Manitoba Library Association

Congratulations to MLA's 2025 Scholarship Winners!

Watch our website (mla.mb.ca/scholarships... ) and newsletter for next year’s call for scholarship applications.

One week left to apply!
MLA is hiring an Executive Director - read on!

For full job description and posting, please visit mla.mb.ca/2025/06/20/w...

We're Hiring. Executive Director 14 hours per week (Part-Time, Hybrid) $36.00 per hour The Executive Director oversees operations, strategic planning, governance, communications, and fundraising activities while working closely with the Board of Directors and staff.

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.

Apply Now. For full job description and posting, please visit mla.mb.ca 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

Join our team!

The Manitoba Library Association is hiring an Executive Director to support our association and membership in the very important work that is done every day by the library profession.

Please share the full job posting (available in pdf form here: mla.mb.ca/2025/06/20/w....

Poster that describes the Book and Bake sale on Saturday 10am-3pm on June 14. First Mennonite Church on 922 Notre Dame Ave Novels, memoirs, kids' books, poetry, YA, sci-fi and fantasy, history and more - plus baked good of all kinds. Everything is pay-what-you-want! All proceeds go to supporting the Prison Libraries Committee and Bar None Prison Visiting Rideshare. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Booksellers seeking books for resale are welcome starting at 2pm to purchase books by the box. See book sale volunteers for pricing. Wheelchair accessible. Please wear a mask. Masks will be available. Cash only. Bring a your own bag!

It's that glorious time of year! When the Manitoba Library Association - Prison Libraries Committee along with the BarNone Prison Visiting Rideshare, hosts it's annual Book & Bake Sale!
Oh - did I mention it's pay-what-you want?! Cash only please!

See you there!

Photo depicting five smiling women holding glass awards with the MLA president

Congratulations to:
Lifetime Library Service Award, Heather Graham (Friends of the WPL)
Human Rights Book Award , Ebony Novakowski (RRC Polytechnic)
Service Award, Michelle Boudreau (Westman Regional Library)
Technician of the Year, Michelle Rondeau (WSD)
Trustee of Distinction, Sharon Fehr ((SCRL)

Apply today!
The Manitoba Library Association awards three annual scholarships to Manitoba students enrolled in Library and Information Studies graduate level programs.
More information is available on our website here: mla.mb.ca/scholarships...

THank you for supporting the manitoba libraries conference! Photo shows high school student Drayton Perrault and his mother Shannon singing a welcome song.

The top photos shows award-winning writer, Niigaan Sinclair at the podium speaking to the audience. The bottom photo shows an audience of library workers listening.

The top photo shows people speaking to each other at the trade show. The bottom photo shows Ian Cherry playing the trombone and Anne-Marie Williott playing the accordian.

What an amazing time - you really showed up!
Thank you for engaging and helping to create a wonderful environment for connection and community.
Many thanks to Drayton Perrault, Minister Kennedy, keynotes Niigaan Sinclair & Chim Undi, our wandering minstrels Anne-Marie & Ian, and to YOU!

Social events at the conference! Tuesday, may 6 4:30 -6 PM Wine & Cheese in the Exhibit hall with musical guests: Anne-marie Williot & Ian Cherry 6:30 PM Pub Night at Shannon’s Pub (175 Carlton Street)

Are you attending the Manitoba Libraries Conference this week?
Social events include a Wine & Cheese on Tuesday -tix are included in your registration. Stand-alone tickets are $20 - available: conference.mla.mb.ca/Register/
Afterwards, join us at Shannon’s Irish Pub right across the street!

Thank you to our sponsors! We gratefully acknowledge the sponsors for this year's Manitoba Libraries Conference. Next week's conference wouldn't be possible without their support!

#MLC2025

TABLE TALKS AT THE MANITOBA LIBRARIES CONFERENCE Tables during lunch, coffee breaks, and trade show will be set up with signage that describes a topic of interest. Join that table and meet new friends for lunch or during the wine & cheese, or just during a break in the program!

A buzzing co-design coffee chat where RRC Polytech and library enthusiasts imagine bold new ways to spark learning Tuesday , May 6 (11:30AM) Want to talk Interlibrary Loans? Meet the WPL staff who manage the ILL dept! Wednesday, May 7 (2PM) How Much Creative Fun Can You Squeeze in 30 Minutes? Engage in creative acts to kickstart your conference day with energy and connection! Join Candace from RRC Wednesday (9AM)

Look for other topics of interest around the conference venue during lunch, breaks, and the trade show! Let’s talk book bans and censorship I ❤ Programming Supporting Indigenous initiatives and colleagues Parlez-vous français? Asseyez-vous ici et jasez avec vos collègues Children’s staff unite! AI and Libraries, can we talk? Looking for other Library Board Trustees? Have a seat! Safety a concern? Start a conversation here Or write a topic that interests you and post it for your own Table Talk!

“Table Talks” is a new networking opportunity at MLC! Tables during lunch, breaks, & trade show will be set up with signage that describes a topic of interest. Some have a set date, and time so make note!

Join that table, meet new friends for lunch or just during a break!
conference.mla.mb.ca

TWO LIBRARY TOURS ARE BEING OFFERED AT THE CONFERENCE! Tuesday, May 6 (1-3pm) ideaMILL Tour: Visit the makerspace at Millennium Library - brainstorm how to implement makerspace elements into all spaces (including rural/smaller public libraries with limited budgets!) Wednesday, May 7 (1-3pm) Law Libraries Tour: Visit not one but two beautiful old libraries: the “Great Library” at the Manitoba Law Courts and the library at the Manitoba Legislature

Don't forget to sign up for the library tours at the Manitoba Libraries Conference!
We have two fantastic tours - one each day of the conference.

Space is limited (25 people maximum) so register today at conference.mla.mb.ca/library-tours/

The Manitoba Library Association AGM is fast approaching! Register for the AGM today: buff.ly/R7wIdPC

Elections will take place at the AGM for our vacant board positions. Complete this form to put your name forward: buff.ly/bI5btio

Manitoba Libraries Conference 2025 final Day to book in to the Exhibitor Hall! aLMOST SOLD OUT! conference.mla.mb.ca

Last chance to join us at the 2025 Manitoba Libraries Conference as an exhibitor!

Submit your application below for either a booth or a table: buff.ly/Q0xjxsG

More information and details can be found on our conference website: buff.ly/IGV7W2y

MANITOBA LIBRARIES CONFERENCE 2025 Table Talks: what are they?

“Table Talks” is a new networking opportunity that we are introducing at MLC 2025. Tables during lunch, coffee breaks, and trade show will be set up with signage that describes a topic of interest. Join that table and meet new friends for lunch or during the wine & cheese, or just during a break in the program! Scroll for Table Talk topic examples

Chat about topics in librarianship that interest you. These could include: Talking about Interlibrary Loans Let’s talk book bans and censorship Safety a concern? Start a conversation here Supporting Indigenous initiatives and colleagues AI and Libraries, can we talk? Parlez-vous français? Asseyez-vous ici et jasez avec vos collègues Children’s staff unite! Looking for other Library Board Trustees? Have a seat! Library Techs: Innovating Library Courses I ❤ Programming Or write a topic that interests you and post it! Networking has never been so easy!

We are introducing something new at Manitoba Libraries Conference 2025!
This year, we will have "Table Talk" opportunities around the venue, during breaks to meet like-minded colleagues interested in a particular library topic.

Make new friends, share ideas, learn what other libraries are up to!

Early bird pricing for the 2025 Manitoba Libraries Conference ends next week on April 14! Sign up this week to guarantee a spot at our best rates. Visit conference.mla.mb.ca/Register/ to register today, please contact us for bulk registration.

#MLC2025

Join us at the Manitoba Libraries Conference for two library tours!

Tuesday, May 6, 1-3pm: ideaMILL tour
Wednesday, May 7, 1-3pm: Law Libraries tour

buff.ly/T7wlyUx

#MLC2025

Deadline Extended! Nominations STILL open for the 2025 MLA Awards! Human Rights Book Award Library Service Award Library Technician of the Year Award Library Trustee of Distinction Award The deadline is April 8, 2025. More information and nomination forms at mla.mb.ca

We have extended out deadline to give you more time to submit your nominations for our Manitoba Library Awards!

The deadline is now April 8, 2025.
More information and nomination forms can be found on our website at buff.ly/uHVHliq

MANITOBA LIBRARIES CONFERENCE 2025 ARE YOU A BOARD TRUSTEE? Wondering if you should attend this year’s conference? Here’s why you should attend! conference.mla.mb.ca

WORKSHOPS How to Library Board: Roles, Responsibilities, and Resources for Success You Have a Strategic Plan, Now What? LIBRARY TOURS IdeaMILL - explore new and emerging technologies at the makerspace in Millennium Library Law & Legislative Libraries - tour the beautiful collections of the Court House and Legislature NETWORKING Meet other board members, vendors and library colleagues at the Wine & Cheese event at our Trade Show Learn more about MLA and vote at our Annual General Meeting

KEYNOTES & SESSIONS Award winning writer Niigaan Sinclair Canada’s Poet Laureate, Chimwemwe Undi Other sessions like: Effective Relationship Management Building Team Morale Demystifying ChatGPT Public Library Regionalization ...and so much more! Register today! Early Bird Deadline is April 14

Are you a library board trustee? We hope to see you at this year's Manitoba Libraries Conference!
Why should you attend? Great workshops, amazing keynotes, insightful sessions, fascinating library tours, wonderful networking opportunities!

Early bird ends: April 14
Read more here: buff.ly/UAmTcrT

A reminder that our deadline for Award nominations is coming up on APRIL 1, 2025
Nomination Forms and more information on our website: buff.ly/Rg3T8cC

Nominate a library or library colleague today!
Our community has so much to celebrate!

Awards and Scholarship season is here!
And we need volunteers from our membership to help select the award (buff.ly/iKZh4pf )and scholarship (buff.ly/M4idNTp ) recipients.

This is a beautifully satisfying and enjoyable committee.
If interested, please reach out to awards@mla.mb.ca

Our Conference Program Schedule is now live! Find it at conference.mla.mb.ca.

Are you interested in programming? Check out... From Story Hours to Nerf Battles: Programming in Libraries Rock That (Interactive and Rich) Read Aloud Not Just for Kids: Engaging Adults and Building Community Using Storytime and Music Programs Nature Programs in a Rural Public Library: Hatching Chicks and Growing Vegetables

What about social-justice issues? Check out... The Power of Intersectional Representation: Centering 2SQTBIPOC Stories and Literature Information Justice Inside and Out of Provincial Prisons Reconciliation Through Partnership Naawi-bimosanaan - In the Middle of Our Walk Where Reading and Climate Action Meet

Or what about self-care and professional growth? Check out... The Burnt-out Librarian: Moving On From Vocational Awe How Are You Doing? Build Team Morale Using Empathy-Based Leadership Skills, Tips, and Tricks Cultivating Abundance in Librarianship by Visiting ...and many more!

The program schedule for the Manitoba Libraries Conference is now live!
We've scheduled a diverse offering of sessions, social events, and keynote speakers. There is something for everyone!

Scroll through for a sampling of the presentations.
Check out the conference website: conference.mla.mb.ca

Calling all students! We are looking for volunteers for the Manitoba Libraries Conference, taking place May 6-7 at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. Student volunteers will get to attend the Conference for free. Email communications@mla.mb.ca if you are interested!

Nominations now open for the 2025 MLA Awards! 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. 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.

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. Library Trustee of Distinction Award The Trustee of Distinction Award recognizes outstanding participation in the advancement of public library trusteeship in Manitoba. The deadline is April 1, 2025. More information and nomination forms at mla.mb.ca

MLA presents awards every 2 years at the Manitoba Libraries Conference. This year, they will be presented on May 7. For more info & links to the nomination form, please visit our website.(buff.ly/mVSvlcB )

The deadline for the 2025 awards is April 1.
Nominate a library worker or library today!

The Manitoba Library Association is proud to stand with libraries across Canada by reaffirming our commitment to intellectual freedom! Celebrate Freedom to Read Week with us from February 23 to March 1, and learn how you can get involved at freedomtoread.ca.

#FreedomToRead #FTRW25

Considering some recent news items, perhaps we should all revisit this important statement from 2022:MLA upholds: Library boards are the authority for governance and management of public libraries, and this includes developing and maintaining collection development policies for challenged materials. The authority and duties of public library boards are delegated under Manitoba’s The Public Libraries Act. Library boards in Manitoba, and throughout Canada, develop and maintain collection policies that reflect universal principles of intellectual freedom. Library boards are collectively responsible for ensuring equitable and universal access.

Further, MLA upholds: Library boards and library workers are best suited for selecting library materials to be made accessible to their community. Library users rely on their own individual decisions and judgment of what library materials to consume or not, and should raise concerns regarding library materials to their local library for consideration. Libraries are public service environments, and engagement between users and workers should take place in a manner demonstrating respect. Library workers are deserving of respect and civility in delivery of services.

Manitoba Library Association condemns all calls for censorship, defunding of public libraries, and harassment of library workers. We assert that it is inappropriate, in terms of political governance and professional practice, to position municipal councils as arbitrators of library collections. Manitoba Library Association applauds decisions by library boards to uphold principles of intellectual freedom, including freedom to read, with respect to library collection decisions. Manitoba Library Association will continue to communicate with its members regarding intellectual freedom in library collections and programs. We want to ensure the ability for library boards and library workers to perform their duties in effective and safe ways and ensure that Manitobans can freely engage with library collections in line with their individual needs and interests.

In light of recent news items, we thought it important to share this important Manitoba Library Association Statement Regarding Calls for Censorship & Defunding of Public Libraries (mla.mb.ca/advocacy/let... ):

Photo of an Anishinaabe man in a wheat field. Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe from Peguis First Nation.He is an award-winning writer, editor and professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba who was named one of the most influential people in Canada by Maclean’s magazine in 2022. Niigaan is a multiple nominee of Canadian columnist of the year (winning in 2018) and his commentary appears weekly on multiple platforms across Canada – from the pages of The Winnipeg Free Press to TV shows on CBC, APTN and on his co-hosted podcast Niigaan and the Lone Ranger. His first book Wînipêk: Visions of Canada from an Indigenous Centre (McClelland & Stewart, 2024) was a national bestseller that won the 2024 Governor General Award for Non-fiction. He is a former secondary school teacher who won the 2019 Peace Educator of the Year from the Peace and Justice Studies Association based at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Niigaan will be speaking on Tuesday, May 6 at 1:00 pm

Photo of a Black woman on a bridge in front of the Winnipeg city skyline. Chimwemwe Undi is a writer and lawyer based on Treaty 1 territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba.Her debut poetry collection, Scientific Marvel (House of Anansi Press, 2024) received the 2024 Governor General’s Literary Award in Poetry. She is a former Winnipeg Poet Laureate (2023/2024), and Parliamentary Poet Laureate for 2025 and 2026. She practices professional regulation and labour law at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP. Chimwemwe will be speaking on Wednesday, May 7 at 12:00 pm (Photo credit: Pierette Boily)

Photo of a white woman and a white man seated and gazing upwards. A bass and accordion are on the floor in front of them. Anne-Marie Williot is a trilingual multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter hailing from rural Quebec, and now based in Winnipeg. A honed poet and performer, she writes and sings in a deliciously melodic blend of old and new sounds, often evocative of candle-lit cafes. In recent years, the accordion has become her main instrument. In 2020, she released her latest album, entitled Cheval Géant. Ian Cherry is a bass and low brass specialist, originally from Halifax. He has been playing in the Winnipeg jazz and reggae scenes for the last 18 years. He has joined forces with Anne-Marie over the last six years and has recently released a solo experimental album called Cry Havoc. Anne-Marie and Ian will be performing at the Wine & Cheese on Tuesday, May 6 at 4:30 pm

We are thrilled to announce our wonderful line up of keynotes and performers for this year's Manitoba Libraries Conference!
Register today(conference.mla.mb.ca/Register/) and take advantage of the early bird pricing!

We are happy to announce that registration for the 2025 Manitoba Libraries Conference is now open - visit conference.mla.mb.ca to register today!

Manitoba Library Worker Profile: Leah O’ Leary

This month we interviewed Leah O’ Leary, the Community Program Coordinator at Portage la Prairie Regional Library.

Check out the full profile at https://buff.ly/3E5XDbB