In 1901, Winnipeg approached American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie for a grant to construct its first public library. Twelve years later, city council again approached Carnegie for funds to construct two more libraries, St. John’s Library in the North End and this one. Designed by local architect Samuel Frank Peters and built by the National Construction Company, this branch opened in June 1915. It is a municipally-designated historic site and, in 2015, it received an MHS Centennial Organization Award.
The building a conservation award from Heritage Winnipeg (2022).
Cornish Library (May 2011)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough
Cornish Library (April 2022)
Source: Rose Kuzina
Cornish Library (October 2022)
Source: George Penner
Entrance to Cornish Library (June 2024)
Source: Greg Petzold
Renovated Cornish Library (June 2024)
Source: Greg PetzoldSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.87841, W97.15980
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Samuel Frank Peters (1847-1926)
Manitoba Business: Kelly-Simpson Construction Company / National Construction Company
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Carnegie Library / City of Winnipeg Archives (380 William Avenue, Winnipeg)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: St. John’s Library (500 Salter Street, Winnipeg)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Municipally Designated Historic Sites
Famous Places: The Cornish Library - 70 Years Old by Christine Melnick
Manitoba History, Number 9, Spring 1985Historical Tours in Manitoba: A Walking Tour of Armstrong’s Point by Patricia Thomson
Cornish Library (20 West Gate), City of Winnipeg Historical Buildings Committee, August 1992.
We thank Rose Kuzina, George Penner, and Greg Petzold for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 20 July 2024
Historic Sites of Manitoba
This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only.
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Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | OtherInclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner.
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