A Day in the Life
If you believe that a thriving library is vital to a vibrant city, we invite you to imagine with us.
With your support, here’s what a day in the life at Saskatoon’s new central library will be like.
10 am
Building early literacy
Kids gather with excitement in the story room as their program is about to begin. Afterwards, they will explore the interactive discovery space and choose books to take home while their caregivers socialize.
The library builds critical early literacy skills that form the foundation of learning success.
10:30 am
Preserving community history
A man begins researching his genealogy in the Local History Collection using information from historic newspapers, photos and periodicals.
The library preserves Saskatoon’s culture and history.
11 am
Providing STEAM learning opportunities
A school class is visiting to engage in hands-on learning in the Innovation Lab. They are working with graphic design software and 3D printing. Later, a musician will record their debut album and a small business owner will use the video studio to take photos for her website.
Innovation spaces greatly enhance the community’s creativity and help local enterprises grow.
11:30 am
Promoting health literacy
A group has gathered in the demonstration kitchen to learn how to make healthy food on a limited budget.
Teaching food preparation and nutrition is just one of the many ways the library supports community health.
12 pm
Connecting people with books
Friends meet to catch up over their lunch break. They pick up the new books everyone’s talking about before heading back to work.
The library benefits residents’ budgets and quality of life by providing free and equal access to collections, services, programs, technology and spaces.
1 pm
Sharing oral stories & traditions
A smudging ceremony is underway before the Knowledge Keeper in Residence shares traditional teachings and stories.
The library provides community leadership in reconciliation, anti-racism and social-inclusion initiatives.
2 pm
Creating community connections
Older adults gather for a popular weekly program that brings people together.
Library programs provide older patrons, many of whom are socially isolated, the opportunity to connect and engage in lifelong learning.
3 pm
Creating access for people living with disabilities
A patron with a visual disability receives assistance with specialized equipment that converts text to audio.
The library has many forms of assistive technology to ensure all patrons can enjoy library materials.
3:30 pm
Creating access to technology & job skills training
A young woman is learning to use new software she hopes will help get her a higher-paying job. Afterwards, she’ll update her resume on a public computer.
The library provides free programs and services, helping to advance job prospects. This is particularly important for a community’s most vulnerable individuals, including youth and those living in poverty.
4 pm
Enabling community connections
A small group of community volunteers meet in one of the free bookable rooms for a planning session.
The library provides free public spaces where community members can meet and collaborate.
4:30 pm
Providing safe spaces for youth
A group of teens who don’t have video game consoles at home gather to take turns playing the newest release everyone is talking about at school.
The library provides safe places for teens where they can have fun, make friends and be themselves.
5:30 pm
Showcasing emerging artists
A couple browses the current art exhibition in The Gallery, discussing each piece as they go. It is the artist’s first show and the exposure is helping raise their profile in the art community.
The library offers myriad opportunities for developing art and cultural literacies.
5:45 pm
Creating content
In the video production studio, an entrepreneur creates a promotional video to help her new business gain traction on social media. In the audio production studio next door, an emerging musician records a song for his debut, self-released album.
Innovation spaces greatly enhance the community’s creativity and help local enterprises grow.
6:30 pm
Welcoming newcomers
Newcomers gather to meet new people and practice English-speaking skills.
The library provides critical spaces and services for new residents, including settlement and language supports, to help them adjust to life in Saskatoon.
7 pm
Providing opportunities to hear stories & ideas
Literary lovers sip coffee as a local author begins to read from her latest novel. Meanwhile, in the theatre across the hall, a thought-provoking documentary film series begins.
The library supports a wide range of literacy objectives. Literacy rates directly correlate to the overall health and prosperity of the community.
7:30 pm
Encouraging community gatherings
The reading room is filled with residents relaxing in comfy chairs, unwinding from busy days with books and newspapers in their community living room.
Central libraries significantly strengthen the cultural fabric of a community and enhance the attractiveness of downtown cores.
8 pm
Providing quiet study space
The library as a whole is bustling, but it’s quiet in the reference room where students are quietly studying to prepare for mid-term exams.
The library supports an array of experiences, from quiet and individual spaces to places for animated and group activities, to meet the needs of the community.
8:50 pm
Increasing affordability
A patron stops by just before closing to pick up his holds. He also checks out a newly released movie that caught his eye. He glances at his receipt and smiles, realizing he has saved over $2,500 by borrowing materials from the library this year.
By increasing the overall health and prosperity of a city and its residents, libraries contribute to increased civic satisfaction, engagement and pride.