Saskatoon Public Library
The Saskatoon Public Library was established in 1913. The library moved for the first few years – from the basement of the Independent Order of Oddfellows Hall to the former Great War Veterans Association’s headquarters, to the basement of Central Chambers – until in 1928 a new building was erected on 23rd Street East. By 1964, plans were underway for a new central library, to be erected on the same site.
Branches
Saskatoon Public Library has eight branches across Saskatoon. The Library on 20th Street is the newest branch, opening its doors on July 28, 2009.
Frances Morrison Library
The Frances Morrison Library is Saskatoon Public Library's central branch located on 23rd Street East. The library is named after Frances Morrison who was the chief librarian from 1961 to 1980. As chief librarian, she was responsible for the construction of a new main library, a local history room, programming services, and audio-visual and fine arts departments. Currently, plans are underway for a new central library.
Alice Turner Library
The Alice Turner Branch replaced the Sutherland Branch in December 1998. It is named after Alice Turner McFarland who was a library employee for 37 years and chief librarian from 1981 to 1989.
It is the first library in Canada to be built to the standards of C-2000 construction, Canada's environmental building code. Features include large, south-facing windows, radiant heat flooring and lighting that automatically adjusts to the amount of natural light coming from the outside.
Carlyle King Library
The Carlyle King Branch Library officially opened on October 16, 1979. It was the first branch library to be part of a multi-purpose civic complex. The branch was named in honour of Carlyle King who, in addition to a distinguished academic career, was actively involved in the Saskatchewan Library Advisory Council, the Saskatchewan Library Association and the Saskatoon Public Library Board (1955-1972).
Cliff Wright Library
The Lakewood suburban area was originally served by the Lakeview Library, a storefront branch on McKercher Drive. The branch was renamed Cliff Wright, after a former mayor of Saskatoon, when it moved into the new facility in the Lakewood Civic Centre. The official opening of the new location was January 9, 1989.
J.S. Wood Library
J.S. Wood Branch Library is located on the corner of Lansdowne Avenue and Taylor Street. The library proper is located on the main floor, with washrooms and an auditorium in the lower level. Parking is provided beside the building. Named after a former chief librarian, this branch has been providing a full range of library services to residents of Saskatoon and regional borrowers since 1961.
Library on 20th Street
The Library on 20th Street opened its doors on July 28, 2009 and celebrated its Grand Opening on August 29, 2009. It is located in the Monarch Yards Housing complex at the site of the Station 20 West Centre. The suggestion for the name of the new branch was submitted by Lonetta Hjermenrude as part of a call for public input by the Library Board. The Library on 20th Street serves the communities of Riversdale, Pleasant Hill, King George, Westmount and Holiday Park.
Mayfair Library
The original Mayfair Branch Library was established in 1952 in the basement of the Mayfair Community Hall, at the corner of 33rd St. W. and Avenue F.
Rusty Macdonald
The Rusty MacDonald Branch opened in 1989 as part of the Lawson Civic Centre, a multipurpose facility also housing a wave pool, weight room and exercise room. It is named after R. H. "Rusty" Macdonald, journalist, author, photographer and dedicated library trustee (1960-1981).
References
External links
- Saskatoon Public Library
- Saskatchewan Libraries
- Saskatchewan Information and Library Services Consortium