NEWS – Portage Library

Write with Rachael: Insights into Publishing & Storytelling

November 3, 2024

We were thrilled to welcome Rachael Clarke for a workshop on publishing and storytelling, and the response was incredible! Attendees found the session packed with valuable insights, and the room was buzzing with questions. This workshop was part of our NaNoWriMo series, designed to inspire writers by showcasing the wisdom of local authors.

If you missed it, don’t worry! Our next writing workshop, Pen & Passion with Terrie Todd, is coming up on November 16th at 12 PM. It’s another great opportunity to spark your creativity and connect with fellow writers. To reserve your spot, simply give us a call at 204-857-4271. We can’t wait to see you there!

For effortless and immediate updates, connect with us on social media by following @PortageLaPrairieLibrary. We share exclusive content, offer instant event updates, and keep you informed about the latest community news. Our commitment is to ensure you stay in the loop, ensuring you never miss the fantastic experiences planned at the Portage la Prairie Library.

Looking ahead, keep an eye out for our upcoming Events and Programs. Join us as we dive into new explorations, relish in the mysterious, and create enduring memories together. The Portage la Prairie Regional Library is more than just a space for books; it’s a hub of amazing experiences waiting to be discovered with our fantastic community.

Annual Trick or Treat Event: A Spooktacular Success!

October 26, 2024

We’re thrilled to share that our annual Trick or Treat event was a fantastic success, drawing over 900 attendees! A huge thank you to our sponsor, Co-op, for their generous support and delicious treats that made the day even more special.

We also want to extend our gratitude to all the organizations that participated, helping to create a fun and festive atmosphere for the families of Portage la Prairie.

Interested in getting involved next year? We’d love to have you! Reach out to Leah at leah@portagelibrary.com to reserve your table. We can’t wait to see you at our next event!

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FALL PLANT SWAP

Event Date: September 21st

Event Time: 2-4pm

It’s time for our Fall Plant Swap—perfect for giving your garden a fresh start! Don’t forget to deadhead your plants, share your seeds, and divide your lilies and orchids. You never know what treasures you might find to settle in for the winter and enjoy in the spring.

Presentation Matters:

Put some thought into growing your plants
Trim dead leaves and roots
Wash and dust leaves
Remove old blooms
Presents them in their best light
Check thrift stores for unique jars and vases or even a clean bottle – nobody wants to trade for a soggy mess in a plastic bag!

Bring plants that are “ready” for their new home.

Labels:

Use “apps” to identify plants to know what you are giving and what you are receiving
Include watering and light instructions if you know them and include general care – no need to a write a novel, just what has been working for you
If you’re not sure what you have, label it as such – someone else may know
Be creative, but a simple label works
Recycle materials for labels
There are free templates and lots of ideas for labels online

Care for your cuttings:

Make sure your “swapper” is confident that their trade will survive and grow once they take it home
Package cuttings so that swappers can see as much of the plant as possible and people will be more than willing to trade
Make sure plants like “Philodendron” include at least one “node” or “Knuckle” on the stem in order to root
Make sure your swapping plants are watered- Moving is stressful!

In general, be respectful and not greedy. Take your time to ensure you get what you are looking for out of your new plants. Feel free to ask questions and chat with your new plants- swapper friends!

Remember : A plant swap only happens because of each other’s kindness and hard work!

Don’t forget:

Vegetable seedlings
Seeds
Extra Tools
Planting Constrainers
Trellises
Magazines/Books

Oh… and your plants!

TD Summer Reading Week 6 & 7: Alien & Stars Extravaganza

August 23, 2024

Weeks 6 and 7 of our TD Summer Reading program were out of this world! Here’s a recap of the fun and creativity that filled our days:

Week 6 Highlights: We kicked off with an exciting Alien Scavenger Hunt, which had the kids eagerly searching for hidden extraterrestrial treasures. Next up, our younger participants got crafty with Handprint Aliens, creating a galaxy of unique and colorful creatures. The older kids joined in the fun later in the week, making Flying Saucers with Aliens. Their imaginative designs truly made the crafts come alive!

Week 7 Highlights: Our cosmic adventure continued with Space Trivia, tailored for different age groups: Ages 5-8, Ages 9-13, and Ages 13+. This ensured that every child could participate and test their space knowledge in a fun and engaging way. Midweek, we shifted gears to crafting with Cosmic Whirling Stars for the younger group, followed by Stars Wall Art, where kids transformed their space into a starry wonderland.

As we approach the final week of TD Summer Reading, don’t forget to submit all your entries for a chance to win the grand prizes. We can’t wait to celebrate all your amazing achievements!

Stay tuned for more updates and keep reaching for the stars!

TD Summer Reading Week 4 & 5 : Slime Fun!

August 13, 2024

Weeks 4 and 5 of our TD Summer Reading program were a blast! We kicked things off with the Space Buddies movie, dove into some hands-on slimy experiments, and rocked out at our Ready to Rock programs.

In Week 5, our focus shifted to the moon. We had a blast making Fizzy Moon Rocks, crafting Moon Phase Spinners, and creating Moon Clay Bowls. It was a fantastic way to keep the summer excitement going while exploring celestial themes.

Looking ahead, Week 6 is all about the Solar System! Check out our calendar for more details, available on our social media, website, and at the library.

TD Summer Reading Week 2 & 3: Blast Off!

July 30, 2024

Weeks 2 and 3 of the TD Summer Reading Program were a tremendous success! During week two, we explored the theme of “Rocket Ships,” which included thrilling activities such as Coke & Mentos rockets, Sliding Rocket crafts, and Origami Rockets. It was truly inspiring to see everyone actively participating and enjoying these engaging and educational projects.

Moving into week 3, the focus shifted to “Astral Phenomena.” Our programs included experiments, northern lights painting, and star projectors, sparking curiosity and creativity among all our participants.

TD Summer Reading Week 1: A Stellar Success!

July 5, 2024

Week 1 of the TD Summer Reading Program was a success! Our theme was “Astronaut Training,” and we had a lot of fun activities, including an astronaut obstacle course, astronaut helmet crafts, and crew patch crafts.

Our regular weekend programs—Wiggles & Giggles, Stay & Play, and Lego Club—continued to bring joy and engagement. Plus, we offer programs throughout the summer and all year round for adults too!

Looking ahead to Week 2, the theme is “Rocket Ships.” We’re kicking things off with Coke & Mentos Rockets, a Sliding Rocket Ship Craft, and Origami Rockets. If this sounds like your kind of fun, sign up for our programs and the TD Summer Reading Challenge for a chance to win prizes. Call us at 204-857-4271 or visit us at the library.

Celebrating 20 years as a Regional Library

June 7, 2024

We recently marked a significant milestone – 20 years as your Regional Library! The celebration was a joyous occasion filled with delicious cake, scrumptious cookies, exciting prizes, and inspiring speeches.

We had some amazing prizes and beautiful flower baskets donated by ‘OurFarm’, we also had some lovely music by Tom McCartney. Thank you to everyone who helped us on the day.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day so special. Here’s to many more years of serving our wonderful community!

Starwars Craft

May 4, 2024

Our Star Wars Day festivities were a hit with two thrilling programs: a Wookie Craft Workshop and a Character Scavenger Hunt. From crafting Chewbacca puppet to seeking out iconic characters, fans of all ages immersed themselves in the galaxy far, far away. Join us next year for more Star Wars magic!

Jungle Escape room

April 27, 2024

We hosted an exhilarating jungle-themed escape room experience for tweens, packed with thrilling activities and secret codes waiting to be discovered and unlocked. The event was a huge hit! If you couldn’t make it this time, fear not. Due to popular demand, we’re bringing back the same jungle adventure on May 18th. Don’t miss out on the fun – mark your calendars and get ready for another exciting escape room challenge!

Spring Plant Swap

April 20, 2024
Our spring plant swap was a resounding success! We were thrilled to see such a fantastic turnout, with plant enthusiasts traveling from as far as Winnipeg to join us at the Portage Library. It was a delightful way to kick off the spring season with lively exchanges and exciting door prizes. A heartfelt thank you to all who participated, as well as to our generous sponsors: Mil-Jeanne Flowers, Solomon’s Nursery, and Proctor Designs. If you couldn’t make it this time, fret not! We’re already looking forward to our next plant swap event in September. Stay tuned for more greenery and community fun!

Homeschoolers Unite!

April 9, 2024

We’re excited to announce our latest program, “Homeschoolers Unite!” Calling all homeschool children to join us at the library for a fun crafting session and a chance to explore what the library has to offer. Our first session was a hit, and we had a great time. Don’t forget to save the date for our next session on May 7th, starting at 1pm.

Book Launch with Rachael Clarke

April 6, 2024

April began on an exciting note with author Rachael Clarke’s visit to the library for the launch of her debut book, “Race to Novus.” The event included an exciting launch party, followed by an engaging reading session and Q&A. It was a great success, and we were thrilled to collaborate with such a talented member of our community.

Easter Egg Hunt

March 30, 2024

Our Easter egg hunt was a phenomenal success, with every slot filled and an atmosphere brimming with excitement. Children had a blast creating Easter egg baskets and participating in the thrilling egg hunt for chocolate treats. It was an excellent event brimming with fun! A big thank you to everyone who participated.

Enchanted Gardens

March 28, 2024

Our Enchanted Garden craft for tweens was a smashing success, buzzing with creativity and vibrant colors. The excitement was palpable throughout the program. To register for crafts at Portage Library, dial 204-857-4271.

Exploring Global Flavors: A Cultural Tea and Coffee Night Winterfest 2024

February 14, 2024

Our cultural tea and coffee night was hosted at the library in partnership with the Portage la Prairie Learning Centre Inc. as part of Winterfest 2024. We offered a delightful array of teas and coffee from India, along with hot chocolate from Mexico and coffee from the Dominican Republic. The event garnered significant attendance and we extend our gratitude to all who joined.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PLANT SWAP

February 14, 2024

Presentation Matters:

Put some thought into growing your plants
Trim dead leaves and roots
Wash and dust leaves
Remove old blooms
Presents them in their best light
Check thrift stores for unique jars and vases or even a clean bottle – nobody wants to trade for a soggy mess in a plastic bag!

Bring plants that are “ready” for their new home.

Labels:

Use “apps” to identify plants to know what you are giving and what you are receiving
Include watering and light instructions if you know them and include general care – no need to a write a novel, just what has been working for you
If you’re not sure what you have, label it as such – someone else may know
Be creative, but a simple label works
Recycle materials for labels
There are free templates and lots of ideas for labels online

Care for your cuttings:

Make sure your “swapper” is confident that their trade will survive and grow once they take it home
Package cuttings so that swappers can see as much of the plant as possible and people will be more than willing to trade
Make sure plants like “Philodendron” include at least one “node” or “Knuckle” on the stem in order to root
Make sure your swapping plants are watered- Moving is stressful!

In general, be respectful and not greedy. Take your time to ensure you get what you are looking for out of your new plants. Feel free to ask questions and chat with your new plants- swapper friends!

Remember : A plant swap only happens because of each other’s kindness and hard work!

Don’t forget:

Vegetable seedlings
Seeds
Extra Tools
Planting Constrainers
Trellises
Magazines/Books

Oh… and your plants!

Michael McMullen Book Launch

February 1, 2024

Michael McMullen unveiled his latest literary creation, “Garbage Boy,” at the Portage Library, marking a resounding success for the author. The narrative delves into the challenging life of Garbage Boy, also known as Scarface and William, who has faced adversity from the outset. Battling a neglectful father and an abusive boyfriend of his mother, Garbage Boy has fought tooth and nail for survival. Compounded by his family’s low social standing, he becomes a target for mockery and mistreatment within his community.

The turning point occurs when Garbage Boy encounters two enigmatic individuals who involve him in their burgeoning sanitation venture. Little did he anticipate that collecting refuse would pave the way for redemption and, unexpectedly, wealth. The book launch at the Portage Library infused the atmosphere with excitement and liveliness. Wishing Michael McMullen the best of luck in all his future endeavors!

To follow Michaels upcoming adventures, follow him on his socials: Facebook , Instagram

Mayor Knox Storytime – Family Literacy Week!

January 27, 2024

Mayor Shailyn Knox graced our library during Storytime as part of Family Literary Week, a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting and celebrating literacy within families. This initiative recognizes the vital role families play in supporting each other’s learning and development, with libraries serving as crucial contributors to fostering literacy within communities.

The experience was truly delightful as we shared memorable moments with Mayor Knox, immersing ourselves in storytelling, enjoying cookies, and expressing our creativity through drawing. A sincere thank you to everyone who joined us for this special Storytime, and heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Knox.

Come & Go book launch with Stephanie Kauffman

January 5 ,2024

Portage Library hosted a lively gathering to celebrate Stephanie Kauffman’s latest book, “Choices, Changes and Challenges.” The welcoming atmosphere, highlighted by the library staff’s emphasis on supporting local authors, set the stage for an intimate evening.

Stephanie Kauffman, a beloved local author, engaged the audience with her genuine passion for storytelling. Sharing insights into her writing journey and the book’s inspiration, she formed a personal connection with attendees, showcasing both her literary talent and relatability.

The subsequent Q&A session allowed attendees to delve into the creative process and themes of the book, with Stephanie’s thoughtful responses cultivating a sense of camaraderie.

Thank you Stephanie for collaborating with us for your book launch, we cant wait to see what else you publish in the future!

For easy and instant updates, stay connected with us on social media by following @PortageLaPrairieLibrary. We share special content, provide instant event updates, and keep you informed about the latest community news. Our commitment is to ensure you’re in the loop, so you don’t miss out on the fantastic experiences planned at the Portage la Prairie Library.

Looking ahead, be on the lookout for our upcoming Events and Programs. Join us as we delve into new explorations, savor the mysterious, and create lasting memories together. The Portage la Prairie Regional Library isn’t just a space for books; it’s a hub of amazing experiences waiting to be discovered with our fantastic community.

Santa is coming to town!

December 16, 2023

Our Santa Story Time and the captivating performance by the Prairie Vox Community Choir were absolute crowd-pleasers! This past Saturday, we immersed ourselves in the enchanting holiday atmosphere, courtesy of the choir’s incredible show and the delightful Santa Story Time.

Heartfelt thanks to all the participants involved – your contributions were instrumental in making this day so magical.

If you want to stay connected with us easily, follow us on social media (@PortageLaPrairieLibrary) for special content, instant updates on events, and the latest news in the community. We’re committed to keeping you informed so you won’t miss out on the fantastic experiences the Portage la Prairie Library has planned.

Looking forward, keep an eye out for our upcoming Events and Programs. Join us as we explore new things, enjoy the mysterious, and make lasting memories together. The Portage la Prairie Regional Library is more than just a place for books; it’s a center of amazing experiences waiting to be discovered with our fantastic community.

A special shout-out to our sponsors – Simplot, McCain’s, Southport, and Stride Credit Union – for their generous support of our Mrs. Claus and Santa Coming to Town events. Your sponsorship has added an extra layer of joy and magic to these festivities!

Mrs. Claus Storytime & Craft

December 8, 2023

We were delighted to have the pleasure of Mrs. Claus’s company in the Portage library. We enjoyed storytime & craft with Mrs. Claus starting off the Christmas cheer in the library. Thank you to everyone who attended.

To keep you in the know about our upcoming events, be sure to check our event calendar.

A Special thank you to our sponsors Simplot, McCain’s, Southport & Stride Credit Union for Supporting our Mrs. Claus and Santa coming to town events!

Happy Hour Celebration: Mocktail Fun

November 17, 2023

Our Mocktail night was a fun night and a huge success, and we want to say a big thank you to everyone who came for a night of happiness and laughter. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as we enjoyed a variety of tasty drinks without alcohol. From the refreshing Blueberry Lavender Spritz to the tempting Woo-Woo and the special Zero Pomegranate Cheer, our mocktails were a big hit with everyone.

A sincere thank you to the MCC for their very generous donations, which played a big part in making this event a success. Their support not only made our gathering better but also added to the lively spirit of our community.

To keep you in the know about our upcoming events, be sure to check our event calendar.

Trick or Treat 2023

November 7, 2023

Our Annual Trick or Treat event, held on October 28th at the library, was an exhilarating celebration of all things Halloween. The day was brimming with spooky and festive vibes, drawing a crowd of approx. over 700 visitors who came decked out in fantastic costumes. It was an absolute blast!

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued collaborators who made this event possible. A big thank you to Co-Op, Boston Pizza, Brightside Dental, Insight Mentoring (Friendship Centre), PCRC, United Way, RBC Bank, Stride Place, and Sirius Protection. Your support was instrumental in creating a fun-filled day for the community, and we truly appreciate it.

“We pride ourselves in having a lot of activities and events for our community and being a safe place for them to come with their parents or other adults in their lives,” said Jen Kendall, Library Director. “Seeing everyone show up in their creative costumes, and having fun with our community partners helps us look forward to this the entire year.”

If you want to stay updated on our upcoming events, please visit our event calendar here.

Stay connected with us on social media (@PortageLaPrairieLibrary) to access engaging content, event updates, and community news, ensuring you’re always informed. Don’t miss the experiences that the Portage la Prairie Library has to offer. Keep an eye out for our future events, and join us as we explore the unknown, celebrate the unexplained, and create unforgettable memories together.

When did you last test for radon?

Get a free RADON test kit and protect your family from lung cancer

November 7, 2023

The Portage la Prairie Regional Library is inviting all residents to participate in the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge; a program that provides free radon test kit to residents. All participants in the program are encouraged to attend the Radon Information Sessions on the 14^th and 15th to learn more about the health effects of radon, why it’s a concern in our area, and Health Canada recommendations on reducing radon levels. The information session will also provide all participants with details on where and when to pick up your radon detector.

The leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, radon gas can be found in elevated concentrations in homes across the country. Health Canada recommends that all buildings be tested for radon. Canada has had a National Radon Plan for over a decade. Over the last 10 years, the National Radon Plan has published the Cross-Canada Radon Survey and urged many Canadians to test for radon. Now is the time. Free test kits are available through the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge with funding for the radon test kits provided by Health Canada.

Take Action on Radon is a national initiative funded by Health Canada, that works to bring together radon stakeholders and raise radon awareness across Canada. The initiative is led by the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST) and the Canadian Cancer Society.

For residents of Portage la Prairie now is the perfect time to Take Action on Radon. Only 100 free kits are available and so residents must sign up for the program at https://form.jotform.com/232887044336259

The free Radon Information Sessions will be: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 11am (in person at the library) or Wednesday, November 15, 7pm on zoom.

Registered participants will be able to pick up their radon test from Thursday Nov. 16 through Friday Nov. 24 from the Portage Library- 40-B Royal Road N, Portage, MB.

To learn more about radon and how to test your home, visit: TakeActionOnRadon.ca

If you want to stay updated on our upcoming events, please visit our event calendar here.

Stay connected with us on social media (@portagelaprairielibrary) to access engaging content, event updates, and community news, ensuring you’re always informed. Don’t miss the experiences that the Portage la Prairie Library has to offer. Keep an eye out for our future events, and join us as we explore the unknown, celebrate the unexplained, and create unforgettable memories together.

The Realm of Paranormal Investigators: Winnipeg Paranormal Group

November 1, 2023

In a captivating gathering on October 19th, our library had the pleasure of hosting the Winnipeg Paranormal Group. This event was a remarkable day for us as we had the esteemed members of the group share their paranormal experiences, which left the audience intrigued.

The atmosphere was charged with excitement, and the turnout exceeded our expectations, making it a memorable evening that will be cherished. The Winnipeg Paranormal Group, comprised of extraordinary individuals, shared their encounters with the supernatural, taking the audience on a journey through the mysterious world of the paranormal.

This event exemplifies our commitment to providing diverse experiences for our community. If you want to stay updated on our upcoming events, please visit our event calendar here.

Stay connected with us on social media (@portagelaprairielibrary) to access engaging content, event updates, and community news, ensuring you’re always informed. Don’t miss the electrifying experiences that the Portage la Prairie Library has to offer. Keep an eye out for our future events, and join us as we explore the unknown, celebrate the unexplained, and create unforgettable memories together.

Crafting Thanksgiving Centerpieces: An Evening of Creativity

November 1, 2023

The recent Adult Craft Night held at the Portage la Prairie Regional Library united a fantastic group of individuals who collaborated to create centerpieces for Thanksgiving.

The event was a fantastic success, thanks to the enthusiastic and talented participants who attended. With their creative ideas and crafty skills, they transformed ordinary materials into stunning Thanksgiving centerpieces that would undoubtedly be the talk of their holiday gatherings.

If you’re eager to join in on future events hosted by the Portage la Prairie Regional Library, we invite you to explore our website and check out our event calendar. We have a wide range of exciting activities and programs planned for the future, catering to various interests and age groups. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with our amazing community and unleash your inner artist at our next event!

Check out our Instagram & Facebook! @portagelaprairielibrary

Click here for our event calendar!