The South Central Regional Library (SCRL) is growing.

Manitou Regional Library has joined the network as SCRL's 5th branch.

"This is big news in the library world because mergers aren't always looked at favourably," Cathy Ching, SCRL Director of Library Services, explains. "The transition went so well... sometimes people get pulled into things kicking and screaming but this isn't the case here."

Ching explains access to the library network will mean a host of new resources in the small community, "It's a win-win all around."

Left to right, SCRL Finance Chair Harry Dahl, SCRL Board Chair Marvin Plett, CAO Municipality of Pembina Wes Unrau and Glenn Shiskoski, Reeve, Municipality of Pembina

Manitou residents will have access to large print books, audio books for people with print disabilities and online resources like foreign language learning courses.

In the past, Residents of the Municipality of Pembina had to purchase a SCRL library card. They now have free cards available in Manitou.

With the expansion, SCRL reaches East to Rhineland Municipality and West to Pembina Municipality.

"We truly are South Central," Ching says.

While the Manitou Regional Library board has been dissolved, two representatives will be joining the SCRL board.

"We feel that the Manitou Branch has a lot to offer and we look forward to this exciting time of transition and change," Board Chair Marvin Plett says.

An open house at the newest branch is scheduled for November.

Representatives from the SCRL Board, the Municipality of Pembina and Manitou Regional Library (now known as the Manitou Branch)