Library a source of local pride

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/02/2017 (3317 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In recognition of the RM of Headingley’s 25th anniversary, The Headliner is presenting a series of 25 short vignettes about organizations, businesses and people that play important roles within the municipality and add to the overall quality of life. These will run throughout the year.

The Headingley Municipal Library got its start in 1993 thanks to the hard work of local residents who saw the need for a community library.

According to information on the library’s website, the first library was housed in a small supply building that was purchased by Headingley residents Jim Pearn and Russ Bowdery for $2,000 and moved from the Sea Cadet camp at Hnausa, Man. to a location next to Phoenix School in Headingley.

It was a labour of love, with local volunteers preparing the site and others building steps and book shelves, wiring and painting the building. Other volunteers, led by Audrey Teichroeb, catalogued more than 5,000 donated books that formed the library’s initial collection.

The library proved to be popular and a new building was constructed and opened in 1998. The current library at 49 Alboro St. was built at a cost of $624,000 in 2009 and opened in January 2010. The children’s department was relocated from the main floor to a specially designed downstairs space in June 2016, including computer terminals, a craft room and bookshelves that are easily accessible for children. A lift from the main level was installed for accessibility.
Library board chair Marilyn Bayrak said the number of library patrons is steadily increasing as the community grows. She encourages new residents to stop in and see what the library has to offer.

“We can order in books from any other library in the province. There are lots of choices and there’s no charge for library patrons,” Bayrak said.

As of Feb. 1, 2017, the library’s records show patron numbers to be 1,617, with 476 of those being non-resident (combined family and single memberships). Non-residents are able to sign up for an annual rate of $40 per family.

Children’s librarian Kathie MacIsaac offers weekly children’s programs including a baby/toddler story time and preschool story time. A monthly book club for adults features popular fiction titles.

Bayrak said the library is also focusing on getting youth to use the library. They have created a young adults section and provide up-to-date reference materials to facilitate students’ studies.

Bayrak said the success of the library is due in part to the dedication of former head librarian Joan Spice, who retired in 2015.

“Without the commitment, drive and willingness of Joan Spice to create a new library for Headingley residents, we would not be in our current thriving environment,” Bayrak said. “When she decided to retire, she had achieved much; all of it for the betterment of our community.”

Current head librarian Bonnie Brown, hired as an experienced librarian, started working as construction was beginning on the downstairs children’s department in early 2016.

“We have the coffee on. Come in for a visit and see what Bonnie and the library staff have accomplished,” Bayrak said.

For more information on the Headingley Municipal Library, see www.headingleylibrary.ca

— Staff