The Saskatchewan Library Association (SLA) wanted to do something special to celebrate its 75th anniversary, and they’re hoping the province will join in the festivities.

Throughout March, the SLA is encouraging Saskatchewan residents to read The Education of Augie Merasty: A Residential School Memoir, as part of the One Book One Province community reading initiative.

Anniversary events will be held across the province with the goal of educating the public about an important time in Saskatchewan’s history.

“We did, I would agree, pick a very controversial book to start our program with, but it was such an important story that everyone should be getting,” said Ann Liang, who is organizing Prince Albert’s SLA event, scheduled for March 8.

Merasty, who passed away on Feb. 27, and co-author David Carpenter were both planning to attend the Prince Albert event to discuss the book. Carpenter told organizers he is still committed to coming, as are members of Merasty’s family who live in the Prince Albert area.

Liang said Merasty’s death means it’s even more important for people to hear his story.

For the rest of this story, please see the March 4 online or print edition of the Daily Herald.