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.

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.

Accessible Reading BC

  • Accessible Reading BC is a new collection of accessible ebooks from BC publishers available to all BC residents.
  • Unlimited access with no wait times.
  • Sign in with your WPL barcode and password.
  • After downloading your ebook, you are able to load it into your favourite reading application.
  • Need help getting started? Accessible Reading BC tutorials are available here: https://accessbc.libraries.coop/tutorials-home-0
FAQ quick link

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. on Zoom on the last Wednesday of each month. Email jbruce@whistlerlibrary.ca to sign up!
  • Use our secret weapon NoveList Plus. This is an amazing resource created by librarians to provide reading recommendations based on your personal interests.
FAQ quick link

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.
  • Please note: the pass can only be used on weekdays (Monday through Friday) during July and August.

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.
FAQ quick link

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 and will take place by video conference or phone.
  • Request an appointment by completing our Book a Librarian form.
FAQ quick link

Borrow & Renew

  • We are a fine free library!
  • Items can be renewed as many times as you need, unless they are on hold for another patron.
  • You can use your online account to renew yourself or you can call or email us to renew your items for you.
  • Our loan periods are:
    • 21 days for books, audiobooks, and magazines 
    • 14 days for DVDs and board games 
    • 7 days for new DVDs 

Returns

  • Returns can be made at anytime using the exterior book slots outside of our building.
  • For oversized returns, please visit the building during the following hours:
    • Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Tuesday, 12 to 7 p.m.
    • Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Thursday, 12 to 7 p.m.
    • Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Holds

  • Log into your online library account.
  • Enter your library barcode from the back of your library card and your password, which is usually set as the last four digits of your phone number.
  • Search our catalogue for a specific item, or check out the Browse tab to look through New Items, Staff Picks, Best Sellers and more.
  • When you have found the item you want, click the Place a Hold button and then confirm your hold. 
  • Wait to be notified that your hold is ready for pick up by phone or by email.
  • After you've been contacted, you can visit the library during our open hours:
    • Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Tuesday, 12 to 7 p.m.
    • Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Thursday, 12 to 7 p.m.
    • Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
 
FAQ quick link

Exam invigilation

  • We are currently unable to offer this service.
FAQ quick link

Facility rental

Our Community Room will be available for booking beginning on Wednesday, September 8. Availability and capacity will be contingent on the PHO restrictions at the time of booking.

You can submit a request for a room booking by filling out our Facility Rental Form, or by emailing Manon St. Pierre at mstpierre@whistlerlibrary.ca.

 

FAQ quick link

No library card? No problem!

All you need to do is drop by and we'll sign you up. Library cards are free to all BC residents. Please don't forget to bring:

  • 1 piece of photo ID
  • 1 item that shows your mailing address

Our current hours are:

  • Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 12 to 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, 12 to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
  • Sunday: closed

Unable to visit the building?

Not to worry! Whistler residents can email us at publicservices@whistlerlibrary.ca to sign up for a temporary account that will work immediately online. Email service is available on:

  • Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 12 to 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, 12 to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
  • Sunday: closed

Please include the following information in your email:

  • First and last name
  • Date of birth (YYYY-MM-DD)
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Home address with postal code

To continue to access the online collection after your temporary account has expired, or to borrow from the physical collection, please visit us in-person with one piece of photo ID and one item with your Whistler mailing address on it. We will update your account and provide you with your library card.

FAQ quick link

Building

Drop by during the following hours:

  • Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 12 to 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, 12 to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
  • Sunday: closed

Location

4329 Main Street
Whistler, BC, Canada
V8E 1B2
VIEW MAP

Contact Us

We are available via phone and email at publicservices@whistlerlibrary.ca and 604-935-8435 during the following hours:

  • Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 12 to 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, 12 to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
  • Sunday: closed
FAQ quick link

Online Resources

  • CitizenshipCounts.ca
    Highlights the benefits of becoming a Canadian citizen, how to apply, and help studying for the citizenship test. 

  • Road to IELTS - General Version 
    Helps newcomers prepare for the general International English Language Testing System exam. Focuses on basic skills in broad social and workplace contexts. Limited to 5 users at one time. Currently not compatible with Internet Explorer.

  • Road to IELTS - Academic Version
    Helps students prepare for the academic International English Language Testing System exam, in order to apply for higher education or professional registration in an English speaking environment. Limited to 1 users at one time. Currently not compatible with Internet Explorer. 

Whistler Welcome Centre

The Welcome Centre provides information, learning, and connections for immigrants and newcomers living and working in Whistler. They are an excellent resource for how to:

Contact info@welcomewhistler.com or 604-698-5960 if you need support. 

Settlement services help with:

  • Accessing government and local services
  • Understanding documents and application forms
  • Canadian immigration and citizenship processes
  • Health and healthcare information
  • Social benefits – like Employment Insurance and Child Tax Benefit
  • Employment information
  • Banking, Finances and the Tax System in Canada
  • Local community services and family programs

Learning support:

  • Information sessions and speaker series
  • ESL practice groups and one-to-one tutoring
  • Workplace, skills, preparation and training
  • Support for reading, writing, math and communication skills
  • Immigrant Peer Educator program

Making strong connections:

  • Culturing sharing events and activities
  • Multicultural Community Kitchens
  • Parenting in Another Culture
  • Whistler Multicultural Festival
  • Volunteer opportunities and partnerships
FAQ quick link

Due to the recent cyber security incident, we are unable to offer printing or scanning at this time. There are several local businesses that offer printing and scanning services:
  • UPS (4369 Main St): Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Foto Source (Crystal Lodge): Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Garibaldi Graphics (1200 Alpha Lake Rd): Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
We are unable to offer public computer access at this time, but our public Wifi has been restored! You can access the Wifi in our building using a personal device to connect to the network 'Whistler Public Library'. You can also access Wifi at the following locations:
  • Olympic Plaza
  • Mountain Square
  • Blenz (Olympic Plaza)
  • Gone Eatery (Village Square)
  • Lift Coffee (Skiers Plaza)
  • Mount Currie Coffee Company (Main Street)
  • Pangea Pod Hotel (Village Stroll)
  • McDonalds (Marketplace)
  • Forecast Coffee (Function Junction)

Copy

  • Bring your documents to the library during the following hours and we will make copies to your specifications.
  • The cost is $0.25 per sheet for black-and-white and $0.75 per sheet for colour. There is no additional cost to copy double-sided.
  • We are currently not accepting cash; payment methods include debit or credit.
FAQ quick link

Can't find it?

Fill in our Request an item form and we will either borrow a copy from another library for you or consider it for our collection

FAQ quick link

Welcome to the Whistler Seed Library

Located with the gardening books, the Whistler Seed Library is a partnership program between AWARE Whistler and the Whistler Public Library.  All Whistler residents are welcome to contribute and take seeds home. No library card needed!

Seed library

Accepted seeds

  • Embrace organics: the Whistler Seed Library is built on a foundation that promotes health through organic practice. Seeds must be certified organic, non-GMO and less than 3 years old.
  • Avoid bear attractants: in an effort to keep bears wild, we discourage seed varieties that are known bear attractants (including berries, pumpkins, corn, fruit trees etc.) For information on bear attractants head to www.bearsmart.com
  • Avoid invasive species: invasive species are non-native plants or animals that out-compete local species and disrupt established ecosystems. For information on invasive species head to www.ssisc.ca or check out their Grow Me Instead or Toxic Plants brochures. 

How to contribute seeds

  • For saved seeds from your garden:
    • pack in the provided envelopes 
    • fill out the label
    • file by the common name alphabetically
  • For store bought seeds:
    • leave in the original packing
    • or pack in the provided envelopes and fill out the label
    • file by the common name alphabetically
  • Complete the sign-in portion of the tracking sheet

How to take seeds home

  • For every plant you plan to grow, take 2-3 seeds (or pinch for tiny seeds)
  • Pack in the envelopes provided
  • Fill out the label
  • Complete the sign-out portion of the tracking sheet
FAQ quick link