Special Collections and Programs:
Programs at the library include Interlibrary Loan, the Summer Reading Program, Story Hour, Lifelong Learning Program, Story Sacks Lending Library and Free Internet Access. If there is a program that you would like to see in our library please let one of the staff know. Also if you have any suggestions on our current programs please let us know.
Nellie McClung Collection
In the years before the First World War, McClung established herself as a popular author. Her books celebrated the rural and western ideal and the superiority of country over city. In one novel, for example, she compares the country life to a diet of "good brown bread" in contrast to the "popcorn and chocolate" fare of the cities of the East. The bright and heroic tone of these books captured the optimism and the idealism of the Canadian Prairies. They won a large readership.
These books also capture the kernel of McClung's feminism. As a "pioneer" writer, McClung was aware of the extent of women's labor and sensitive to the fact that it was not always recognized or rewarded. She had a sharp eye for the realities of the prairie experience, and her sympathetic renderings of the struggles of farm families struck a chord with many westerners.
Story Sacks Lending Library
The Story Sacks Lending Library developed as a part of the Lifelong Learning Program.
The Story Sacks are for children from preschool to about six years of age to encourage literacy and lifelong long learning. Each story sack contains fiction and non-fiction books, puzzles, games, toys and audio books and is loaned for a period of three weeks
Lifelong Learning Program
This innovative program was implemented in 2001 with assistance from the RBC Foundation community grants program.
Originally called the Senior Literacy program, it was re-named to better reflect the program goals, which are:
• to promote the enjoyment of reading and continuous learning for seniors in the Town of Manitou and RM of Pembina.
• to encourage cross-generational literacy and technology learning opportunities within these communities.
The Program has several components which include:
• delivery of rotating blocks of library materials to the seniors housing facilities in the Town of Manitou.
• a home delivery mobile book service is provided for residents of limited mobility within the Town of Manitou.
• presentations and workshops highlighting lifelong learning activities. These have included genealogy, card-making, digital photography
workshops and presentations by local artists.
• purchase of materials and resources for seniors including periodicals, audio and large print books and general interest materials.
Story Hour
Story Hour is a story and a craft for children. It takes place on Thursdays in July from 2:30 - 3:30. Please bring your children on down and enjoy our friendly pleasant atmosphere. The children will make crafts and have stories told for the hour. If you have any questions or concerns please let us know.
Summer Reading Program
