Congratulations to Our 2026 Saskatchewan Library Week Grant Recipients!
The Saskatchewan Library Association (SLA) is pleased to congratulate the recipients of the 2026 Saskatchewan Library Week grants:
- Annaheim Public Library
- Beauval Public Library
- Coronach Branch Public Library
- Eastend Branch Library
- Esterhazy Public Library
- Frances Morrison Library
- Kindersley Branch Library
- Lafleche Branch Library
- Langenburg Public Library
- Loon Lake Branch Library
- Lumsden Public Library Branch
- Melville Public Library
- Milestone Public Library Branch
- Montmartre Public Library Branch
- Moose Jaw Public Library
- Muenster Public Library
- Oungre Public Library Branch
- Paradise Hill Branch Library
- Reid-Thompson Public Library
- Saskatchewan Health Authority Clinical Library
- St. Benedict Public Library
- Wakaw Public Library
- Waldheim Branch Library
- Willow Bunch Branch Library
- Wood Mountain Branch Public Library
We’re thrilled to support these libraries as they bring engaging and meaningful programming to communities across Saskatchewan.
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SLA Seeking Presenters for 2027 Libraries Conference
SLA is now accepting session proposals for the 2027 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference.
The theme for next year's conference is Libraries Build Brighter Futures. The theme promotes libraries as innovative and forward-thinking spaces for a strong, hopeful and resilient Saskatchewan.
The SLA Conference Program Committee invites presenter submissions in the broad areas below:
Learning and Literacy — For children, youth and learners of all ages.
Access and Opportunity — In support of students and new and
experienced professionals.
Community and Belonging — Create welcoming and inclusive spaces
to serve all people and populations, including newcomers, seniors and underserved groups.
Innovation and Resilience — Help individuals, communities and libraries adapt, create, and thrive in a changing world.
We are seeking innovative and engaging content for next year's event. If you have an industry-specific program, presentation, or special knowledge you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you! The deadline to submit your session proposal is November 16, 2026.
The 2027 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference will take place April 29 & 30, 2027, at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, SK. All conference sessions will be held in-person at the conference venue. Submissions from within Saskatchewan and outside the province are welcome.
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2027 One Book One Province Title Announced!
The Saskatchewan Library Association's One Book One Province program offers Saskatchewan residents an opportunity to find points of connection through a book. The aim is to create an experience that supports literacy, creates a reading culture, raises the profile of libraries and literacy organizations, and builds community engagement through shared experience.
SLA is pleased to announce the official selection for the 2027 One Book One Province, WÎHTAMAWIK / Tell Them: On a Life of Inspiration by Louise Bernice Halfe – Sky Dancer. The program will see libraries, book clubs, and individuals all across Saskatchewan join together in April 2027 to read this book and share discussions about the story.
For more details, including title information, author biography, dates, and locations, please visit us online using the button below.
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Continuing Education Grant Applications Close October 2!
Are you interested in attending a specific workshop or conference? Do you have an upcoming industry event in mind? SLA's Continuing Education Grants provide financial support for attending or hosting industry-related educational opportunities! Applications are now open for both individual and organizational members.
Individual members can receive up to $500, while organizations can receive up to $1,000 to cover eligible expenses.
Grant applications will close on October 2.
To apply, please click the buttons below.
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Two Student Awards Available Closing Soon!
The Saskatchewan Library Association is excited to offer two awards for MLIS students this Fall: the Maureen Woods Education Award and the Indigenous MLIS Student Award.
These awards aim to promote the continued growth of professional librarianship and provide financial support in the form of a $5,000 award. They are open to anyone who, at the time of the award application, has been accepted to or is enrolled in an ALA-accredited graduate degree program for a Master of Library and Information Science or equivalent.
Applications close on October 31.
To learn more, please click the buttons below.
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Last Chance to Enter the Book Spine Poetry Contest
There’s still time to enter our annual Book Spine Poetry Contest, held in celebration of Culture Days!
Open to participants ages 5 and up, the contest is a fun and creative way to celebrate literacy and a love of books. Entries close October 4, so don’t miss your chance to participate!
Libraries and organizations can find printable posters, English and French instruction sheets, and social media materials on the SLA website.
Please click the button below to learn more.
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Don't Miss Out! Culture Days Is Happening Now!
There’s still time to experience Culture Days across Saskatchewan! Happening now through October 4, this annual celebration brings people together to explore arts, culture, and creativity.
From tipi raisings and needle felting to printmaking, pysanky, mandolin lessons, Métis jigging, and more, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, events are free and available in person or online for people of all ages and abilities.
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate creativity, culture, and community before Culture Days wraps up!
Explore Culture Days events across Saskatchewan by clicking the button below.
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2027 Theme and Artist Announcement
Get ready to catch the beat! The TD Summer Reading Club has announced its 2027 theme, "Read the Rhythm!", inviting kids to explore the beats, patterns, movements, and sounds that shape our world. Featuring vibrant artwork and character-driven storytelling by featured artist Gillian Reid, next year's program is shaping up to be an exciting celebration!
To learn more, please click the button below.
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TD Summer Reading Club 2026 Library Awards and CELA Accessibility Award
Public libraries participating in the 2026 TD Summer Reading Club are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming Library Awards application process. Eligible libraries must have been registered for the 2026 program, delivered the Club for at least six weeks, followed branding guidelines, and completed all required reporting and application materials.
Applications are limited to one submission per library per year and must be submitted in either the English or French stream. Award recipients are required to reinvest prize funds in their library’s children’s services and participate in promotional activities.
Please note that libraries that receive an award will be ineligible to apply again for the following three years.
CELA Accessibility Award
The deadline to submit your TD Summer Reading Club Accessibility Award application is also October 2, 2026.
For more detailed information, please click the button below.
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Regina Public Library Bids Farewell to
Jeff Barber & Welcomes Beth Côté!
SLA extends its best wishes to Jeff Barber and thanks him for his dedicated service to Regina Public Library and his incredible support of SLA. All the best, Jeff, as you embark on an exciting new chapter in retirement!
We are also pleased to extend a warm welcome to Beth Côté as she assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer of Regina Public Library, effective October 13, 2026. Congrats, Beth! We look forward to continuing our strong and valued relationship!
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SLA External Representative – Saskatchewan Book Awards
Are you interested in representing SLA on the Saskatchewan Book Awards, Board of Directors as a Member at Large?
Saskatchewan Book Awards celebrates, promotes and rewards Saskatchewan authors and publishers worthy of recognition through 14 awards, granted on an annual or biennial basis.
The Saskatchewan Book Awards (SBA) were established in 1993 by founding partners, the Saskatchewan Library Association, the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild and SaskBooks (formerly the Saskatchewan Publishers Group). For more than three decades, the SBA has been recognizing and celebrating excellence in Saskatchewan writing and publishing through its annual award program.
Saskatchewan Book Awards is the only provincially focused book award program and a principal ambassador for Saskatchewan's literary community, which includes more than 300 writers and 75 book publishers. Its solid reputation for celebrating artistic excellence in style is recognized nationally.
COMMITMENT
Term: 1 renewable term to commence immediately.
SBA Board meetings are held by Zoom on the third Monday of each month, with up to two in-person meetings annually, as needed.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your Letter of Interest by email to info@saskla.ca, as soon as possible or click the button below.
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• October 2 - Continuing Education Grant Applications Close
• October 4 - Book Spine Poetry Closes
• October 4 - Culture Days Close
• October 11 - Saskatchewan Library Week Opens!
• October 17 - Saskatchewan Library Week Closes
• October 31 - Maureen Woods Education Award Applications Close
• October 31 - Indigenous MLIS Student Award Applications Close
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Hello, everyone,
Coughs and Colds
Common Colds
Colds
Colds
Catching a Cold
Colds, the Flu, and Other Infections
Influenza and Other Viruses
All Things Considered
I’m Really Ever Not So Well
We’re once again into the Culture Days season, and you know what that means: the Book Spine Poetry Contest is now in full swing! We are also about four weeks into the start of the school year, and, unfortunately, those of you with kids probably also know what that means: I am home sick today with what feels like a combination of every ailment in the known world.
Never Catch a Cold
That Is NOT a Good Idea!
Morris Has a Cold
Mr. Putter & Tabby Catch the Cold
Chilly Catches a Cold
Little Raccoon Catches a Cold
Oh, Bother! No One’s Listening!
Despite the popularity of the idiom, me saying that I’m currently sick as a dog would be entirely unfair to my dog, who is here valiantly by my side to help and support me in my time of need. He appears to have absolutely no medical training, but he’s a natural at bedside manner so far, so it’s the thought that counts. (Well, that idiom’s maybe not quite right, either; my dog is quite blissfully unencumbered by anything that would resemble a thought in his head.)
The Sniffles for Bear
Sneeze
Ah-choo!
The Big Sneeze
Sneeze, Big Bear, Sneeze!
One, Two, AH-CHOO!
Bear Feels Sick
Mitigation and treatment options for common seasonal virus infections like colds and flus include bedrest, nutritious foods like soups and fruits, adding cool moisture to the air, over-the-counter medications, honey, and—of course—drinking lots and lots of water and other fluids. I appreciate that the Mayo Clinic page on cold remedies breaks them down into “what works, what doesn’t, and what can’t hurt”; those are good categories, and we should use them more often wherever we can.
The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds & Flu
What a Cold Needs
Medical Herbs for Immune Defense
Soap and Water & Common Sense
A Soothing Broth
Scotch on the Rocks
You’re Not Dead ‘til I Say You’re Dead
I am, of course, ineligible to enter the Book Spine Poetry Contest as President, which is just as well because my acceptance speech at present would be three to five uninterrupted minutes of coughing and hacking. But you at home (or work) reading this still have time to enter—the deadline to send in your submissions is this Sunday, October 4!
One, Two, AH-CHOO,
James Hope Howard
SLA President
| | Spotlight on Threats to Right to Read in Canada | | |
CFLA is developing a multi-step campaign to counter the spread of legislation similar to Alberta’s and is also supporting related activities by member associations. Key talking points prepared by a CFLA Board working group for the upcoming municipal elections in many provinces were distributed to member associations on August 26, 2026. A resolution on freedom to read and local control is in development, inspired by a similar resolution in Quebec that was adopted by 158 municipal councils. In September, the Board will consider a task force that would explore seeking freedom to read legislation at the provincial and territorial level, building on examples in Australia and the United States.
To learn more, click the button below.
| | CFLA-FCAB Canadian Library Month 2026 Statement | | |
As Canadian Library Month approaches, this year’s theme, Loud for Libraries, gives CFLA-FCAB and its library partners across Canada a chance to highlight the vital role libraries play in people’s lives and to speak up for the values that guide the library profession.
In light of recent changes affecting public libraries in Alberta, CFLA-FCAB is reaffirming the importance of intellectual freedom, privacy, and the public’s right to access information. Libraries across Canada play an essential role in supporting informed communities, and CFLA-FCAB remains committed to working with its member associations and library partners to uphold these principles.
CFLA-FCAB thanks each of its member associations for their work and continued support. Together, CFLA-FCAB and its members strengthen Canada’s library sector and ensure that libraries continue to serve their communities.
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SKISH Training Materials Available for Library Cataloguers
New training materials for the Saskatchewan Indigenous Subject Headings Project (SKISH) are now available to support library cataloguers implementing SKISH in their catalogues.
Since the release of SKISH, we have heard from library staff that practical examples of implementation would be helpful. In response, these new training materials were developed to demonstrate how SKISH subject headings can be applied within catalogue records in a variety of library environments.
The training materials include side-by-side comparisons of catalogue records before and after SKISH subject headings are applied, allowing cataloguers to see exactly how records may be updated in practice. Where possible, multiple examples from different library sectors are included for the same titles to demonstrate how implementation may vary based on local needs and cataloguing practices.
The training materials are intended as a practical resource for libraries that are considering SKISH implementation as well as those already incorporating the subject headings into their catalogues.
The training materials are available at: https://mlb.libguides.com/SK_ISH
The Saskatchewan Indigenous Subject Headings Project is conducted under the leadership of the Multitype Library Board.
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Seeking Community Voices: Mental Health Literacy Research
A research team in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Alberta is doing a research project, “Implementation, Dissemination, & Evaluation of an Elementary Mental Health Literacy Intervention in Four Canadian Provinces,” that uses the Elementary Mental Health Literacy Resource (EMHLR), an evidence-based educational resource designed for students in Grades 4–6. The resource focuses on promoting positive mental health, increasing understanding of mental and neurodevelopmental disorders and their treatments, reducing stigma, and encouraging help-seeking.
The research team is seeking individuals from Black, Indigenous, and Chinese communities, including educators and mental health professionals who work closely with youth. Participants will review resource materials and participate in an interview to help the team understand how to culturally adapt the resource.
Participants will receive a $100 honorarium in recognition of their time and expertise.
If you are interested, please email vieweger@ualberta.ca.
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Your SLA Membership Comes With 5,000+ Ways to Save!
Did you know your SLA membership gives you access to Perkopolis?
As an active Individual SLA member, you can unlock more than 5,000 exclusive discounts and offers through Perkopolis, from health and wellness to travel, entertainment, everyday essentials, and more!
More Savings. More Perks. More For You.
Whether you want to save on what you already enjoy or discover something new, Perkopolis makes your SLA membership work even harder for you. And the best part? Your access is already included with your SLA membership!
If you haven’t joined Perkopolis yet, getting started is easy. Create your account, explore the offers, and start saving.
There’s Even More to Explore
Perkopolis is just one of the many benefits available through your SLA membership.
Want to see what else your membership has to offer? Visit us online using the button below and explore all your exclusive member benefits.
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SLAte Submissions
Do you have something you’d like to see in SLAte? Send us your submission! The deadline for SLAte submissions is the 20th of each month, and submissions must be emailed to Marielle Escover at MEscover@saskla.ca. SLA reserves the right to change or edit any submission, or to refuse publication in its entirety.
SLAte is an open-access publication under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY-NC-ND copyright license, excluding all logos and other material where indicated.
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