The South Central Regional Library is ringing in a major milestone—60 years of service to the community. And what better way to celebrate than with a little friendly competition? Shirley Wolfe, a longtime staff member at the Winkler branch shares details about a Crokinole Tournament, set for February 1st.
From books to board games
Wolfe has been with the library for over 30 years, witnessing firsthand how it has evolved beyond just books. “They have more events, and a lot more people coming in for different things than just books,” she shares. While readers still love flipping through physical pages, the library has expanded its offerings to include puzzles, games, and a variety of interactive programs.
Among the many activities hosted by the Winkler branch are a Cookbook Club, Books & Brew, and even workshops on chainmail crafting. And now, they’re adding a Crokinole Tournament to the lineup.
Crokinole at the library—why not?
The tournament, happening at 1:30 PM on February 1st, is completely free, but players are encouraged to register in advance. Interested participants can sign up by calling 204-325-7174 or messaging the South Central Regional Library – Winkler Branch on Facebook.
With room for up to 50 participants, Wolfe welcomes everyone to join—kids, adults, and seasoned pros alike. When asked why the library is hosting a Crokinole Tournament, she simply replies, “Why not? It’s just fun!”
Though she considers herself an “average” Crokinole player, Wolfe admits that her daughter has picked up the game quickly and can already almost beat her. “Anybody can do it,” she adds. “It’s not a high-skill game—it just takes practice.”
And while there’s no official grand prize, Wolfe teased, “You might get a bag of nuts.”
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The heart of the library
Beyond event planning, Wolfe plays a key role in keeping the library connected to readers across Canada. As part of the interlibrary loan system, she tracks down books from all over the country—sometimes from as far as Halifax or Vancouver—to fulfill reader requests.
When asked about her favorite part of working at the library, she has a tough time narrowing it down. “I love meeting people, and I love covering books,” Wolfe shares. She’s an avid reader herself, currently enjoying a Lynette Eason mystery, and prefers “inspirational mysteries” for their clean storytelling.
For Wolfe, the magic of reading lies in its ability to transport you anywhere without leaving home. “I can sit there with my coffee and go wherever,” she says. “Even places that don’t exist.”
Promoting literacy for future generations
Beyond just providing books, the South Central Regional Library plays a crucial role in fostering a love of reading in the community. “Everything hinges on reading,” Wolfe emphasizes. “Understanding the world, getting along—how could you do it without reading?”
From Family Literacy Night to their crochet marathon, the Winkler branch continues to find creative ways to engage people of all ages. And if Crokinole isn’t your thing, there’s always another event around the corner.
With files from Ty Hildebrand