Library incidents plunge following security overhaul in Winnipeg

Improved security and resources at Winnipeg libraries appear to be making the facilities safer, as a recent city report logged decreases in unwanted, inappropriate and potentially dangerous behaviours at the book lenders.

“I wouldn’t always come here because I didn’t feel safe, but now that I know it’s more safe, I come here more often,” said Jayden Bell, a library patron.

In July, August and September of 2025, incidents at Winnipeg libraries, things like inappropriate behaviour, sexual harassment and assault, fell by roughly 24 per cent compared to the same period in 2024, with the central Millennium Library logging a decrease of 57 per cent.

The drop comes following safety improvements across the city in 2023 after a homicide at the Millennium Library in late 2022 that temporarily shuttered the site. They include additional guards and more community safety hosts.

Bell, who frequents Millennium, says it’s important the library feels safe, saying the space has helped him stay sober.

“It got me away from the people who I surrounded myself with that did the drugs, so I’d come here to surround myself with better people,” said Bell.

The report also logged almost a 100 per cent increase in referrals, almost 6,000 to date, to support through community crisis workers, with people getting help on things like education, career resources and housing. An official at a committee meeting reviewing the report Tuesday said stakeholders and staff are “gelling.”

“They had a lot of respect for me and I have a lot of respect for them,” said Peter Donaldson, a library patron.

Speaking about staff at Millennium, Donaldson says he’s glad fewer incidents are being recorded at a place he cares about.

“I’ve had a lot of good assistance from them, besides reading and studying and all that,” said Donaldson.

It was reported there was a decrease in attendance at the Millennium Library of roughly 18.5 per cent, but it’s attributed to fewer operating hours and the closure of the Graham Avenue transit corridor.

“What we’re doing right now is working,” said Vivian Santos, Point Douglas ward.

Officials say the numbers are a good sign the changes are having the desired effect.

“We’re making our libraries and public spaces safer and that’s always been our No. 1 priority,” said Santos.