The South Central Regional Library (SCRL) continues to see hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Between the five branches, SCRL saw a gate count of 131,525 patrons as of September 2018, with more than 284,000 items checked out in the same time period.

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

"They're just so excited to be a part of SCRL," Cathy Ching, SCRL Director, says.

However, that growth has also forced SCRL to increase its budget and the board is looking for funding increases from most partner municipalities.

The City of Winkler will be requested to bump funding approximately $13,000 from $154, 072 to $166,732. Winkler Mayor Martin Harder says they will be looking at the budget in the January planning sessions.

The RM of Stanley will see a proposed increase from $78,478 to $91,932, while Morden's share will rise from $105,489 to $114,157. Altona will see an increase from $51,260 to $55,472.

Meanwhile, Rhineland Municipality will be asked to raise their support from $50,532 to $60,936 though RM of Thompson will only see a small increase to $22,727 and the Municipality of Pembina will see a decrease from $33,563 to $30,909.

SCRL has a proposed 2019 budget of $1,030,584.

Looking ahead to the new year, Ching says they hope to increase partnerships with local business to keep costs down.