Winnipeg Public Library Board2018 Library Board Photo (click to enlarge)
The 16-member Library Board includes 12 citizen members appointed by City Council, two City Councillors, the Manager of Library Services and one non-voting representative from the Province of Manitoba.
The Board’s mandate is to make recommendations about library policy and budget, deal with administrative matters with significant policy or service implications for the library system, and develop long range plans for the library system, including public involvement.
The Board works in consultation with the Manager of Library Services and reports to City Council’s Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services.
Each of Winnipeg’s five Community Committees has appointed a Library Advisory Committee (LAC) comprising citizen members. Library Advisory Committees advise and report to the Library Board on public library services within their communities.
See also the City of Winnipeg Library Board By-Law
For more details about the Library Board and Library Advisory Committees, see the fact sheet, or you can download the Board Brochure in pdf format, or Accessible MS Word version of the Brochure.
Find out about Board Meetings, Minutes, Annual Reports and other Board Activities.
Appointments to the Library Board and Library Advisory Committees are made for two-year terms, to a maximum of six years.
For more information on how to apply for citizen member positions, leave a message at 204-986-8028, email wpllibraryboard@winnipeg.ca or visit the City Clerk's website.
Library Board Phone: 204-986-8028 (voice mail)
Email: wpllibraryboard@winnipeg.ca
Mailing Address:
Winnipeg Public Library Board
Attn: Administrative Assistant
251 Donald Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3P5
If you have any concerns or questions regarding library service, the members of the Library Board would welcome your comments!
"My
background is a career as a lawyer and volunteering on a variety of boards. I look forward to assisting
the Winnipeg Public Library Board with its services, programs and collections."
"Libraries
are an essential service for everyone of all ages to benefit. They're great for researching your
projects, improving your knowledge and personal entertainment! I love using Lynda.com, checking out new
music, reading mystery novels and textbooks related to my career."
"The reason
I applied for the Winnipeg Library Board is to further my life long quest for learning. It was with
great pride that I began taking my very young daughter to the local library and advised her that
‘through this door is anything you wish to learn about in the universe‘. There is such an
amazing variety of activities that go on for all ages that one can never be bored at a library. It is a
privilege that we have in Canada and it is certainly my privilege to serve on this board."
"My
adventures with books and reading began in Kindergarten when Miss Cummings started me reading with the
classic children's book Bongo. My quest for inspiration and ideas continued at the bookmobile that
parked at Lord Selkirk School every Thursday and then my regular walks to the magic of the classic
Carnegie library on William Avenue. Libraries have prepared me well through the years of discovery and
pleasure allowing me to pay it forward in my roles as a grade one teacher, high school principal and
community volunteer. Currently my commitment to literacy is evidenced through the Margaret Crawford
Technical Library, the Fighting Words Reading Camp and the WPL Board. I look forward to playing a
contributing role in guiding our library as it continues to transform into a library of the future and
a significant contributor to the quality of life in our city."
"As a retired newspaperman,
I have an abiding respect for the power of the written word and a fascination with how all knowledge
sectors, including public libraries, are adapting to the digital era. I remember fondly my mother
taking us to the library when we were kids. And though I tend to do my book browsing via my home
computer these days, using the library is still, for me, one of the great privileges of life in a
prosperous country. I am happy to help others learn what libraries offer."
There is a
concept
called Open Source or Free Software. It means that the the source code
is available for anyone to access. In
this framework, the meaning is "free as in speech, not free as in beer."
To me, libraries are the ultimate expression of that idea. Knowledge is free for everyone no matter how
intelligent, educated, young or old someone is. Access to knowledge is a right that is fundamental to a
healthy society.
The book "Fahrenheit 451" describes a world where fireman start fires instead of putting them
out. They burn all books, libraries are banned and people martyr themselves to save thoughts and ideas.
Individuals memorized whole books as a way to keep the knowledge alive. As a young adult this book
resonated deeply with me.
In this current world of "alternate facts" and unchecked statements, libraries must not be
taken for granted.
As a scientist,
the library is always an integral part to enhance my knowledge. Past two years during my service in
City Centre LAC, I appreciated that our public libraries providing our society more than accessing
knowledge via conventional way but becoming more and more welcoming and inviting place through various
programmes and events. With technological advancement, more teenagers and kids are now encouraged to
visit our libraries and respect library resources. Libraries definitely play a vital role for healthy
society and I am proud of our libraries and glad to serve as library board member.
"With a library you are free, not confined by temporary political climates. It is the most democratic of institutions because no one – but no one at all – can tell you what to read and when and how."
-Doris Lessing
"Our
public libraries contribute by connecting Manitobans with the knowledge and technology required to
compete in our information society."
Heidi Rara
More Than Books: The History of the Winnipeg Public Library, written by Eve Dutton and Kathleen Williams and edited by Joan Blakley, details the complete history of the Winnipeg Public Library. Featuring over 160 photos and archival images, the book was funded by the City of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Public Library Board and was published by the Winnipeg Public Library.
Copies of the book will be available to purchase at the launch event for $12.
Following the event, copies will be available at the Best of Friends Gift Shop, located on the main floor of the Millennium Library or to borrow from Winnipeg Public Library or as an eBook using the Library's Overdrive eBook service.
Schools, libraries, archives and historical associations are eligible to receive a copy of the book free of charge until December 31, 2018. Please fill out this form to request a copy for pickup at your nearest library branch.
The Library Advisory Committees (LACs) serve as community voices to provide local input within the Winnipeg Public Library system. The LACs provide a valuable resource to both the Winnipeg Public Library Board and the Winnipeg Public Library, by providing feedback to enhance library services in their local communities.
Library Advisory Committees are involved in the following general activities:
Under City of Winnipeg By-Law No. 119/2004, the Library Advisory Committees report to the Winnipeg Public Library Board. The Board reports to City Council through the Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services.
Appointments to the Library Board and Library Advisory Committees are made for two-year terms, to a maximum of six years.
For more information on how to apply for citizen member positions, leave a message at 204-986-8028, email wpllibraryboard@winnipeg.ca or visit the City Clerk's website.
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