Building capacity for inclusive libraries

For many people, a library is more than just a place to borrow books; it is where people connect, learn and belong. As trusted community hubs, libraries not only provide safe spaces for curiosity and connection, but also play a vital role in advocacy. Across Saskatchewan, new resources and grants are helping libraries highlight their impact and promote inclusion.

At the forefront of this work is the Saskatchewan Libraries Association (SLA). With its mission to be a supportive voice for libraries throughout the province, the SLA supports libraries in telling their stories, helping them demonstrate their impact, broaden the understanding of diversity, and inspire empathy in their communities.

“Libraries create awareness in communities by providing all individuals with free and easy access to resources, services, programs, and materials,” says Tina Kleisinger, executive director, SLA. “Acting as community hubs, libraries facilitate opportunities for education, critical thought and inclusion.”

To this aim, the SLA committee for Advocacy and Development has been hard at work developing tools for libraries. One such resource is the Advocacy Toolkit, which supports Saskatchewan libraries in their advocacy work as they promote the importance of libraries as a safe place for people to connect, learn, participate and grow. “Strong and vibrant libraries impact the whole community,” she adds.

The SLA also offers small grants to libraries to support targeted advocacy efforts. For example, the association is on its second year of offering a National Indigenous Peoples Day grant, which supports libraries as they celebrate and promote this important day in their communities.

While introducing these new resources, the SLA continues to build on the success of previous advocacy campaigns. For example, the Association’s One Book One Province program, started in 2017, continues to unite a wide range of Saskatchewan residents through shared experiences with the selected book.

Each year, the SLA selects a book by a Saskatchewan author with the goal of building awareness and understanding around topics related to diversity, Truth and Reconciliation, or aspects of the province’s history.

When thinking about advocacy, Kleisinger’s main suggestion for organizations in the cultural sector is to focus on building strong relationships with stakeholders, and to use a variety of approaches to reach different audiences. Cultivating relationships with like-minded community leaders and organizations can impact the success of any initiative.

The Saskatchewan Library Association receives Annual Global Funding from the Sask Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation.