oct. 18, 2002, to the new location in the Prince of Wales Cultural and Recreation Centre. This was a result of years of planning and fundraising.
The library’s name was also officially changed to Assiniboia & District Public Library, An Area Resource Centre of Palliser Regional Library. The official grand opening took place on March 30, 2003.
Lori Crighton, Branch Librarian, says, “Technology continues to evolve. We still have five public computers, software has been upgraded many times, keyboards, mice and monitors have been replaced. There will soon be two children's computers as well. We have a photocopier for copying, printing and scanning. “
Crighton adds, “There are many online resources offered through Palliser Regional Library (accessed via the website). Technology has been the biggest change over the years. What continues is that the library is a safe and welcoming place in the community for residents to enjoy.”
The library in Assiniboia has four permanent staff members that include one full time Branch Librarian and three assistant librarians. There are two staff who substitute when needed.
Crighton acknowledges Librarians over the years, who have been: Mrs. Perry, Ethel Kessler, Dorothy Smith, Laura Dahlman, Gladys Reid, Jean Sadlemyer, Cindy Susut, Brenda McLeod, Carol Munro, Nancy Young, and Olamaie Christie. Crighton took over after Christie.
If you aren’t a regular library patron or visitor, Crighton reminds people of all they have to offer at this location, “We have several comfortable seating areas throughout the library as well as workspaces for patrons to use their laptops or other devices. There is an extensive collection of local history books available as well as free Wi-Fi. There is a gallery space in the library; displays are curated by The Assiniboia and District Arts Council https://www.osac.ca/assiniboiaartscouncil. “
It is said that Librarians have the most novel ideas. Programming is offered regularly at this library location and includes story time and Itsy Bitsy for ages 0-5; After School Art for 8+ (biweekly); Needlework (all ages) twice weekly; EAL classes are offered through Southeast College.
Special programming and events vary. The library continues to fundraise and hold a silent auction twice a year with both online and in person bidding options. Assiniboia’s Librarian says other fundraising varies.
The library is open every day except Sunday, as well as statutory and holidays may include closures or special hours that will be posted on the Palliser website. You can follow the library on their Facebook page for the latest photos, updates and check out the next chapter in the Assiniboia Palliser Library story.
Palliser Regional Library is located in Treaty 4 Territory, traditional home of the Cree, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, Saulteaux and the homeland of the Métis people.
