Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) is challenging Saskatonians to Read for Reconciliation.

Survivor Kelly Bitternose helps cut the birch bark in a November ceremony to open the Read and Reconciliation section at the Saskatoon Public Library Frances Morrison Branch. Joining him from left are Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark, OTC Executive Director Harry Lafond, Eugene Arcand, SPL Board Chair Candice Grant, Elder Walter Linklater, Elder Maria Linklater and Carol Cooley CEO and Director of Libraries for Saskatoon Public Library.

“We’re asking Saskatonians to pick a book from our Read for Reconciliation reading list, read it and challenge family and friends to do the same,” says Carol Cooley, CEO and Director of Libraries for SPL. “Our goal is to get as many people as we can to commit to the challenge using #Read4Reconciliation before Mar. 31, 2017,” she added.

How to participate:

1. Choose a book from our Read for Reconciliation reading list.
2. Tell everyone what you’re reading using #Read4Reconciliation.
3. Challenge family, friends, and colleagues to do the same
4. Add a badge to your social media profile pic to let everyone know you are participating. (http://twibbon.com/support/read-for-reconciliation-2)

The public is also invited to participate in a reconciliation blanket-making project. At every SPL location, the public can fill out a “what reconciliation means to me” card. These cards will be on display until April 3, and then they will be transferred to fabric and sewn into star blankets to be given back to the community. The city-wide challenge compliments SPL’s ongoing commitment to Reconciliation and reiterates the institution’s move towards Indigenization with the support and guidance of the individuals and organizations that comprise Reconciliation Saskatoon.

Related: Reading for reconciliation

The Read for Reconciliation reading list can be found at all SPL locations or online at: www.saskatoonlibrary.ca/reconciliation.