YORKTON, Sask. — Yorkton's Culture Days celebrations got underway Friday with a gathering at the Yorkton Public Library that also marked a century of service to the community.
Residents, community leaders and library supporters gathered for an opening ceremony, speeches and a 100th anniversary cake celebration before taking part in cultural activities and crafts.
Library branch manager Karen Crawford noted that this year's Culture Days programming includes a focus on truth and reconciliation, coinciding with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.
“Acknowledging our shared histories promotes a better understanding of past harms done and fosters a deeper understanding of reconciliation through meaningful engagement,” Crawford said.
Activities at the library include a Truth and Reconciliation-themed book club featuring The Education of Augie Merasty: A Residential School Memoir and a bracelet-making activity using orange and black beads.
Mayor Aaron Kienle said the event was an opportunity to celebrate both cultural diversity and a landmark anniversary for the library.
“Being here today is extremely special because we're celebrating 100 years of the Yorkton Public Library,” he said. “What a milestone. What an opportunity to celebrate the service and support that the public library has given to not only Yorkton, but to the surrounding communities.”
Kienle reflected on memories of visiting libraries and bookmobiles while growing up in rural Saskatchewan, describing libraries as places that opened the door to learning and discovery.
The centennial celebration also featured remarks from Parkland Regional Library director Greg Morgan and Yorkton Public Library board chair Juanita Brown.
Brown traced the library's history from its beginnings in the old city hall a century ago to its current location, while emphasizing the role the institution has played in bringing people together.
“A library is so much more than a building filled with books,” she said. “It's been a place where people gather, share ideas, exchange stories, and community is built.”
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the library is inviting community members to create family-name canvases that will be combined into a permanent display. Organizers hope to collect 100 canvases representing families who have been part of the library's history.
For Allison Woolhead, program director at the library, the connection between Culture Days and the centennial celebration is fitting.
“Culture Days is an opportunity for all the different cultures in the community to reach out and give the rest of the community a taste of what their culture involves,” she said.
Culture Days activities will continue in Yorkton through early October, with events highlighting arts, heritage, cultural traditions and reconciliation.
