This one-storey dark red brick and Tyndall stone trimmed library building at the northwest corner of Salter Street and Machray Avenue in Winnipeg, measuring 40 feet by 80 feet, was designed by local architect John Nelson Semmens. It was built between 1914 and 1915 by the construction firm of Fraser and MacDonald at a cost of $28,800, with funds provided by industrialist Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919). It opened to the public on 2 June 1915 at a ceremony attended by Mayor Richard Deans Waugh, Alderman and chairman of the library committee Herbert Gray, and Archbishop Samuel Pritchard Matheson.
Originally featuring a simple hip-gable roof design, in 1935 alterations to the roof included adding a front-facing gable dormer and a circular window at a cost of about $200.
After a period of closure for repairs and renovations, the library reopened on 5 July 2019. The work included a new accessible entrance, complete redesign of spaces with adult, children's and teen areas on the main floor, computer area, study and leisure spaces, a bright and open reading area, two tutorial rooms, a small and large program room, and updated furnishings.
It is a municipally-designated historic building (2011) and an MHS Centennial Organization (2015), and it received a Conservation Award from Heritage Winnipeg (2020).
St. John’s Library (1924)
Source: Souvenir of Winnipeg's Jubilee, 1874-1924, Item 195B, University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections.
St. John’s Library (September 2015)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough
St. John’s Library after renovation (July 2019)
Source: Rose Kuzina
St. John’s Library after renovation (June 2023)
Source: Jordan Makichuk
Aerial view of St. John’s Library after renovation (July 2025)
Source: George PennerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.92555, W97.13315
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: John Nelson Semmens (1879-1960)
Manitoba Business: Fraser and MacDonald
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Cornish Library (20 West Gate, Winnipeg)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Carnegie Library / City of Winnipeg Archives (380 William Avenue, Winnipeg)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Municipally Designated Historic Sites
City of Winnipeg Building Permit 2901/1914, City of Winnipeg Archives.
“Tenders for erection of branch library buildings,” Manitoba Free Press, 18 September 1914, page 2.
“Tenders for erection of branch library buildings,” Manitoba Free Press, 19 September 1914, page 2.
“Contracts for libraries,” Winnipeg Tribune, 22 September 1914, page 6.
“Library contracts awarded,” Manitoba Free Press, 22 September 1914, page 16.
“Tenders for furnishings for new branch libraries,” Manitoba Free Press, 2 February 1915, page 3.
“Open St. John’s Library,” Manitoba Free Press, 1 June 1915, page 5.
“St. John’s Branch Library opened,” Manitoba Free Press, 3 June 1915, page 6.
“Alterations to cost $12,000 to St. Block,” Manitoba Free Press, 12 October 1935, page 40.
Winnipeg fire insurance map, #321 January 1957, City of Winnipeg Archives.
Winnipeg Public Library - St. John's Branch (500 Salter Street), City of Winnipeg Historical Buildings and Resources Committee, March 2010.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough, Jordan Makichuk, Rose Kuzina, and George Penner.
Page revised: 29 September 2025
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