Authors, PJ nights, fine forgiveness, sweet treats and more
The Gaynor Family Regional Library isn’t just a place to find a good book but a meeting place in our community. They have programming and resources to help people learn and grow regardless of their age or interests. With February rolling into the region today, and with it, I Love to Read Month, they are bringing some great programs, guest readers and fun for residents to enjoy.
“[I Love to Read month is] just the time of the year where we refocus, and bring it back to literacy and encourage people to take out that really good book that excites us and takes us on a journey,” said Katherine Anderson, Information Technology and Public Services Coordinator, for the Gaynor Family Regional Library.
In addition to their regular catalogue of community activities, Anderson wants residents to know that there are many things going on at the library this month including:
Stay and Play for children under five has expanded to two days. This is a time for parents/guardians and their children to find community with others. Sessions go from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays and 1:45 to 3 p.m. on Sundays
The Book Sale that Never Ends continues. Bring in your reusable bag, your largest one is ideal and fill it to the top with great book sale items for just $5 or buy a single book for only 50 cents.
The Gerdau History Wall is available for viewing and residents are invited to play I Spy. Can you find all the items?
Meagan Balgobin author of The Talking Ducks will be at the library on Feb. 20. Residents can show up for the 10:45 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. reading of this children’s book by a local wordsmith.
The City of Selkirk in partnership with United for Literacy and the Selkirk District Community Foundation are delivering free children’s programming. Guest readers and a free book for your little one await. This activity is for kids ages 5-9 and parents/guardians must attend. To attend you need to register at on the City of Selkirk’s website.
Lorie Fiddler will start the fun on Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. with A Promise is a Promise by Robert Munsch and Michael Arvaarluk.
On February 15 at 6:30 p.m. I Can Be Anything (What Could You Be?) by local author Susan Berry takes centre stage.
Stop by on Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. and a guest reader from the Selkirk Steelers will be taking on Just One Goal! by Robert Munsch.
Finally Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard will be read by Knowledge Keeper Jeannie White Bird on February 29 at 6:30 p.m.
There are also some great incentives to get out and enjoy the local library in person. If you’re caught reading at the library this month you could get a free Brew + Bake dessert coupon. If you are at the library on a Saturday you can enjoy a free hot chocolate or coffee from Brew + Bake (one per person). If you bring a friend to the library and encourage them to get a membership, which is free if you live in Selkirk, RM Andrews, Clements or the Village of Dunnottar, you will get to enjoy a cookie from Brew + Bake.
“Our main focus is bringing in that friend or that person who’s always wanted to get a library card. Let’s get [everyone] a membership and get it done this year,” said Anderson.
Finally, perhaps you’ve incurred some library fines over the years and that’s made you a bit nervous to come back. Maybe you’ve even managed to lose a book and haven’t been able to return it. The staff at the library understand that this happens and want to give past patrons a chance to reset this month. For fines incurred in 2023, residents only have to bring back their books and the slate will be wiped clean this month. Got fines, lost or damaged items from before 2023? Come in and update your account and those fees will no longer apply.
“If you have fines, or maybe lost a book sometime in your past, this is an opportunity to clear that up. We understand life gets in the way,” said Anderson.
Anderson says that the library is open to everyone even if reading isn’t their preferred hobby.
“It’s a free opportunity to get the materials that are of interest to you. If you’re not into reading, that’s okay. But we are still a public space that you can come in with your smart devices and get onto the Wi-Fi,” she said.
Her favourite part of the library is seeing people enjoy the space.
“The students that set up on the tables to study for that exam. Coffee folks that come in to chat in the café. The parents or the caregivers chatting in the children’s area, while their children explore some of the books or play on one of the early literacy computers. I like seeing folks interact with our space, and just be content and enjoy it,” she said.
Everyone is welcome to check out the library and learn more.
“Just come in and do a walk about, find your space, find that item that you’re looking for. We have suggestions as well so if you’re not too sure what you’re feeling like that day, we can certainly help you,” said Anderson.
For a full understanding of all the programs at the library, check out their website and newsletter as well as their calendar of activities online at https://gfrl.org/.
