Dear Reader,
Russell & District Regional Library consists of our Russell Branch, located at 339 Main Street North, Russell, Mb, and our Binscarth Branch, located at 106 Russell Street in Binscarth, Mb. Perhaps because of its size, in comparison to the Russell Branch, Binscarth Library is perhaps underestimated by some, undervalued, even. I would like to start to shift the mindset of locals and visitors alike. Come and visit Binscarth Library. Books checked out at Binscarth Library can be returned at Russel Library and vice versa.
Come with me to Binscarth and Binscarth Library, let me show you around. At the Esso Gas Station, turn off Highway 83, (The longest highway in the world: it starts in Swan River, Mb and ends at the Gulf of Mexico.), onto Binscarth’s main street.
The Village of Binscarth, a small community of approximately 450 citizens is 12 kilometres from the Saskatchewan border. In 1999, Binscarth won Canadian Living magazine’s prize for, “Best place in Canada to raise a Family.” An avid participant in Communities in Bloom, Binscarth has won both provincial and national awards. All this to give you a sense of the beauty and tranquility to be enjoyed in Binscarth which also has a golf course, school, museum, grocery store, post office, bank, restaurants and, last but not least, the Village of Binscarth’s Park and Pool: largest outdoor heated swimming pool along the Yellowhead Highway.
Right in the middle of Binscarth is the jewel of the village: Binscarth Library. Binscarth Library is on a corner lot and stands proudly beneath towering shade trees.
Now, for a touch of history. The first record of a Binscarth Library is 1931. It was looked after by the Women’s Institute. 40 books were purchased. In June 1949 – Mrs. Arbuckle became the librarian. In 1963, Binscarth joined the Russell Regional Library. Mrs. Gert Matheson was the librarian in a small building near the present Westview Lodge on 2nd Avenue. In 1973 the library was moved to the former Manitoba Telephone System Building: This building was built in 1945 and had 3 operators. The library continues on a part time basis in the same building.
Currently, Binscarth Library is open on Tuesday and Thursday from noon to five. It has a fully stocked fridge, coffee and tea, popcorn and is tended to by librarian, Rayla Buss. Binscarth Library has a wide selection of all genres of books, Large Print options, a sitting area, a computer for public use, and Wi-Fi. Dear Reader, please let us know if the hours are convenient and the services sufficient. We aim to please.
Next time you’re in Binscartth, stop in at the library and say hello. Better yet, plan a special trip, make an afternoon of it. See you soon.
For an excellent selection of books stop in and visit us in Binscarth Library and Russell Library. 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.
Happy Reading, Until Next Time,
The Library Ladies