Winnipeg's Cornish Library celebrates 100 years

Winnipeg's Cornish Library is celebrating its centenaryon Monday.

Namedafter the city's first mayor,Francis Evans Cornish, the library first opened its doors on June 15, 1915.

To mark the celebration, a number of activities are being hosted there today, including:

• Historic displays.
• Croquet on the front lawn.
• Refreshments.
• A magician.
• Barbershop quartet.
• Jazz duo.
• A display of preliminary architectural plans for the libraryrenewal.
• Showing of the film, Cornish Library.

The library is at 20 West Gate, just insidethe gated entrance to Armstrong's Point.

The Cornish isone of two Winnipeg library branches built with grants from the Carnegie Foundation, the other being theSt. John's Library.

According to the City of Winnipeg's historyon it, the basement of the Cornish was used byCanadian novelist, prohibitionist, and women's rights activistNellie McClung for lectures.

Planning the future

The Cornish ispart of widespread improvements to Winnipeglibraries throughout the next five years, as part of the city's strategic plan.

More than 5,200 Winnipeggers provided input during communityconsultations and online surveysas the city developed its plan forlibrary system's future. Input was received on collections, programs, space and service delivery, and the community and social role of the library.

"Through the 2015-2020 libraries strategic plan, libraries like Cornish will get the improvements they need to foster a love of reading and to offer important literacy programs in the future," said Brian Bowman.

Upgrades to the Cornish Librarywill include meeting room enhancements, new shelvingand adding more study and leisure reading spaces, stated a news release from the city.

"Reaching 100 years of service to the community is a major accomplishment," saidRick Walker, manager of library services.

"We look forward to an exciting future and will work to ensure the priorities of Winnipeggers will be reflected in upgrades to libraries like Cornish."