Book lovers can rejoice as the City begins reopening public libraries.

On Monday, June 8, the Millenium Library, the Henderson Library, and the Pembina Trails Library are reopening to allow readers to pick up items placed on hold.

These three facilities will be operating on a limited basis, using a take-out only method. Patrons can only take out one item that they have on hold but can pick up items others in their household have on hold on behalf of others.

Library hours will also be changing as follows:

  • Millennium Library: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m
  • Henderson & Pembina Trail libraries: Monday to Wednesday, and Friday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m
  • Henderson & Pembina Trail libraries: Thursday: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • All other city-operated libraries are remaining closed

Library patrons are not allowed into the stacks to browse and will not be permitted to enter the facility. A counter will be set up to pass the items between the patron and city worker.

Library cards are required when checking-out items.

Items being checked out are not allowed to be returned to libraries at this time, including previously-check out items. The city expects the no-return policy to last until July.

A limited reopening allows the City to see which methods work for patrons, and which do not.

"We are not through this we all have to be vigilant in following the recommended by Shared Health," Mayor Brian Bowman says.

The City of Winnipeg says in the next couple of days they will reveal details on the reopening of splash pads.

Jason Shaw, Manager, City of Winnipeg Emergency Operations Centre, expects to slowly reopen facilities but is not concerned about moving too slowly. He says that he sees that the measures being taken to prevent the spread are working.

"I like seeing those (COVID-19 case numbers) numbers at zero," he says.

Shaw says that the City is reviewing the provincial plan for Phase 2 and will be working with them to safely restore services.