Winnipeg Public Library Board

"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."

"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."

"I strongly believe in library and library services. I can relate this to my experience when I was a new immigrant in Canada. The library provided me with required reading material, community contacts and various services that assisted me in settling well. We may be moving towards online web reading, however, the library not only provides a collection of books to enhance our knowledge but also provides a neutral atmosphere and safe workplace for everyone, including the students. I am honoured to serve on the Library 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."

"I started going to the Westwood Library when I was 11 and, after a rather lengthy absence ( oh, 30 years), I walked into the Cornish Library and was reminded of the freedom of having access to knowledge of all kinds. I was also stunned by the huge scope of other materials (music/DVD's/e-learning/etc) that make up the current breadth of information available to library users. Helping to ensure that information is available and accessible to all is one of the reasons I choose to volunteer for the Library Board."

Carla Epp

"I have loved the library since I was small - so many stories to escape to and worlds to explore! The books, the quiet in a noisy world, the exploration - it was and continues to be so enticing. The library has influenced my career choice of librarian and it is now my privilege to serve on the Winnipeg Public Library Board and give back to an organization that has given me so much.
“It was good to walk into a library again; it smelled like home.” Elizabeth Kostova "

Dean Scaletta

"I am an extensive user of the Winnipeg Public Libraries system, having borrowed and read dozens of books over the past few years that I would not otherwise have had access to. My relationship with WPL goes back to the late-1960s, when I would spend hours at the Windsor Park Library researching school projects or just reading for pleasure. I still enjoy the feel of a book in my hands, and I continue to find relevance and entertainment in classic novels that were published more than 200 years ago. I believe in the importance of public libraries to a community, and I joined the WPL Board as a way to contribute their ongoing success. "

Laila Yesmin

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.

Mario Lebar

Morley Walker

"As a library user my entire life, I have been fascinated to watch how this essential public institution adapts to the great changes in the modern world. Our library service offers so much -- information, knowledge, community and entertainment. May its stewardship remain strong for future generations."

P. Colleen Suche

I feel that libraries matter because they are public connection spaces: libraries connect us to ideas, to resources for learning, creating and playing and they connect us to each other.

"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."