When it comes to libraries and information, Virden and area will soon be represented on a provincial organization.
At last week’s virtual R.M. of Wallace-Woodworth meeting, Coun. Mark Humphries reported that he has been recruited to serve as a Trustee on the Manitoba Library Association (MLA) Board of Directors. According to its website, the MLA’s mission is to “provide leadership in the promotion, development, advocacy and support of library and information services in Manitoba for the benefit of members, the library and information community and Manitobans."
At the local level, Humphries is currently the Chairperson of the Border Regional Library Board of Directors. He sees his new role as advantageous for the three communities which the library system serves – Virden, Elkhorn and McAuley.
"It's a voice in a provincial organization," Humphries said. "They were approaching various boards to put people forward and somebody obviously put my name in the hat. I think up until now it (MLA board) has been predominantly Winnipeg and city-based. They are wanting some advice from the rural sector so they can better understand what's going on in the rural parts of the province, and I think it will be very beneficial."
Humphries is prepared for a learning curve, and is optimistic that the time will be well-spent.
"I'm interested to see what we can learn from it," he said. "I would like more help for the (Border Regional) library through this board... what the staffing and their wages should be in comparison to the city, for example. Apart from the collection itself, there's a lot of nuts and bolts to learn from these boards. It's always a give and take... you go back better informed and the board is better informed about what's going on in their local areas."
Humphries will attend meetings virtually beginning in May and take part in the transition to the new board, which will officially take office in September.
"I'm still coming to grips with all the ins and outs,” he said.
