Winnipeg, MB – The newly renovated St. Vital Library, located at 6 Fermor Avenue, reopens today. The renovations feature an upgraded entrance, washroom additions, improved parking, accessible shelving and collections layout, and a 24-hour book return. Additional improvements include new furniture, flooring, roof, and skylights. The basement has been overhauled and now includes modern amenities, with four washrooms and a new tutorial room.
“It’s great to see St. Vital Library back in the business of building healthy, family friendly communities,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “These renovations and upgrades continue the significant investments in rebuilding libraries across Winnipeg, and it’s great that today we get to reopen the St. Vital Library providing an updated facility for people to meet, learn, grow, and build community.”
“I am very proud that we have saved the library from closure and renewed it for the next generation,” said St.Vital Councillor Brian Mayes. “I first came to this library when I was a kid in 1970, and now my sons and other students in St Vital will be able to enjoy this great resource.”
The library also features an indoor Family Literacy Playground - an interactive, educational activity structure and panel that supports parents and caregivers as they develop the early literacy skills of young children.
The renovation is phase two of upgrades for this heritage building. Phase one was completed in early 2016 and featured the installation of a new elevator to improve accessibility. The council approved budget for phase 2 renovations was $1.9 million.
Background
The St. Vital Library renovation project was identified as a priority in the Library Redevelopment Strategy. The library was the first modernist building in Winnipeg to receive a historical structure designation, but lacked modern accessibility features. The St. Vital renovations were designed to provide the community with a refurbished and more accessible facility that maintains the key heritage features of the building. The library circulates approximately 180,000 items and offers more than 233 programs annually.
For more information about Winnipeg Public Library, please see winnipeg.ca/library.