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Part One: Introduction

Part Three: Living
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Part Four: City
Government and
Public Participation

Vancouver Public Library

The Vancouver Public Library (VPL) is part of the City of Vancouver and serves the whole city. At VPL you can find just about any information you need. It has 2.2 million holdings, including books, magazines, newspapers, videos, tapes, CDs, DVDs and eBooks. You can also access the internet from computers in all libraries.

The VPL has 21 branches in neighbourhoods throughout Vancouver. The Central Library, located at the corner of Georgia and Homer Streets in Downtown Vancouver, is becoming a landmark in the city.

View a city map to find the library closest to you»

Quick Information Line

One of the VPL’s most used services is the Quick Information Line, which provides fast answers to requests for a wide range of information. Call 604-331-3603 to access the Quick Information Line.

Getting a Library Card

Residents of most municipalities in Greater Vancouver can get a VPL card that allows them to borrow books and use library services. To get your VPL card, you will need a completed application and two pieces of identification. One piece of identification should have your printed name and your signature, such as a credit card, your birth certificate or passport. The other piece of identification should have your name and address, such as your driver’s licence, a hydro bill or a bank statement. Children under 14 do not need identification to get a card but must have the application form signed by a parent or guardian.

With a library card, you can take home books and materials for up to three weeks. VPL has books for work, learning, and pleasure. There are also books in many of the languages that the people of Vancouver speak and read.

Books and information in other languages

VPL Central Branch has books for adults and children in languages other than English, including:

• Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Polish and Vietnamese.

Each branch has books in the languages of the people in their neighbourhood. Ask your librarian to find these books.

Vancouver Public Library ESL Learning Services

VPL has materials and services to help people who are learning English as a Second Language (ESL). All VPL branches have books, tapes, CDs and videos people can use to learn English. The Central Branch has a Language Lab with tapes, video machines and computers. The Lab is open whenever the library is open, and can be used on a ‘drop-in’ basis.

Other VPL branches have Learning Centres where a tutor is on staff during some hours to help people learn English. Call your local branch to find out where the closest Learning Centre is and when it is open. You can also find out about ESL services on the VPL website:www.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca

VPL Computer and Internet Services

All VPL branches have computers you can use to find information from the Internet. You can also learn about computers and using the Internet through library courses. You can use Internet computers for one half hour at a time, up to two times a day. You can also use e-mail on VPL computers.

At the VPL Computer Lab at the Central Branch, you can use word processing, spreadsheets, or desktop publishing programs for an hourly cost. Call Computer Lab Bookings to reserve computer time (Tel: 604-331-3685).

The VPL website:www.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca

Vancouver Libraries

View a city map and get all Vancouver Public Library addresses»

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Public Library - Map and Locations

Comments or questions? Send us e-mail at baldwin.wong@vancouver.ca.

© 2002, City of Vancouver, Community Services, Social Planning
Last Modified: Friday, February 4, 2005