This article was originally published on the Public Library Services Manitoba Training Newsletter on October 21, 2026 . Read the original version here.
This November, municipal councils across the province will reorganize, with some new faces and a new distribution of responsibilities. This is a great opportunity for your library to strengthen its relationship with municipal funding partners.
Attendees at the MLA Library Connections event in early October heard from Duane Nicol, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Selkirk, about the importance of this relationship.
Here are a few key takeaways from his presentation:
Reach out early. First impressions matter. Arrange for a library delegation to meet with council early in its new mandate, before decisions affecting the library are made. Ask whether the library can be included in or otherwise support council orientation activities and consider offering councillors a tour. The more opportunities councillors have to learn about the library and what it offers, the more likely it is to remain top of mind as council establishes direction and priorities.
Be consistent. Communicate with council regularly, not only when presenting your budget. Strong relationships develop through ongoing communication. Systematic and intentional reporting can help build the relationship beyond financial discussions. Whenever possible, connect the library’s work with council priorities.
Highlight the good. Share stories that demonstrate the library’s impact on the community. Activities that may feel routine to library staff, such as consistently strong program attendance, can provide compelling evidence of the library’s value and community support. Tailor your message to each municipality by emphasizing the information most relevant to its priorities. Do not be modest about the library’s accomplishments, including its contribution to community and economic development. Always recognize that the success of your library is a shared success with its partner councils.
Summarize clearly. When presenting to council, provide a brief verbal overview of the most important points in your written report. This helps ensure that your key messages are understood and gives you another opportunity to highlight successes, emerging needs and current challenges.
Communication is essential to building a strong and lasting relationship with your municipal partners. The steps you take now can position your library for future success and reinforce its vital role in the communities it serves.
Share this article with library colleagues, board members, and volunteers, and learn more by joining the mailing list, review past issues, or explore the current training opportunities through the PLS Training Calendar.