Scott Gillingham today committed to launching a new “Homework Libraries” initiative, beginning in northwest Winnipeg, to give students, families and seniors more opportunities to use neighbourhood libraries during evenings and weekends.
If re-elected, Gillingham will introduce the initiative at the new Mike O’Shaughnessy Library in Garden City Shopping Centre when it opens in 2027. Library hours would match the shopping centre's regular operating hours, including evenings until 9:00 p.m. on weekdays.
That represents a 27% increase in fall and winter service hours compared with a typical neighbourhood branch. With the library located inside a busy shopping centre, matching mall hours is a practical way to make library services more convenient and accessible for families.
“Libraries are critical for students, families and seniors – and 'building Winnipeg' means protecting and expanding this important service,” Gillingham said. “We want to make our libraries work better for busy Winnipeg families.”
The commitment builds on the expansion of library hours in 2024, which increased service across Winnipeg by nearly 10%. Annual library visits have increased by more than 28% since 2022.
Now under construction, the Mike O’Shaughnessy Library will be Winnipeg's 21st branch, and the first completely new library branch since the late 1980s. It will bring expanded services to northwest Winnipeg, including dedicated areas for children and teens, study spaces, computers and rooms for programs and tutorials.
Gillingham credited Devi Sharma, who is seeking re-election to Council in Old Kildonan, with proposing the Homework Libraries concept.
If the Garden City pilot proves successful, Gillingham will work with Council to expand the initiative to at least four additional neighbourhood branches in different areas of Winnipeg, selected based on community needs, transit access, staffing and security requirements.
Vivian Santos, who is seeking re-election to Council in Point Douglas, said the commitment builds on recent investments in library services. Santos has chaired Council's Community Services Committee since 2024.
“We've expanded library hours, invested in programming and seen more people coming through the doors,” Santos said. “Our neighbourhood libraries are incredibly important to the families who rely on them. Scott's commitment means even more access to libraries for education, programs, and a welcoming place to get homework done.”
Policy at a Glance
Launch the first Homework Library at the new Mike O’Shaughnessy Library in 2027, with extended hours matching Garden City Shopping Centre.
Evaluate library usage, operating costs and opportunities for expanded programming.
If successful, expand to at least four more neighbourhood libraries in different areas of Winnipeg.