Saskatoon Public Library facts for kids

The Saskatoon Public Library is a public library system in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. It's a place where everyone can borrow books, movies, and music for free! You can also use computers and Wi-Fi. The library first opened its doors in 1913.

Library Locations

Frances Morrison Library, the main branch.

The Saskatoon Public Library has nine different locations across the city. Each one helps people in its neighborhood.

Frances Morrison Library

The Frances Morrison Library is the main library. It's located in downtown Saskatoon. This big library opened on May 28, 1966. It's named after Frances Morrison, who was the head librarian for many years. Inside, you'll find a special Children's Department, a Fine Arts Department, and even a theatre! It also has computer labs and spaces for teens.

Alice Turner Library

The Alice Turner Library is located on Nelson Road. It replaced an older, smaller library in 1998. This branch is named after Alice Turner McFarland, who worked at the library for 37 years. It was one of the first libraries in Canada built using special environmental standards. The library was made even bigger in 2013.

Carlyle King Library

The Carlyle King Library is found inside the Cosmo Civic Centre. It opened on October 16, 1979. This was the first library branch in Saskatoon to be part of a larger community building. It's named after Carlyle King, who was a professor and a big supporter of libraries.

Cliff Wright Library

The Cliff Wright Library is on McKercher Drive. It moved to its current spot when the Lakewood Civic Centre opened in 1988. The branch was officially opened on January 9, 1989. It was later named after Cliff Wright, who used to be the mayor of Saskatoon.

J.S. Wood Library

The J.S. Wood Library is located on Landsdowne Avenue. It opened in 1961. This branch is named after James Stuart Wood. He was born in England and worked as a librarian before becoming the head librarian for the Saskatoon Public Library in 1938.

Dr. Freda Ahenakew Library

The Dr. Freda Ahenakew Library is located in the Monarch Yards Housing complex. It was first called the Library on 20th Street. In 2017, it was renamed to honor Dr. Freda Ahenakew. She was an important Indigenous leader and scholar. This renaming was part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's work to recognize Indigenous history.

Mayfair Library

The Mayfair Library is on 33rd Street West. The first Mayfair Library opened in 1952 in a community hall basement. By 1989, the old building was not good enough, and the basement location made it hard for everyone to visit. A new Mayfair Library was built on the same spot and reopened in 1991.

Rusty Macdonald Library

The Rusty Macdonald Library is located on Primrose Drive. It opened in 1989 as part of the Lawson Civic Centre. This center also has a wave pool and exercise rooms. The library is named after R. H. "Rusty" Macdonald. He was a journalist, author, and a strong supporter of the library for many years.

Round Prairie Library

The Round Prairie Library is on Hunter Road. This branch is named to honor the La Prairie Round, or Round Prairie, Métis community. They were buffalo hunters who had a winter camp nearby long ago. Many of them later moved to Saskatoon and formed a close community near where the library is now.

Writers in Residence

The library has a special program called "Writer in Residence." This program brings a professional writer to the library. The writer works on their own projects and also helps people in the community with their writing. The Canada Council for the Arts helps fund this program.

Past Writers in Residence: