Melita Library ... lets you hold the world in your hands

OUR HISTORY

Libraries have officially been part of Manitoba's culture since 1883 when the Municipal Act allowed for the establishment of Public Libraries. The first Public Library Act for Manitoba was passed in 1899 and in subsequent years Travelling Library Services were established. However, in the early years, it was the Women's Institute who operated a small circulating library in Melita.

In 1958, The Melita & District Chamber of Commerce initiated a meeting with the RM of Arthur and the Town of Melita to establish a regional library system. A vote on the establishment of a Regional Library was held and carried by both municipalities.

On August 28th, 1959, the Southwestern Manitoba Regional Library in Melita, Manitoba officially opened in the Rest Room on Main Street (directly across the street from the present day library). The Annual Operating Budget that first year was $12,842.50. $4,770.40 was spent on books. Circulation for that first year was 3,330 books and there were 454 memberships.

In 1969, lack of space was such a severe problem that it has affected all library activities. Programs were cancelled and no new books were purchased. A new and permanent home for the library was sought.

In 1970, The Melita Library relocates to roomier premises farther up Main Street in the Pool hall portion of the Bowling Alley. This was to be a temporary measure only, however, it would be 27 years later that the Library found a suitable and permanent home in its present location.

In 1980, The Melita Library converted the card catalogue from a dictionary catalogue to author, title and subject access.

The Southwestern Manitoba Regional Library celebrates its 25th anniversary in 1984.Also that year, the Melita Library undertook the first inventory of the Library's book stock.

In 1995, the Melita Library purchased computers and began the automation process. This process would take two years to complete.

The Melita Library becomes the town's Community Access site and receives funding to install two computers for public internet access use in 1996. It was also in 1996 that the Melita Library created its own Web Page on the Internet.

Late in 1996, the Melita Library began negotiations and fund raising to purchase and renovate a building to relocate the library. Board and Staff members moved from the old Library in the Bowling alley on Christmas Eve. The library was closed from December 17th, 1996 - February 1997 while renovations were made in the new library.

It was in February 1997 that the Melita Library would open its doors at its new location. Also this year the Melita Library retires its old card catalogue system and uses an on-line computer catalogue.

Today, The Melita Library owns 14,952 books and has 780 memberships. Circulation was 22,033 items.

Send any comments or suggestions to: swmblib@escape.ca

(c) 1999 by the Melita Library
Last Update: July 10, 2002