The library was established in 1974 with the Official Opening taking place on November 2nd of that same year. It began on the second floor of the old brick school which also housed the museum. It soon became apparent that there was a need for easier access to the library and a new site would fit the bill. In 1983 as a centennial project a new library was built and found a permanent home on Main Street. Through the years there have been many changes, mostly in the field of technology, but the library's basic principle to provide the best service to our community remains the same.
In the summer of 1897 a Colonization Trail was blazed from Dauphin to Minitonas. The Trail, known as the Cowan Trail still exists today. The section from Cowan to Minitonas is used by horseback riders, snowmobile and all terrain vehicle enthusiasts. The campsite consisting of tents was established on the West side of the West Favel River, two kilometers West and a half kilometer South to the present Town of Minitonas. May 2, 1898, a Land Titles Agent was appointed with an office in Tent Town, so called because of the two large marquees erected by the government for the convenience of settlers arriving before the railway. William Leslie registered the first homestead located at NE 24-36-26 W. It is about 2.5 km North of Minitonas, directly west of the cemetery. The property remains in the Leslie family.
The Women'S Institute Of Benito Was Active In Forming A Library In Benito. With The Results Of A Petition And A Presentation Made To The Village Council, A Library Vote Was Held In The Fall Of 1964. The Vote Was Carried In Favor Of Benito And Also Of Swan River To Establish A Regional Library Within The Two Communites. An Organizational Meeting Was Held In Swan River Town Office On March 22, 1965.
Negotiations for a library in the town of Swan River started in 1958 under Mayor George Scalf and organizational committee was formed under Mayor Claude Hinchliffe. The first library in Swan River was opened on a temporary basis in August, 1965 in the Mathews Block with Mrs. Florence Johnston as the Librarian.The Women's Institute of Benito were active in getting a petition up and presenting it to the town council requesting a library in Benito. A library vote, held in 1964 favored the establishment of libraries in both Benito and Swan River. The Benito Branch first opened its doors on December 1, 1965 in the Sas Block with Mrs. Macooh as the Librarian. On January 4, 1966 Mrs. Vivian Hogg became the Librarian with Mrs. Mabel Cooke as the Assistant-Librarian.
Books may be returned in the book drops at each library. Virden has an exterior metal book return box. McAuley has a return box in their entryway. Elkhorn has a return slot at the front of their building.Please do not return videos/ dvds in Virden's outside book box. They can be damaged by the cold, or by heavy books falling on them. A/V material should be returned to the main desk during regular library hours.
Welcome to the Border Regional Library WebsiteBorder Regional Library is a regional public library serving the Town of Virden, the Village of Elkhorn, the R.M. of Wallace and the R.M. of Archie.Branches are located in Virden , Elkhorn and McAuley Learn more about Border Regional Library by clicking here .
Our Municipality is breathtakingly beautiful with lush greenery, pristine lakes and rivers, and a calm that originates with our quiet communities. The communities of Bellsite, Birch River, Cowan, Mafeking, Lenswood, Novra, Pine River, Pulp River and Sclater are all rooted in the R.M. of Mountain.
We welcome you to come, relax and experience everything the R.M. of Mountain has to offer.
Welcome to the Border Regional Library WebsiteBorder Regional Library is a regional public library serving the Town of Virden, the Village of Elkhorn, the R.M. of Wallace and the R.M. of Archie.Branches are located in Virden , Elkhorn and McAuley Learn more about Border Regional Library by clicking here .
Founded in 1959, The Southwestern Manitoba Regional Library provides public library services to the Town of Melita, and the rural municipalities of Arthur, Edward and one ward of the RM of Brenda (formerly the village of Napinka). The library is financial