There's a new Branch Manager at the Weyburn Public Library. Deborah Schrempel says her background has varied from the oil field, teaching, health care, and management.

She said their slogan at the library is accurate, that it's 'not the library you remember'.

"I don't think I had stepped foot in the library since my own children were small. My youngest is 29," she shared. "That's been a few years and it's just been an incredible experience to see how it's not the library you remember. And that's something I'd really like to see the community come out and explore."

She said she welcomes anyone to come by and say hello during regular library hours, or to stop by the WPL's booth at the Gifted Winter Art Sale at Cugnet Centre on November 12th.

"I will be representing the library there that day, and it'll be an opportunity again to get out there and meet people, greet people, and show what the library has to offer."

Schrempel, who has only been in the role for a few weeks, took over from former Branch Manager Kathryn Wagner, who took a position with the Legislative Library in Regina. 

"We invite anybody to come in with opportunities and ideas and things," she expressed. "We really want to reach the community, find out what the community needs and wants. It's not just about what can our programmers book together, but what do you want, what do you need? Where do you see the community needs that aren't being met, and how can we facilitate that?"

She said she had a chance to meet with the WPL Board in early October. 

"We did some budgeting, reconciliation, and things like that, and got to know them a little bit and it's been an interesting opportunity, lots to learn, a little overwhelming at times, but the headquarters staff and the staff here at the library, phenomenal people. So it's been absolutely wonderful." 

Schrempel said coming in from outside of the Library Sciences realm, she is excited to see how much programming is being offered at our public library.

"If we were to look at just the fall programming right now and what's coming up, October is very busy, but there's literally three to four programs minimum a day right now scheduled right through till the end of November and then our December winter schedule is coming up right away, that'll be posted pretty quick too," she noted. "It's everybody in the community that we try and include, regardless of any background diversity or anything. We include everyone here."

She said they're working on creating some winter drawing courses and art classes and she will be assisting Teen Programmer Joanne Smith, with some knitting and crocheting projects. 

"So it's going to be an exciting winter. There'll be lots to do to keep people warm and keep them busy."

Schrempel reminds anyone with ideas for programming at all levels to contact her by email at wplmanager@southeastlibrary.ca or by phone at 306-842-4352.

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