Brandon Public Library | Western Manitoba Regional Library

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After a public campaign featuring pro-library propaganda such as “Brandon is known as the City without a Library. What are you going to do about it?” - The Brandon War Memorial Public Library opened on September 5, 1946. It was headquartered in the old Merchants Bank Building (present day Chamber of Commerce); the building was made available to the City for library purposes by the Bank of Montreal. Mr. Bruce Carrick served as the first librarian. In 1951 a new landmark was reached when the basement of the library was converted into a spacious boys and girls department. In 1954 a small sub-branch was opened in the new George Fitton School. This branch was open three hours every Wednesday afternoon and catered to the “children and adults of a district far from the downtown library.” In 1967 the Brandon War Memorial Public Library joined with the library in Carberry North Cypress to form the Western Manitoba Regional Library (WMRL). Today, the Brandon Public Library serves as the headquarters for the WMRL and its four rural branches in the communities of Carberry, Neepawa, Glenboro and Hartney.
A newspaper article from 1973 reported that “a committee of concerned individuals has been formed in Brandon to look at the possibility of setting up a cultural centre in the city which would house a museum, art gallery and library”. In 1979 council voted to abandon the concept of renovating the landmark CP hotel, the Prince Edward, into a public library. In late 1981, after much debate, the former site of the Brandon Coop was purchased as the future home of the city’s Centennial Library Arts Centre. The official opening of the new facility was held on April 1, 1984 and featured an address by Martin Kavanagh – first Chairman of the 1942 Brandon Library Committee.
As 2001 drew to a close the Brandon Public Library was on the move again – this time to its present site, the former Eaton’s Department store building on Rosser Avenue.

Address	Telephone	Fax	Email
710 Rosser Avenue Unit 1 Brandon, MB R7A 0K9	+1 (204) 727-6648	None	info@wmrl.ca

Reading and Writing Programs for all ages

Submitted by Danielle on January 15, 2018 - 1:42pm

Reading and Writing Programs at the Brandon Public Library

Preschoolers:

First up, we have Baby Time. This fun, casual program is designed for infants (under 18 months) and their caregivers. Running for four consecutive Tuesdays from 10:15 to 10:45 am, Baby Time consists of simple rhymes, bounces, and activities. A library staff member gently leads caregivers through the program.

eResources

Submitted by shelley on December 1, 2017 - 10:41am

If a new phone, tablet, or computer is on your Christmas List, make sure some of your first downloads are connections to your library's eResources.

Instantly borrow eBooks, audiobooks, comics, movies, music and more, 24/7 with your library card using hoopla. Download the app or go to hoopladigital.com -- Register with your library card -- Borrower free digital eBooks, movies, and more with no late fees!

Book It . . . At the Public Library

Submitted by shelley on August 29, 2017 - 11:44am

BOOK IT . . . AT THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Sharing stories with children is a service that the Brandon Public Library offers through the provision of programs.

Summer Programs

Submitted by Danielle on June 21, 2017 - 1:59pm

Plant a Seed Grow a Reader

Submitted by shelley on May 2, 2017 - 2:04pm

The Brandon Public Library’s Children’s Department offers you and your child the opportunity to select from thousands of books as you discover what will become your favourites to read together. Sharing books with your child is a great way to spend time together, and an opportunity to help your child begin a lifelong relationship with the printed word.

Brandon Blog Entry

Reading and Writing Programs for all ages

Reading and Writing Programs at the Brandon Public Library

Preschoolers:

Next up: Toddler Time. For ages 18-36 months, Toddler Time offers a friendly and flexible space where children are introduced to simple rhymes and concepts. Children will also develop their motor skills with finger plays, felt stories, and action songs. Every Toddler Time session finishes with a craft. The program runs from 10:15 to 10:45 am on Thursdays: February 8th, 15th, and 22nd, and March 1st. Caregivers are asked to stay in the room with their children.

Following Toddler Time, we have two Storytime programs. Our standard Storytime, for ages 3-5 years, takes place on Wednesdays: February 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th. On each of these dates, we have one session from 10:15 – 11:00 am, and another from 2:15 – 3:00 pm. Similar to Toddler Time, Storytime consists of stories and rhymes, followed by a craft to take home. It’s optional whether or not caregivers wish to remain in the room.

Pajama Time, our other Storytime, is open to ages 2-5 years. Following the same format as the daytime session, Pyjama Time takes place Thursday evenings from 6:15 – 6:45, on February 8th, 15th, and 22nd, and March 1st. Children are welcome to wear pyjamas and bring a favourite stuffy.

School Aged:

The Youth Book Club, for ages 8-12, continues in 2018. We meet once a month to discuss a different book, and enjoy related activities. Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month, from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. Our first read, to be discussed at the January 25th meeting, is Three Times Lucky, by Sheila Turnage. Kids can sign up for all four winter/spring sessions (January, February, March, and April), or only for the months that interest them.

Also a returning favourite, Youth Creative Writing will be offered again in the New Year. Youth (8-12 years) meet once a week to enjoy a wide range of writing activities, exploring character, setting, plot, and dialogue. Writing will take place right there in the room, with the option of sharing work aloud with the group. Meetings will take place on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 pm on January 23rd and 30th, and February 6th and 13th.

Teens:

Teen Creative Writing also makes a return appearance. As with Youth Writing, teens (ages 13 – 18) will be guided through a series of writing exercises each week, with the option of sharing their work aloud with the group. Meetings will take place on Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 pm on January 24th and 31st, and February 7th and 14th.

Adults:The Brandon Library is pleased to offer not one, not two, but three adult book clubs, meeting the first, second, and third Monday of each month, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. The groups read a mixture of fiction and non-fiction. Sometimes everyone in the group reads the same book; sometimes we pick a theme or an author and run with that for a month. Each group decides as a whole what they want to read each month. Monthly discussions are facilitated by a library staff member.

We also offer two creative writing programs. The first, the Library Creative Writing Group, is facilitated by Assistant Librarian Danielle Hubbard. This is a workshop program, where participants submit pieces of writing they would like feedback on, and then as a group offer comments and suggestions on each other’s work. We meet on Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 pm, every other week for a total of six meetings: February 1st and 15th; March 1st, 15th, and 29th; and April 12th. No previous writing experience is required. The first meeting, on February 1st, will be an introductory meeting from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, followed by a writing workshop led by Regina novelist Melanie Schnell.

Our Memoir Writing program, brand new this year, is offered in partnership with the Southwest Branch of the Manitoba Genealogical Society (MGS). This program will meet once monthly, from 1:30 – 3:30 pm on Thursdays: March 8th, April 12th, and May 10th. Led by a member of MGS, participants will be given a series of writing prompts each month, and will write in class. Themes will include memory, family history, and personal life story. Again, no previous writing experience is required, and it’s not necessary to have a piece of writing already on the go.

Finally, the Library is pleased to offer two casual drop-in programs: Stitching, and Scrabble. Stop by the Library Meeting Room any Tuesday between 2:00 and 3:30 pm. Bring your knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or whatever you’re working on, and join our Stitching Group for laughter, conversation, and idea-sharing. Similarly, all are welcome to drop in for a game of Scrabble any Wednesday afternoon between 1:00 and 4:00.

For more information about any of these programs, please stop by the library or phone us at 204 727-6648, or email info@wmrl.ca.

Registration for preschool through teen programs is done at the Children’s Services Desk, while adult program registration takes place at the Adult Services Desk.

eResources

If a new phone, tablet, or computer is on your Christmas List, make sure some of your first downloads are connections to your library's eResources.

Magazines such as MacLife, Vanity Fair, Quilter's Word, Rolling Stone, People, Traveler, Gold Digest, and Writer's Digest are available through Flipster -- your library's digital magazine newstand. Download the app and borrow both current and back issues of your favourite titles all with your library card.

eLibraries Manitoba offers a collection of ebooks and audiobooks for readers of all ages. Download the app Libby on your tablet or phone, or visit the website to select your titles and start reading.

If your winter plans include a trip to a sunny destination and you want to pick up a few words in a new language, Mango Languages is a fun infused way to learn a new language. Sign in with your library card and begin a new learning adventure.

EBSCOhost includes articles from Consumer Reports that will help you with your gift buying selections, as well as tips for those winter projects on your to do list such as Auto Repair Reference Centre and Home Improvement Reference Centre. NoveList Plus offers reading suggestions for your 2018 reading list.

Tumblebooks includes animated picture books, novels, graphic novels, non-fiction and more.

Links to these services can be found by clicking the eResources link on the menu at the top of this webpage.

If you have questions, or need some assistance, bring your device and visit us in-person, or call us at 204 727-6648.

Book It . . . At the Public Library

BOOK IT . . . AT THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Sharing stories with children is a service that the Brandon Public Library offers through the provision of programs. Participation in story based preschool programs is an important building block in getting your child ready for kindergarten. Registration is required for Library programs; programs are offered at no charge.

Baby Time (ages 0-18 months) includes singing, rhymes and stories for caregivers and babies in a short 20-30 minute session. Caregivers and babies are welcome to stay to read, socialize and play after the program. Sessions are offered on Tuesday mornings during the fall, winter and spring months.

Time for Twos (ages 24-36 months) includes stories, finger plays, activities, rhymes and crafts — all selected to suit the interests and abilities of this age group. Each child must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver. Sessions are offered on Thursday mornings during the fall, winter and spring months.

Storytime (ages 3-5 years) provides the opportunity for children to participate in finger plays, activities and crafts and share stories within a small group setting. Sessions are offered on Wednesdays during the fall, winter and spring months in both morning and afternoon time slots. Children build skills that help get them ready for kindergarten – including, listening, fine and gross motor skills, sharing, and independence.

Pajama Storytime (ages 2-5) participants are encouraged to wear their pajamas and bring their teddy bears for a program of stories, rhymes, and crafts. Sessions are offered on Thursday evenings during the fall, winter and spring months. Each child must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver.

Tours offer students and teachers an introduction to the services of the library, a sneak peek at newly arrived titles and the opportunity to enjoy a story. Teachers can make arrangements to have their students register for library cards on the day of their tours. Classes and other groups are also welcome to come on their own to browse or borrow from the collection. Teachers looking for material on a particular theme are invited to phone ahead and have library staff gather materials for them for checkout.

Assorted Programs for school aged children are offered after school, during spring break, on some BSD professional development days, during the summer months, and on special occasions such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and New Year’s Eve.

Offering books in English, French, Chinese, Spanish and Korean as well as DVDs, CDs, graphic novels, magazines and e-books, audio books, digital movies and more, the Brandon Public Library’s Children’s Department has something for everyone! For additional information, contact the library at 727-6648, visit in person at 710 Rosser Avenue, or online on our website wmrl.ca or on our Facebook page Western Manitoba Regional Library.

Summer Programs

Summer holidays are on their way, and so is Summer Reading at the Brandon Public Library! The TD Summer Reading Club is a Canada-wide program to encourage kids to keep on reading, learning, and exploring all summer long. Children of all ages are invited to sign up for a free Reading Log at the Library’s Children’s Services Desk. Children record how much time they spend reading, and earn draw entries to win prizes. This year’s prizes are all Canada 150–themed. The Summer Reading Club has something for younger children too. Children unable to read for themselves can still enjoy reading with a parent, sibling, grandparent, or caregiver, and receive stickers and prizes. Teens can also sign up for Summer Reading, earning draw entries for special teen prizes.

In addition to Reading Logs, draws, and prizes, the Brandon Library is offering a vast array of public programs this summer for children and teens of all ages. At the youngest end of the spectrum, the weekly Night Owls program introduces two- to five-year-olds to stories, rhymes, and simple crafts. Busy Beavers, on Wednesday mornings and afternoons, does the same thing for ages four to eight. Special one-time events for children include a Happy Birthday Canada party on Tuesday, July 4th, a Construction Zone program on Thursday, July 20th (featuring Lego and edible inukshuks), and an evening of board games for the whole family on Thursday, August 17th. All of these programs are free, and designed to promote literacy and learning in a fun, interactive environment.

This year the library has expanded its summer programming to include activities for tween and teens. These offerings include a Tween Book Club. Youth ages eight to twelve will meet once a month to discuss a book and enjoy related activities. July’s read will be Kate DiCamillo’s The Tale of Despereaux, while August’s will be The Boundless, by Canadian author Kenneth Oppel. Other programs include a bike maintenance workshop for teens on July 12th, and cartooning workshops for tweens and teens in August. On July 27th, the Library is working with the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba to run a teen program that combines literary exploration and visual arts. Finally, for some simple fun, the Library is hosting an afternoon of tie dye on August eighth. Bring your own white shirt, and get colourful!

The library also offers an Adult Summer Reading Club. Simply read a book, submit a review, and be entered in a draw to win a prize! Reviews can be emailed to programs@wmrl.ca, or dropped off at the library. We’ve also prepared a list of 150 titles by Canadian authors to help you in your reading. And while you’re at the Library, why not submit a bookmark design for the Library Bookmark Contest?

Pre-registration is required for all children and youth programs. For more information, visit the Library online at www.wmrl.ca, phone 204-727-6648, or email programs@wmrl.ca.

Plant a Seed Grow a Reader