iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

📣 We want your feedback! The Manitoba Library Association (MLA) is developing its next Strategic Plan and we want to hear from you! 🕒 The survey only takes a few minutes to complete — and responses are open until November 7th. 👉 Take the survey here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/62BZDYH

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

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. #LetsGetLoudForLibraries #ManitobaLibraries #CanadianLibraryWorkersDay #LibraryLove #ThankYouLibraryWorkers

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

Aujourd’hui, nous célébrons la Journée canadienne des employés.ées des bibliothèques — une occasion de reconnaître ces personnes extraordinaires qui font de nos bibliothèques des lieux dynamiques, accueillants et essentiels à la vie de nos communautés. #FaisonsDuBruitPourLesBibliothèques

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

This week in our Let’s Get Loud for MB Libraries! campaign, we’re highlighting the heart of what libraries mean: free, welcoming, and accessible spaces for all. #LetsGetLoudMB #CanadianLibraryMonth #MBLibraries #LibrariesForAll #LibraryLove #ThirdSpace

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

As part of our Let’s Get Loud for MB Libraries! campaign, we’re shining a spotlight on the innovation happening in libraries today. #LetsGetLoudMB #CanadianLibraryMonth #MBLibraries #LibrariesInnovate #FutureReady

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

Our Let’s Get Loud for MB Libraries! campaign continues! This month, we celebrate the incredible range of libraries across Manitoba — and the dedicated staff and volunteers who keep them thriving. #LetsGetLoudMB #CanadianLibraryMonth #MBLibraries #LibraryHeroes #CommunityConnections

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

We’re kicking off Canadian Library Month with our Let’s Get Loud for MB Libraries! campaign! 📚✨ Join us in raising our voices for the incredible role that libraries play in our province! #LetsGetLoudMB #CanadianLibraryMonth #MBLibraries #LibrariesMatter

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

WPL: guides.wpl.winnipeg.ca/indigenous Ntl Ctr Truth & Reconciliation: trw-svr.nctr.ca UBC course: opl.educ.ubc.ca/reconciliation-2 NFB: nfb.ca/indigenous-cinema/subjects/education/residential-schools-history-personal-accounts-experience Indigenous Watchdog: indigenouswatchdog.org/calls-to-action

Today, tomorrow, and every day can be important moments to learn and reflect on Truth and Reconciliation and on Orange Shirt Day.
May this time be taken as part of ongoing, and ever-evolving opportunities for learning and listening.

Some resources that help educate:
Winnipeg Public Library: guides.wpl.winnipeg.ca/indigenous
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: trw-svr.nctr.ca
UBC’s “Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education”: opl.educ.ubc.ca/reconciliation-2
NFB’s residential schools film collection: nfb.ca/indigenous-cinema/subjects/education/residential-schools-history-personal-accounts-experience
Indigenous Watchdog's status update on the Calls to Action: indigenouswatchdog.org/calls-to-action

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

Congratulations to MLA's 2025 Scholarship Winners! Watch our website (mla.mb.ca/scholarships... ) and newsletter for next year’s call for scholarship applications.

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

One week left to apply! MLA is hiring an Executive Director - read on! For full job description and posting, please visit mla.mb.ca/2025/06/20/w...

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Join our team! The Manitoba Library Association is hiring an Executive Director to support our association and membership in the very important work that is done every day by the library profession. Please share the full job posting (available in pdf form here: mla.mb.ca/2025/06/20/w....

We're Hiring.
Executive Director
14 hours per week (Part-Time, Hybrid)
$36.00 per hour

The Executive Director oversees operations, strategic planning, governance, communications, and fundraising activities while working closely with the Board of Directors and staff.

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.

Apply Now.
For full job description and posting, please visit mla.mb.ca

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

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

It's that glorious time of year! When the Manitoba Library Association - Prison Libraries Committee along with the BarNone Prison Visiting Rideshare, hosts it's annual Book & Bake Sale! Oh - did I mention it's pay-what-you want?! Cash only please! See you there!

Poster that describes the Book and Bake sale on Saturday 10am-3pm on June 14.
First Mennonite Church on 922 Notre Dame Ave

Novels, memoirs, kids' books, poetry, YA, sci-fi and fantasy, history and more - plus baked good of all kinds.
Everything is pay-what-you-want!

All proceeds go to supporting the Prison Libraries Committee and Bar None Prison Visiting Rideshare.

We reserve the right to limit quantities. Booksellers seeking books for resale are welcome starting at 2pm to purchase books by the box. See book sale volunteers for pricing.

Wheelchair accessible. Please wear a mask. Masks will be available. Cash only. Bring a your own bag!

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

Congratulations to: Lifetime Library Service Award, Heather Graham (Friends of the WPL) Human Rights Book Award , Ebony Novakowski (RRC Polytechnic) Service Award, Michelle Boudreau (Westman Regional Library) Technician of the Year, Michelle Rondeau (WSD) Trustee of Distinction, Sharon Fehr ((SCRL)

Photo depicting five smiling women holding glass awards with the MLA president

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Apply today! The Manitoba Library Association awards three annual scholarships to Manitoba students enrolled in Library and Information Studies graduate level programs. More information is available on our website here: mla.mb.ca/scholarships...

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

What an amazing time - you really showed up! Thank you for engaging and helping to create a wonderful environment for connection and community. Many thanks to Drayton Perrault, Minister Kennedy, keynotes Niigaan Sinclair & Chim Undi, our wandering minstrels Anne-Marie & Ian, and to YOU!

THank you for supporting the manitoba libraries conference!
Photo shows high school student Drayton Perrault and his mother Shannon singing a welcome song.

The top photos shows award-winning writer, Niigaan Sinclair at the podium speaking to the audience.
The bottom photo shows an audience of library workers listening.

The top photo shows people speaking to each other at the trade show.
The bottom photo shows Ian Cherry playing the trombone and Anne-Marie Williott playing the accordian.

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

Are you attending the Manitoba Libraries Conference this week? Social events include a Wine & Cheese on Tuesday -tix are included in your registration. Stand-alone tickets are $20 - available: conference.mla.mb.ca/Register/ Afterwards, join us at Shannon’s Irish Pub right across the street!

Social events at the conference!
Tuesday, may 6
4:30 -6 PM Wine & Cheese
in the Exhibit hall with
musical guests:
Anne-marie Williot & Ian Cherry
6:30 PM Pub Night at
Shannon’s Pub
(175 Carlton Street)

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

Thank you to our sponsors! We gratefully acknowledge the sponsors for this year's Manitoba Libraries Conference. Next week's conference wouldn't be possible without their support! #MLC2025

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

“Table Talks” is a new networking opportunity at MLC! Tables during lunch, breaks, & trade show will be set up with signage that describes a topic of interest. Some have a set date, and time so make note! Join that table, meet new friends for lunch or just during a break! conference.mla.mb.ca

TABLE TALKS AT THE MANITOBA LIBRARIES CONFERENCE
Tables during lunch, coffee breaks, and trade show will be set up with signage that describes a topic of interest.
Join that table and meet new friends for lunch or during the wine & cheese, or just during a break in the program!

A buzzing co-design coffee chat where RRC Polytech and library enthusiasts imagine bold new ways to spark learning
Tuesday , May 6 (11:30AM)

Want to talk Interlibrary Loans? Meet the WPL staff who manage the ILL dept!
Wednesday, May 7 (2PM)

How Much Creative Fun Can You Squeeze in 30 Minutes? Engage in creative acts to kickstart your conference day with energy and connection!
Join Candace from RRC Wednesday (9AM)

Look for other topics of interest around the conference venue during lunch, breaks, and the trade show!
Let’s talk book bans and censorship
I ❤ Programming
Supporting Indigenous initiatives and colleagues
Parlez-vous français? Asseyez-vous ici et jasez avec vos collègues

Children’s staff unite!
AI and Libraries, can we talk?
Looking for other Library Board Trustees? Have a seat!
Safety a concern? Start a conversation here

Or write a topic that interests you and post it for your own Table Talk!

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Don't forget to sign up for the library tours at the Manitoba Libraries Conference! We have two fantastic tours - one each day of the conference. Space is limited (25 people maximum) so register today at conference.mla.mb.ca/library-tours/

TWO LIBRARY TOURS ARE BEING OFFERED AT THE CONFERENCE!

Tuesday, May 6 (1-3pm)
ideaMILL Tour:

Visit the makerspace at Millennium Library - brainstorm how to implement makerspace elements into all spaces (including rural/smaller public libraries with limited budgets!)

Wednesday, May 7 (1-3pm)
Law Libraries Tour:

Visit not one but two beautiful old libraries: the “Great Library” at the Manitoba Law Courts and the library at the Manitoba Legislature

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

The Manitoba Library Association AGM is fast approaching! Register for the AGM today: buff.ly/R7wIdPC Elections will take place at the AGM for our vacant board positions. Complete this form to put your name forward: buff.ly/bI5btio

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

Last chance to join us at the 2025 Manitoba Libraries Conference as an exhibitor! Submit your application below for either a booth or a table: buff.ly/Q0xjxsG More information and details can be found on our conference website: buff.ly/IGV7W2y

Manitoba Libraries Conference 2025

final Day to book
in to the
Exhibitor Hall!

aLMOST SOLD OUT!
conference.mla.mb.ca

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

We are introducing something new at Manitoba Libraries Conference 2025! This year, we will have "Table Talk" opportunities around the venue, during breaks to meet like-minded colleagues interested in a particular library topic. Make new friends, share ideas, learn what other libraries are up to!

MANITOBA LIBRARIES CONFERENCE 2025

Table Talks:
what are they?

“Table Talks” is a new networking opportunity that we are introducing at MLC 2025.

Tables during lunch, coffee breaks, and trade show will be set up with signage that describes a topic of interest.

Join that table and meet new friends for lunch or during the wine & cheese, or just during a break in the program!

Scroll for Table Talk
topic examples

Chat about topics in librarianship
that interest you. These could include:

Talking about Interlibrary Loans
Let’s talk book bans and censorship
Safety a concern? Start a conversation here
Supporting Indigenous initiatives and colleagues
AI and Libraries, can we talk?
Parlez-vous français? Asseyez-vous ici et jasez avec vos collègues
Children’s staff unite!
Looking for other Library Board Trustees? Have a seat!
Library Techs: Innovating Library Courses
I ❤ Programming
Or write a topic that interests you and post it!

Networking has never been so easy!

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

Early bird pricing for the 2025 Manitoba Libraries Conference ends next week on April 14! Sign up this week to guarantee a spot at our best rates. Visit conference.mla.mb.ca/Register/ to register today, please contact us for bulk registration. #MLC2025

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Join us at the Manitoba Libraries Conference for two library tours! Tuesday, May 6, 1-3pm: ideaMILL tour Wednesday, May 7, 1-3pm: Law Libraries tour buff.ly/T7wlyUx #MLC2025

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

We have extended out deadline to give you more time to submit your nominations for our Manitoba Library Awards! The deadline is now April 8, 2025. More information and nomination forms can be found on our website at buff.ly/uHVHliq

Deadline Extended!
Nominations STILL open for the 2025 MLA Awards!
Human Rights Book Award

Library Service Award

Library Technician of the Year Award

Library Trustee of Distinction Award

The deadline is April 8, 2025.
More information and nomination forms at mla.mb.ca

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

Are you a library board trustee? We hope to see you at this year's Manitoba Libraries Conference! Why should you attend? Great workshops, amazing keynotes, insightful sessions, fascinating library tours, wonderful networking opportunities! Early bird ends: April 14 Read more here: buff.ly/UAmTcrT

MANITOBA LIBRARIES CONFERENCE 2025

ARE YOU A
BOARD TRUSTEE?
Wondering if you should attend this year’s conference?
Here’s why you should attend!
conference.mla.mb.ca

WORKSHOPS
How to Library Board: Roles, Responsibilities, and Resources for Success
You Have a Strategic Plan, Now What?

LIBRARY TOURS
IdeaMILL - explore new and emerging technologies at the makerspace in Millennium Library
Law & Legislative Libraries - tour the beautiful collections of the Court House and Legislature

NETWORKING
Meet other board members, vendors and library colleagues at the Wine & Cheese event at our Trade Show
Learn more about MLA and vote at our Annual General Meeting

KEYNOTES & SESSIONS
Award winning writer Niigaan Sinclair
Canada’s Poet Laureate, Chimwemwe Undi
Other sessions like:
Effective Relationship Management
Building Team Morale
Demystifying ChatGPT
Public Library Regionalization

...and so much more!

Register today!
Early Bird Deadline
is April 14

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

A reminder that our deadline for Award nominations is coming up on APRIL 1, 2025 Nomination Forms and more information on our website: buff.ly/Rg3T8cC Nominate a library or library colleague today! Our community has so much to celebrate!

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

Awards and Scholarship season is here! And we need volunteers from our membership to help select the award (buff.ly/iKZh4pf )and scholarship (buff.ly/M4idNTp ) recipients. This is a beautifully satisfying and enjoyable committee. If interested, please reach out to awards@mla.mb.ca

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

The program schedule for the Manitoba Libraries Conference is now live! We've scheduled a diverse offering of sessions, social events, and keynote speakers. There is something for everyone! Scroll through for a sampling of the presentations. Check out the conference website: conference.mla.mb.ca

Our Conference Program Schedule is now live! Find it at conference.mla.mb.ca.

Are you interested in programming?
Check out...

From Story Hours to Nerf Battles: Programming in Libraries
Rock That (Interactive and Rich) Read Aloud
Not Just for Kids: Engaging Adults and Building Community Using Storytime and Music Programs
Nature Programs in a Rural Public Library: Hatching Chicks and Growing Vegetables

What about
social-justice issues?
Check out...

The Power of Intersectional Representation: Centering 2SQTBIPOC Stories and Literature
Information Justice Inside and Out of Provincial Prisons
Reconciliation Through Partnership
Naawi-bimosanaan - In the Middle of Our Walk
Where Reading and Climate Action Meet

Or what about self-care and professional growth?
Check out...

The Burnt-out Librarian: Moving On From Vocational Awe
How Are You Doing? Build Team Morale Using Empathy-Based Leadership Skills, Tips, and Tricks
Cultivating Abundance in Librarianship by Visiting

...and many more!

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Calling all students! We are looking for volunteers for the Manitoba Libraries Conference, taking place May 6-7 at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. Student volunteers will get to attend the Conference for free. Email communications@mla.mb.ca if you are interested!

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

MLA presents awards every 2 years at the Manitoba Libraries Conference. This year, they will be presented on May 7. For more info & links to the nomination form, please visit our website.(buff.ly/mVSvlcB ) The deadline for the 2025 awards is April 1. Nominate a library worker or library today!

Nominations now open for the 2025 MLA Awards!

Human Rights Book Award
This award, sponsored by the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers is in support and recognition of the hard work of Manitoba libraries to uphold library values of intellectual freedom while also reflecting their community’s need for inclusive and diverse library spaces.

Library Service Award
This award recognizes library workers, supporters or volunteers who have made a significant contribution to the operation and development of libraries and library services in the province of Manitoba.

Library Technician of the Year Award
This award recognizes a Library Technician in Manitoba who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement or leadership in their library or in the library community at a local, regional, provincial or national level.

Library Trustee of Distinction Award
The Trustee of Distinction Award recognizes outstanding participation in the advancement of public library trusteeship in Manitoba.

The deadline is April 1, 2025.
More information and nomination forms at mla.mb.ca

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

The Manitoba Library Association is proud to stand with libraries across Canada by reaffirming our commitment to intellectual freedom! Celebrate Freedom to Read Week with us from February 23 to March 1, and learn how you can get involved at freedomtoread.ca. #FreedomToRead #FTRW25

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

In light of recent news items, we thought it important to share this important Manitoba Library Association Statement Regarding Calls for Censorship & Defunding of Public Libraries (mla.mb.ca/advocacy/let... ):

Considering some recent news items,
perhaps we should all revisit this
important statement from 2022:MLA upholds:

Library boards are the authority for governance and management of public libraries, and this includes developing and maintaining collection development policies for challenged materials. The authority and duties of public library boards are delegated under Manitoba’s The Public Libraries Act.

Library boards in Manitoba, and throughout Canada, develop and maintain collection policies that reflect universal principles of intellectual freedom. Library boards are collectively responsible for ensuring equitable and universal access.

Further, MLA upholds:

Library boards and library workers are best suited for selecting library materials to be made accessible to their community.

Library users rely on their own individual decisions and judgment of what library materials to consume or not, and should raise concerns regarding library materials to their local library for consideration. Libraries are public service environments, and engagement between users and workers should take place in a manner demonstrating respect.

Library workers are deserving of respect and civility in delivery of services.

Manitoba Library Association condemns all calls for censorship, defunding of public libraries, and harassment of library workers. We assert that it is inappropriate, in terms of political governance and
professional practice, to position municipal councils as arbitrators of library collections.

Manitoba Library Association applauds decisions by library boards to uphold principles of intellectual freedom, including freedom to read, with respect to library collection decisions.

Manitoba Library Association will continue to communicate with its members regarding intellectual freedom in library collections and programs. We want to ensure the ability for library boards and library workers to perform their duties in effective and safe ways and ensure that Manitobans can freely engage with library collections in line with their individual needs and interests.

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

We are thrilled to announce our wonderful line up of keynotes and performers for this year's Manitoba Libraries Conference! Register today(conference.mla.mb.ca/Register/) and take advantage of the early bird pricing!

Photo of an Anishinaabe man in a wheat field.
Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe from Peguis First Nation.He is an award-winning writer, editor and professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba who was named one of the most influential people in Canada by Maclean’s magazine in 2022.
Niigaan is a multiple nominee of Canadian columnist of the year (winning in 2018) and his commentary appears weekly on multiple platforms across Canada – from the pages of The Winnipeg Free Press to TV shows on CBC, APTN and on his co-hosted podcast Niigaan and the Lone Ranger.

His first book Wînipêk: Visions of Canada from an Indigenous Centre (McClelland & Stewart, 2024) was a national bestseller that won the 2024 Governor General Award for Non-fiction. He is a former secondary school teacher who won the 2019 Peace Educator of the Year from the Peace and Justice Studies Association based at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

Niigaan will be speaking on Tuesday, May 6 at 1:00 pm

Photo of a Black woman on a bridge in front of the Winnipeg city skyline.
Chimwemwe Undi is a writer and lawyer based on Treaty 1 territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba.Her debut poetry collection, Scientific Marvel (House of Anansi Press, 2024) received the 2024 Governor General’s Literary Award in Poetry.
She is a former Winnipeg Poet Laureate (2023/2024), and Parliamentary Poet Laureate for 2025 and 2026.

She practices professional regulation and labour law at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP.

Chimwemwe will be speaking on Wednesday, May 7 at 12:00 pm

(Photo credit: Pierette Boily)

Photo of a white woman and a white man seated and gazing upwards. A bass and accordion are on the floor in front of them.
Anne-Marie Williot is a trilingual multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter hailing from rural Quebec, and now based in Winnipeg.

A honed poet and performer, she writes and sings in a deliciously melodic blend of old and new sounds, often evocative of candle-lit cafes.

In recent years, the accordion has become her main instrument. In 2020, she released her latest album, entitled Cheval Géant.

Ian Cherry is a bass and low brass specialist, originally from Halifax. He has been playing in the Winnipeg jazz and reggae scenes for the last 18 years. He has joined forces with Anne-Marie over the last six years and has recently released a solo experimental album called Cry Havoc.

Anne-Marie and Ian will be performing at the Wine & Cheese on Tuesday, May 6 at 4:30 pm

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

We are happy to announce that registration for the 2025 Manitoba Libraries Conference is now open - visit conference.mla.mb.ca to register today!

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Manitoba Library Association @mblibrary.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

Manitoba Library Worker Profile: Leah O’ Leary This month we interviewed Leah O’ Leary, the Community Program Coordinator at Portage la Prairie Regional Library. Check out the full profile at buff.ly/3E5XDbB

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