This month a new fundraiser was started at the Boyne Regional Library.

The Miss Elizabeth McIver Challenge was created in memory of a beloved school teacher who left a bequest of $127,000 to the library.

Boyne Regional Library in Carman

McIver touched many people's lives during her time as a teacher, and was also an involved community member. She educated Carman Elementary children from 1945 to 1974, and was part of the Young Citizen’s Group, the group behind starting Carman's first library.

The challenge to the community is to try and match the money donated by McIver.

"This was another way to get the word out that we're doing this project," said board member Edith Smith, referring to the upgrade and expansion that has been in the works for some time now. "We wanted to let them know that we need their help."

Smith added about half a million dollars has been pledged so far, and another 1.5 million dollars is needed to begin construction in 2019.

Board members have set up an area in the library where people can reminisce and remember McIver.

"People are interested, they're coming in to the library to see if they can find themselves in the class pictures," said Smith.

Smith is a former student of McIver's, and hopes word of mouth will travel to people in the community or even to those who have moved.

"Because the library is one of the most used in rural Manitoba... it would be a benefit to the entire community, and they are so lacking in space and in resources right now."

Donations can be made at the library, or by contacting the library and asking for a pre-stamped envelope to be mailed.

The library plans to name their new children’s section after the late Elizabeth McIver when it is built.