Landmark Building to Become State-of-the-Art Archives
Once engraved with the promise “Free to All,” Winnipeg’s first public library — the historic Carnegie Library on William Avenue — will soon reopen after being closed to the public for more than a decade.
The 37,350-square-foot heritage building, constructed in 1903, is set for a $22.8-million renovation that will transform it into a modern, climate-controlled archives and heritage facility.
“It absolutely does feel like a new beginning, and it’s a testament to the building’s resilience,” said Cindy Tugwell, executive director of Heritage Winnipeg.
Construction is expected to begin this fall, with the reopening planned for 2027.
A Century of History and Community Learning
The former library, located at 380 William Ave., first opened its doors in 1905 after Andrew Carnegie granted $75,000 to build Manitoba’s first public library.
It quickly became a cornerstone of civic education and culture — hosting thousands of books and readers each year. By 1910, it was the second-largest library in Canada by book circulation.
The library served Winnipeg until 1977, when it became home to the City Archives. It later functioned as both a branch library and archives before closing permanently in 2013, after a severe rainstorm damaged the roof and flooded the building.
Restoring Heritage, Preserving Memory
The renovation will include a climate-controlled vault and exhibition spaces to preserve 154 years of city records, photographs, and artifacts — some dating back to 1871.
Archivist Sarah Ramsden said the goal is to bring Winnipeg’s vast historical materials “back under one roof” and give residents an opportunity to engage with their city’s past.
“It really embodies Carnegie’s philosophy that public access to knowledge is a public good and ultimately makes for a better world,” Ramsden said.
The new space will also feature areas for public programs, film nights, lectures, and exhibits, marking a return to the building’s original purpose as a community hub for learning.
The Struggle to Rebuild
Since the 2013 closure, the city’s archives have been temporarily housed in a warehouse on Myrtle Street, an inadequate facility with limited space, poor environmental controls, and no public programming areas.
Tugwell described the delay in returning the archives to Carnegie as “a catastrophe of a location,” warning that Winnipeg’s historical records were at risk.
A 2020 city report finally confirmed that restoring the original building was the best option — combining heritage preservation with improved infrastructure.
Balancing Modernization and Authenticity
While some have questioned the need for a physical archive in the digital age, experts argue that digitization is not preservation.
“Digital records deteriorate over time,” Ramsden explained. “When you lose the original, you lose the story behind it — the texture, the wear, the human history in it.”
She gave the example of Jessie Kirk’s 1920 nomination papers, noting that their creases and wear tell their own story of women’s political struggle in the early 20th century.
