Winnipeg, MB – The newly renovated Cornish Library, located at 20 West Gate, is officially reopening at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11 for holds pickup and returns. Beginning today, library users can select the Cornish Library as a pickup location when placing new holds online.
The renovations to the library, which originally opened on June 15, 1915, ensure the library meets the needs of today’s customers and future generations. The fully accessible library now features a 24/7 book return, separate adult and children’s computer areas, redesigned adult and youth collection areas, new lounge spaces in front of existing fireplaces, and accessible washrooms on the main and lower levels.
“With over a century of library service to the community, it’s great to see the Cornish Library receive some much-needed renovations and repairs,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “This marks the seventh library renovation or rebuild to be completed by the City of Winnipeg in the last three years. The investments made in these library renewal projects are an important part of building healthy communities in our city.”
The renovation includes an extension to the south of the building with a bright and open reading area that overlooks the river. In order to keep the character of the designated heritage library, existing woodwork throughout the library has been kept and refreshed. The lower level of the library has been completely renovated with new program and meeting rooms. A new Family Literacy Playground has been added to the children’s area.
“I’m excited to see the historic Cornish Library reopen as a more accessible and updated facility for all who visit,” said Sherri Rollins, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks. “This library will be a community gathering place for people to enjoy for many years to come.”
The library also features the Four Flowers kinetic sculpture by artist Michael Dumontier, courtesy of the Winnipeg Arts Council, and the Our Cornish Library and the Suffragist Saga painting by artist Naomi Gerrard, commissioned by the Friends of Cornish Library for the renovations.
The total cost of the Cornish Library renovation was $3.47 million, with approximately half of the funds contributed through the Winnipeg Library Foundation, including securing $1.125 million from the Manitoba Winnipeg Infrastructure Program (MWIA) for the project. The Winnipeg Library Foundation is a philanthropic organization that manages public support and fundraising on behalf of the Winnipeg Public Library. The remaining funding was provided through the capital budget.
For more information about Winnipeg Public Library and available services, please see: winnipeg.ca/library.