WEYBURN – Weyburn’s newest head librarian, Dawn Silver, was working in the Chinook regional library system when the job posting for Weyburn Public Library came up, and she jumped at the opportunity.
People she had talked at library conferences always spoke very highly of the Southeast Regional Library, and about the Weyburn library in particular, so she saw the opening as a prime opportunity.
Silver has been in the position now for two months, as Nov. 15 was her first day, and she has received “huge support” from patrons and the library board, as well as from regional staff.
“It’s been wonderful,” she said, noting the level of excitement and range of programs is second to none of any place she’s ever worked.
“The staff do a fantastic job, and their attention and dedication is incredible as they are willing to do just about anything,” said Silver. “Their capabilities exceed anything I’ve seen in a long time. They’re just really engaged and they’re succeeding in what they’re doing.”
She noted that staff are following the suggestions and wishes the public have indicated as far as what they want to see at the library branch.
“You can’t go wrong when you ask the community what they want to see. We really need to engage with the community,” said Silver.
The librarian is currently involved in goal-setting for the next year, and will be giving the board updates at each monthly board meeting as staff work on the new strategic plan for the Southeast Regional Library system.
One of the success stories she’s seen in Weyburn is the use of social media in promoting what is at the library, including posts that talk about the “secret services” at the library.
For example, she said, a staffer put up a post that the Weyburn library has a sewing machine available for use, and as soon as the post went up, all kinds of requests came in for using it.
Another “secret service” is the “Little Free Pantry” that has been set up in the shelves on the main floor, where people can donate to, and take from, a small pantry of food items, free of charge.
New technologies are also being brought in as they become available to the public, such as the video gaming unit on the upper level, and the 3-D printer which is available for those who have taken the course in its use.
“One thing we’re looking at is a multicultural approach, and we’re looking towards increasing our partnerships with individuals, and newcomers,” said Silver.
An aboriginal storyteller will be coming as part of Indigenous Storyteller month, with a session on Friday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m.
“We’re looking at promoting the library itself as a community living room,” said Silver, adding the library has a goal of increase library card use by 10 per cent in the coming year.
