The Blaine Lake Library board held its first annual Valentine's Day Extravaganza Feb. 12.
Seventy-two guests gathered at the senior centre to enjoy a catered meal and live local entertainment. The tables were tastefully decorated for the Valentine's theme while Ed Bajak provided background instrumental music as the caterer prepared to serve the supper.
Local poet and author Weldon Parsons captivated the audience with his poetry reading while Ed provided instrumental music to complement the readings. Two local women, Doreen Kalmakoff and Elaine Bella, performed an improv skit about a fictitious online dating service in Blaine Lake. The two women have a natural ability to make people laugh. The overall theme of the skit was based on a dating service and its first client.
The board of directors did an impressive job organizing the event. The Blaine Lake library board of directors consists of Ed Bajak as chair; Kitty Larson as vice-chair; Sheryle Powley as secretary/treasurer; and Ruby Wall, Elsie Magiera, Patricia Shabbits and Cecile Small. The RM of Blaine Lake representative is Eugene Chudskov.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used for library programs, to purchase reading material and to do some minor renovations and improvements to make the library more user-friendly and efficient. Wapiti Library Blaine Lake branch has been successful in hosting a variety of programs for its patrons over the past few years, from summer reading programs to in-library contests. The library, located in the historic CN building along Railway Avenue, has also required renovations and upgrades to complement the historic features.
A library is a vital asset to any community. Many families with young children and patrons on a fixed income utilize the library on a regular basis. Rural communities are met with challenges of maintaining a patron base to keep circulation of loan material consistent. The Blaine Lake Library promotes all reading and media material whether it is large print, youth, adult, children, video or cassettes in the form of talking books. Patrons can choose from a selection of books and magazines off the shelves or request books through the inter-library loan system. As a member of Saskatchewan multi-type library system, Blaine Lake Library lends resources to other libraries and receives loans in return. As a result, patrons have access to over 3 million items from public, university and special libraries across Saskatchewan.
Computer access, photocopying and reference material are also available in Blaine Lake.
The library also has story time for toddlers.
Library hours are from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday. Stop by and check it out!
