Winnipeg
Public Library Board
About the Winnipeg Public Library Board
2019 Library Board Photo (click to enlarge)
Back row: (L to R) Dean Scaletta, P. Colleen Suche, Paisley Cozzarin, Laila Yesmin, Jaideep Johar, Morley Walker, Monique Ireland, Carla Epp. Front row: (L to R) Ed Cuddy, Michael Wenesz, David Robinson, Councillor Schreyer. Missing: Gordon Crook, Mario Lebar, Trevor Surgenor, Councillor Santos.
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.
How To Join The Library Board or a Library Advisory Committee
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.
Contact the Board
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!
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Chair
"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."
Vice Chair
"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."
Treasurer
Member-at-Large
"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."
Member-at-Large
Carla Epp
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. "
Jaideep Johar
"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."
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
City of Winnipeg Representatives
Councillor at Large
Councillor for SPCPCSP
Manager of Library Services
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
Province of Manitoba Representative
Director, Manitoba Public Library Services
"Our public libraries contribute by connecting Manitobans with the knowledge and technology required to compete in our information society."
Administrative
More Than Books: The History of the Winnipeg Public Library
Project Background
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.
How to obtain a copy
Copies of the book will be available to purchase for $12 from 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.
Library Advisory Committees
About Library Advisory Committees
Role of Library Advisory Committees
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:
- Providing community feedback on library services and programs;
- Identifying and undertaking special projects and programs in conjunction with their local libraries;
- Promoting the activities and services of the Library, LACs and Board;
- Identifying and conveying to the Library Board matters of local concern.
Reporting Structure
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.
How to Join a Library Advisory Committee
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.
2019 
