The Writer in Residence program at Saskatoon Public Library began in 1981, when Anne Szumigalski was the first Writer. Since then, with the help of a co-sponsor, the Library has had a Writer in Residence every year. The Writer in Residence acts a mentor to writers in the community, reviewing manuscripts and providing criticism and advice about publishing. These writers provide an important access point for emerging writers into the world of writing and publishing. The Writer offers encouragement and a critical eye to beginning writers who are seeking to find their own literary voice as well as to those more established writers who desire a professional appraisal of their work. Planned activities include individual consultations and group situations (e.g. workshops organized by staff who plan programs for young adults and adults, in consultation with the Writer).