Saskatoon libraries help evacuees stay connected

The Saskatoon Public Library is working with forest fire evacuees to help them stay connected to their communities.

Carol Cooley is the director of libraries and CEO of the Saskatoon Public Library.

She told CBC News people who are staying in the city temporarily because of the firescanget a library card andcheck out books, or just use thecomputers and internet to stay in contact with loved ones.

Cooleysaid the library'smandate is to be a community builder.

"We see Saskatchewan as a community, and we're community builders," she said. "Soif there's a need out there and we can do our role in assisting the evacuees, then we'll make our services available to them."

Michael Thackerayof Montreal Lakehas been staying in a Saskatoon shelter for the past 10 days. Hecomes to the Frances Morrison Library periodically to check in with family and friends and stay updated about the situation at home.

"It's my only means of communication right now," he said. "There's still people back home sending pictures and updating us through Facebook."

Thackery isn't sure when he'll be able to go home or what he'll go back to, but he said he's glad to have a way to stay in contact with loved ones.

Cooley said evacuees who don't have current identification to get library cards can still use the computers and internet by making special arrangements with staff.