To demonstrate the important work being done by libraries across the province, MLA regularly interviews library workers from a variety of institutions about the unique work they do to deliver library services to Manitobans.
This month we talked with Michelle McLaughlin, a librarian/clerk at the Altona Branch of the South Central Regional Library. Read on to learn about the inspiring story behind the Altona’s Branch relocation in 2022, Michelle’s book recommendations, and the difference that having a dedicated and passionate team makes when facing censorship challenges.
Can you tell us a bit about your library system or branch? Is there anything unique or unusual about it?
South Central Regional Library is comprised of five branches: Altona, Winkler, Morden, Miami and Manitou. I am a proud librarian in the Altona branch. Our branch is in the middle in comparison to size, and we are conveniently located in the Altona Mall, smack dab in the middle of our community. SCRL hails itself as a broad library system, as we serve a large number of our local population.
One fun thing about our library in Altona, is that we relocated in August of 2022. Our community rallied together, as so many people saw the benefits of us being in a more centralized and visual location. Each staff led their own personal fundraisers, showcasing our unique and fun abilities. Each staff also got to partake in the planning and execution of our new space. The SCRL Altona crew take great pride in our past fundraising and moving achievements, and will never forget the hard work and dedication it took to get us to where we wanted to be. When we were set to move, we hand packed, unpacked and sorted the +40,000 books. We also pushed every shelf, weighing 200lbs and up, on handmade dollies, down the streets of our town, from our old location to the new location. It was a site to behold!
We are a very tight-knit group and feel that this reflects positively in our community.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about your work or your library?
One thing that I wish more people knew about our library, is that there is something for everyone – even the people that aren’t so keen on reading. We take great pride in the fact that we can offer a fun program, a cozy place to be and friendly conversation to anyone, from any walk of life. Some community members think that the library doesn’t have anything for them, and we like to challenge that belief!
In recent years, SCRL has been a huge target of censorship efforts. Our board, Director, Administration and front line staff stood firm in protecting everyone’s individual rights to intellectual freedom, and we came out at the end stronger than before. I would like more people to know that what these people did, was stand up for THEM. Everyone worked together to combat mis and disinformation, and by holding firm, we protected the materials from being removed from our shelves, and in turn, made sure that they are still available for those who want and need them.
What is something happening at your library that you’re excited about?
I personally get excited for all-things-library, no matter what is going on in our branch. But, SCRL is set to celebrate our 60th anniversary in March, and we will be hosting a community wide quiz night and fundraiser, and I am super excited to be a staff during such an amazing year. Being able to showcase our past achievements, and our future endeavors to the public is something that I get very excited about. Being a part of a broad library system, we are always forward thinking in our planning and execution on how to better provide and serve our communities.
What is a challenge you’re currently facing?
With the book and censorship challenges behind us, I feel like our team doesn’t have anything pressing at the moment. We are strong, dedicated and passionate about our library, library system, and the people whom we get to share it with. We know now, that we can face any challenge that is thrown our way, collectively as a team!
One thing though, that we struggle with a little bit in our branch, is programming attendance. We wish that more people came to stay, rather than just browse for what they want and leave. We offer a large amount of creative and unique programs, trying to cater to many different interests, but for some reason, we only have a small amount of people who attend.
Altona is a very forward thinking and community focused town. We have many community spaces that cater to children, and adults, and so, people often flock to those spaces, leaving us with a smaller attendance for our activities. We will keep pushing forward and continue to open our doors, and hopefully we can increase our numbers with time.
What are you reading/watching/playing right now?
I am such a lover of books, and read as much as I can. Some of my most very favorite books are Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, Greenwood by Michael Christie, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and of course, The Green Mile by Stephen King.
Currently, I love love love to play Hogwarts Legacy on my XBox (not a Harry Potter fan, though…weird, I know!) and the classics on my Nintendo Switch like Super Mario Bros, Mario Party and anything Lego.
I love to watch anything dorky with my favorite shows being The Nature Of Things, W5 and any documentary on Egypt – and I love to work on my cross stitch while I watch.
We’re always looking for more library workers to feature! Are you doing something interesting at your library that you want to share, or do you know someone in Manitoba that is? Reach out to us at communications@mla.mb.ca to share your story.
