The resources available to the Lloydminster Public Library are getting a border city upgrade.
The local library is moving away from Saskatchewan’s Lakeland region to a municipal model under the Saskatchewan Public Libraries Act. As of Nov. 19, 2024, the Saskatchewan government has officially removed the City’s Saskatchewan-side boundary from the Lakeland Library Region which the library was previously a part of. The move is seen as a step to better align the library with local needs.
“Being recognized as a municipal library marks a historic milestone for the Lloydminster Public Library. This achievement recognizes the dedicated efforts of past leadership and the innovative vision of our current staff and board members.” said Kristine Knourek, chair, Lloydminster Public Library Board of Directors.
With Lloydminster City Council having approved the move last June, the steps are being taken to finalize the process of providing a made-in Lloydminster model for the public library.
“The shift to a municipal governance model will empower us to better respond to the evolving needs and aspirations of our community, while enabling the development of programs and collections that foster continued growth and engagement.” added Knourek.
The growth of the library which was noted by city council was a key driver in the municipal shift, and the city is congratulating the library for its achievement.
Lloydminster Mayor, Gerald Aalbers noted the “energy and creativity that continues to drive extraordinary membership growth and foot traffic” to the library’s “modern, vibrant location in the LloydMall.”
“The City of Lloydminster looks forward to supporting this partnership and, in turn, supporting a passion for exploration and learning among our youth and families.” said Aalbers.
The Lloydminster Public Library had been a part of the Lakeland Library Region (Lakeland) for several decades. Detailed in a report on its services is an uptick of over 90,000 visits since its move to the LloydMall.
Next steps include “amendments to the Lloydminster Charter, preparing a new municipal bylaw to formally establish the library, and collaborating with the Alberta and Saskatchewan governments to approve complementary Orders in Council,” says the city. These steps were approved following council’s meeting on Monday, Jan. 20.
More information on the numerous activities at the library are available on its social media.
