Wednesday, May 18, 2016
www.thompsoncitizen.net
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News
Thompson Public Library turning 50 BY CHERYL DAVIES SPECIAL TO THE THOMPSON CITIZEN
In 1966 the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba approved a memorandum to create an offi cial public library in Thompson. Fifty years later, the Thompson Public Library continues to serve the residents of Thompson and surrounding areas. The official opening of the Thompson Public Library took place on Sept. 22, 1967, but 1966 is recognized as the establishment year. But this is not where the library began. In the fall of 1961, the Thompson Ladies’ Community Club, an organization that provided a combination of community service and social activities for their members, had to decide its future. A decision was made to continue to operate for at least one more year and to establish a lending library as their new project. Permission was given to use space in No. 1 School for the library. Donations of books were obtained from citizens of Thompson, and by opening day, Feb. 28, 1962, the library boasted a collection of over 500 donated books. An opening tea required the admission cost of the presentation of a book for the new library and an evening of dessert bridge
and an art exhibition raised money for the new library. The Nickel Belt News (May 1962) undertook a special project to help the teenage library reader. Businesses and citizens were approached for donations, and their names were published in a two-page advertisement. With community support, the library grew at such a rate that in November 1963 there were 3,500 books and 532 members and 30 volunteers to keep the library running smoothly. However, the facility was now much too small. In December 1965, a grant of $6,898 towards a Centennial project in Thompson was approved, and in 1966 a public library was voted as the project of choice. The committee consisted of Mr. Arne Sorenson, Mr. H.W. Peterson, Mr. D. Crummey, Mrs. Palmer Nesbitt, Mrs. D. Munn, Mr. C.A. Nesbitt, Mr. W. Beketa, and Mr. and Mrs. Don Morgan. An initial establishment grant of $200 from the provincial government was far from sufficient to cover furnishing the new building, and once again the library board relied on donations from community organizations, such as the Kinsmen and the Kinettes, who donated $5,000, to provide furnishings. On May 1, 1968, the first paid staff members were
hired, with Mrs. Peggy Henderson as library administrator. Problems with space soon developed in the mid 1970s – there was simply no room for new materials on the shelves. Expansion was necessary. In May 1976, the library board, chaired by Mrs. Faye Hansen, met with the Thompson city council and discussed the need for more space. In late 1976, approval was given for the library board to prepare preliminary plans and estimates for an addition. Number 10 Architectural Group of Winnipeg was hired and, by the end of November, the new addition was suffi ciently complete that the staff members were able to begin transferring books to the new area. The Thompson Public Library has continued to grow since the completion of the new addition. The catalogue now contains over 30,000 items, with a circulation of more than 45,000 items per year, and now offers downloadable audio and e-books, online databases and public Internet access, in addition to photocopying, scanning and faxing services. Our library website http://www. thompsonlibrary.com offers secure access to patron accounts, provides a calendar of events and allows the catalogue to be searched from home. Thompson Public Library
offers an abundance of programs to the community: story times for young children, reading programs and free movies in the Basement Bijou. Guest authors and artists, both local and Canadian, give presentations to the public, organizations utilize our space for presentations and programs, and the Thompson Public Library invigilates exams for distance education. Partnerships with organizations benefi t the community and the Thompson Public Library has worked with many groups including: the Retired Teachers Association, the Thompson Teachers Association, the YWCA, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Tri-Funk Fitness, Music for Young Children, Kindermusik, the Thompson Writers Guild and many more. Staff and board members – too many to list – are the heart and soul of a library; a special thank you to all of those who have made the Thompson Public Library what it is today. From the very beginning the library has been a place conceived, supported, used and loved by the residents of Thompson. The board and staff of the Thompson Public Library hope that it will continue to be an integral part of the community, a resource, a recreation facility and a meeting place for the residents of
The official opening of the Thompson Public Library took place on Sept. 22, 1967, but 1966 is recognized as the establishment year. Thompson. In the words of a previous employee, “all in all, the Thompson Public Library, with its 10,000 square foot building, featuring plenty of room for browsing… has come a long way from the little room in No. 1 School in 1962, which featured
700 donated books and 30 eager, very determined volunteers”. Join us June 4 at the Thompson Public Library to celebrate 50 years of service to the community. Cheryl Davies is the Thompson Public Library administrator.
Dangerous Waterway Zone Construction of the Keeyask Generating Station is underway near Gull Rapids on the Nelson River. This can cause speed and depth of water in the area to change very quickly and may also result in an increased risk to public safety. Watch for signs, buoys and booms marking the dangerous waterway zone and avoid the area at all times during construction. Be alert, don’t get hurt.
Fox Lake Cree Nation
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Butnau Marina Fox Lake Cree Nation
Gillam
Tataskweyak Cree Nation
Split Lake
Keeyask Construction Site
York Factory First Nation
York Landing
War Lake First Nation
Ilford
Dangerous Waterway Zone