Winnipeg’s public libraries are becoming safer places for readers and families, with recently released data showing incidents fell by more than a quarter in the second half of 2025.
According to the city of Winnipeg’s latest quarterly safety report, incidents dropped by 27.5 percent compared to the first half of the year.
From January to June, there were 883 incidents. That number fell to 640 between July and December.
“We’re seeing a meaningful shift in library safety,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “Incidents were significantly lower in the second half of 2025 than in the first half. That’s a strong indication the safety measures we’ve put in place are having an impact.”
The report highlights major improvements at Millennium Library, where incidents dropped by more than 55 per cent in the second half of the year.
City officials attribute the decline to several factors, including the addition of new safety positions in Library Administration and the restriction of access for individuals responsible for repeated incidents.
Since 2023, Council has approved several safety improvements across the library system, including continued metal detection at Millennium Library, expanded community safety host presence, additional security guards and strong enforcement of the Library Code of Conduct.
“Our library staff, Community Safety Hosts and security guards are doing tremendous work every day,” said Councillor Vivian Santos, Chair of Community Services. “By intervening early and enforcing our Code of Conduct consistently, we’re creating safer spaces for everyone and moving away from some of the serious challenges we saw in previous years.”
As incidents drop, library use continues to rise. Since 2022, attendance has increased by 22 per cent, reflecting growing public confidence.
“More people are coming through our doors, and incidents are trending down,” Santos said. “That’s exactly what we want to see, safe, welcoming public spaces where families, students and seniors feel comfortable.”