Buzz

Local readers will soon have a convenient second location to access library resources in Brandon with news today that the Western Manitoba Regional Library will be establishing a Shoppers Mall Brandon location this spring. 

Beginning in early May the WMRL will be opening what’s seen as a satellite location of Downtown’s Brandon Public Library in a mall space between Rogers and David’s Tea according to Director of Library Services Danielle Hubbard.  

In serving as an opportunity to reach out to more people in the city through a second location, the Mall library will operate as a fully-functional branch complete with the ability to check out books, drop off returns for any WMRL location and signup for memberships in cases when folks may not have one. Books kept in inventory within the 949 square foot space will have a focus on newer titles, best sellers and high-interest books along with the ability to place titles on hold from a collection of more than 100,000 across other locations within the WMRL.

It’s also expected that some of a collection of DVDs, magazines, newspapers and audio books will be made available in addition to a virtual reality station. 

Future mall location

The Shoppers Mall library will have hours that begin at 10am on weekdays, staying open until 6pm on Mondays and Thursdays and extra late until 9pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Saturday will see Mall hours of 9:30am to 6pm. The location has been signed on for what is in effect a one year trial through to Spring 2021, at which time it will be further re-evaluated going forward based on public reception. 

In addition to Downtown Brandon, the WMRL also maintains libraries in Carberry, Glenboro, Hartney and Neepawa. Funding comes primarily from Municipal and Provincial levels as well as a handful of operational grants. 

The initiative follows a partnership between the Brandon Public Library and Shoppers Mall that sees the library conduct the mall’s monthly children’s storytime from a location at Kia Court. Last month saw 56 kids attend. 

Shoppers Mall recently welcomed motorized stuffed animal ride service “Stuffy Riders” and by next month is expected to see Scorteus Leather open its doors.