The Millennium Library in downtown Winnipeg is opening up to the public in phases on Friday after a 28-year-old man was murdered there just under two weeks ago. 

A 28-year-old man from Winnipeg was stabbed and died on December 11 at the library and four teenagers have since been arrested in relation to the crime. 

According to a news release, City of Winnipeg officials continue to meet with various stakeholders, including staff, representatives from the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500, and the Community Working Group, to help determine appropriate changes to create a safer experience for staff and visitors, while still keeping the library accessible and welcoming for all.

Due to the violent incident, the City is looking to redesign the entrance to the library to support a controlled environment without the use of hostile architecture.

"Our libraries need to be welcoming places for all Winnipeggers, and that begins by ensuring the safety of staff and visitors," says Mayor Scott Gillingham. "We also need to look at how changes at Millennium Library fit within the overall approach to improving downtown safety."

Starting at 10:00 a.m. the library will allow people to pick up their holds as well as return books. 

"The Millennium Library is so important to many people, and introducing measures to ensure it remains safe and open to all users is critical," says Councillor John Orlikow, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services. "The first phase allows for some library services to resume while work continues on a full-service resumption plan."

The library’s lobby will remain open for skywalk and parkade access, and for members of the public to warm up in during periods of cold weather.

As to when the library will fully open, it has yet to be determined.