A Trilingual Library will see the light of day in Saint-Laurent

The rural municipality of Saint-Laurent. For example, in the region of Entre-les-Lacs, works to create the first library in its history. However, Municipal leaders want not only that this place allows residents to borrow books. Therefore, but also that it is a place to preserve Métis culture.

The former municipal office, erected in 1902, still retains its smell of old wood and accumulates spider canvases and dust.

However. Therefore, after a few renovations, such as adding a bathroom, the small building of around 120 square meters will have to house the new library by 2027, according to the direction of the municipality which is still the owner of the building.

Debbie Lavallée, a long -standing resident, says she is delighted with this future addition to her village. Similarly, The library will have posters and books not only in English trilingual library will see light and French, but also in Michif.

Debbie Lavallée is part of a group. Meanwhile, that reported its interest in setting up the library in the municipal management. She believes that it will be a means of transmitting cultural knowledge to future trilingual library will see light generations.

If we do not keep the heart of Saint-Laurent, the Michif, it will be lostshe says.

She also welcomed other efforts to promote Métis language and culture in her community. According to Debbie Lavallée, these initiatives have aroused interest in Métis traditions in his grandchildren.

Libraries are more relevant than ever

The books will be provided by the library South Interlake Regional Librarybased in Stonewall. which also manages two other branches in the region of Entre-les-Lacs.

According to the director of South Interlake Regional LibraryAndrea Mcrimmon. the new library in Saint-Laurent will be an important community resource, even in a time when technology is prioritized.

Libraries are more relevant than evershe says. We note that libraries become essential community spaces and that they exist to meet the needs of the community.

She claims that in addition to having around 19,000 pounds, the library in Saint-Laurent will have audio and digital books. It will also host activities such as reading clubs. Métis cultural activities and evenings where musical groups will be trilingual library will see light able to settle on the stage at the bottom of the room.

Internet access will also be free in the new library.

Denise Allard. an economic development agent for the municipality, believes that the location of the building is ideal in terms of accessibility, because it is located near the autonomous life aid center, the two schools and the local daycare.

Ms. Allard claims that the Métis de Manitoba federation (MMF) makes a land donation to the municipality. This land is right in front of the door of the future library. It extends over four acres and will be transformed into a parking lot.

It’s super niceshe said. They do so many good things for our community. We are lucky to have the MMF.

A mobile library fills the void

Pending the opening of the library. Saint-Laurent will have access to a mobile library, in the form of a vehicle which carries around 4,500 pounds and which is nicknamed the Bookmobile.

This is an initiative of the South Interlake trilingual library will see light Regional Library. The Bookmobile circulating in the region since 1968, according to its manager, Pam Palcat.

The mobile library rotates between 32 destinations every three weeks. She goes to schools, daycare centers, senior residences and Hutteritis communities.

Pam Palcat indicates that the Bookmobile has a collection of books appropriate for the communities he visits.

We are currently working on the enrichment of our French collection, as well as that of Michifshe shared.