Carved above the arched entrance of Winnipeg’s initial public library is the inscription “Free to All,” yet for the past 11 years, it has remained shuttered. As the former Carnegie Library on William Street commemorates its 120th anniversary, a new era is on the horizon.
The 37,350-square-foot structure at 380 William Ave. is poised for a $22.8-million revamp to transform it into a cutting-edge archives facility. The renovation will feature a climate-controlled vault to safeguard and exhibit Winnipeg’s historical records. Construction is scheduled to commence later this fall, with a projected reopening in 2027.
Executive director of Heritage Winnipeg, Cindy Tugwell, expressed optimism about this fresh start, emphasizing the building’s enduring strength. She lauded the decision to house the archives in this landmark heritage building, underscoring the city’s commitment to its history and heritage.
In 1901, provincial librarian John P. Robertson reached out to American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie for funding to establish Manitoba’s inaugural public library edifice. The burgeoning city of Winnipeg required a dedicated space to meet the rising demand for books, leading to Carnegie’s contribution of $75,000.
The cornerstone at William was laid in November 1903, containing various historical items. The library officially opened amid grand festivities, with Gov. Gen. Earl Grey being the first to obtain a library card and borrow a book.
The library underwent expansions in 1908 and became one of Canada’s largest libraries by 1910. However, it ceded its flagship status in 1977 with the opening of the Centennial Library. Subsequently, the Carnegie Library transitioned into an archives and library amalgam, which later transformed into a solely archival facility in 1994.
In 2013, a flood forced the archives out of the building, leading to their relocation to an industrial warehouse on Myrtle Street. Despite initial plans for a temporary stay, a decade has passed, prompting the decision to return the archives to the renovated Carnegie Library.
The move is seen as a vital step to consolidate the city’s municipal collection and enable proper preservation and access for the public. The renovated library will also offer expanded research and public programming spaces to engage the community with Winnipeg’s rich history.
The decision to prioritize physical preservation over digitization was underscored by the archivists, emphasizing the irreplaceable value and experiential significance of tangible historical records. They stressed that digital preservation lacks the same depth of engagement and connection that physical archives provide.
The pending reopening of the Carnegie Library as a state-of-the-art archives facility signifies a renaissance for Winnipeg’s historical legacy, embodying Andrew Carnegie’s vision of universal access to knowledge for the betterment of society.