Library has lots of materials and services to keep you busy

Moose Jaw Geneology Society: helping you research your family history around the world

Book lovers will find lots of great resources at the Moose Jaw Public Library.

The library offers a large collection of books, eBooks, magazines, and reference materials, along with graphic novels, DVDs, CDs, and even video games. If the library doesn’t have an item you are interested in, you can still borrow it, thanks to the provincewide library system. Of course, digital resources are very popular, and MJPL has you covered. You can download books, music, and movies through the Hoopla app. All you need is your library card. There is a limit on how many items you can borrow each month. Looking for more content? The library offers Kanopy, a streaming service that provides access to even more films and documentaries. Anyone looking to learn a new skill should try Lynda.com, a service that offers courses in design, photography, business, technology, and more.

Don’t want to stop into the library to grab you items? You can always use the curbside pickup option. Simply request your items online or by contacting the library directly and then pick them up when they are ready. Meanwhile, the library also offers computer access to those who need it and you can even access Ancestry.com to research your family tree. The library’s archives contain a treasure trove of old newspaper articles, Henderson Directories, photos, and other resources that highlight Moose Jaw and area’s colourful past. Throughout the year, the library offers programs for kids, teens, and adults. There is always something to do! Want to start a book club? The library offers book club kits that will help you get started. The best part is this all offered free of charge! All you need is a library card. To get started, stop by the library, located in Crescent Park, or visit www.moosejawlibrary.ca/ for more information.

The Moose Jaw Genealogy Society has been helping people learn more about their family history and preserve their heritage since 1970 — and with an ongoing pandemic, it’s a great time to conduct research.

The group is one of 16 branches in Saskatchewan and is a member of the Saskatchewan Genealogy Society (SGS), which has existed since 1969 and provides expertise to residents to understand and participate in their family history, and helps collect, preserve and deliver Saskatchewan-specific genealogical records and materials. Over the years, the Moose Jaw branch has worked with the City of Moose Jaw cemetery office to obtain the records of all people buried in the city. City hall sends the branch a list of deaths every December, while executive members then photograph the headstones so the pictures can be uploaded to the branch’s website. Visit http://moosejawgenealogy. com/index.htm to see some of the branch’s activities and its efforts to preserve the community’s heritage. The Moose Jaw SGS branch normally meets every fourth Tuesday of the month — except for July, August, and December — at the Moose Jaw Public Library on the second floor. However, with an ongoing pandemic, members have been meeting by Zoom every Wednesday at 7 p.m. If you’re interested in attending a meeting, contact president Marge Cleave at 306-779-2004 or email grcleave@sasktel.net. A membership with Moose Jaw is $10, while a membership with the provincial SGS is $70. Visit www.saskgenealogy.com to learn more about the organization, search through its databases, or take out a membership. Family history records may also be found online at FamilySearch. org, Ancestry.ca, or the SGS website.