Councilor Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan) said her ward does not have a city library, so the new branch is welcome.

“The northwest part of the city continues to experience tremendous growth and families are looking for a public library to be opened in the area. There’s a great loyalty and a great use of libraries and everyone in the city should be able to access (them),” said Sharma.

She said leasing a space could help the city select a location near other services, which has worked well for other libraries.

Sharma said libraries remain popular for several reasons.

“Winnipeggers are using libraries. Our data shows that. They’re for books, for community meeting spaces and it’s a place of equality where everyone can access resources,” she said.

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