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Winnipeg’s Carnegie Library to Reopen as City Archives After Renovations
Winnipeg’s historic Carnegie Library gets new life as city archives prepare to come home
Image: Ctv News
Winnipeg's historic Carnegie Library, originally built between 1903 and 1905, is set to reopen as the city's archives after 13 years of being vacant due to flooding. Renovations began in October 2025, with completion expected next year, creating a purpose-built facility for archival collections.
- 01The Carnegie Library was built with a $75,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie and became Canada's second most-used library shortly after opening.
- 02The library has been vacant since 2013 due to flooding caused by a rainstorm during renovations.
- 03City archivist Konrad Krahn emphasized the importance of the new facility, which will feature a temperature- and humidity-controlled vault for archives.
- 04Renovations began in October 2025, following the city council's approval of over $22 million for the project.
- 05Artifacts uncovered during renovations include an old multimeter and an ether canister, highlighting the building's historical significance.
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The Carnegie Library in Winnipeg, constructed between 1903 and 1905, is set to be revitalized as the city's archives after being unoccupied for over 13 years due to a severe flooding incident. City archivist Konrad Krahn provided a media tour of the ongoing renovations at 380 William Avenue, which are expected to be completed next year. Originally funded by a $75,000 grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the library was once the second most accessed in Canada, logging around 300,000 loans annually shortly after its opening. The archives were relocated in 2013 following a rainstorm that flooded the building, leading to the preservation of records in various temporary locations. The new facility will be the first purpose-built archive for the city, featuring a controlled environment for preservation. Renovations commenced in October 2025 after city council approved a budget of over $22 million. Krahn expressed optimism that the renovated space will attract public interest, especially following the successful engagement during the city’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
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The reopening of the Carnegie Library as the city archives will provide a dedicated space for archival collections, enhancing public access to local history.
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