Winnipeg Public Library Board

About the Winnipeg Public Library Board

2018 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.

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.

ATTENTION

The City of Winnipeg is accepting applications to fill vacancies for 2019 on their Boards & Commissions.

For online and printable applications please visit:

LIBRARY BOARD: winnipeg.ca/clerks/boards/CitizenAppointments/wplb.stm
LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: winnipeg.ca/clerks/boards/CitizenAppointments/lac.stm

Applications must be received in the City Clerk's Department no later than 4:30 pm on Friday, October 19, 2018 or postmarked no later than Friday, October 19, 2018..

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

Dave Kemp
Chair

"I like libraries because they provide a convenient local portal to knowledge, social programs, and resources."

Brenda Dyck
Vice-Chair

"My first exposure to libraries was when I was a child growing up in Saskatchewan. I looked forward to the mobile library coming every week. I have been a life-long reader and libraries have been an integral part of my life for many years. I remember taking my children to the library to pick out books or participate in activities. In my professional life, libraries have provided books and literature to validate facts and to use in the writing of many of the policies, procedures and documents that I have developed. With my appointment to the library board, I am happy to have this opportunity to give back to the community that became my home many years ago when I moved from Saskatchewan. I look forward to contributing to the literacy of the citizens of our city as well as shaping the libraries of the future."

Michael Wenesz
Treasurer

"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."

Alison McCullough-Butchart
Past-Chair

"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."

Monique Ireland
Member-at-Large

"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."

Gordon Crook

"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."

Morley Walker

"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."

P. Colleen Suche

Wesley Takeo Konrad

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.

Mario Lebar

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.

Safraz Chishti

I have long association with libraries. It started when I joined Masters Programme in Library Science at University at Albany, New York. Later, I worked in various capacities at New York State Library, Brooklyn Public Library, Markham Public Library and Mississauga Public Library. I also worked in the library industry at the Coutts Library Services and Online Computer Library Center (OCLC). During my career, I develop lifelong association and love for books and libraries. After retirement, I want to continue this association and got an opportunity to serve as citizen member of Winnipeg Public Library Board to continue my passion of serving libraries and promote education and literacy. Being involved in learning professionally, I am strong supporter of Library system and free access of information for all without any restrictions. I believe the public library plays an important role in promoting education, recreation and lifelong learning for all members of the community.

City of Winnipeg Representatives

Councillor Russ Wyatt
SPC-PCSP Councillor

Councillor Shawn Dobson
Councillor-at-Large

Ed Cuddy
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

Trevor Surgenor
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 Assistant

Heidi Rara

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.

The City of Winnipeg is accepting applications to fill vacancies for 2019 on their Boards & Commissions.

For online and printable applications please visit:

LIBRARY BOARD: winnipeg.ca/clerks/boards/CitizenAppointments/wplb.stm
LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: winnipeg.ca/clerks/boards/CitizenAppointments/lac.stm

Deadline for applications to be received by the City Clerk's Department is Friday, October 19, 2018.

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.

Winnipeg Public Library