Author: commsMLA

To showcase the important work being done by libraries across the province, MLA regularly interviews library workers from a variety of institutions about the work they do to deliver library services to Manitobans.

This month we interviewed Leah O’ Leary, the Community Program Coordinator at Portage la Prairie Regional Library. Read to learn about the wide breadth of programming that their library offers, and the importance of building relationships with nonprofits and organizations in the community.

Can you tell us a bit about your library system or branch? Is there anything unique or unusual about it?

The Portage la Prairie Regional Library serves over 7,700 patrons from the City of
Portage la Prairie, the RM of Portage la Prairie, and surrounding communities. With a
collection of more than 67,000 items, we aim to provide a wide variety of reading
options. If we don’t have the book you’re looking for, don’t worry! We can request it
through interlibrary loan from locations across Canada, from Halifax to Vancouver,
including university libraries. Our interlibrary team will do their best to track down the
book you need.

Whether you’re researching history for a project or simply for personal interest, we
offer access to an archives department in collaboration with Portage la Prairie City Hall.
The library staff is a close-knit team, all dedicated to creating a welcoming atmosphere
for everyone. We work hard to ensure that the library remains a valuable asset to the
community.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about your work or your
library?

I wish more people knew that our library offers much more than just reading
resources—we provide a wide range of services for everyone. Our computers, study
areas, and programs are all free to use, even for those who don’t have a library
membership. We also offer exam proctoring services, radon screening kits, blood
pressure kits, air quality sensors, and a seed library.

We offer diverse programming to meet the needs of our community. For example, In
January, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) hosted a workshop to assist with income
tax questions, income and deduction services, updating direct deposit information, and
more. We offer helpful programs like this every month. Additionally, we have partnered
with the Canadian Mental Health Association to provide drop-in mental health support
and offer resources for anyone in need.

We also offer a variety of children’s programs, including two kids’ craft nights each
month, Lego Club, storytime, and much more. In total, we host over 25 programs each
month, all open to the public and completely free. We take pride in the diverse range of
services we provide to support our community.

What is something happening at your library that you’re excited about?

I’m personally excited about the opportunity to build strong relationships with other
nonprofits and organizations. Our goal is to collaborate on programs that address the
needs of the community. For instance, we’re planning a writing workshop with a local
author, offering a series of sessions to spark interest in writing. What better place to
learn than a library?

I love being a part of the community and helping wherever I’m needed, it’s wonderful
that I can do that through my role at the library.

What are you reading/watching/playing right now?

I’ve always loved reading, and I feel lucky to work in a library with such easy access to
a wide range of books. Right now, I’m really enjoying cozy fantasy. I recently read
Drinks & Sinkholes by Evan S. Usher. As for TV, I can never get enough of Grey’s
Anatomy—I love watching it on repeat and never get bored, especially with so many
seasons to enjoy!

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.

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.

To showcase the interesting and important work being done by libraries across the province, MLA interviews library workers about the unique work they do in order to deliver library services to Manitobans.

This month we talked to Dylan MacDougall, a Reference Librarian at Red River College Polytechnic and also the MLA’s Membership Director. Read Dylan’s profile to find out about his passion for library instruction and his latest movie recommendations!

Can you tell us a bit about your library system or branch?

I work in the library at RRC Polytech. As part of the only Polytechnic institution in Manitoba, the RRC Polytech Library is devoted to supporting students pursuing careers in a wide variety of industries across the province. Our library has two main locations, at the Notre Dame campus and at the Exchange District campus, and we also offer support to students studying out of our regional campuses.

What is a challenge you are currently facing?

I suspect that I speak for many academic librarians in saying that I wish students (and faculty, to an extent) were not only more aware of the various ways we can support them, but also more willing to engage with our services on a deep level. It seems to me that there has been a change in recent years, with students approaching library services in a somewhat transactional way, rather than in a more collaborative or intellectual way. This is a challenge that librarians are facing now, and will continue to face as new technologies like artificial intelligence become more advanced and able to provide easier (but not necessarily more reliable) solutions to students’ research needs. That said, even the toughest challenges are still opportunities for professional growth and learning, and this is no different.

What is something happening at your library that you’re excited about?

One thing I am really excited about at the RRC Polytech Library is our library instruction. I believe that library instruction is incredibly effective when it comes to promoting library services to students while also providing them with a foundation to build upon when it comes to conducting effective academic research. I have had numerous opportunities to go into classrooms and provide library instruction for students, and not only is the experience incredibly rewarding for me in a professional sense, but it is also great to see the way in which it helps students. I think that we offer excellent instruction here at the RRC Polytech Library, and I hope that instructors at the College continue to invite us into their classes.

What are you reading/watching/playing right now?

I’m currently reading a novel, “Children of Dune” by Frank Herbert, as well as a non-fiction book, “The Rape of Nanking” by Iris Chang. I’m not finished either, but so far they have both been excellent. As for what I’m watching, I am a bit of a film obsessive, so I tend to watch several films a week. Some notable recent examples include “Come and See” by Elem Klimov, which I watched on Remembrance Day, and “Anora” by Sean Baker, which I saw in the theater.

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 the province that is? Reach out to us at communications@mla.mb.ca.

“Libraries are better when we work together.”
– David Christensen

If you bring up the name David Christensen in Manitoba’s library community, then there is a good chance you will elicit a familiar response and spark a conversation about his role in shaping the public libraries’ landscape in this province. The MLA recently met with David, who retired on July 12, 2024, to discuss some of the highlights from his career at Public Library Services (PLS), the policy and program unit within the Strategic Policy Branch of Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage that is responsible for the Public Libraries Act and associated Regulations, after 29 years of service.

With a career in technology predating the public release of the World Wide Web, David, who majored in computer science at Brandon University, has been on the frontline of some major shifts in how society operates. Prior to his career at PLS, David worked for the Manitoba Telephone System (MTS) on provincial database and fiber optic installation projects. His transition to the world of libraries would begin not long after when he took up a position at TKM Software Limited developing software for managing the cataloging and circulation of library materials. It was through this experience that David would gain a fundamental understanding of how information technology and the emergence of the World Wide Web would revolutionize the way that library records are managed and shared.

After TKM, David went on to work for a company in Winnipeg developing software used for emergency dispatch services before returning to his hometown of Brandon to work as a technology consultant with PLS. It was during the beginning of his tenure at PLS that the widespread adoption of the Internet started to takeoff. Through grants offered by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of David’s early responsibilities at PLS was travelling to public libraries across the province to install computers and connect them to this emerging technology. During his travels, David would observe the openness of librarians towards the new technology and how they valued its potential for better serving their patrons.

David would also get the opportunity to exercise the skills and knowledge that he acquired earlier on in his career by developing a province-wide, digital inter-library loan system to replace the centralized, paper-based model being administered by the province. After several iterations, the system known today as fILL, which connects the catalogues of public libraries across the province for inter-library loans, was released thanks to David’s efforts.

In addition to fILL, David also played a key role in the acquisition and management of a wide range of print and electronic resources intended for use by librarians and their patrons; for instance, eLibraries Manitoba, EBSCOhost and a collection of large print and professional development materials. Counting Opinions, a software used to collect and share important data about libraries in the province, also fell under David’s portfolio.

David also had a hand in shaping policy during his tenure at the PLS. In 2017, the PLS launched a consultation to better understand the needs of public libraries in the province. Much of what was learned during these consultations helped to inform the Public Library Allocation of Grants Regulation which came into effect on April 1, 2024.

With the so-called age of artificial intelligence upon us, much like the Internet, David sees librarians as “well positioned to be trusted intermediaries.” Educating patrons about disinformation and promoting a culture of dialogue that is fact-based are some of the ways that he sees librarians playing a critical role in this new technological landscape. When the implications of disinformation for the health of our democracy are considered, for David, libraries are integral to maintaining “the structure of society and quality of life in Manitoba.”

Although much of David’s career was focused on the more technological aspects of libraries, his appreciation for their cultural significance is undeniable. During our sit down, he applauded the fearlessness of librarians in taking a firm stand against attempts to censor books with 2SLGBTQIA+ themes. As for the future of libraries, his hope is that Manitobans increasingly recognize the important role that libraries play as a “free third space at the heart of communities across the province.” He is confident that libraries will continue to work together to best serve their patrons and expressed how fortunate he’s been to have worked with librarians, for whom he considers to be the “kindest and best people.”

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 the province that is? Reach out to us at communications@mla.mb.ca.

To showcase the interesting and important work being done by libraries across the province, MLA interviews one library worker every other month about the unique work they do in order to deliver library services to Manitobans.

Earlier this year we interviewed Joan Ransom, Branch Librarian at the Stonewall Branch of the South Interlake Regional Library. Through her responses we learned everything from the importance of strategic planning, to how she finds delicious taco recipes! Read on to find out more about SIRL’s upcoming projects, including their four StoryWalk routes and the training session, “Accessible Audiobooks Made Easy”, happening on April 29th at the Stonewall Library. This free workshop is open to interested public library staff  – call 204-467-5767 or email admin@sirlibrary.com to register!

Can you tell us a bit about your library system or branch? Is there anything unique or unusual about it?

Our regional system consists of 2 branches and a bookmobile. My branch – the Stonewall Library – is the larger branch in the system and has a staff of myself, plus 1 full time and 6 part time staff. We are a fun bunch of people who truly enjoy working with each other and we love to do activities together away from work – like flower picking and aerial yoga!

Our Branch takes great pride in our I Love to Read month celebrations and our Summer Reading programming. We enjoy planning activities that go with our theme. This summer’s TDSRC “To the stars” theme is going to be epic as we have been planning our space programs and decorations.

Another big project we are doing this year is StoryWalk routes. We will manage 4 routes in various communities throughout our catchment area and are excited about combining literacy and outdoor walks. This is our 3rd year doing StoryWalks and we will rotate the stories every 2 weeks through the 4 routes. Project management software is very helpful as we keep the titles flowing through the routes.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about your work or your library?

The 2022 strategic planning session that our Director Clint Curle, our Board of Directors and our Branch Managers participated in was such a significant event in the lives of our libraries. It brought us together and really helped us focus on our goals, values and mission. Because of that we have a clear plan forward for the next few years. It was the first time I had been involved in a strategic plan and I found it to be an amazing experience.

Our work now is focused on meeting the goals outlined in the plan and it has given us a real sense of purpose as we use that filter to prepare and prioritize the work we do at the Branch. I find that our staff has a better sense of the big picture and take pride in the professional work we do in our communities.

What is something happening at your library that you’re excited about?

At the end of April we are launching a new program called “Accessible Audiobooks Made Easy” and I am so very excited about it. We were awarded a large grant through the Province of Manitoba Accessibility Fund and were able to purchase 11 Victor Reader4M Stratus machines. We have pre- loaded them with titles from CELA in various genres. Not only will we be able to lend them to our patrons, but we are making them available through ILL for any rural public library to borrow for their patrons.

The folks with lived experience that are testing the program have given us such great feedback and have cemented our commitment to this program. When they tell us it is ‘life changing’ and the ‘best thing that has happened to them’ – we know we are making a difference in their lives. We hope that this project increases accessibility to library material for patrons who have print disabilities and are so happy to be sharing these devices and titles with all Manitobans.

We are hosting a free library workshop on April 29 for rural library staff to come and learn about the project and try the machines out. We are excited to host Jessica Desormeaux from CELA who will be speaking about their services. We are taking registrations and hope to welcome many of our peers to the Stonewall Branch.

What is a challenge you’re currently facing?

A challenge I think many of us face is keeping all the balls in the air. We are making a difference for our patrons and bringing quality programs to our communities, but managing staff time is one thing I continually work on. I also feel that staff care is a priority for me. I took an excellent course called Cultivating Civility, Resilience, and Reflection in the Library Workplace through ALAeLearning last year that resonated with me. I strive to ensure that my staff feel heard, respected and valued.

What are you reading/watching/playing right now?

I usually like to have a fiction title and a non-fiction title on the go at the same time. The novel on my nightstand right now is The Book Woman’s Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson. I enjoyed her book The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and this novel is a sequel that continues the themes of sisterhood, justice and the power of books.

I am an avid knitter and the non-fiction title I am reading is Patty Lyons’ Knitting Bag of Tricks by Patty Lyons. It is chock full of helpful hints and I am getting a lot out of it. YouTube has recently taught me how to knit in the continental style and I am getting faster with less errors as time goes on!

We are glued to CBC on Thursday nights to cheer on our hometown potter Jen Sonnenberg as she competes in the Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down. It is old school tv watching as you cannot binge all the episodes and anticipation is part of the fun as we wait to see what happens each week. My husband and I recently binged the Netflix documentary series “Taco Chronicles” and have since been cooking many different varieties of tacos. Not only was this an interesting series – it has proven to be delicious!

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 the province that is? Reach out to us at communications@mla.mb.ca.