Month: July 2026

The Manitoba Library Association is proud to share that Kirsten Wurmann, MLA’s Program Coordinator and a dedicated member of our Prison Libraries Committee, presented at the National Action Committee for Access to Justice Conference held May 26–28, 2026, in Ottawa.

In addition to her work with MLA, Kirsten works with the Manitoba Law Library, where she advocates for accessible legal information.

This year’s conference, Advancing People‑Centred Justice in Canada: Data Sharing and Knowledge Building, brought together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, community organizations, and justice system leaders from across Canada and beyond to explore what it means to build a people-centred justice system that learns, adapts, and earns public trust. Panels explored participation and power, language and understanding, court data and evaluation, professional roles and regulation, design and innovation (including AI), justice in rural and remote contexts, and the funding structures that sustain system change.

Kirsten participated in the panel “Making Knowledge Usable: Language, Literacy, and Legitimacy in Justice”, which examined how law, language, and institutional culture can either empower people or keep them excluded. Together, they show how knowledge—when translated, shared, and co-created—becomes a means of participation.

Watch the full presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96wVaKwjtKM&t=2764s

July 16, 2026

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Podcast Episode Spotlight: Are Our Libraries Under Attack?

Posted in Advocacy, and Public Libraries

As part of our efforts to highlight conversations on the importance of library services and work in Manitoba, we’re sharing a podcast episode of Humans, On Rights with MLA Program Director Kirsten Wurmann.

Humans, On Rights is a podcast hosted by Stuart Murray featuring thoughtful conversations with grassroots human rights community leaders, policymakers, advocates, and educators on what drives them to champion human rights.

In this episode, Wurmann discusses how libraries are feeling pressure to remove certain books from the library and because of that libraries should not be neutral spaces.

Show Notes:

“Libraries need to be accountable to our community and our community is comprised of people from a myriad of backgrounds. She believes that libraries must reflect the communities that we serve, and that all of our community members should feel represented within their library collection. Therefore, Wurmann says libraries are not neutral because we do care about the community so much and that’s what guides our work.Kirsten Wurmann is passionate about human rights, about diversity, about inclusivity and accessibility. And all those values need to be reflected when someone walks into a library. With the support of the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers, the Manitoba Library Association has announced a new award called the Human Rights Book Award. This Human Rights Book Award will support and recognize Manitoba libraries hard work to uphold library values of intellectual freedom while at the same time reflecting their community’s need for inclusive and diverse library spaces.”

Listen Here

July 6, 2026

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Get Involved with the Manitoba Library Association

Posted in Professional Development

Are you looking for a meaningful way to contribute to Manitoba’s library community? The Manitoba Library Association (MLA) is seeking enthusiastic members to join one of our three committees.

Advocacy Committee

Help strengthen MLA’s voice by supporting advocacy initiatives that promote libraries, library workers, and equitable access to information across Manitoba.

Programming (Professional Development) Committee

Help shape MLA’s professional development offerings by planning engaging learning opportunities, networking events, and educational programs that support our members.

Membership Committee

Help grow and strengthen our association by engaging new members, enhancing member engagement, and ensuring MLA continues to provide value to library professionals across the province.

What is the commitment?

Approximately six meetings per year or less
Occasional email discussions with timely responses when decisions or feedback are needed between meetings.

Why join?

Help shape the future direction and priorities of the Manitoba Library Association.
Contribute to the growth and strength of Manitoba’s library profession.
Share your ideas and expertise while learning from colleagues across the province.
Expand your professional network and develop leadership experience.
Make a meaningful impact on the library community.

Whether you’re an experienced library professional or newer to the field, your perspective is valuable. We encourage members from all library sectors to get involved.

Interested in joining a committee? Please reach out to Brigitte L’Heureux, Executive Director, at execdirector@mla.mb.ca. We would be happy to answer your questions and help you find the committee that best matches your interests and experience.