Incidents drop at Winnipeg libraries in second quarter

Fencing on the fourth floor of the Millennium Library in Winnipeg is pictured on Sept. 2, 2025. (Submitted photo)

The number of incidents at Winnipeg libraries has seen a drop, according to a new report.

The city’s Community Services Committee released a report on library attendance and incidents. It found that incident numbers for the entire library system dropped by 7.5 per cent between April and June, compared to the same period in 2024.

The report noted Millennium Library specifically had a five per cent incident decrease year-over-year. Council has authorized the committee to share quarterly reports about the library in the wake of a homicide on the main floor in 2022.

Visitor counts at Winnipeg libraries are up 10.9 per cent this quarter compared to the same quarter in 2024, however, Millennium saw a 6.1 per cent decrease during the same time. The report said the reduction of Sunday and Monday evening hours may be a reason for the decrease. It added buses no longer operating on Graham Avenue as of June 28 could also have an impact on future numbers.

The report will be discussed in full when the committee meets on Sept. 8.

New protective fencing installed at Millennium Library

A new safety measure at the Millennium Library is now in place.

Temporary fencing on the fourth floor has now been installed as of Tuesday at the library. It was installed following “recent concerning behaviour” at the library, including the death of a 40-year-old man in August.

A city spokesperson told CTV News the fencing will remain in place until a long-term solution is found.