FAQs
- A children’s area, teen’s area, and general collection area
- One program room (64 people)
- Two tutorial rooms (4 people each)
- Computer stations
- Print station
- Lounge zone
- Study zone
- Public washrooms and universal toilet room
Why is a new library needed in northwest Winnipeg?
Northwest Winnipeg is growing fast and many people living there don’t have a library close by. The Mike O’Shaughnessy Library is being built to improve access and grow library services.
Why is the new library in a shopping centre instead of a standalone building, like some of the other new libraries in Winnipeg?
The 2013 Library Redevelopment Strategy found that a new library was needed in northwest Winnipeg. We couldn’t find any suitable city-owned land in the Old Kildonan or Mynarski wards. So we issued an Expression of Interest to see if there were any suitable locations to lease. Garden City Shopping Centre met all of the requirements. In May 2025, Council approved the recommendation to lease the space.
How much will construction and leasing cost?
The City of Winnipeg is contributing $2.4 million and the Government of Manitoba is contributing $2.5 million for construction. The annual rent will be $210,105 for years 1- 5; $224,595 for years 6 - 10, and $231,840 for years 11 – 15.
What will happen to the West Kildonan Library when the Mike O’Shaughnessy Library opens?
The Mike O’Shaughnessy Library is being built to improve access and grow library services. It is not replacing any existing libraries.
In June 2024, the City finished a review of the West Kildonan Library. The review looked at what improvements to the building are needed and how much they will cost. Any upgrades to the West Kildonan Library will need Council approval and funding.
Is the money that was previously for the West Kildonan Library renovation being used to open the new Mike O’Shaughnessy Library?
No, Council approved the funding to create a new library in northwest Winnipeg.
What amenities will the new library have?
The new library will have:
Which languages will be part of the book collection at the library?
Along with books in English, there will also be books available in French, Tagalog, Punjabi, Portuguese, Polish, and Ukrainian.
What size is the new library?
The new library will be approximately 14,490 square feet.
Why is the new library named after Mike O'Shaughnessy?
On July 17, 2025, Council voted to name the new library the Mike O’Shaughnessy Library. Councillor Mike O’Shaughnessy served on Winnipeg City Council, originally from 1974 to 1980, then again from 1986 to 2010. He represented the Kildonan Park, Jefferson and Old Kildonan Wards.