Vision
            An informed and literate community

Mission 
            To provide the residents of southeastern Saskatchewan with the resources and experiences that foster               a  lifetime of  imagination, discovery and learning. 

Values
              Effective literacy skills
            Free and uncensored access to information
            Accessible collection resources
            Innovation and creativity in life
            Informed personal decision making
            Freedom and individual privacy
            Participation in society
            A central place in the community
            Informed and capable staff
            Equitable access to services
            Community oversight and trusteeship

Goals
            To collection and organize a range of print, media, and electronic resources
            To facilitate resources sharing within the provincial library system
            To coordinate the delivery of equitable and effective library services
            To assist in integrating the library into the local community
            To train and develop effective and competent library personnel 
            To govern and advocate for the regional library system

 

Southeast Regional Library

Formed in 1966, the Southeast Regional Library is a cooperative system that provides public library service to all municipalities in southeastern Saskatchewan.  It services 97,000 people within a 47,900 sq. mile area. This public library service offers the people an opportunity to read for information, education, and recreation and as such, is an essential part of community life.

Southeast Regional Library is part of a province-wide public library network which includes eight regional libraries with branches throughout the province, the city libraries of Regina and Saskatoon, and the Provincial Library in Regina.

Southeast Regional Library operates in accordance with the 1996 Public Libraries Act and Regulations.

Please visit the Southeast Regional Library website for more information.

---

History of Estevan Public Library

The Estevan Public Library began on February 12, 1908 at a meeting of citizens which included N.J. Lockhart, Dr. Davies, J.H. McKechnie, C.H. Powell, Chas. Hastings, O.M. Akers, and D.C. Dunbar. Mr. Davies was selected to be president, and C.H. Powell secretary.

The Library had been housed in various locations. Dr. and Mrs. Scott leased space for the library for $5 per month for six months. This first location was in a building facing 12th Avenue not far north of the Fourth Street corner. In 1997 this location was occupied by the Bank of Montreal and its parking lot. By 1910 the Library Board was asking Council for space in the Town Hall.

In 1913 the Christian Women's Temperance Union submitted a petition to Town Council. Council responded by providing space in the Town Hall. The Library remained in the Town Hall until 1957, when it was moved to the building next door, a location occupied in 1967 by the Chamber of Commerce.

In 1957 the Beth-Jacob Synagogue at 1037 2nd Street was sold to the City on the condition that it be used as a public building. In 1961 the Library moved into the former synagogue. By 1983 Albert Bowron, library consultant, was engaged to make recommendations for larger quarters. Mr. Bowron's ideas were incorporated into the library portion of the ambitious Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre at 701 Souris Avenue, which was opened in 1992.

In 1966 Estevan Public Library became a branch of the newly-formed Southeast Regional Library which is headquartered in Weyburn. In 1992 the Regional Library and Estevan Branch began automation of services.

**A list of librarians and board members can be found in
"A Tale That is Told', pages 228-230, and in Andrew King's 'Estevan: The Power Centre. A short history and graphic image of the old synagogue are found in 'A Walk Through Time: Historical Walking Tours of Estevan'.
​