The City of Winnipeg has announced that all the city libraries will have extended hours to help the public access more resources.
The extended hours will start on September 3. Previously nine libraries had some of the hours of operation but now it will be all 20 libraries.
"These new and expanded hours will allow more Winnipeggers to benefit from the services our libraries provide," said Mayor Scott Gillingham in a news release. "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."
The changes in the hours for all libraries include now being open on Wednesdays as well as expanded hours on Saturdays during the summer and Sundays in the winter and fall.
"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."
Six libraries including Fort Garry, St. Boniface, St. James-Assiniboia, St. Vital, Sir William Stephenson, and Westwood previously opened at 10 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. They will now open at noon on those days. Of the five libraries that previously opened at 1 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, Cornish, Munroe, and St. John’s libraries will now open at noon. Osborne and Windsor Park libraries 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.
Winnipeg's 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget included this increase of $3.1 million over four years to help libraries offer even more access to resources to the public. This budget also includes more security, new library materials, programming, and the construction of a new library in Northwest Winnipeg.
People can check out the website here for more details on Winnipeg Libraries.