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Manitoba Library Association Posts

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

We’re hiring an Executive Director!

Posted in Uncategorized

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.

MLA Executive Director JOB POSTING(pdf)

Congratulations to our 2025 Award Winners!

Posted in Conference, Membership, Scholarships & Awards, and Uncategorized

The Manitoba Library Association was pleased to honour the 2025 Award recipients at this year’s awards luncheon, held on May 7 during the Manitoba Library Conference.

Congratulations to:

Lifetime Library Service Award winner, Heather Graham (Friends of the Winnipeg Public Library)

“Heather is an unwavering pillar of Friends of the Winnipeg Public Library. Before joining the Friends, she devoted decades of service to the Winnipeg Public Library, demonstrating her deep commitment to the community. Today, we continue to rely on her steady guidance and professionalism in every aspect of our work.”

Human Rights Book Award winner, Ebony Novakowski (Red River Polytechnic)

“Ebony is the epitome of a library professional whose daily and ongoing work upholds library values of intellectual freedom while also reflecting the community’s need for inclusive and diverse library spaces.”

Library Service Award winner, Michelle Boudreau (Westman Regional Library)

“At a time when communities grapple with such immense challenges of social isolation, climate change, opposition to diversity, Michelle uses her talent as a library professional and as an artist to connect her community through meaningful programming.”

Library Technician of the Year, Michelle Rondeau (Winnipeg School Division)

“Michelle is an exceptional library technician whose contributions go far beyond the call of duty: (h)er innovative approach to cataloguing, her leadership in professional development[…]she will continue to inspire and impact the field of school libraries for years to come.”

Library Trustee of Distinction, Sharon Fehr (South Central Regional Library (SCRL)

“Not only does Sharon have a wealth of financial expertise with 40 years of experience working in banking, but she has insight into how to make libraries relevant […] She advocates for our libraries by bringing our name to the attention of others who can support us financially, often through grant opportunities.”

MLA-PLC Book and Bake Sale!

Posted in Uncategorized

It’s almost time! When the Manitoba Library Association – Prison Libraries Committee along with the BarNone Prison Visiting Rideshare, hosts it’s annual Book & Bake Sale!

Join us Saturday, June 14 at the First Mennonite Church at 922 Notre Dame for (what we modestly consider) the best curated book sale in the city – and pick up some delicious treats as well!

Pay-what-you-want and cash only please. Bring your own bag(s).

All funds raised go to support incarcerated Manitobans and their loved ones.

Thank you for your continued and beautiful support.

Now accepting scholarship applications – deadline is May 26, 2025

Posted in Uncategorized

The Manitoba Library Association awards three annual scholarships to Manitoba students enrolled in Library and Information Studies graduate level programs.

Questions can be directed to the Scholarships committee: awards@mla.mb.ca 
More information is available on our website here: https://mla.mb.ca/scholarships-and-awards/scholarships/ 

The following scholarships are available:

Jean Thorunn Law Scholarship

The Jean Thorunn Law Scholarship is available 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.

John Edwin Bissett Scholarship

The John Edwin Bissett Scholarship is available 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.

Marilyn J. Hernandez Scholarship

The Marilyn J. Hernandez Scholarship is available to eligible applicants who are residents of Manitoba and are pursuing a master’s or PhD in an accredited library and information program.

For more information and to apply see the following files:

 

AGM and MLA Board Vacancies – we need you more than ever!

Posted in Uncategorized

The Manitoba Library Association AGM is fast approaching! This year’s Annual General Meeting is taking place at the Manitoba Libraries Conference on Wednesday, May 7 at 8 am. Light refreshments will be served.

MLA members will receive an information package by email and copies of the package will be available at the AGM. All are welcome to attend!

Register for the AGM

 

Join the MLA Board!

The MLA Board needs you more than ever! There are several Board vacancies to fill in order to help continue the programming and services of MLA. We have amazing staff to support the Board – we need library workers and supporters to join us. Vacant positions for the 2025-2026 year are:

  • President
  • Vice-President
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary
  • Communications Director
  • Director at Large – Advocacy
  • Director at Large- Professional Development
  • Chair, Trustees Division
  • Chair, Library Trustees Division

Read more about the MLA Board Positions. For questions please contact us.

Please complete this form to put your name forward.

MLC 2025: Student Volunteers Needed

Posted in Conference

Calling all students! We are looking for student volunteers for the Manitoba Libraries Conference, taking place May 6-7 at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. If you are currently enrolled in a library-related program, are starting in one later this year, or have graduated from one since 2024, we want your help! Student volunteers will get to attend the Conference for free.

Volunteer jobs include staffing the registration desk, assisting at the conference trade show, providing technical help, and helping with set up/take down. Please email communications@mla.mb.ca if you are interested or would like more information!

Nominations now open for the 2025 MLA Awards!

Posted in Library Technicians, Public Libraries, Scholarships & Awards, School Libraries, Special Libraries, and Trustees

The Manitoba Library Association presents awards every two years at the Manitoba Libraries Conference. For more information and links to the nomination form – please visit our Awards page.

We are now accepting award nominations for the following awards.
The deadline for the 2025 awards is April 1, 2025. We’ve extended our deadline to April 8th, 2025!

Human Rights Book Award

This award sponsored by the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers is in support and recognition of the hard work  of Manitoba libraries to uphold library values of intellectual freedom while also reflecting their community’s need for inclusive and diverse library spaces.

This individual or library will have demonstrated strong resolve in upholding human rights, inclusivity and equity in library access for their library or in the library community at a local, regional, provincial or national level. The Award will recognize ongoing work or an outstanding accomplishment at a point in time.

Library Service Award

This award recognizes library workers, supporters or volunteers who have made a significant contribution to the operation and development of libraries and library services in the province of Manitoba.  Examples of potential nominees include:

  • Professional library workers in Manitoba who have shown exemplary service over a long period or who have shown a contribution within a shorter period.
  • Volunteers who have shown a significant contribution to the operation or development of library services in Manitoba, perhaps as a trustee, fund-raiser, or volunteer worker.
  • Individuals in Manitoba who have shown exceptional promise of leadership in the early years of their career through the contributions they have made to their library or to the profession.

Library Technician of the Year Award

This award recognizes a Library Technician in Manitoba who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement or leadership in their library or in the library community at a local, regional, provincial or national level. A nominee must be a graduate of a recognized Library Technician program.

Library Trustee of Distinction Award

The Trustee of Distinction Award recognizes outstanding participation in the advancement of public library trusteeship in Manitoba. Consideration is given to trustees who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, promotion of public libraries in their community and fostered education and development of Trustees.

Nominate a library worker or library today!

MLC 2025 – Registration Open! Keynotes Announced!

Posted in Academic Libraries, Board, Conference, Library Technicians, Membership, Professional Development, Public Libraries, School Libraries, Special Libraries, and Trustees

Manitoba Libraries Conference 2025 has opened registration for librarians, library workers, library board members and trustees, authors, publishers, business professionals, educators and students – anyone who is passionate about books, libraries, and eager to learn and shape the future of this incredible profession and service.

It’s our first in-person conference in years and we are excited to reconnect, revisit, and reinspire. We can’t wait to see you!

Early bird registration is now open!

  • Are you an institutional member? Your institution will need to register for you in bulk. For bulk registration by institutions or for invoicing please contact us.
  • Are you interested in attending but have barriers?
    Check out information about our Conference Bursary. You can apply for a bursary here: here.

Keynotes have been announced!

  • We are thrilled to have award-winning writer, editor and professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba, Niigaan Sinclair as our opening keynote on Tuesday, May 6 at 1:00 pm
  • Fresh from being named Canada’s Parliamentary Poet Laureate, Chimwemwe Undi will join us at our Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 7 at 12:00 pm
  • And how lucky are we? We will be entertained by Anne-Marie Williott and Ian Cherry as our wandering minstrels during our Wine & Cheese event in our Exhibitor Hall on Tuesday, May 6 at 4:30 pm

Stay tuned for more updates about the programming, special events, and our popular Exhibit Hall!
Our conference website is updated regularly: conference.mla.mb.ca/

Library Worker Profile: Leah O’ Leary

Posted in Profiles

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.