Winnipeg seeing uptick in library visits

Annual attendance numbers across Winnipeg’s library system have jumped more than 28 per cent since 2022.

Winnipeg’s libraries have seen a steady climb in visitors over the last few years.

According to new numbers from the City of Winnipeg, library visits are up nearly 30 per cent since 2022.

The data shows library attendance in 2022 came in at over 1.6 million, steadily rising to nearly 1.8 million in 2023. Library visits then exceeded the 2 million mark in 2024, reaching over 2.1 million in 2025.

During this time, the number of books and library materials borrowed also increased by nearly 19 per cent.

It’s really good to see that our numbers are gradually increasing for library attendance,” said Coun. Vivian Santos, who is the chair of the city’s community services committee, in an interview on Wednesday.

“[I’m] happy to know that Winnipeggers are feeling confident in our system and wanting to come and use those free services at our libraries.”

According to the city’s numbers, library attendance peaked in the mid-2010s with around 2.7 million visitors. However, attendance dramatically declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, dropping down to about 620,000 in 2021.

Since then, there’s been steady growth, though it has not reached pre-pandemic levels.

“It is a slow progression, but I’m staying hopeful and positive,” Santos said.

“As long as we continue to do what we do and continue to invest in our libraries and library materials.”

Santos added that the rise in visitors came as the city made changes to its libraries, including increased hours and improved safety measures.

A new library is also set to open at Garden City Shopping Centre later this year.

• With files from CTV’s Danton Unger