Author: prisonlibraries
The Manitoba Library Association is thrilled to announce an in-person screening of The Librarians (watch the trailer here) on Friday, January 16 at the Université de Saint-Boniface.
This documentary is making big headlines at film festivals and throughout libraryland as it tackles censorship and the freedom to read through the experiences of librarians in a small U.S. town.
We will host an important discussion afterwards as we bring in library workers to discuss the real experiences facing libraries in Manitoba today, and to bring the Canadian and Manitoba context into the conversation.
There will also be a chance for some nibblies and networking beginning at 6pm with the film screening at 7pm.
The parking lot (off Despins Street) is unrestricted/free after 5 p.m.
The parking lot (off Despins Street) is unrestricted/free after 5 p.m.
Looking forward to seeing you there – please reach out with questions: programs@mla.mb.ca
We look forward to seeing you!
Coming up in January and February, MLA is pleased to offer free training for members.
Sign up for the following online training:
Social Media Basics – presented by Volunteer Manitoba
Wednesday January 14, 2026
9 am – 12 pm online
Register here: https://forms.gle/tzZd2MSkLtJ3Sv3y8
Fundraising Basics – presented by Volunteer Manitoba
Wednesday January 28, 2026
9 am – 12 pm online
Register here: https://forms.gle/L4JF5X1vCdRhd9W4A
De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations – presented by Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
9 am – 12 pm online (*limit 50 registrants*)
Register here: https://forms.gle/unjjN7v4ZGYagb4s9
Generous funding provided by: 
Urgent Action Needed on Bill C-15
Posted in Advocacy
Bill C-15 is moving quickly through the Senate, and the proposed repeal of the Library Book Rate puts equitable access to library materials at serious risk. We need your voice right now.
The Standing Senate Committees are currently studying Bill C-15 and we need to voice our concerns. Individual letters from Manitobans do make a difference. To make this as simple as possible, we’ve prepared:
- Submission of MLA Letters Regarding Bill C-15 , December 10, 2025
- Dépôt des lettres de la MLA concernant le projet de loi C-15, 10.décembre, 2025
Tools for libraries and library workers to use to send their own letters:
Template C-15 letter
Gabarit Lettre préoccupations C-15
List of Manitoban Members of Parliament
List Senate committees Bill C-15
Please take a few minutes today to send your message. The loss of the Library Book Rate would have immediate and disproportionate impacts on rural, northern, and small Manitoba libraries, and on blind, low-vision, and print-disabled readers across the province.
Your advocacy matters. Thank you for lending your voice at this critical moment.
New! MLA offers Peer-to-Peer Mentorship program
Posted in Membership, Professional Development, and Uncategorized
The Manitoba Library Association is happy to present you their Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Pilot Program.
Our goal is to offer connections and facilitate communication between our members to help them succeed in their library work and grow in their career.
Who can apply?
The program is open to all individual members of the Manitoba Library Association. If you are not already an individual member, you can register at this address: mla.mb.ca/
All types of library workers are welcome to participate: librarians, library technicians, managers, library assistants, directors, etc. All types of libraries are welcome: rural, academic, public, solo and more!
Each pair will establish how often they will communicate, meeting at least once a month, and how they prefer to communicate.
How does it work?
We want to match individuals who think they have experience to share and also want to learn new ways of doing. We are proposing a Peer-to-Peer programming, where we want to connect library members with similar career experiences. You can exchange ideas and find support in your field.
Maybe you mainly work with programming but want to learn more about managing and vice-versa. Or you work solo and need to learn more about running a library. Or you just need to some creative sparks and would like to learn more about generating new ideas.
We will try our best to match with the best person.
The Pilot Program will run from mid-January to mid-June, 2026.
How do I apply?
The deadline to apply is December 10th, 2025.
Please register here via this Google Form:
https://forms.gle/
An information session for those interested but who might have questions was held and recorded on November 19th, 2025. If you have questions and are interested in the recording, please email: Elise.A@mla.mb.ca for the Zoom link.
Today we celebrate Canadian Library Workers Day — a time to recognize the incredible people who keep our libraries vibrant, welcoming, and essential to every community across Manitoba.
From helping kids discover their first favourite book, to supporting lifelong learning, digital literacy, and community connection — library workers make it all possible.
Join us in saying a big thank you to the dedicated staff and volunteers in our public, school, academic, and special libraries who make a difference every single day!
Let’s get loud for MB libraries — and even louder for the people behind them!
Follow MLA on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky for more great posts like this.
Exciting news as the Manitoba Library Association hires its first executive director! Welcome to Brigitte L’Heureux – we are thrilled to have you on board.
Brigitte brings more than 20 years of experience across the academic and non-profit sectors, combining a background in library services with extensive executive leadership. She spent 16 years as a Library Technician at Bibliothèque Alfred-Monnin, Université de Saint-Boniface, where she managed circulation services, supported students and faculty, and oversaw library systems.
Since 2016, Brigitte has served as Executive Director of the Fédération des parents de la francophonie manitobaine (FPFM). In this role, she guided strategic planning, oversaw financial and human resources management, supported governance processes, and developed programs that responded to community needs. Her collaborative leadership style has strengthened partnerships and reinforced the organization’s role as a key voice in Manitoba’s Francophone community.
Fluent in both French and English, and passionate about equity, access, and the vital role of libraries in community building, Brigitte brings to the MLA experience in governance, organizational management, and community engagement.
She looks forward to working with the Board, staff, and members to support and strengthen the library network across Manitoba.
The John Edwin Bissett Memorial Scholarship is awarded to to eligible undergraduates of the University of Manitoba who are pursuing a graduate program in library and information science. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Manitoba.
Congratulations to:
- Arvin Bernardo
- Sarah Gilleshammer
- Aleksandra Matsuz
- Mae Pinniger
- Claire Settee
- Rachel Scramstad
The Jean Thorunn Law Scholarship is awarded to eligible applicants who have worked in a Manitoba library and who choose to further their career by pursuing a graduate program in library and information science. Applicants must have been engaged in recent library work in Manitoba for twelve months.
Congratulations to:
- Arvin Bernardo
- Rachel Scramstad
- Claire Settee!
The Marilyn J. Hernandez Scholarship is awarded to eligible applicants who are residents of Manitoba and who are pursuing a master’s or PhD in an accredited library and information program.
Congratulations to Li Yao!
Watch our website and newsletter for next year’s call for scholarship applications.
Welcome to our new board of directors!
Posted in Board, and Uncategorized
We’re excited to welcome our new Manitoba Library Association board members! For the first time, MLA has a fully seated and diverse board, bringing together a strong mix of experience, voices, and perspectives to help guide our work across the province.
Meet our newly elected board members:
Nadine McCaughan – Treasurer
Work: I work as a librarian at Winnipeg Public Library.
Currently reading/watching/listening to: I’m currently re-reading the Murderbot Series by Martha Wells and have also been enjoying the new TV series. I love listening to the The Hidden Brain podcast while I’m trying out new vegan cookbooks. And (safely) listening to the music of Propagandhi while riding my bike on trails around Winnipeg.
Abimbola Bello – Director of Communications
Work: Marketing Manager, Supply Build Canada
Currently reading/watching/listening to: Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson which breaks down the 4 types of personalities. I am also watching a lot of movies this summer break and taking much needed time outside basking in the sun.
Graeme Tennant – Director at Large, Advocacy
Work: I have recently moved back to Ontario from the Yukon where I lived for 15 years and worked in a variety of library and archives roles. Currently I work at the Meno Ya Win Health Centre in Sioux Lookout, Ontario.
Currently reading/watching/listening to: Puppy training books, I have a 9 week old chocolate lab named Puck.
Shannon Barill – Director at Large, Website
Work: Library Technologist at Fleming College, Peterborough, Ontario
Currently reading/watching/listening to: The last book I listened to was ‘The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek’ which I highly recommend! I love serial storytelling even more now though. The advances in tech that made streaming possible really changed the “storytelling through visual media” landscape. I tend to gravitate towards sci-fi and fantasy genres, but also really love unpacking the themes and characters in crime, medical, historical and wartime series.
Ben McGillivary – Chair, Trustees Division
Work: Winnipeg Public Library Advisory Committee Member from East Kildonan—Transcona Community
Currently reading/watching/listening to: I am currently not reading anything right now or even watching movies because I am a busy busy person.
Lindy Fontaine – Chair, Library Technicians Division
Work: Director of Legal Resources at Manitoba Law Library
Currently reading/watching/listening to: The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith
Elise Agniel – Director at Large, Professional Development
Work: Circulation Services Agent, Bibliothèque Alfred-Monnin, Université de Saint-Boniface
Currently reading/watching/listening to: I’m reading les falsificateurs by Antoine Bello where the role of the secret organization is the falsification of Reality.
We also extend a warm thank you to returning board members continuing their roles this year:
KC Bateman – President
Troy Luke – Vice-President
Kathleen Williams – Secretary
Dylan MacDougall – Membership Director
Join our team!
The Manitoba Library Association is hiring an Executive Director to support our association and memberships in the very important work that is done every day by the library profession.
Please share the job posting below. We are excited to hear from all those interested in joining our organization.
Executive Director (Part-Time, Hybrid)
Location: Hybrid (Winnipeg, MB)
Hours: 14 hours per week
About the Organization
The Manitoba Library Association (MLA) is an incorporated non-profit organization dedicated to supporting libraries, library workers and library trustees. Our mission is to provide networking and professional development opportunities and to advocate for our members. Our guiding principles are collaboration and partnerships, inclusivity and acceptance, communication and open mindedness. MLA upholds intellectual freedom, social responsibility, and the equitable access of library resources and services.
Position Overview
The Executive Director oversees operations, strategic planning, governance, communications, and fundraising activities while working closely with the Board of Directors and staff. This role is part-time (on average 14 hours per week) and offers flexibility in working arrangements, including a hybrid work environment. The successful candidate will be required to work at the physical office space a minimum of twice per month.
Key Responsibilities
Optimize Operations
- Lead the development, implementation, delivery and progress of strategic plans and initiatives under the Board’s direction.
- Administer grants, sponsorships, and other funding sources.
- Oversee the organization’s overall operations including upkeep of bylaws, documentation, financial management, records management, reporting and annual audit preparation.
- Coordinate communication with the membership, including through newsletters, website, and social media.
- Present written reports at monthly Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting.
- Collaborate with the Board on recruitment of Directors and staff.
- Work closely with the Office Manager to oversee rental space, equipment, accounting and communication platforms.
Support Professional Development
- Facilitate a calendar of events in collaboration with the Program Coordinator.
- Gather and report on program data to inform the evaluation process.
- Coordinate conference and PD event planning including post-conference documentation and reporting in collaboration with the Program Coordinator, Board and community partners.
- Assist with conference and event budgets and ensure proper expenditure and reporting in collaboration with the Office Manager and Board.
Build and Maintain Relationships
- Maintain relationships and liaise with libraries, government agencies, other library and non-profit organizations, vendors and stakeholders.
- Provide relevant reports to funders and other stakeholders as required.
- Act as the primary point of contact for funding agencies and manage contractual commitments on behalf of the Board.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in a leadership or executive role, ideally within a library or non-profit organization.
- Strong understanding of governance, strategic planning, and non-profit operations.
- Experience in program development, management, and evaluation.
- Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and social media.
- Knowledge of fundraising, grant writing, and budget management.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with the capability to work independently.
- A passion for libraries, education, and community.
Salary
Salary: $36.00 per hour; 14 hours per week.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to president@mla.mb.ca.
Deadline for applications: July 11, 2025
MLA encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and volunteers.