Dear Reader:
This past week, the Russell Library hosted an encore presentation with author and mental health advocate Lewellyn Melnyk. Lewellyn discussed the challenges of being a woman and a farmer – living in a small town, with limited access to mental health care and increased level of stigmatism regarding mental health. She stressed how we need to work together, as a community within a community, how important self-care is, and to remember – no matter how we feel as an individual, that we are NOT ALONE! There is no need to feel ashamed about experiencing mental health issues, instead, we need to be authentic and compassionate to one another. Part of being human is to have the ability to feel and no matter what… we must KEEP TALKING!
Lewellyn is the author of – “Rooted: How I stay Small Town Strong When Life Gets Hard and How You Can Too.” Her book is available to borrow from both the Russell and Binscarth Branches.
There is a new Beth Naylor Clothing Collection display in the Library Gallery featuring a Nurses Duty Uniform and A Nurses Dress Uniform worn by Margaret Cummings (sister to Jesse Smellie). These were some of the uniforms worn by the Canadian Medical Corp when they served overseas during World War I.
On November 22nd, we will be holding an “Explore Your Library” evening. Learn all about the various services we offer at the library, play a game, start a puzzle, and of course, grab a book. 
We will be hosting “Storytellers Unite – A Storytellers Evening” in the Library Gallery on Wednesday November 29th, from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. What exactly is a Storytellers Evening you ask? Simply put, it is an evening where we share small, short stories. They can be happy, sad, funny, or scary. They can be either a true story or something made up, the point is to share the story. You can choose to be a storyteller or just come and listen. We all have a story or two inside us, so come join us for this evening of stories and sharing.
For more information on any of our events, please contact the Russell Library at 204-773-3127 / ruslib@mymts.net or Binscarth Library at 204-532-2447 / binslb@mymts.net or message us on Facebook. Please visit our website at https://russellbinscarthlibrary.ca for more information.
“Inside each of us is a natural-born storyteller, waiting to be released.” ― Robin Moore
Happy Reading, Until Next Time,
The Library Ladies