Henderson Library reopens with a new look

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This article was published 22/12/2010 (5492 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Henderson Library officially reo­pen­ed earlier this month and local bookworms appear pleased with the latest chapter in its ongoing history.

The library, which is located at  1-1050 Henderson Hwy. in the Rossmere Plaza, was closed for six months earlier this year in order to complete $900,000 in upgrades.

The funding was provided through the Manitoba-Winnipeg Infrastructure Fund.

An official grand opening took place Dec. 10, although the branch has been open to the public since Oct. 25.

It features an additional 6,000 sq. ft. of space and is now the second biggest library in the city after the Millennium Library.

Upgrades to the branch included improved flooring, lighting, workstations, new shelving and furniture, technology upgrades and the replacement of an integrated computer system.

“The first thing that strikes people when they come back is how much bigger we are,” said Ed Cuddy, branch head for the Henderson Library.

“We have more study tables for people to sit at, more reading space. We’ve created alcoves, there’s one for mystery, teens, all of our audiovisual materials, and magazines.”

In addition, the children’s programming room was renovated, and two other meeting rooms were created. Both meeting rooms are available for public use.

Approximately 60 people can use the larger room for lectures and other events. The smaller room provides a boardroom atmosphere where community groups can meet.

“The new meeting rooms are in some of the new space that the library took over. In fact, they took up most of that new space,” Cuddy added.

Library users say they are impressed with what they have seen.

North Kildonan resident Laura Donnelly, who has been using the library for a number of years, applauded the recent renovations.

“It really opens up the library, giving more space to each section,” she said.

“I like that the student working tables are secluded in the back now. I feel I can get more work done. It’s a lot prettier, and more modern now.”

Longtime East Kildonan resident Richard Sawchuk echoed her sentiments.

“I think it’s looking beautiful, it’s a very welcoming environment. They have some great reading areas, soft chairs, and they’re clustered so you can sit around and visit with folks while you’re checking out your books,” he said.

The renovations were the source of considerable controversy prior to work beginning. Some opponents said that the branch should be moved to a city-owned property rather than the city leasing a location from a private landlord.

 Cuddy said public feedback seems to indicate most patrons are glad the branch remained at its current location.

“When we’ve done surveys in the past we had our customers telling us they wanted a bigger space,” he said.

“This building was showing its age in a big way. But we also heard loud and clear from our community that they liked where the library was. They liked this location, they just wanted to see a new, up-to-date facility. I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to deliver that.”

adrian.alleyne@canstarnews.com