Library Services

Services

Services FAQs

We are accessible

  • Everyone can enjoy our collections, computers, programs, and physical spaces.
  • We have automatic entrance doors and elevator access from the underground parking beneath the library.

Large print books

  • Our collection of large print includes popular fiction and non-fiction. We are here to help you find a great read in any edition that suits you.

National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS)

  • NNELS makes Canada's vast collection of library books available to Canadians with print disabilities by breaking barriers to reading with access to books in DAISY and MP3 formats.
  • People who have a vision impairment, who are unable to hold a book, and/or who have certain learning disabilities qualify for the NNELS service through public libraries.
  • To access this collection, please confirm your print disability with library staff. 
  • Once your WPL account has been updated, the collection can be accessed by visiting nnels.ca/organizations/whistler-public-library.

Adaptive technology

  • We have a TTY unit available for use with our courtesy phone.
  • Our adaptive technology station features a high contrast keyboard, a trackball mouse, and adjustable table height. 

Borrow a board game

We now have ten board games available for borrowing within our collection! These games were chosen based on community feedback, and they're very popular - so popular, in fact, that you almost never see them on display. To view the full list of games and place a hold on your favourite, click here.

Book a Librarian

  • Need help with an in-depth question or to learn a new skill?
  • Book a Librarian for uninterrupted time with one of our information experts. These one-on-one appointments are meant to help you with technology or get you started on any topic.
  • Appointments last roughly 30 minutes.
  • Request an appointment by completing our Book a Librarian form.

Request extra copies

  • We recommend selecting your book at least 2 months in advance of your meeting.
  • Please email publicservices@whistlerlibrary.ca to let us know what title you've chosen and when you'll be discussing it.
  • Ask your book club members to place a hold on the book using the library's online catalogue.
  • We will use the holds list to determine how many additional copies to borrow from other libraries.
  • Please note that new and popular books will be challenging to borrow.

What to read next

  • Consider one of the books that the Whistler Community Book Club has enjoyed. This is the library's monthly discussion group in partnership with Armchair Books, which meets at 7 p.m. in the Fireplace Lounge on the last Wednesday of each month.
  • Use our secret weapon NoveList Plus. This is an amazing resource created by librarians to provide reading recommendations based on your personal interests.

Borrow

  • There are no limits on how many physical items you can borrow.
  • Books, audiobooks, magazines, and music CDs can be borrowed for 21 days, DVDs for 14 days and new release DVDs and video games for 7 days.
  • There are two self-check machines located at the front entrance and one in the kids area.

Renew

  • You can renew an item as many times as you need to until another patron has placed a hold on it.
  • To renew, log in to your My WPL account, go to the "Checked Out" section, click the boxes next to the items you wish to renew and press the "Renew Selected" button.
  • You can also renew items at the self-check machines in the library or by calling 604-935-8435.

Return

  • Items can be returned using the outdoor book drops at any time and inside the lobby during library open hours.
  • Returns can also be made to any other BC public library.

Holds

  • If an item is checked out, place a hold to be added to the waitlist. If you place a hold on an available item, we will pull it from the shelf for you.
  • To place a hold, log in to your My WPL account, search for the item, click on the "Place a Hold" button and click a second time to "Confirm Hold". You can also place a hold by calling 604-935-8435.
  • You will receive an email you when your hold is available to pick up. You will have 7 days to pick up the item and check it out.

Britannia Mine Museum pass

  • Courtesy of Britannia Mine Museum, the pass provides free admission for 2 adults and up to 3 children under 18.

Pass availability

  • There are 2 passes available for a two week loan.
  • Whistler residents may borrow the pass once a year.

How to borrow the pass

  • To borrow the pass, you must be a Whistler resident with a valid Whistler Public Library card.
  • Using your library card, you will need to place a hold on the Britannia Mine Museum Pass via the library's online catalogue. If you are unsure how to do this, please call 604-935-8435.
  • You can check to see where you are on the wait list from your online WPL account. You can pause or reactivate your pass request any time before you are notified that it is your turn.

Picking up your pass

  • Two weeks before your pass is available, the library will contact you by email.
  • After the two-week notification period is over the pass will automatically be checked out to you. Borrowing periods always begin on Thursday and conclude on Wednesday evening.
  • You can pick up the pass anytime during this period, however, it is important to know that it will automatically expire within two weeks of being checked out.
  • Library staff will provide you with a checkout receipt when you pick up your pass, which must be presented with the pass when you visit the Museum.

Using your pass

  • Pass borrowers may visit the Museum once during the two-week loan period.  To confirm your pass expiry date, see the checkout receipt attached to your pass. Please confirm venue hours of operation prior to your visit.
  • Present your pass and check out receipt to the venue along with one piece of identification (e.g. your WPL card, valid driver's license, or school ID).
  • The pass must include a current check out receipt or it will be considered expired.
  • Passholders must be present for the pass to be valid.
  • Lost passes or checkout receipts cannot be reissued.

Conditions of pass use

  • For general admission only, unless otherwise specified.
  • Passes cannot be combined with any special offers or used for special events, programs, school tours, group visits, memberships, etc., unless otherwise specified.
  • To be eligible for tickets for specific events or performances, the show must take place during the active loan period of your pass.
  • Passes may not be used to replace tickets previously purchased.
  • Passes and tickets have no cash value, are not transferable and cannot be sold.
  • Pass-holders must be present for the pass to be valid.
  • Conditions and venue availability may be subject to change without notice and other conditions or restrictions may apply.
  • Prior to your visit, please check the venue's website for the latest information and hours of operation.

Cultural Connector pass

  • This pass was created for the benefit and enrichment of Whistler residents and aims to increase community engagement, inclusivity, and support lifelong learning.
  • Thanks to this program's six partner venues, it is an opportunity to discover the wealth of arts & culture, fitness & recreation, and museum & heritage attractions that are part of the Cultural Connector - all for free. We hope you enjoy your introduction to these sites, and return to experience them again and again.
  • Visit the Cultural Connector website for more information on this scenic pathway and bikeway.

Pass benefits

Pass availability

  • There is 1 pass available for a two week loan.
  • Whistler residents may borrow the pass once a year.

How to borrow the pass

  • To borrow the pass, you must be a Whistler resident with a valid Whistler Public Library card.
  • Using your library card, you will need to place a hold on the Cultural Connector Pass via the library's online catalogue. If you are unsure how to do this, please call 604-935-8435.
  • You can check to see where you are on the wait list from your online WPL account. You can pause or reactivate your pass request any time before you are notified that it is your turn.

Picking up your pass

  • Two weeks before your pass is available, the library will contact you by email.
  • After the two-week notification period is over the pass will automatically be checked out to you. Borrowing periods always begin on Thursday and conclude on Wednesday evening.
  • You can pick up the pass anytime during this period, however, it is important to know that it will automatically expire within two weeks of being checked out.
  • Library staff will provide you with a checkout receipt when you pick up your pass, as well as the official Cultural Connector brochure so that you can learn more about the participating venues.

Using your pass

  • Pass borrowers may visit each participating venue once during the two-week loan period.  To confirm your pass expiry date, see the checkout receipt attached to your pass. Please confirm venue hours of operation prior to your visit.
  • Present your pass and check out receipt to the venue along with one piece of identification (e.g. your WPL card, valid driver's license, or school ID).
  • The pass must include a current check out receipt or it will be considered expired.
  • Passholders must be present for the pass to be valid.
  • Lost passes or checkout receipts cannot be reissued.

Conditions of pass use

  • For general admission only, unless otherwise specified.
  • Passes cannot be combined with any special offers or used for special events, programs, school tours, group visits, memberships, etc., unless otherwise specified.
  • To be eligible for tickets for specific events or performances, the show must take place during the active loan period of your pass.
  • Passes may not be used to replace tickets previously purchased.
  • Passes and tickets have no cash value, are not transferable and cannot be sold.
  • Passholders must be present for the pass to be valid.
  • Conditions and venue availability may be subject to change without notice and other conditions or restrictions may apply.
  • Prior to your visit please check the venue's website for the latest information and hours of operation.

Exam invigilation

  • The library provides exam invigilation (proctoring) services by appointment.
  • The fee is $15 per hour with a minimum $30 charge per exam.
  • To request an appointment please contact Elizabeth Tracy, Library Director, at etracy@whistlerlibrary.ca.

Facility rental

Book your next event or meeting at the library! Complete our facility rental form to inquire about availability and pricing. Rates start at $40 per hour and non-profit pricing is available for organizations with a charitable registration number.

 

Get a library card

  • Library cards are free for all BC residents.
  • If you are visiting from outside of BC, you can purchase a membership for $10 for the length of your stay.
  • To register you will need a piece of photo ID and something that shows your current address.

Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2018 Library Closures:

  • New Year's Day – Monday, January 1
  • Family Day – Monday, February 12
  • Good Friday – Friday, March 30
  • Easter Monday – Monday, April 2
  • Victoria Day – Monday, May 21
  • Canada Day – Sunday, July 1
  • B.C. Day – Monday, August 6
  • Labour Day – Monday, September 3
  • Thanksgiving – Monday, October 8
  • Remembrance Day – Sunday, November 11
  • Christmas Eve – Monday December 24 early closure at 5 pm
  • Christmas Day – Tuesday, December 25
  • Boxing Day – Wednesday, December 26
  • New Year's Eve – Monday, December 31 early closure at 5 pm

Location:

4329 Main Street
Whistler, BC, Canada
V0N 1B4
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Whistler Welcome Centre

  • Whistler Welcome Centre provides information, learning, and connections for immigrants and newcomers living and working in Whistler.

Hours, location & contact

  • Weekly drop-in times include Mondays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the library.
  • Contact the Whistler Welcome Centre at 604-698-5960 or info@welcomewhistler.com.

Settlement services

  • Settlement information and support
  • Information sessions and speaker series
  • Preparing to work in Canada
  • Citizenship preparation

Learning support

  • ESL groups and one-to-one tutoring
  • Workplace skills and training
  • Support for reading, writing, math skills
  • Volunteer ESL/Literacy Tutor Program
  • Communication and technology workshops

Community connections

  • Community Leadership Program
  • Community Volunteer Income Tax program
  • Immigrant Peer Educator Program
  • Intercultural events and activities
  • Multicultural Community Kitchens
  • Whistler Multicultural Festival

Parking

Print

  • Our full service Computer Lab offers 12 stations with free access to the internet and Microsoft Office 2010 suite.
  • Printing is coin operated at a cost of $0.25 per page for black & white and $0.75 per page for colour.

Mobile print

  • Print from your own computer in the library, or send a print job from home or work, using our mobile print service: www.printeron.net/whistler/library.
  • After you've sent your print job, you will have two hours to release it at the printer in the Holds area near the front entrance of the library.

Copy

  • Photocopies can be made in the Holds area. 
  • The cost is $0.25 per page for black & white and $0.75 per page for colour.

Scan

  • The printer in the Holds Area can also be used at no cost to scan documents to email as PDFs.

Can't find it?

Fill in our Request an item form and we will track down a copy for you. Use this form for both purchase suggestions and interlibrary loan requests and we will determine the best way to obtain the item for you.