Curling up with a good bookCurling up with a good bookBy COLLEEN HAWKESFORD of the Weyburn Review
Caroline Johnston had "readitis."
She's known it for most of her life, but remains unconcerned with the diagnosis.
Caroline invented the word to describe herself and other bookworms who can't get their hands on enough books to satisfy their cravings. "That is a very wonderful affliction because I feel that it helps whenever your spirits are low," Caroline said. "Going to the library, I've always felt very welcomed and felt that they would be helpful."
Former Weyburn librarian Julie Curry identified with Caroline and said she saw several cases of the condition a day. "It's an addiction," Curry confirmed. "And it's a great addiction. And it's funny the number of people who say 'I'm just addicted' and have this wild sort of stare in their eyes. And that's OK, there's worse things to be addicted to."
Fortunately for the book junkies, Weyburn's library is packed with thousands of tomes to grab a fix from. The only problem is, the library is running out of room to house all of the books.
But then, lack of space seems to be an ongoing problem for the Weyburn Public Library.
When the present library building expanded to include the basement area in 1978, many people believed the new shelves lining the walls would never be filled. "At the time I can remember people thinking, 'oh, we're never going to need all that space,'" said retired librarian Marlene Yurkowski. "And, of course, the library has filled every nook and cranny, and it needs more space now."
Today the library is still crammed literally to the ceiling with books. "I think if you look around you'll discover that it's pretty packed as it is," Julie said. "And there's just no room for growth, really. In fact even in my office, I have some of the reference books in here because there's no more room out there."
The library was established by an act of council as a reference service. In 1923 a lending library was opened with 1,083 books donated by several local service clubs. In March, 1924, an average of 50 books per day were signed out with 470 names on the borrowers' role. By November of 1924, there were around 1800 books on the shelves and over 600 library members.
The library's space became increasingly crowded as more and more books poured into the popular lending facility. Up until the 60s, the library remained in the two little rooms and was headed by longtime librarian Allie Griffin. "I still recall my first visit to the library," Marlene recalled. "The place was just packed, and I knew what I wanted, and I knew I'd never find it. But she knew where everything was in these two crowded little rooms."
Finally in 1964 the city decided to construct a new library. "It was the dream of (Griffin's) life when this building was built," said Marlene. Mayor Tom Laing officially opened the new facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
At first only the upper level of the building was used by the library, while the school board's offices and the auditorium were below. In 1975 the school board moved out and the library's children's section was moved downstairs. Then in 1978 the entire building was reorganized and remains the same today.
At last count the library housed 182,000 books,
cassette tapes, toys and reference materials. "Weyburn branch
has the highest circulation in the southeast region," said
Julie. "It's a very heavily-used library for children and
adults. There's a lot of traffic."
One of the library's most frequent users is Florence Allan. A spry 84-year-old, she records every book she has read; 2,168 so far. "I was going to the collegiate here in Weyburn when I heard about a library in Weyburn," she recalled. "And here it was Allie Griffin and the library was in the city hall. I told Dad about it so we both became members of the library."
Florence is a member of Friends of the Library, a loosely organized group of about 15 people who volunteer at library functions such as author readings and book sales.
"They do the hostessing and the hosting of various functions, programs that are sponsored by the library and they help immensely with the book sales," explained library board chairperson Isabelle Butters. "They've got their own little organization and they meet with the library periodically and whenever there's something to do."
Caroline Johnston is also a Friend of the Library. A certificate honoring her commitment to the library hangs proudly in her living room, given to her by the government of Saskatchewan in 1992.
Books are piled on Caroline's end tables, in shelves and beside her bed. She reads fiction, non-fiction; whatever she can get her hands on. "In the town that I grew up in there was an English lady that collected a bunch of books and she had people come and get them," Caroline explained. "So I've always been a reader. My father treasured books so I suppose I've been conditioned to it because he loved books."
Caroline is one of many people who believe Weyburn's library is the best she's been to. "I've been to libraries when I'm away. I went to Denver, Colorado, Saskatoon, Regina, Vancouver, Victoria and I like this one the best," Caroline said. "I can't tell you exactly why, but I suppose it's because they always try to provide whatever service is possible. They're always courteous and helpful."
Julie said it is this helpfulness that helps keep the library alive and running. "You can't just sort of sit back and let people sign out books, that isn't good enough," she said. "You've got to keep things going for them. Keep them interested in the library, keep them coming."
Both Marlene and Julie agreed that now more than ever people are visiting the library to research, read and satisfy their curiosities about just about everything. For Julie, the attitude was a pleasant surprise.
After spending two years as a children's librarian, Julie was convinced only children possessed enough enough interest and curiosity to discover and learn new things at the library.
When she came to Weyburn's library, Julie soon realized things
aren't always as they seem. "Adults really do have interests
and they really are just as passionate as kids about reading and
learning."
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