NOTES HELP MAKE OUR LIBRARIES THE BEST THEY CAN BE • JANUARY 2020 A CONVERSATION WITH CAROLYN GRAY MARYLOU DRIEDGER Over the last two decades Friends of the a Winnipeg Fringe Festival play called Dr. Winnipeg Public Library has donated nearly Faustus featuring over a hundred puppets. $40,000 to the Writer- in-Residence program. Did you know Carolyn was at the University For the last seven years we have been of Saskatchewan for the last two years pleased to provide a representative for the earning a Masters degree? She is a staff Writer-in-Residence selection committee. In writer for the Metis Federation. November I had a lively chat with current Carolyn previously served as the executive Writer-in-Residence Carolyn Gray. director of the Manitoba Writers Guild and Did you know she shares her home with as a scriptwriter for a true crime television her beloved golden retriever Minnie? She series. She is also a creative writing attended Luxton Elementary School and instructor at the University of Brandon and lived only one house away from Burton for years directed many of the advanced Cummings. She’s written a biography companies at the Manitoba Theatre for of local magician Dean Gunnarson Young People. And, she was recently and her award winning play Elmwood appointed as the new editor of Prairie Visitation features a Winnipeg doctor who Fire, an award-winning Winnipeg literary photographs ghostly spirits. magazine.

Did you know Carolyn spent twenty- five Did you know Carolyn is a fan of Toronto years involved in three different puppet horror writer Michael Rowe? In fact she If you’d like to consult with Carolyn your companies? She went to Prague to learn is working on a horror movie screenplay manuscript can be dropped off at the Reader how to make marionettes and has visited during her Writer-in-Residence term. Services desk at the Millennium Library, e-mailed to [email protected] or Manitoba schools to help children learn the Carolyn was an avid reader of Enid Blyton’s art of puppetry creation and play writing. mailed to Writer-in-Residence, Reader Services, Her company Adhere and Deny once staged ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 251 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB. R3C 3P5.

WHAT IS JOAN THOMAS READING? , a novel by Winnipeg writer Joan perfectly-realized and illuminated world. 2010 Books and Brunch event and was Thomas, won the 2019 Governor General’s As one of my friends says, ‘You will read it the Writer-in- Residence for the Winnipeg award for English language fiction. We in a gulp, and it will stay with you forever.’ Public Library from 2012-2013. Friends of the Library are financial supporters of the caught up with Joan in November and “I have also read Nathaniel Rich’s Losing Writer-in-Residence program. We couldn’t asked her what she was reading. Earth. It is an account of the United States be prouder of Joan and the phenomenal “I just finished The Innocents by Michael climate study commissioned by Jimmy success of her novel Five Wives. Crummey. Reading it is like peering Carter. That report predicated everything through a keyhole into a miniature, we are facing now, and when it was MARYLOU DRIEDGER released in 1983 there was still time to stop the melting trend of polar ice. But Carter was out of office by then, and under CONTENTS Ronald Reagan the findings of the study were downplayed and suppressed. This is ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SALE ...2 an infuriating true story that I wish were THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS ...2 fiction. NEW BOARD MEMBERS ...3 “Waiting on my bedside table is a new BOOKS & BRUNCH ...4 novel by Manitoba’s Lauren Carter- This Has Nothing To Do With You. It has a BEST OF FRIENDS GIFT SHOP ...5 dynamite premise, two adult siblings A MESSAGE FROM KATHY BLIGHT ...6 dealing with their mother’s conviction for FRIENDS DAY BOOK CLUB ...6 murder. Early reviews rave about it.” 2019-2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ...6 Joan Thomas was a speaker at the Friends’ 2 JANUARY 2020 • HELP MAKE OUR LIBRARIES THE BEST THEY CAN BE “WHAT GREAT FUN I’VE HAD!” - ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BOOK SALE The 15th annual Friends Book Sale on “A big thanks to the volunteers for SPECIAL THANKS TO: October 26-27, 2019 was the busiest doing this.” Stephanie George and Staff at the yet. More than 75 Volunteers worked “This is my second visit today and I’ll St. James Library hard and enthusiastically all weekend, be back again tomorrow.” some new to the Sale, some veterans, Winnipeg Public Library Branch Staff happy to be back. The Sale is readers’ “I found a bunch of new authors I want delight and shoppers have a great to try.” GloboSapiens, 3096 Portage Avenue time – and say so, also enthusiastically. “I wish I had three or four more hands - Cathy Buttazoni Board member MaryLou Driedger so I could carry more books.” overheard shoppers as they exited the PSDesign - Pat Stanton sale, and collected these comments: “I hate to go home and leave so many beautiful books behind.” Ti-Yende Movers “This was super wonderful!” “I found some really nice surprises.” Aviva Tabac “I come to this sale every year. I wouldn’t miss it.” “What great fun I’ve had.” THE GENEROUS COMPANIES WHO ... That about sums it up. The Book PROVIDED REFRESHMENTS TO OUR “I’m a teacher and now my classroom VOLUNTEERS: is stocked with books.” Sale raised over $26,000. Between the Book Sale and the Friends’ Book Cart “I’ve been here browsing for hours. It’s at Millennium Library, the sale of gently awesome” used books will earn an estimated “Large print books are so hard to find, $40,000 in 2019 to contribute to but I found some here.” Friends’ support for Winnipeg Public 1160 Taylor Ave. Library projects and programs. “As you can see from this stack I’m a Manager - Jeff Fer biography man.” The Book Room team deserves huge thanks! They are a wonderful gang of “I’m ready for eight months of winter worker bees who really know how to reading now.” put together a great book sale. This “I found all these lovely art books and team sorted/selected/priced/packed I am going to frame the pages to make for 12 months, worked at the Sale, and 425 Nathaniel St. an art wall in our house.” then spent more hours on post-sale Manager - Shash Tash “I hope there is enough room in my car clean up. And, they are a pleasure to for all these books.” work with. BILLIE STEWART “I got Christmas presents for my BOOK SALE MANAGER 1180 Taylor Ave. grandkids.” Alix Kravetsky Please thank our sponsors for supporting us by supporting them!

Get ready...get set...SHOP! HELP MAKE OUR LIBRARIES THE BEST THEY CAN BE • JANUARY 2020 3 INTRODUCING NEW BOARD MEMBERS Friends of the Winnipeg Public Library reading Kim frequents the Sir William recently welcomed four new members garden Stephenson and Charleswood libraries. to their Board of Directors. at the A curious person by nature Kim loves Rita Burgess is a financial planner with Millennium the way libraries open doors to all kinds more than forty years of experience in Library near of interesting worlds of information. She the banking industry. She served on the her home. hopes to use her marketing expertise to Winnipeg Two of her help the Friends of the Library refresh Public all time their brand and develop more strategic Library favourite and consistent ways to communicate Board for reads are with their stakeholders. six years, A Fine Balance by Chelsea McKee-Trenchard is the two as chair. and The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Director of Family Services for a Although Elizabeth George Speare. MaryLou is a company that helps multi-generational a devoted free -lance journalist and newspaper family enterprises plan for carrying Bombers columnist who hopes to be a regular forward their legacy. Chelsea wanted and Jets contributor to the Friends newsletter. to join the Friends of the Library board fan, you are just as likely to see Rita at She loves traveling, cycling, playing because she a ballet or theatre performance. She with her grandchildren and writing daily feels libraries enjoys spending time with family and posts on her blog. play a very reading historical fiction. As a child Rita Kim Gandier has over twenty years important loved curling up in a big chair at the of experience in marketing and role in Gimli Library and looking out over the communications. She and her family community lake as she read. She appreciates how enjoy traveling and spending time building. She decades ago, the library bookmobile at their cottage. She loves food and appreciates made it possible for her young children cooking which may explain why the way to have access to Winnipeg Public cookbooks libraries Library books. Just walking into a are high on eliminate library makes Rita’s heart happy. her list of social barriers and provide education MaryLou Driedger is an employee of favourite and information for everyone. Chelsea is both the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the reads, along a huge fan of the Japanese writer Haruki Education Department at the University with other Murakami and one of her favourite of Winnipeg. She was one of the non-fiction books is Wuthering Heights by Emily founders of the Friends of the Library titles and Brontë. Chelsea enjoys cooking, playing group in Steinbach. MaryLou enjoys the inspirational board games and hanging out with her unique artwork and beautiful outdoor literature. husband and her cats. A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR BOOK SALE VOLUNTEERS! Aisha W. Fraya Z. Joyce D. Melody E. Grant Park Jane B. Anne M. Gillian G. Kathy B. Morley W. High School Lucy E. Aviva T. Harriet Z. Kim G. Pamela B. Leadership Mark L. Bill S. Heather G. Laurie L. Phyllis T. Program Students Marlene E. Brenda G. Irene S. Liz M. Rick W. Marlene M. Chelsea M-T Jackie D. Lois L. Rita B. BOOK ROOM Marvyn L. Cliff L. James T. Lori B. Sheila L. TEAM: Pam G. Connie F. Jan M. Lorna M. Susan H. Arlene M. Pat S. Connie S. Jane T. Luba H. Sylvia F. Billie S. Rodney G. Coreen M. Janet C. Mark D. Theresa L. Carolyn R. Trudy H. Darlene D. Joan M. Mark M. Tricia C. Christie M. Wanda C. Deb R. Joanne S. Marni W. Val L. Dianne L. Edith K. Jody E. MaryLou D. Warren B. Gerry S. 4 JANUARY 2020 • HELP MAKE OUR LIBRARIES THE BEST THEY CAN BE

BOOKS & BRUNCH - 15 WONDERFUL YEARS OUR GENEROUS Visitors to the May 5, 2019 Books & current Sun Life Musical Instruments AUCTION DONORS: Brunch at The Gates on Roblin enjoyed lending program.) Anonymous a scrumptious brunch and listening Author Kathy Knowles, Director of Best of Friends Gift Shop to engaging speakers John Einarson the Osu Children’s Library Fund, was Brazen Hall Kitchen & Brewery and Kathy Knowles who shared excited to hear about the initiatives Camerata Nova “Books I have Known and Loved”. MC sponsored by the Friends of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights Charlene Diehl kept everything running Winnipeg Public Library, which is Children’s Museum smoothly. The Rainbow Auction was, as understandable considering she has CVS - Midwest Tape always, extremely popular. spearheaded the creation of more than d.a. Niels Gourmet Kitchenware MC Charlene Diehl, who is a writer, 200 libraries in Africa. Deb Radi editor, performer, and director of THIN Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves Edward Carriere Salon AIR - the Winnipeg International Writers and many left with smiles on their Gordon Goldsborough Festival, shared that she had FUN and faces. Great Plains Publishing finds it “so satisfying to support such Harriet Zaidman important work.” As you will see elsewhere in this newsletter, after 15 years of offering Heather Graham John Einarson, author, musicologist, the Friends’ Books & Brunch, the John Einarson broadcaster and educator told us, Board of Directors has decided to Kathy Knowles “…I had a blast...” He focused, with a discontinue this fundraising event. We Lori Ebbitt touch of humour, on Winnipeg libraries have so appreciated your support over Luba Harasym and books that influenced him. Who the years, as attendees, volunteers or Manitoba Chamber Orchestra would have thought a young person donors. Thank you! Manitoba Gardener going to the Winnipeg Public Library’s McNally Robinson Booksellers main branch on William Avenue to Planning is ongoing to develop events that will align with our values of being Mordens of Winnipeg read the covers of the records, would Overdrive become such a well-known writer of community focused and committed to literacy and learning. We look forward Pat Stanton music biographies, all thanks in part Prairie Theatre Exchange to having free access to one of the to seeing you at the next event. Rainbow Stage libraries in our city. (Just think how Please support these Books & Brunch Recorded Books Inc, excited young John might have been if auction donors and make sure you let Reesa Cohen he would have had the opportunity to them know where you saw their names. Rorie Bruce Agencies borrow musical instruments, such as Also check out our guest speakers’ Sage Garden Greenhouses those now available from the Library’s favourite books at friendswpl.ca. Sarasvati Theatre Production Shakespeare in the Ruins The Gates on Roblin, our beautiful venue Shelmerdine Garden Center Sylvia & Miriam Flam Susan Harasym The Forks Partnership The Gates on Roblin The Oakwood Café United Library Services Whitehots Inc. Winnipeg Comedy Festival Winnipeg Folk Festival Winnipeg International Writers’ Festival Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra Winnipeg Jewish Theatre Winnipeg Studio Theatre Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Many thanks for supporting us! HELP MAKE OUR LIBRARIES THE BEST THEY CAN BE • JANUARY 2020 5 DISCOVER THE BEST OF FRIENDS GIFT SHOP DROP IN AND FIND OUT WHY CUSTOMERS SAY, “I LOVE THIS STORE!” Millennium Library Lobby 251 Donald at Graham Monday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Phone: 204-947-0110 Email: [email protected] Facebook: BestOfFriendsGiftShop Instagram: bestoffriendsshop

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Summery tote bags and accessories, and a beautiful assortment of inspiring journals. 6 JANUARY 2020 • HELP MAKE OUR LIBRARIES THE BEST THEY CAN BE ...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 2019 - 2020 BOARD OF EXCITING CHANGES books as a child and a regular visitor at Winnipeg’s St. John’s Library. She found DIRECTORS ARE COMING! it a mysterious and fascinating place. “I PRESIDENT A message from wanted to go down into the basement Kathy Blight Board President Kathy Blight and explore all of its rooms.” VICE-PRESIDENT The Friends of the Winnipeg Public These days Carolyn’s fascination with Rita Burgess Library is evolving to serve the needs the library comes from her Writer-in- SECRETARY of our community. As a volunteer-led Residence post. She has already worked fundraising organization, we must be Heather Graham with writers of all genres and ages, from nimble and strategic to achieve our teenagers to octogenarians. Carolyn is TREASURER goals. delighted to engage with these budding Brenda Greenberg authors and finds their enthusiasm for Society is changing and so are we. We writing feeds her own. MEMBERS-AT-LARGE have a revitalized board of directors Lori Bekolay with fresh perspectives and the Winnipeg author Jodi Carmichael had the energy to transform our organization. MaryLou Driedger privilege of working with Carolyn as a part Our events and programs and the of a mentorship program in 2013. She Melody Ebbitt people involved with them are praises Carolyn for her gentle instruction, Kim Gandier changing. In particular, Billie Stewart her sensitive coaching, her excellent who has done a tremendous job of questioning and the way she pushed her Chelsea McKee-Trenchard organizing the annual Friends Book to become a better writer. “In 2016 my Sale, is retiring from her leadership novel Forever Julia won a Manitoba Book WPL LIAISON Theresa Lomas role in the early months of 2020. Our Award,” says Jodi. “That would never organization has big shoes to fill and have happened without Carolyn.” it will certainly take more than one FRIENDS DAY BOOK CLUB The Writer-in-Residence position is funded person to assume Billie’s role. While Meets on the 2nd floor of the Millennium by the City of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg we don’t have all the succession plan Library at 10:15 a.m. on the 3rd Tuesday Public Library Board, the Friends of the details defined yet, we are committed of the month. For more information call Winnipeg Public Library, and Manitoba to ensuring the Book Sale will (204) 488-3217 Sport, Culture and Heritage. continue, as it is an integral fundraiser Books for 2020 for the Friends organization. COMING UP IN THE January 21 As it relates to our annual Books The Only Café & Brunch, we will not be hosting NEXT ISSUE OF NOTES... Linden MacIntyre the event in 2020. We appreciate your support over the years and are THE GREAT ESCAPE THROUGH February 18 grateful to Ray Louie at The Gates LITERATURE: THE WORK OF THE The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks on Roblin for the great venue, good PRISON LIBRARIES COMMITTEE Rebecca Skloot food and attentive staff. Planning is More about this organization, the work of March 17 ongoing to develop inclusive events Board Member Chelsea McKee-Trenchard, By Chance Alone that will continue to align with our and this literary project in our next issue! Max Eisen values of being community focused April 21 and committed to literacy and The Age of Innocence learning. Stay tuned! Edith Wharton Our members, attendees and May 19 volunteers are at the core of our The Innocents events. Thank you for supporting us over the years. We look forward to seeing you in the Best of Friends Gift June 16 Shop, buying that special book at Wrap-up meeting the Book Sale, and at our upcoming Create: Words and Art from WCC features events. prose, poetry, and drawings by 12 incarcerated FRIENDS OF THE WINNIPEG PUBLIC LIBRARY If you have any questions related to Manitobans. The pieces published in the 251 DONALD STREET, WINNIPEG, MB R3C 3P5 these changes, please get in touch chapbook are challenging and humorous - and speak to universal themes such as courage, 204-488-3217 • [email protected] with us at [email protected] or leave grief, love, and resilience. www.friendswpl.ca a message at 204-488-3217.