About Chinook | Chinook Regional Library

Overview of Chinook Regional Library

The Chinook Regional Library has provided public library service to Southwest Saskatchewan since 1971 through its network of 31 Branch libraries and 13 Corner libraries. The library covers an area of 49,949 sq. km. (19,286 sq. miles) and serves a population of 47,337.

We are dedicated to providing inclusive and welcoming services that strengthen and sustain lifelong learning in our communities.

The Regional Library obtains its revenue through an annual provincial government grant and annual contributions from the 93 participating municipalities. With these funds, we maintain an administrative headquarters and provide books and programs to residents of all ages throughout the Southwest. The regional headquarters is centrally located in Swift Current.

We are governed by a board composed of appointed representatives from each participating municipality. Annually, an executive is elected from the board to carry out the day-to-day business of the board and the operation of the regional library.

The Chinook Regional Library is part of the provincial public library network, which consists of eight regional systems and three municipal systems, in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert.

Please visit your nearest public library ... we are at your service.

Corner Libraries

The Corner Libraries provide an honour-system lending service only (no library cards needed!) using donations from Chinook's withdrawn items. These small volunteer libraries are established in communities that were previously serviced by the now discontinued Bookmobile service. Corner Libraries include communities within the Chinook Regional Library System coverage area: Admiral, Aneroid, Bracken, Cadillac, Golden Prairie, Lancer, Mccord, Mendham, Neville, Richmound, Shamrock, and Success. Hours are subject to change - please contact Chinook Headquarters for further details.

Brief History of Saskatchewan Libraries

1909

Regina Public Library opened.

1913

Saskatoon and Moose Jaw Public Libraries opened.

Saskatchewan Public Libraries Act:

♦ allowed for the establishment of municipal libraries.

♦ grants inadequate when spread over many libraries.

♦ only larger urban centres could afford to provide adequate service with little Provincial Government assistance.

1914

Travelling Libraries:

♦ legislative library sent large wooden boxes, with 60-80 books each, to groups or communities for a year.

♦ there were 851 travelling libraries with 38,000 books in 1953.

Open Shelf Service:

♦ started because of request from Women Grain Growers for literary and educational material.

♦ mail service for informational and reference material.

1918

Swift Current Public Library opened May 1.

1946

Regional Libraries Act:

♦ allowed for the establishment of Regional Libraries.

♦ appointment of Supervisor of Regional Libraries.

1950

North Central Saskatchewan Regional Library ( now called Wapiti) established in Prince Albert.

1953

Provincial Library formed:

♦ took over the Open Shelf Service, the Travelling Libraries and the Office of the Supervisor of Regional Libraries.

1965

Southeast Saskatchewan Regional Library (now called Southeast Regional Library) established in Weyburn.

1967

Wheatland Regional Library established after a two-year bookmobile demonstration project was completed in the area around Saskatoon.

1968

Parkland Regional Library established in Yorkton.

1971

Chinook Regional Library established on June 1 in Swift Current.

1972

Lakeland Library Region established in North Battleford.

1973

Palliser Regional Library established in Moose Jaw.

1991

Pahkisimon Nuye-ah Library System established in Air Ronge.