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Manitoba Library Association Posts

Let’s Get Loud for Manitoba’s Library Workers!

Posted in Advocacy

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.

 

Welcome to our new Executive Director – Brigitte L’Heureux

Posted in Uncategorized

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.

Congratulations to MLA’s 2025 Scholarship Winners!

Posted in Scholarships & Awards

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

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!