In 2024, I was eagerly planning to move myself and my mother out of the bustling city life, seeking solace in a smaller community that offered enriching cultural and educational opportunities. One of the main reasons I chose Weyburn was the excellent Adult Program at the Weyburn Public Library, part of the South East Regional Library. The library's programs were a beacon of community interaction, learning, and growth, which I believed would enrich our lives profoundly.

However, I was disheartened to learn that the Adult Programmer Position, as well as the Adult Program, has been removed and that Krista Klemmer has been laid off. This decision not only affects me personally but also impacts countless residents who benefitted from the innovative and diverse programs that were once available. Adult programs at libraries are crucial; they serve as hubs for lifelong learning, community engagement, and offer invaluable resources for personal development.  Krista was the heart and soul of Weyburn Library's Adult Program.

Removing the Adult Programmer Position undermines the library's mission to be a center of learning and cultural exchange. Weyburn has always been proud of its community spirit and dedication to providing inclusive and beneficial resources to all its residents. Without an adult program, many are left without access to critically needed educational opportunities, mental stimulation, and social interaction.

Statistics have consistently shown that adult education programs improve community well-being and individual quality of life. Libraries play an essential role in lifelong learning, offering programs that range from literacy classes, technology workshops, to cultural events and discussions. These programs equip individuals with the necessary skills to navigate an ever-changing world.

Let us not set back the cultural and educational growth of Weyburn. We owe it to ourselves and future residents to maintain the legacy of inclusive learning and community support. I urge the Weyburn Public Library, South East Regional Library, City Hall and our local MLA to reinstate the Adult Programmer Position and bring back the Adult Program. Please sign this petition to restore this vital resource in our community.

 I found an audio interview from February about this crisis with funding for the Regional Libraries. It's very interesting: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-66-the-morning-edition-sask/clip/16197048-regional-libraries-saskatchewan-facing-tough-financial-times