Expansions to Winnipeg library hours, collections, security put forth in city's draft budget

This year will mark a new chapter in library access for Winnipeggers as the city says it plans to grow the hours, collections and safety measures at all branches.

Operative hours of Winnipeg's 20 libraries will expand by 12 per cent overall, pending approval of the city's draft 2024-27 budget, and would allow each to open on Wednesday year-round, the city said Friday.

Mayor Scott Gillingham says libraries are the hearts of their communities and provide "access to a world of information and imagination" that are key to child development, education, and personal and professional growth for adults.

"Libraries are far more than just a collection of books. They're vibrant community hubs where people of all ages can gather, learn, explore and connect," Gillingham said at a Friday news conference at the Bill and Helen Norrie Library in Winnipeg's River Heights neighbourhood.

Four additional libraries — Bill and Helen Norrie, Charleswood, Louis Riel and Transcona — would also join the five currently open on Sundays between September to May if the draft budget is approved, according to a schedule provided by the city.

However, the proposed changes would see all Winnipeg libraries remain closed on Sundays outside of that period, and the Millennium Library would not operate on Sundays year-round.

Coun. Evan Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood), who is also chair of community services, said the extended hours would be an investment that the city has needed for several years.

"It's confusing not knowing what library is open and when…. This will bring a lot of clarity for Winnipeggers," Duncan said at the news conference.

A recruitment process is required to ensure the estimated 13 full-time staff needed are hired, so the expanded hours can come into effect by September, Duncan said. The cost to extend the hours is nearly one million dollars.

'Across the board' security upgrades

Another $1.8 million will be used to improve security at Winnipeg libraries "across the board," Duncan said, adding that the non-profit community organization Fearless R2W will receive some of that money, though he did not specify at which branches.

He says the intent is to make sure everyone at Winnipeg libraries feels safe, as Winnipeg librarians have been raising security concerns. Their feedback will decide which branches receive the additional security funds.

However, Duncan hinted that security may not be beefed up any further at downtown's Millennium Library, which already has a metal detector at the entrance, as well as security guards, community safety hosts and crisis workers.

"We're not looking to make a military state here, of security."

Gillingham said the province's increased library service grants will fund some of the recommended improvements to Winnipeg libraries, but did not specify how much that was in dollars.

A budget increase of just over $450,000 for library materials is also part of the outlined changes, which would provide Winnipeggers with diverse and up-to-date collections to choose from, according to the city's Friday release.

Another investment of nearly $135,000 would go toward extra library programming that ranges from digital literacy, Indigenous languages, early literacy and the ideaMILL makerspace.

A new $4.7 million library in northwest Winnipeg is also included in the draft budget. Although the exact location has not yet been determined, Duncan said the city aims to open the new facility in September 2025.

The population of northwest Winnipeg is growing rapidly, according to Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan).

However, he says the new proposed library does not conflict with the West Kildonan Library, which narrowly avoided closure in 2022 after a city committee suggested moving the then 55-year-old library into the Garden City Shopping Centre.

Winnipeggers have made it "loud and clear" that the West Kildonan Library is a valued community resource, and a condition assessment of the building is underway, Browaty said.

"Regardless of what happens at West Kildonan, there is a need in that far northwest for a new branch."