A new librarian is in place at the Outlook Public Library; one who is excited to be part of the team that provides quality programming and access to great resources for the entire community.
Susan Kasper became head librarian last month, following the retirement of Darlene Herman. She joins Diane Bennett in keeping the library running smoothly, and is filling a long held interest. Kasper said, “I love to read and I always thought it would be a sweet place to work.”
The pandemic continues to impact the day-to-day operation of the library but not the ability to access books. While patrons can’t browse the shelves right now, they can order books in from libraries across the province, providing access to just about any title they desire with their Wheatland Regional Library card. Those books will be delivered to the local branch and patrons are informed when they have arrived. “Currently we are limited to curbside pickup,” Kasper explained. “If you don’t feel comfortable ordering your books online, give us a call and we can order them for you.”
New initiatives as well as the continuation of long-running programs will give readers of all ages something special to look forward to at the library in the coming months.
“We are starting up a Book Club and anyone is welcome to join,” Kasper remarked. Titles will be made available through Wheatland’s Book-Club-in-a-Bag series. “We will need to be creative about how we meet for the first while,” Kasper said. “Maybe it will be ‘bring a lawn chair and a coffee’ and we will meet outdoors. Hopefully we can get more than one group going.” Anyone interested is invited to call the library at 306-867-8823 or email outlook.library@wheatland.sk.ca
The popular Summer Reading Program for kids will once again provide reading incentives and opportunities for children over the summer months. Kasper said, “Kids will be able to sign-up online, or we can do it for them.” Details will come shortly, and she said prizes will be part of the fun.
The library will also be offering “Take & Make Kits” over the summer months. Kits geared to different age groups will be available for kids to pick up and take home. Watch the library Facebook page under Outlook Community Public Library to see when they become available.
The librarians are hoping the Storytime program for preschoolers might be able to resume in the Fall, as well as events like Author Readings. They are also have plans for a special area once people can return to in-person visits. “We plan to set up a coffee center,” Kasper shared, “where patrons can bring their own travel mug and enjoy a coffee, tea or hot chocolate while they are here.”
The public library plays an important role in the community and Kasper is looking forward to expanding how the library relates to other institutions. “The library is a community event space that promotes literacy and provides access for all,” she remarked. “Because we are located in the High School, we have a unique opportunity for interaction between the students and the public. We have some ideas on how we can build on that interaction.”
The Outlook Public Library is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 am - 9:00 pm; and Fridays 8:30 am – noon, 1:00 – 5:00 pm.
