Winnipeg, MB – Millennium Library will begin a phased service resumption on Friday, December 23 at 10 a.m.
City of Winnipeg officials continue to meet with various stakeholders, including staff, representatives from the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500, and the Community Working Group, to help determine appropriate changes to create a safer experience for staff and visitors, while still keeping the library accessible and welcoming for all.
The City is also commencing a comprehensive risk assessment and safety audit of Millennium Library, while exploring the layout of the library and a permanent redesign of the lobby that supports a controlled environment without the use of hostile architecture.
“Our libraries need to be welcoming places for all Winnipeggers, and that begins by ensuring the safety of staff and visitors,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “We also need to look at how changes at Millennium Library fit within the overall approach to improving downtown safety.”
“The Millennium Library is so important to many people, and introducing measures to ensure it remains safe and open to all users is critical,” said Councillor John Orlikow, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services. “The first phase allows for some library services to resume while work continues on a full service resumption plan.”
Beginning Friday, December 23, service at the Millennium Library will be open for holds pickup and return services only. Customers will not have access to enter the branch.
The library’s lobby will remain open for skywalk and parkade access, and for members of the public to warm up in during periods of cold weather.
Library customers are reminded that holds may be placed using the library’s online catalogue or mobile app. Library staff are available to assist customers with this process through Winnipeg Public Library’s Ask Us service.
Holds pickup will be available during normal hours of operation, and the external book return will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Library card holders can also check out and return materials to any other branch, or access services 24/7 online. People can apply for and receive library cards at the circulation desk in Millennium Library.
The date when the Millennium Library will fully resume services will be communicated in due course.
For more information on library services, see: wpl.winnipeg.ca/library.