06/17/2026
The following is a report that was submitted to Palliser, Bethune & District Recreation Board as well as to the Village & RM.
BETHUNE LIBRARY 2025
The following report provides an overview of activities and achievements at the Bethune Library in 2025. It was an exceptional year, highlighted by the celebration of the library’s 50th anniversary. In September 2025, we hosted a well-attended community celebration featuring speeches, memorabilia, children’s activities, refreshments, and prizes. The event was a wonderful success and demonstrated strong community support for our library.
Community Partnerships
In 2025, we strengthened and expanded our community partnerships. We collaborated with the following organizations:
Bethune Lions Club
K+S Potash Corporation
Bethune Starsations Dance Club
Bethune Recreation Board
We also worked closely with local schools, including Clive Draycott School (Bethune) and Arm River Colony School (RM of Dufferin). These partnerships support our goal of maintaining an active community presence, increasing visibility, and enhancing library circulation.
Programs, Services, and Events
Early Literacy – Story Hour
Our weekly Story Hour program for three-year-olds continues to be highly successful. Held every Friday from 10:30–11:30 AM, the structured program promotes early literacy through varied activities. Feedback from parents and educators has been extremely positive, with noticeable readiness among participants entering playschool. Seasonal celebrations and a year-end graduation (including certificates and library cards) further enhance engagement.
Summer Reading Program
Our Summer Reading Program saw approximately 76 participants. Children received activity-filled book bags, while adults participated in a prize-based reading initiative. With over 112,000 reading minutes recorded through Reader Zone, engagement was exceptionally strong. Weekly incentives encouraged continued participation and contributed to increased circulation.
Play Patrol Program
In partnership with the Bethune Recreation Board and K+S Potash Corporation, we delivered 50 hours of Play Patrol programming. Activities included outdoor games, crafts, and interactive play. Attendance regularly exceeded 20 children per session. This initiative successfully encouraged active play and increased library usage during the summer months.
Lego Club
Our long-running Lego Club continues to thrive, attracting 15–30 children weekly. This program fosters creativity and remains a consistent favorite. Lego club has been running for 10 years and is still going strong.
Nanan Stem Program
A STEM workshop provided hands-on learning opportunities, where participants designed and operated small motorized vehicles. This program introduced valuable technological skills. Thanks to Palliser for organizing and funding this event.
Cultural Programming
We hosted Carol Strongeagle, whose Indigenous storytelling and music performance drew an audience of 77 attendees and was very well received.
Book Club
Our adult book club remains active, with 5–6 regular participants. Over 50 books have been read collectively, and the program continues to foster meaningful discussion and community connection.
Outreach – Books for the Sick
Our book delivery service for patrons unable to visit the library was utilized multiple times and greatly appreciated.
Community Recreation Initiatives
Weekly “Community in Motion” programming included activities such as volleyball, pickleball, and recreation nights, all of which saw strong participation.
Early Learning Programs
Regional Kids First/Mobile Early Learning visited twice in 2025, offering interactive programming for children under four and their families. Attendance and feedback were very positive.
Arts and Creative Programming
A board member - Mrs. Kim facilitated a variety of creative workshops throughout the year, including painting, baking, and seasonal crafts. These programs engaged both children and adults.
Additional Programming Highlights
Storytrail
Flipside Exploring Movement
Mr. Eric
3D printing workshops
Makedo and cardboard construction
Poppy beading workshop
Gainer the Gopher visit
Button-making sessions
“Cookies and Books” program
Moms & Babes group
Musical children’s programming
We also purchased a Makedo kit, which is available for in-library use and borrowing.
School Collaboration
Through ongoing work with Prairie Valley School Division, we promoted library resources such as Book Bundles and digital databases, including reader advisory tools like NoveList.
Fundraising, Grants, and Financial Support
Rural libraries rely heavily on fundraising and community support. While our annual paperback grant is approximately $600, we invested over $1,700 in expanding our collection.
A key partnership with the Bethune Recreation Board and K+S Potash Corporation provided a $5,000 programming budget. This funding significantly enhanced our offerings, resulting in: 121 programs delivered with 1,282 total attendees. As of May 31, 2026 we have offered 74 programs with 631 total attendees.
Our Little Caesars Pizza Kit fundraiser generated $3,200 in sales and remains a successful annual initiative. We made approximately 800.00 from this fundraiser.
Library Board
The Bethune Library Board has been an essential source of support and leadership. Their dedication and collaborative efforts contributed greatly to this year’s success.
Board Members:
Chair: Joan Mucha
Members: Kim Phaneuf, Victoria Mann, Cheyenne Catley, Vicki Hoyum,
Village Representative: Terri Po***ck
RM Representative: Andrea Kelly
Libraries continue to play a vital role in strengthening communities, particularly in rural areas. We remain committed to advocating for library services and sharing resources that highlight their importance. Community support, including donations, reflects the value placed on our library by local residents.
We are also grateful for the ongoing support provided by Palliser Regional Library, which helps us operate efficiently and effectively.
We look forward to continued growth and success in 2026.
Roberta (“Robbie”) Brooks
Librarian, Bethune Palliser Regional Library
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