The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The normally peaceful domain of the Flin Flon-Creighton Public Library turns into a battleground today. Okay, that's an overstatement, but bear with us. Staff are encouraging readers to take out plenty of books over the next month as part of the Battle of the Books, a friendly competition to see which part of the province can read the most books. "I think we have a good chance of winning," said Phyllis Stadnick, library administrator. "I would encourage people to come in and check out some books." The local library has been placed on a team with other libraries across the northern and western parts of the province. We're joining forces with the likes of Thompson, The Pas, Churchill and Leaf Rapids for this challenge. The two other teams consist of the eastern part of the province, including Steinbach and Lac du Bonnet, and the central part, including Swan River and Carman. In total, 58 libraries are taking part in the challenge, which starts today and runs until February 28. The libraries will record their circulation during that time, and the region which shows the highest increase in circulation will take the top spot. Interestingly, the inspiration for the Battle of the Books came from a friendly competition held last year between libraries in Flin Flon and The Pas. (Incidentally, Flin Flon won). See 'Success' P.# Con't from P.# The success of that challenge was mentioned at a library conference held in Portage La Prairie last October. "Everyone thought it was a great idea and they all wanted to be involved," recalled Stadnick. Stadnick sees the challenge as a great way to encourage people to do more reading. Fittingly, the Battle of the Books will take place throughout February, which has been designated as I Love to Read Month. Battle of the Books is part of a campaign by Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism to promote alternatives to television viewing as a winter pastime. "Think Active! Be Active! Live Active!" has been chosen as the slogan for the campaign.
