Two Saskatoon library branches expanding their hours
- EFN Staff | October 17, 2017
Two Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) branches in core neighbourhoods are expanding their operating hours beginning today. The updated hours at the Dr. Freda Ahenakew & Mayfair Branches will meet a growing need for library services in core neighbourhoods and marks a significant step forward for SPL.
The changes are being made to create more equity in the hours of SPL locations across Saskatoon. Previously, these two SPL branches were the only ones not open on Mondays and they had fewer open hours other days as well. .
“Expanding the operating hours at the Mayfair and Dr. Freda Ahenakew Branches has been one of our organization’s top priorities, and I’m very pleased we are now able to make this happen,” said Carol Cooley. “The community need for expanded library hours has been there for quite some time, and thanks to the support of City Council, these needs can now be better met.
“Library usage has increased significantly in recent years, and it’s critical that we give all of our valued patrons equal access to SPL’s many programs and services,” said Cooley, who also noted it’s fitting that these changes are taking effect during Saskatchewan Library Week (Oct. 15 – 21).
The Mayfair Branch, located at 622 – 33rd St W, was originally established in 1952 and reopened in a new building on the same site in 1991. The Dr. Freda Ahenakew Branch, located at 100 – 219 Ave K S, opened in 2009. Originally called the Library on 20th Street, it was renamed in 2016 to honour Dr. Freda Ahenakew, one of Canada’s foremost leaders in the preservation of Indigenous languages.
Effective Oct. 16, the operating hours at both branches will be as follows:
Monday to Thursday / 10 am – 9 pm
Friday & Saturday / 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday / 1 – 5:30 pm
In total, SPL operates nine locations—the central library and eight branch libraries—across Saskatoon. In 2016, SPL saw a 35% increase in active member, 31% increase in program attendance and issued 12,662 new library cards.