Winnipeg’s Historic Carnegie Library Set for $22.8M Renovation

The historic Carnegie Library in Winnipeg, which has been closed to the public for over a decade, is poised for a significant transformation as it celebrates its 120th anniversary. The building, located at 380 William Avenue, will undergo a comprehensive renovation costing approximately $22.8 million. This project aims to convert the library into a state-of-the-art archives facility, complete with a climate-controlled vault designed to preserve and showcase the city’s rich historical records. Renovations are expected to commence in the fall of 2023, with a planned reopening in 2027.

Cindy Tugwell, the executive director of Heritage Winnipeg, expressed optimism about the renovation, noting, “It absolutely does feel like a new beginning, and it’s a testament to the building’s resilience.” The library, which spans 37,350 square feet, is considered a landmark heritage site, reflecting the city’s commitment to its history and culture.

A Legacy of Public Service

The Carnegie Library was established in 1901 when provincial librarian John P. Robertson sought funding from American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who provided $75,000 for the project. The city promised to supply land and annual operating funds, paving the way for the library’s construction. Initially, Winnipeg’s library services were limited to a simple lending library based in city hall, supplemented by small branch stations in various locations.

The cornerstone was laid in November 1903, encapsulating items such as local newspapers and correspondence with Carnegie. The library opened with great fanfare, including an honor guard and a visit from Governor General Earl Grey, who received the first library card. Over the years, the library expanded, with a major addition funded by Carnegie in 1908, ultimately becoming the second-largest library in Canada by 1910.

Despite its historical significance, the Carnegie Library faced challenges in the decades that followed. In 1977, it lost its status as the main city library when the Centennial Library opened. Although it briefly reopened as a branch library in 1978 due to public demand, it ceased regular operations in 1994 when it became solely an archives facility.

Preserving History for Future Generations

The archives, which contain invaluable materials dating back 154 years, were relocated to a temporary facility on Myrtle Street after the Carnegie Library suffered significant water damage from a storm in 2013. Currently, the archives are housed in cramped conditions, lacking adequate temperature and humidity control. There are around 10,000 linear feet of records stored, which include historical documents, maps, and artifacts from the city’s development.

Sarah Ramsden, Winnipeg’s senior archivist, emphasized the importance of returning the archives to their original home. “This is the perfect building for it — the perfect fit,” she said, highlighting its central location near city hall. The renovation will not only provide space for archival materials but also facilitate public access to resources through expanded research and programming facilities.

The renovation plan is part of a broader effort to ensure that the archives can properly care for and display Winnipeg’s history. Ramsden noted that while digitization is an important tool, it cannot replace the experience of engaging with original documents. “That information is lost when we just digitize,” she explained. The renovated facility will allow for a variety of public programming, including events, lectures, and exhibitions, thereby enhancing community engagement with the city’s history.

Tugwell reiterated the significance of the library’s motto, “Free to All,” inscribed above the entrance. She stated, “It really embodies Carnegie’s philosophy that public access to knowledge is a public good and ultimately makes for a better world.” As Winnipeg prepares to embark on this new chapter for its historic library, the city reaffirms its commitment to preserving the past while embracing the future.