We are pleased to be open and restriction free. Those who wish to, may still wear masks and physical distance but it is no longer required for entry to the library. Books may now be returned in the inside drop box. It has been lovely to see the faces of maskless patrons for the first time since last March.
We are so thrilled to be able to offer programs again at the library this fall. Some facilitators are rearing to go, whilst others have opted to wait for a bit to see how things in the post Covid world proceed. So, we have some in person classes and some virtual via Zoom. There may be more programs offered in the Fall than are provided in the program pages in this issue of the High Country News, so please check the program listings on our website for any additions.
Out Loud is back and this year the theme is “Come on in!” (for obvious reasons). We are holding the series one month later this year, in November, to give a bit of a cushion for those performers who travel from afar with regards to possible Covid restrictions. Our line-up this year includes: Sheri-D Wilson, Calgary’s Poet Laureate, 2018-2020; Notable Exceptions, the musical duo Judy Coder and Jennifer Epps and BJ Smith with Ol’Ugly presenting the Best of the Storytelling West Show. For a full description of their performances, bios, dates and times, pick up our Out Loud brochure or go to our website. Free tickets will be available September 15.
Mark Saturday, August 14 on your calendar. The Town of Turner Valley will be hosting the ‘Back Together Summer Celebration’ event on August 14 to honour the amazing efforts made by our communities in helping each other through the challenges of the pandemic. The day will consist of family activities including a petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting, entertainment, free barbecue and fireworks, conditions permitting. The library will be holding its annual book sale on the front patio. Come and pick through the books and carts to find the treasures that await. Items will be sold by donation – no set price. We will do our best to have the books organized by category. The book sale means that we need books to sell, so we are happy to accept your book donations. Please call ahead and let us know that you will be dropping your books off as used books cannot be left in the book return. We accept almost everything except encyclopedia sets, textbooks and Reader’s Digest condensed books.
The Friends of the Sheep River Library Foundation are looking for new members to help with their fundraising activities. This group does a tremendous job providing funds that allow us to bring in authors, speakers, performers and to also purchase new equipment and do upgrades to our space. The Library Board is also looking to fill a couple of vacancies. If you are passionate about libraries and life-long learning and want to give back to your community, this may be a good fit for you. For more information on either of these opportunities, please call Jan at 403-933-3278.