The conference will take place on April 30 – May 1, 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Conference Centre in Regina.

All conference sessions will be held in-person at the conference venue. Submissions from within Saskatchewan and outside the province are welcome.

2026 One Book One Province Title Announced!

Congratulations to the 2025 Book Spine Poetry Contest Winners!

With so many fantastic entries, this year's Book Spine Poetry Contest did not disappoint!

We encourage you to read and enjoy all of the 2025 winning poems using the link below.

A hearty congratulations to the following winners:

Family Literacy Day Grants Open!

Family Literacy Day takes place on January 27th of each year. The goal of this national event is to emphasize the importance of reading and family literacy.

Each year, the SLA offers $200 grants to support individual or institutional members who wish to put on Family Literacy Day library programs.

The 2026 theme for Family Literacy Day is “ Make mealtime family learning time.” Applications will be assessed on how well the program aligns with the theme of fostering family literacy.

Applications for the 2026 Family Literacy Day grants open on November 3 and close on November 30, 2025.

To learn more or apply for a grant, please visit the link below.

Saskatchewan Library Week a Success

As we say goodbye to Saskatchewan Library Week for another year, we would like to thank the many libraries around the province who put their hard work and skills into developing some amazing programming for people and communities across the province. See you again next year for more amazing programming!

Photo: Participants take a fun break during Meadow Lake Library's second annual, Librarian for a Day Program supported by SLA's 2025 Saskatchewan Library Week grant. Source: Facebook

The Saskatchewan Library Association is currently seeking a new committee member for our Communications and Engagement Committee. Individual SLA members working in special or public libraries are encouraged to express interest.

The Communications and Engagement Committee works to support and develop SLA's membership base through the promotion of networking and synergetic activities. Committee members are also responsible for overseeing the development, review, and maintenance of the communications plan.

For more information, please reach out to SLA Communications and Research Coordinator, Yasmin Dar at YDar@saskla.ca.

SLA Prison Library Sub-Committee Seeks Donations for New Library Space!

The Prison Library Sub-committee (PLSC) has been hard at work planning the establishment of a new library space at Regina Correctional Centre.

In support of this valuable initiative, now is a great time to contribute to the PLSC through a monetary donation.

To make a monetary donation, please fill out the SLA's online donation form using the link below, and indicate that you want your donation to go to the Prison Library Sub-Committee.

To learn more about the work of the PLSC and download an information package, please use the link below.

Upcoming Anti-Racism Webinars

SLA and the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association will be hosting two informative anti-racism webinars this winter facilitated by Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, Zane Arnott.

Zane Arnott (any pronouns) has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Saskatchewan. They taught for eight years in Saskatchewan schools, then joined the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association as the Equity and Inclusion Coordinator. They bring their experience as a classroom educator and a community advocate to wellness community events and equity-centered professional development.

The webinars will take place on November 19 and December 3. Registration is free to all SLA members. Please use the link below for more information and to register in advance.

November 19 | 1-2 pm:

Strategies for Anti-Racism in the Workplace & Community

This session will explore anti-racism allyship strategies with a focus on practical considerations for individuals and organizations. Participants will have an opportunity to consider their own responses to racism through scenario discussions.

December 3 | 1-2 pm

Tokenism and Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation

Intercultural community requires the inclusion and engagement with diverse cultural expressions. This session focuses on developing the tools to avoid tokenistic inclusion and cultural appropriation when engaging with cultural diversity.

Congratulations to Esterhazy Public Library!

We would like to offer Esterhazy Public Library a warm congratulations as a valued recipient of this year's Saskatchewan Library Week Grant which we sadly missed acknowledging in our previous announcement of grant recipients.

The Esterhazy Public Library celebrated Saskatchewan Library Week with a community Open House on Thursday, October 16th. This wonderful event included library tours, crafts, library card sign-ups, refreshments, and door prizes, all part of the province-wide celebration with the theme, "Libraries Open Doors". 

Willow Awards Seeks New Board Members!

Want to get involved with the Willow Awards but don't know how? The Willow Awards board and reading committees are recruiting new members to fill vacancies and want you to help keep the Willows going! To learn more, please use the link below.

SaskBooks' Digital Catalogue is Here!

SLA is excited to announce that the SaskBooks' 2025 digital catalogue, Read Saskatchewan is here!

We can't wait to browse through all of the exciting Canadian books that have all been published by small and indie presses in Saskatchewan!

From self-help to creative nonfiction, from Indigenous ways of knowing to western scholarship, from literary works of poetry and drama to how-to guides and cookbooks, SaskBooks guarantees you’ll find the perfect book to fall in love with.

To view the catalogue, please use the link below.

• November 3 - Family Literacy Day Grants Open

• November 18 - Ocean Week Canada Webinar

• November 19 - Saskatchewan Intercultural Association Webinars begin

• November 28 - SLA SK Libraries Conference Proposals Submissions Close

• November 30 - Family Literacy Day Grant Applications Close

Hello, everyone,



Being on the road a lot for meetings down south, I have a fun and charming personal quirk where I’ll tell someone something like “yes, absolutely, I will get that file to you as soon as I can” and then I hop into a work vehicle and drive in one direction for six or seven hours. 

(There are, of course, some very reasonable laws on the books about why you’re not allowed to type on a laptop while you’re driving, and we never did quite find the budget for that library plane that came up as an idea in our strat-planning.)

Every so often, when I’ll arrive for a meeting in Regina or in Saskatoon, someone may mention that they find the idea of such a trip daunting, or that they can’t imagine doing the drive. Well, as somebody who has done these drives hundreds of times by now, I’m here today to encourage you – you totally can!

When getting ready for a long drive, you’ll want to check the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline and the Environment Canada listings the evening before and the day of the trip, to be aware of any conditions or closures that may require you to leave earlier than you’d originally planned. A visual inspection or pressure check of your vehicle’s tires before you set out is also never a bad idea; most modern vehicles do have built-in tire pressure monitoring systems, but not all wheels come with sensors installed, so you may or may not actually have that data available from the driver’s seat when you get going.

Southern Saskatchewan is one of the easier areas of the country to get around, partly for the simplicity of the highway layout and partly for the bountiful availability of gas stations along those routes. (You don’t take these things for granted when you’ve driven in places that don’t have them!) Northern Saskatchewan’s main arteries require a bit more forethought – Highway 2 to La Ronge just north of the Waskesiu turnoff famously sports a “NEXT SERVICES LA RONGE 164km” sign, a detail they would not be telling you if they did not think it was important to know – but the fuel efficiency of modern vehicles means that filling up in Melfort, Prince Albert, Northside or wherever you like will safely see you through to the next service station with no concerns.

When planning out your route, aim to build in breaks for yourself every two to three hours to fill your tank and stretch your legs, and bring water with you to counterbalance the dry air in your vehicle. 

If your vehicle has cruise control, and I recognize that I am dating myself pretty intensely with that ‘if’, set the speed and settle in; at that point, pretty much all the work of your trip will be pointing the vehicle forward and keeping your brain busy while you enjoy the scenery. I’ve always been a music guy first and foremost, so I’ve got a variety of playlists ready to go at a moment’s notice, but I’m not about to dissuade anybody who prefers a good audiobook for the road instead. (Your public library can connect you to the province-wide Blackstone and Tantor simultaneous-use audiobook collections, available now with no holds and no waiting!)

Now that you’ve got some basics and best practices under your (seat)belt, a trip up to the Lac La Ronge area should be no problem – and the next time you’re in the area, come drop into PNLS Headquarters for a visit!

Until next time,

James Hope Howard

SLA President

CFLA October Update

CFLA-FCAB is the united voice of Canada’s libraries. They work to influence public policy, advance library excellence, and raise the visibility of libraries in Canada to advance national intellectual, social, economic, and cultural success.

The CFLA-FCAB has released an October Update. Please use the link below to download the update and see what they've been up to!

TD Summer Reading Club Announces

2026 Theme, Artist, and Webinar!

As we prepare for the winter months ahead, the folks at TD Summer Reading Club are already hard at work imaging all of the fun for next summer! Read on for all of the juicy details including a webinar by Ocean Week Canada highlighting some exciting program-aligned resources for libraries.

2026 TD Summer Reading Club Theme: Dive In!

Next summer, get ready to Dive In! as we set sail on an adventure across all kinds of waterways—ponds, lakes, rivers and vast oceans. Dip your toes into the cool, refreshing and precious water, and be on the lookout for a message in a bottle. But beware! You don’t want to fall under a siren’s enchantment or stumble into the kraken’s trap! 

Imagine daring pirate battles, narwhal “tusking” rituals and the mesmerizing, synchronized dance of a school of fish. Slip on your wetsuit and discover hidden treasures—glimmering pearls, long-lost shipwrecks and secrets of the deep. Venture into the inky depths where bioluminescent fish and jellyfish drift silently. Play hide-and-seek among anemones, swaying seaweed and vibrant coral reefs. Catch a glimpse of playful and curious otters fishing in rivers, swim in crystal-clear lakes surrounded by forests and mountains, and cross marshy wetlands teeming with newts, turtles, geese and other wildlife. 

As the sun sets on the horizon, casting a golden glow over your sandcastle, take a moment to appreciate the water that sustains all life. Let’s protect our blue planet and cherish its wonders!

2026 TD Summer Reading Club Artist

The TD Summer Reading Club is excited to announce that Andrew Kolb has been selected as the 2026 TDSRC artist. 

Andrew is an illustrator, author, and game designer who strives to imbue his work with thoughtful narratives and playful details. His portfolio ranges from picture books featuring Elmo and Batman to collaborations with Marvel, the TTC and Funko. Andrew prefers rivers and streams to beaches and oceans, but that’s only because he likes looking for frogs.

Have a look at more of Andrew's work at www.kolbisneat.com

Ocean Week Canada Programming for Libraries Webinar

Ocean Week Canada is an annual national celebration of ocean events, learning and engagement held during the week of World Ocean Day (June 8). To align with the 2026 TD Summer Reading Club theme, they’re extending their Public Library Partnership Package through July and August.

Join TD Summer Reading Club for a special webinar with Ocean Week Canada on Tuesday, November 18 from 1-2pm EST, to explore the resources they’re offering libraries and families for summer 2026.

During this webinar, you’ll learn more about Giant floor maps and the Blue Learning Lab, ideas for storytime programs, guidance on using Water Rangers kits for programming, and more!

To register for this webinar or learn more about these fantastic resources, please use the link below.

To learn more about the 2026 TD Summer Reading Club, please use the link below.

Upcoming Workshop in Library Leadership and Management Series

This November, as a part of the Library Leadership & Management series, the Partnership is offering a virtual workshop facilitated by Chelsea Humphries (Memorial University) & Justine Cotton (Brock University).

Glow, Don’t Burn: Managing Burnout and Thriving in Libraries

Do you notice burnout in yourself or your staff? Burnout can manifest in many different ways, from a lack of motivation to complete mental and/or physical exhaustion. Library work is becoming increasingly demanding, and it is essential to develop supportive skills and strategies to help library staff flourish in today’s challenging times. 

Learn how to identify, manage, and avoid burnout in this interactive workshop for anyone working in libraries. Participants will leave with techniques to manage their time, energy, and wellbeing.

Date: Monday, November 10, 2025

Time: 1:00am – 3:30pm EST

Location: Online via Zoom

Please click on the link below for more information or to register.

Camrose Public Library Book Bike Auction!

The Camrose Public Library in Alberta is auctioning off their beloved Book Bike for new adventures! Thanks to grant funding, they have been able to order a new book bike, but that means they are in need of rehoming their first one, so there’s space in the shed.

The winner will be selected via a closed online auction which takes place until November 30. Anyone can make a bid, not just libraries! The winning bid will be based on a combination of availability, timeline for pickup, and price.

To learn more about the Book Bike itself or to take part in the closed auction, please use the link below.

Important Updates to the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program

The Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARP) supports the mandate of the Department of Canadian Heritage by building on Canada's strength as a diverse and inclusive society through community-based initiatives that promote intercultural understanding, celebrate diversity, and address racism and discrimination.

Through the Events component, MARP provides funding for events that:

• Foster intercultural or interfaith understanding. ​
• Promote discussions on multiculturalism, diversity, racism, and religious discrimination. ​
• Celebrate a community’s history and culture, such as heritage months recognized by Parliament. ​

Application timelines for the Events component have been updated as follows:

• For events taking place between April 1, 2026, and July 31, 2026: Applications can be submitted starting now, up until November 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. (ET). ​

• For events taking place in the current fiscal year (2025–2026): Applications will continue to be accepted on a continuous intake basis, subject to the program’s 18-week timeline to submit applications prior to the proposed event start date and funding availability. ​

To learn more about this program and available funding, please use the link below.

Urgent Conversations:

Ancestral Remains in Museums

MAS is pleased to extend this opportunity to their members on behalf of the Alberta Museums Association, as they launch their webinar series Urgent Conversations that addresses pressing topics in the museum sector regarding best practices, ethical concerns, and community engagement.

In this first conversation, they present an online discussion surrounding the presence, care, and repatriation of ancestral remains in museum collections. Moderated by Kim Ghostkeeper, Métis facilitator, these two sessions will present dialogue between museum professionals from across the country about the experiences and outcomes of engaging with collections that hold ancestral remains. 

Session 1: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

10:00 a.m. MT 

Online via Zoom. Register through Eventbrite 

MAS Members: Free 

Non-MAS Members: $10 

Session 2: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

10:00 a.m. MT 

Online via Zoom. Register through Eventbrite 

MAS Members: Free 

Non-MAS Members: $10 

Please register using the links below.

Disclaimer: 

This webinar includes discussion of sensitive topics, including the presence, care, and repatriation of ancestral remains in museum collections. We ask all participants to engage with this conversation respectfully and with awareness of the cultural, spiritual, and emotional significance of these subjects. The Alberta Museums Association recognizes that these discussions may be distressing for some viewers and encourages participants to care for their well-being throughout the session.

CSL Digital and Media Literacy Toolkit:

A Guide for School Library Professionals

The Canadian School Libraries (CSL) is pleased to present the CSL Digital and Media Literacy Toolkit. The CSL has chosen to present the toolkit as a live Canva link so that it can be changed and refined over time as a living document. 

Led by the work of Tracy Krys (Director of Instruction, Abbotsford School District, BC) and Jennifer Casa-Todd (Author, CSL Board Member, Social Media Maven), the DML toolkit brings forward the CSL's vision for positive focused digital and media literacy. The core idea behind this is to help educators locate resources and understand how to approach digital and media literacy through a positive focused lens, focused on what students Think, Feel and Do with respect to the digital world around them.

To download the CSL Digital and Media Literacy Toolkit, please use the link below.

W. Kaye Lamb Award for Service to Seniors

Every other year, the ExLibris Association, in partnership with the Canadian Federation of Library Associations, invites Canadian libraries to be considered for the W. Kaye Lamb Award for Service to Seniors. The deadline to apply this year has been extended to Thursday, November 6, 2025.

The award is given to the library (band, post-secondary, public or special) that provides innovative and excellent service to seniors and elders.

W. Kaye Lamb award recipients receive a cash award of $500 and a commemorative certificate named after Canada’s first National Librarian, William Kaye Lamb, OC, FRSC. 

To learn more or apply, please use the link below.

Join the Conversation in SLA Member Forums!

As a part of our ongoing commitment to improve member experience, the Saskatchewan Library Association is proud to offer member forums featured in the Members-Only Area of our website. We encourage you to click on the link below to engage with other SLA members.

Keep an eye out for upcoming Members Forum live events!

• Rivers West District for Sport, Culture, and Recreation e-News

• Museums Association of Saskatchewan Events

• Canadian School Libraries Blog

• SaskCulture Events

• Saskatchewan Writers' Guild Events