WINNIPEG - March 19, 2010 - The following branches of Winnipeg Public Library will be undergoing renovations in the coming months. The scope of the work requires the facilities to be temporarily closed while the refurbishments are underway.

Louis Riel Library, 1168 Dakota Street, will be temporarily closed for renovations from mid-May until the end of June.

Osborne Library, 625 Osborne Street, will be temporarily closed from the beginning of August to mid-September.

A number of renovations are planned for both facilities:

• Installation of new flooring and carpeting and painting throughout
  
• Replacement of the public service counters and furniture
  
• Installation of lower shelving for greater accessibility
  
• A new building layout for collections, seating and computers.

Additionally:

• Upgraded washrooms (Osborne Library)
  
• Upgraded meeting rooms (Louis Riel Library)
  
• New self-checkout equipment installed. (Louis Riel Library)
  

To help offset the temporary loss of access, the Library will be forwarding holds for pickup the St. Vital Library (both closures). The Library will be leaving book chutes open throughout the renovations for returns of library material. Library users may also return material to any other branch of Winnipeg Public Library.

The Louis Riel Library is over twenty years old and is the third busiest library branch in the Library system. The Osborne Library is one of the busiest neighbourhood branches. It has been located at the Fort Rouge Leisure Centre since 1982.