Throughout COVID-19 and especially during the winter, reading books is a favourite pastime for many. Doesn’t it pique your interest when you come upon something familiar in a book…such as a name, a place, an event? Are you attracted to books that were written by someone from close to home? Over the years, local authors and others have donated reading material to our local library. These books are available to be borrowed anytime and often we can relate to some of the content.
Harlequin Romance books would not be the first choice for everybody, but CJ Carmichael has had over 50 books published! One was even made into a Hallmark Christmas movie…”A Bramble House Christmas” in 2017. Former classmates, friends and neighbours are so proud and happy for CJ who grew up in Chatsworth School District. CJ is actually Carla Daum, the oldest child of John and Kay (Martenuik) Daum. When she left home to pursue post secondary studies, she became a chartered accountant. She gave up the “thrills” of bookkeeping in 1998 when she sold her first book to Harlequin! She even makes reference in one book to “Chatsworth”. Her books may be ordered at the library or there are one or two on the shelves. Another book will be released in September, 2021.
Our mayor, Gordon Barnhart, who has an amazing career as legislative clerk, Lieutenant Governor, President of the U of S, historian, etc. has donated books that he has published. “Peace, Progress and Prosperity” (2000) is a biography of Saskatchewan’s first Premier, T Walter Scott. “Building For the Future” (2002) and “Saskatchewan Premiers of the 20th Century” (2004) are available anytime.
Do you follow Kathleen Gibson’s column, “Sunny Side Up” in the Fourtown Journal? Two of her publications are on the shelf at our library. “West Nile Diary” (2009) is about Kathleen’s husband’s triumph over the deadly disease. “Practise by Practise”(2010) is the art of everyday faith.
Dick DeRyk, Yorkton wrote, “The George Morris Story”. George attended Llewelyn school for a short time then carried on as an inventor, businessman and philanthropist. George moved from Bangor in 1949, opening Morris Rod Weeder and Equipment in Yorkton. “It Was in Him” was written in 1991.
“Cover Cropping in Western Canada” (2020) is a new release written and donated by Kevin Elmy, from Perley district.
Audrey (Hillis) McLaren grew up in Castleton district and published “ You Could Try, Grandma” in 1997. As a proud mom and grandma, Audrey shares her thoughts and memories of growing up, choosing a career, as a wife and mother, then her role as a grandma.
Another new release, “The Hawk and the Hare”, 2020 was donated by Janet Love Morrison. This book was inspired by a true story, her father’s. Ewen Morrison was a member of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry.
“The One Hundredth Airman” by Murray Straker and Reg Stead was written in 2000. This is the story of Peter J Anaka, a bomber pilot with the RCAF in WWII.
Another popular book from 1984 is “Wild Flowers Across the Prairies” by Fr Vance, JR Jowsey, JS McLean and FA Switzer. “Birds of Yorkton-Duck Mountain” (2003) was written by C Stuart Houstaon and Wm Anaka.
Some interesting history books are “Help Us to a Better Land” (1994) by W Norton, about Crofter Colonies in the Prairies West, “Those Were the Days” (1972) by JA Sawkey, from Chatsworth is a history of MacNutt, Calder, Dropmore and area.
“Pioneer of Vision” (1980) by CJ Houston and C Stuart Houston is the Reminiscences of Dr TA Patrick. Dr Patrick was the first doctor in Saltcoats and his stories are most entertaining. He moved on to Yorkton and left his mark there too. He was an amazing man not only in the medical field, but in agriculture, politics, and more.
There is something to interest everyone at the library and we are so fortunate to have one in our community.