SLAte October 2014

The Newsletter of the Saskatchewan Library Association
Issue Seven
October 1, 2014

In this issue:

Letter from the President
Board News
Program News
Saskatchewan Library Week 2014
For your information
Save the date

A Letter from the President

A few years ago, many of us got together in a room in Regina and endorsed a new governance vision for SLA, charting the path towards a vibrant, member-driven organization of library folks.

My time on the Board then and now has shown me that we are going in the right direction. There is new growth to what we are doing as an organization, both on committees, on the Board, and in the Office. We have new program ideas, we have new networking ideas, we are timely with our news, and we are setting up good processes for important work like advocacy and continuing education.

Thank you to all the volunteers who have stepped up to help on committees this year, and thank you to all the members who have weighed in on some of the advocacy questions that we have posed to you. SLA is supposed to be for you and about you. Your input is key as we move forward and reinvent ourselves.

Member-driven is our vision, but it isn't all just serious business. One of our roles as an organization is 'encouraging communication and fellowship among members, library staff, and others'. I am looking forward to joining you on Thursday, November 6from 7-9 p.m. for the first ever "Saskatchewan Library Happy Hour"!! At the same time that night across Saskatchewan, library folks will rub elbows, have good chats about library life, and maybe even Skype each other live. I will be at the Saskatoon location, and I hope to see you there or live on my phone!

Respectfully submitted

Gwen M. Schmidt

Board News

One Province, One Party

The SLA Board will be hosting member receptions in Regina, Saskatoon,and Prince Albert (and maybe more) on Thursday November 6, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (times may vary a little) at a location TBA. Members are invited to attend and encouraged to bring along a potential new member that might like to meet some members. Appies will be provided, beverages on your nickel!

Too far to drive? Host your own party with at least 4 SLA members in a location at least 50 km from one of the Board hosted receptions and we will provide some funds for the appies (details to be announced soon). Apply to host your own party by October 20, 2014 to slaexdir@sasktel.net or call Judy, SLA Executive Director, 306-780-9413.

Program News

Cultural Grooves: Celebrating Diversity in Stories and Dance, SLA's Culture Days project was a partnership with the Saskatchewan Writers Guild, and Regina Public Library. Patrons enjoyed an afternoon of readings by Lisa Bird-Wilson, Vijay Kachru, Dave Margoshes and Marion Mutala.The event was punctuated by traditional tribal belly dancing from Belly Dance with Linda. A sample of the performance can be seen here

Saskatchewan Library Week 2014 October 19-25

A selection of graphics has been created to help with your Saskatchewan Library Week plans. They can be found here
The Book Spine Poetry Contest is well underway. So far, 30 entries have been received. Visit bookspinepoetrycontest.ca to enter!
A launch in Regina is being planned for 7 p.m. Tuesday October 21 at the Regina Civic Museum. Everyone is welcome. Please call Anne at the SLA office (306-780-9409) for more details
We have some posters and bookmarks left over in the SLA office. Please call Anne at (306) 780-9409 or email slaprograms@sasktel.net to arrange pick up.
A great display from Chinook R.L.

For Your Information

EI October November Webinars and Courses read more
The library at Horizon College and Seminary in Saskatoon has a magazine shelving unit for sale. It has a slanted lift-up rack for display of current magazines with storage space underneath. The dimensions are 45 cm deep, 95 cm wide, 190 cm tall. It is for sale for $150 each (or best offer) plus cost of delivery (new price is $1,299 each). Contact Deborah McConkey, (306) 374-6655 ext. 234
The SLTA newsletter is available. Read more:
CLA celebrates Canadian Library Month Read more
Challenges to library resources and policies in Canada. Read more
The Neighbourhood Book Exchange study. Read more
Cross Country Checkup on the Future of Libraries. Read more
World's Most Beautiful Libraries Read More

Save the Date!

The Saskatchewan Library Association will be having its annual conference May 7 to 9, 2015 at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Regina, Saskatchewan. Exhibitors are invited to attend on Friday, May 8. The conference prospectus will be sent later this fall with details about the day's activities and opportunities for exhibitors. Your valued contribution and participation in our conference is welcomed.

Sincerely,

Michael Shires

Chair, Exhibits Committee, 2015 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference Planning Committee

slavp_mp@sasktel.net