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, 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 PennerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.87841, W97.15980
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Samuel Frank Peters (1847-1926)
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 and George Penner for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 17 February 2023
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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