A Guide to All the Fun, Free Things You Can Do at Charleswood Library
Whenever I flick through the pages of an old book, it takes me back to being a child, scouring the shelves of our neighborhood library for a new read.
Growing up, the library was a place of adventure and endless possibilities. I’d walk in and suddenly have the whole world at my fingertips—whether I was exploring distant lands through the books I read or the stories our community members shared.
Charleswood Library is that special place, where you can lose yourself in a good book, catch up with work, or connect with friends at community events.
Here, I’ll walk you through everything it has to offer, from its fantastic facilities and services to the exciting events and activities that make it a beloved part of the community.
About Charleswood Library
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Website: https://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/branchpages/branch.aspx?chas
Location: 4910 Roblin Blvd #6
Phone: +12049863072
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 10 am to 8 pm, Fri-Sat 10 am to 5 pm
Before Charleswood Library became the vibrant community hub we know today, it started in a cozy corner in Dieppe School in 1964. Picture it—a small, intimate space where book lovers from the neighborhood gathered to find their next great read.
As the community grew, so did the library’s ambitions. Just two years later, they packed up their books and moved to a new home in the former municipal building of the Rural Municipality of Charleswood.
This was just one of many expansions over the years, but the real magic happened in 2014. When the community decided it was time to dream big, they began working on a state-of-the-art library, measuring 13,215 square feet.
A year later, the new Charleswood Library opened its doors, welcoming everyone to explore its modern, purpose-built space filled with books, technology, and community spirit.
How to Get to Charleswood Library
Car: From downtown Winnipeg, Charleswood Library is a 19-minute drive away via Portage Avenue. Use the second from the left lane to turn on Moray Street/Route 96.
Turn right onto Roblin Boulevard/Route 95, and hop on the middle lane to make a right into Route 105 West. Make a left on Dieppe Road, and you should find Charleswood Library to your right.
Bus: Wait for Buss 66 at Southbound Donald at Graham, which comes around every 60 minutes. It will take you to Eastbound Dieppe at Dieppe Loop, a quick two-minute walk to the library.
The entire trip should take about 40 minutes in favorable road and traffic conditions, but it will cost only $3.25.
Things to Do in Charleswood Library
Book a library tour.
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We recommend going on a guided tour so you know what resources they offer and make the most out of them. There are different types of tours to suit the varying needs of different patrons.
For example, adults looking to improve their English skills can sign up for an EASL tour. The staff will show them the resources and services that can help them achieve their goal.
There are also other tours catering to researchers, seniors, people with special needs, and other adult learners.
Borrow a book, a magazine, or a video game.
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Charleswood Library has an extensive collection of novels, and magazines, which you can borrow and enjoy from the comfort of your home.
But it doesn’t stop there—you can also borrow albums, music instruments, video games for Xbox, PS4, Nintendo Wii, and Switch, and films on DVD and Blu-ray.
Whether you want to curl up with a good book, explore new music, or have a movie night, Charleswood Library has you covered, as long as you have a library card.
Attend storytime with the kids.
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One of the best programs at the library is Family Storytime. It’s a heartwarming experience where families can get lost in magic worlds, foster a love for reading in young children, and create lasting memories with each other.
They even have bilingual storytime events to celebrate some of the most widely spoken languages in Winnipeg, such as Filipino, German, and French.
Whether you’re a parent, a cool auntie, or a nanny, you can bond with your children over enchanting stories. The cozy setting of the library’s children’s area creates the perfect atmosphere for shared laughter, learning, and imagination.
Join a book club.
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The Charleswood Library has book clubs for all ages and interests. One of the most interesting is the Walking Book Club, which is a fun and unique way to connect with both books and fellow readers.
A delightful blend of literature, fresh air, and community spirit, the program entails walking around with the entire group to discuss the assigned book. Then, you will share your thoughts and opinions about the book with the other members individually.
Only adults can join the walking book club event. It’s a 60-minute program so don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes.
Admire art by local artists.
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At Charleswood, they celebrate art in all its forms. Sometimes, they would host exhibits, showcasing stunning works of local artists.
Spanning different mediums, these exhibitions not only celebrate the rich artistic diversity of the area but also provide a platform for artists to share their stories and connect with the public.
Watch Manitoba Underground Opera: Playtime.
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Manitoba Underground Opera: Playtime introduces young audiences to opera in an engaging and accessible way. Through lively, playful storytelling, the performers can captivate children and families alike.
The library’s warm and welcoming environment makes it the perfect venue for kids to explore the performing arts. More importantly, it’s a great opportunity for them to witness the passion and talent of our local artists.
Facilities and Services of Charleswood Library
Automated Check-In Book Return
If you’re a voracious reader who goes through several books in a week, you can use the automated check-in system to return the items you’ve borrowed at any time of the day.
Efficient and user-friendly, this system can scan and process each item you return. Then, it updates the library’s records in real time, making it convenient not just for you but also for the library staff.
Meeting Spaces
There are two meeting spaces in Charleswood Library, which the community can rent for an affordable fee. One room can fit about 60 people at once, while the other is a more intimate space that can seat only 10.
No commercial activities are allowed in the small meeting room, making it ideal for study groups, book clubs, and other non-profit organizations. It has a single table with 10 chairs, a flipchart, as well as an LCD projector that you’re welcome to use.
The program room is perfect for community organizations and groups. With 8 tables, 60 chairs, a flipchart, and an LCD projector, you can have conferences, presentations, and even workshops.
If companies want to book this public space, the rent costs $26.40 plus Goods and Service Tax (GST) per hour. Non-profit organizations will only spend $13.48 plus GST per hour.
Free WiFi
Another thing we love about Charleswood Library is the free WiFi that all visitors can have access to.
Just find a cozy nook, open your device, and enjoy seamless internet access throughout the library. With their reliable, high-speed internet, you can catch up on emails, hop on a video conference, or stream a video just for fun.
Library Computer Station
Whether you’re a student needing to complete assignments, a job seeker preparing applications, or someone simply looking to browse the web, you can complete all your tasks at Charleswood Library’s computer station.
All of their computers are equipped with up-to-date software and high-speed internet, so you have the necessary tools to complete your tasks.
You can also join a workshop to learn basic skills, such as file management, sending emails, making spreadsheets, and more.
Accessibility Services
Charleswood Library is a safe, inclusive space, where everyone is welcome, regardless of any physical disabilities. It has accessible entrances, wide aisles, and marked signage, making it easy to navigate for individuals with mobility challenges.
Inside, there are workstations equipped with adaptive technology, allowing patrons with disabilities to utilize the resources.
Best of all, the staff is always willing and ready to assist patrons with special needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the rich offerings of this community hub without barriers.