Windsor Park library getting new $4M building

The City of Winnipeg is building a modern,new location for the Windsor Park Library, which will become part of a multi-use facility at the Bonivital Pool site.

"Our library redevelopment strategy calls for the replacement of some of our older libraries, like the existing Windsor Park library, with modern new facilities that are better able to accommodate community activities and programming," said Coun. Scott Fielding, chair of the city's standing policy committee on protection and community services.

"I expect the new Bonivital multi-use complex to become a gathering space for families in south Winnipeg."

The new library will be a signature building of approximately 8,000 square feet on one floor and be constructed according to green building standards, stated a news release from the city.

Construction on the $4 million facilitywill begin in 2013, with occupancy in 2014.

"This is a fantastic project that will turn the Windsor Park library into a first-class regional centre," said Coun. Dan Vandal.

"Were building for the future, making this library accessible to people of all different ages and abilities and ensuring that we can support all the technology that people have come to rely upon."

The new facility will include a multi-purpose programming room, tutorial rooms and space for a collection of approximately 35,000 items. There will be increased computer access, public study and leisure space, and there willbe parking for up to 40 vehicles.

The existing Windsor Park library was built in 1961 and is a 6,626-square-foot, two-level building with limited parking and accessibility.

The library circulates approximately 120,000 items per year and serves a catchment area of approximately 28,000 people, according to the city.