The Millennium Library will include state-of-the-art technology such as wired study carrels and a computer lab, an auditorium with multimedia enhancements, additional meeting rooms, an increase of up to 100,000 books and periodicals to the collection, an enhanced children’s area and an Aboriginal Reading in-the-Round area.

“This project is an exciting opportunity to build on the momentum that is being generated in Winnipeg’s downtown, and meshes with Council’s priorities,” said Acting Mayor, Lillian Thomas. “ It also offers all citizens access to knowledge and in our wired economy, that is a critical service that should be widely available. We commend the tireless volunteers who have kept this dream alive.”

Under the terms outlined at Winnipeg’s Executive Policy Committee today, the City will provide $4 million. The application to the Canada/Manitoba infrastructure program requests $3 million from each level of government. The Winnipeg Library Foundation commits to $7 million in private donations.

“We have in excess of $5 million committed in private donations so far,” stated Bob Silver, Chair of the fundraising committee for the Winnipeg Library Foundation. “We are thrilled to be moving forward now with a formal application to the infrastructure program. I think it is clear that when Winnipeggers work together, we can and do achieve our dreams.”