Designed by the architect S. Frank Peters, the plans had to be approved by Carnegie's personal secretary, James Bertram, to assure money was not wasted on exterior ornamentation at the expense of book shelves and furniture. The library is located at 20 West Gate in Cornish Park on a small piece of land at one of the entrances to Armstrong's Point, near the Maryland Bridge. It replaced the Winnipeg Waterworks building. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Assiniboine River with the library's west elevation facing the river. The Cornish Baths, Winnipeg's first indoor pool, were formerly located beside the Library. Construction by the NationalConstruction Company of Winnipeg began in 1914. The library opened on June 15, 1915. The foundation was damaged by flooding in 1918 and it was repaired using a $7,000 Carnegie grant. The Library is undergoing an expansion in 2019-20 that will see that addition of an all-glass reading area and improved accessibility from the main entrance. It will re-open some time in late 2020.
Architecture and fittings
The library, in size, was built in keeping with Andrew Carnegie's specifications, being of a simple plan that was characterized by classical details, fenestration and modest interior appointments. Resting on a concrete foundation, it has nearly 4,000 cu. m. of interior space, 75 million bricks, 1,002 superficial sq. m. of plaster, and 229 cu. m. of concrete. The building cost approximately $30,000.
Exterior
The one-storey building is rectangular and has a raised concrete basement. An ornamental, smooth-cut belt encircles both levels. There are red brick walls and limestone details. Sills are made of stone. Windows are tall and rectangular. While the hip roof is low-pitched, a centred front portico and centred rear pavilion have a gabled roof. The main entrance has a pedimented double-door. This is framed by stone columns. An carved entablature includes the words: "PUBLIC LIBRARY", "CORNISH BRANCH", and "A.D. 1914". The pediment on top of the rear pavilion has an oculus with decorative brick and stone detailing. There are block modillions in the pediments and under the eaves. Other features include red brick chimneys with stone caps as well as a brick and stone porch with a gable roof.
Interior
The library has high ceilings and windows. The basement ceilings are, while the main floor ceilings are. The main floor has built-in perimeter bookshelves. Reading areas include partial wall and screened wall areas. The lower level is reached via stairs from the front vestibule. A central hallway in the basement separates lecture rooms. Interior doors are made of oak and glass. Other interior features include solid, wide, oak tables, wood panelling, and tiled fireplaces with oak mantels. The collections are situated on the main floor while the basement has a program room that seats 60 people.
