One for the books

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Published on Monday, October 15, 2018

Photo submitted by Norma Forsman. Neepawa’s Manitoba Telephone System building became the library in 1967. When the Neepawa Library moved to its current location, this building was demolished and became the parking lot for the Beautiful Plains Credit Union.

Neepawa Public Library celebrates 50th anniversary

By Cassandra Wehrhahn

Neepawa Banner & Press

There was a historical occasion in Neepawa this past Thursday as the community’s library celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Neepawa Public Library held an open house from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Guests were treated to cake, coffee and to read over a collection of newspaper articles detailing the library’s history.

Librarian Debbie Unger gave the initial address, followed by Councillor Bill Stilwell, who gave a few details.

For those who don’t know, the library that stands today is not the original. The library started out simply as two book reading circles which then gathered at a public meeting at the courthouse in September, 1937 to organize a Neepawa Public Library Association. A board was formed, which had the power to make rules, regulations and appoint officers.

Over the years, the early library was hosted in multiple locations including Murphy’s Drug Store, Brown’s Variety Store, over the Post Office (now Team Electronics), Central School’s third floor, the Legion Hall, and the town’s courthouse. Books at this time were provided via loaning from the Dauphin Library, donations from the community, purchased from user fees, and second-hand from bookstores.

It wasn’t until Neepawa was planning celebrations for its 75th anniversary that an official regional library was put forward as a project. In 1967, the bylaws that would allow for an official library were passed, and the library took up official residence in what then was a vacant Manitoba Telephone System building, currently the parking lotof the Neepawa Credit Union. The old telephone building functioned as a library up until 22 years ago, in 1996, when the current library officially opened after a successful construction.

Stilwell extended his thanks to the community of Neepawa, patrons, visitors, and all those involved in the running of the library for “giving this place [Neepawa] the most wonderful library in Manitoba its life”.

Photo by Cassandra Wehrhahn. The Neepawa Public Library that folks today are familiar with. Even at a glance it is plain to see that it is much larger than the original building, and better suits the library’s needs. After officially opening its doors in 1996, this familiar building has been standing for 22 years and offers a large selection of books, has computers for internet access, and occasionally hosts events much like other businesses hosted the library in the old days.