By Crystal Friars
Stettler Library
The staff at the Stettler Public Library is trying really hard to provide adults with programs that you will enjoy. I hope that we are starting to succeed because I’m very excited about what we have coming up in the next week.
The Stettler Public Library had Coun. Malcolm Fischer and Judge David MacNaughton give their take on one of the most infamous times in Stettler’s history.
I’m talking about the murder of the Cook Family and the capture and conviction of Robert Raymond Cook. For those of new to the community or just don’t know, Cook was convicted of the murders of his father, stepmother and five siblings in 1959 and was the last man hanged in Alberta. Judge MacNaughton, a new lawyer at the time, was on Cook’s defence team. Malcolm Fischer was a child at the time of the manhunt. Each of these men has interesting stories to tell about a dark period in Stettler.
The response that we have had for this event was incredible and because of that, we moved it to the Hub.
READ MORE: Stettler library hosts fundraiser
Talking about the Cook Case, the Stettler Regional Board of Trade has passed on the torch of the highly successful Ghost Walk to the Stettler Friends of the Library. The Friends are currently working on dates in which to offer this historical and ghostly stroll through town. Watch this column, our website and our Facebook page for future dates and details.
Our next film circuit movie is the Golden Globe-nominated Japanese film “Shoplifters.” After one of their shoplifting sessions, Osamu and his son come across a little girl in the freezing cold. At first reluctant to shelter the girl, Osamu’s wife agrees to take care of her after learning of the hardships she faces. Although the family is poor, barely making enough money to survive through petty crime, they seem to live happily together until an unforeseen incident reveals hidden secrets, testing the bonds that unite them. This movie is directed by Hirokazu Koreeda, who also directed one of our past Film Circuit movies: Our Little Sister.
The movie will be shown on Feb. 4 at the Jewel Theatre. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available at the library until Feb. 2. Tickets can then be purchased at the door the night of the showing. Hope to see you there.
If you would like to see our other programs, check out our website at https://spl.prl.ab.ca. For more information on library services stop by for a tour anytime or call us at 403-742-2292. We post information about upcoming events and other interesting bits on Facebook, be sure to follow us there for the latest news.