Winnipeg, MB – New operating hours at Winnipeg Public Library branches will begin September 3, 2024, offering Winnipeg residents more opportunities to take advantage of library services.
With the new hours, all libraries will be open on Wednesdays year-round, with expanded hours on Saturdays during the summer and Sundays during the fall/winter. Overall operating hours are increasing 9.7% annually.
“These new and expanded hours will allow more Winnipeggers to benefit from the services our libraries provide,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “Whether it’s discovering a new book, accessing resources, or participating in community programs, these enhancements ensure that our libraries remain accessible and welcoming to everyone.”
"As Chair of Community Services, I’m excited to see these expanded hours coming to our Winnipeg Public Library branches,” said Vivian Santos, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services. “Libraries are vital community hubs that provide not just books, but access to information, resources, and programming for people of all ages. These new hours reflect our commitment to making these essential services more accessible for residents across the city, ensuring everyone has more opportunities to benefit from what our libraries offer year-round."
Several changes are happening to accommodate the expanded hours, including:
- Opening all 20 libraries on Wednesdays year-round (increased from nine libraries)
- Increasing the number of libraries open on Sundays in the fall and winter from six to 10
- Increasing the number of libraries open on Saturdays in the summer from three to 10
- Six libraries (Fort Garry, St. Boniface, St. James-Assiniboia, St. Vital, Sir William Stephenson, and Westwood) that previously opened at 10 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays will now open at noon on those days
- Of the five libraries that previously opened at 1 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, three (Cornish, Munroe, and St. John’s) will now open at noon and two (Osborne and Windsor Park) will now open at 10 a.m on those days
- Harvey Smith Library, which previously opened at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, will now open at 10 a.m. on those days
Council approved expanded hours as part of the 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget, at a cost of $3.1 million over four years. The budget also included additional investments in new library materials, programming, security improvements, and the construction of a new library in Northwest Winnipeg.
More information on Winnipeg Public Library services is available at winnipeg.ca/library.