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 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.

Exam invigilation

  • The library provides exam invigilation (proctoring) services by appointment, by professional librarians.
  • Bookings need to be received at least 7 days in advance.
  • To request an appointment use the following form https://www.whistlerlibrary.ca/services/invigilation
  • Additional questions can be directed to Manon St. Pierre at exams@whistlerlibrary.ca
  • Group invigilation will be offered in the Community Room in 2020 on the following dates:
    • 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan 09, 2020,
    • 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 28, 2020
    • 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 11, 2020
    • 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb 20, 2020
    • 1 to 4 p.m.,  Thursday, Mar 12, 2020
    • 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Mar 24, 2020
    • 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Apr 07, 2020
    • 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Apr 30, 2020
    • 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday, May 14, 2020
    • 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2020
    • 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Jun 11, 2020
    • 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Jun 23, 2020
    • 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Jul 09, 2020
    • 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, Jul 23, 2020
  • We apologize, but we cannot accommodate requests outside of the dates and times above.
  • The fee is $20 per hour with a minimum $40 charge per exam.
  • A $20, non-refundable deposit will be due at the time of booking. Any remaining fees will be paid when the exam is completed. The library accepts cash, credit, debit or cheque.
  • The library is unable to invoice schools for exam fees.
  • Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your exam time with ID and any necessary supplies (pen, pencil, scratch paper, calculator).

Facility rental

Please note that we are currently not taking new bookings. 
You are welcome to fill out a booking request, however, we will be unable to respond regarding availability and pricing until after January 20, 2020.

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.

2020 Library Closures:

  • New Year's Day – Wednesday, January 1
  • Family Day – Monday, February 17
  • Good Friday – Friday, April 10
  • Easter Monday – Monday, April 13
  • Victoria Day – Monday, May 18
  • Canada Day – Wednesday, July 1
  • B.C. Day – Monday, August 3
  • Labour Day – Monday, September 7
  • Thanksgiving – Monday, October 12
  • Remembrance Day – Wednesday, November 11
  • Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24) - early closure at 3 p.m.
  • Christmas Day – Friday, December 25
  • Boxing Day – Thursday, December 26
  • New Year's Eve (Thursday, December 31) - early closure at 3 p.m.

Location:

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

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 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

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

Connections

  • Drop in Multicultural Meet Up every week
  • Culturing sharing events and activities
  • Multicultural Community Kitchens
  • Parenting in Another Culture
  • Whistler Multicultural Festival
  • Volunteer opportunities and partnerships

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

  • Send print jobs from your own computer using our Mobile Printing service.
  • You can also print from your mobile device by forwarding emails and attachments to whistler-library-bw@printspots.com.
  • Please plan to release your mobile print jobs at the Mobile Print Release Station located by the front desk / community room in the library within two hours of sending it.

Copy

  • Photocopies can be made at the Mobile Print Release Station located by the front desk / community room. 
  • The cost is $0.25 per page for black & white and $0.75 per page for colour.

Scan

  • The machine at the Mobile Print Release Station can be used to scan. Scanning is free.

Is there radon in your home?

Researchers at Simon Fraser University are conducting a study of radon levels on the North Shore and Sunshine Coast. Borrow a radon detection kit to test your home's radon levels and participate in the study! Place your hold today.

The Radon Detection Library lending program is made possible through support from Health Canada, the BC Lung Association, Simon Fraser University, and a generous donation from Airthings. For a full list of libraries participating in this program, please click here.

Each kit (4 week loan) includes:

Before you return your kit:

  • We encourage you to enter your data into the anonymous online survey. The link is also included in your radon kit. If you would like follow-up, you can enter your email address.
  • Re-set the radon detector (see FAQ below) to remove your data and protect your privacy!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Radon? 
    Radon is a radioactive gas; it is an air hazard in homes and workplaces, as long-term exposure is clearly linked to lung cancer. Radon gas comes from naturally occurring uranium in soils and rocks and some regions in Canada have more uranium than others. Radon levels in homes can be elevated but it is impossible to tell unless you test as the gas is odorless, tasteless and colorless. There are a range of devices that can be used to determine radon levels in homes and testing is recommended in basements or rooms that have ground level contact as the gas enters homes through cracks or holes in foundations and can accumulate in these areas.
     
  • What radon detector model is the Library lending?
    The Library is lending Corentium Home model radon detectors made by Airthings, a Norway-based tech company. They are about the size of a cellphone, and have a digital display which allows you to start seeing readings in about 24 hours, although the device needs at least 7 days to provide an accurate reading.
     
  • What kinds of homes can be tested? What if I live in an apartment building or a basement suite?
    Radon detectors are usually recommended for people who live in ground-level contact homes, including single-family dwellings, duplexes, townhouses, and basement suites; however, you can use a radon detector in any home, including apartment buildings, as radon can sometimes be found in non-ground level homes due to poor ventilation.
     
  • Where do I put my radon kit?
    Radon detectors should be placed in rooms at the lowest level of the home where you and your family spend lots of time.  Don't put it near a window, door, or air vent, and keep it out of direct sunlight and water vapour, as these can all impact the readings.
     
  • How do I start the radon detector?
    Press the reset button on the back of the device. It will then clear any remaining data, and begin a 24-hour countdown for a reading. You will start to see numbers displayed after 24 hours.
     
  • How long do I need to measure my radon levels for?
    Testing for at least 7 days is recommended, but it's best to monitor for one month to gather the most accurate data from this device. The intent of providing radon detectors for loan is to give you an idea of the radon levels in your home, so that after this preliminary screening you can decide whether you want to continue monitoring your home with one of the low-cost kits that are available from BC Lung or other local providers.
     
  • What is the Health Canada guideline for radon levels?
    The Government of Canada recommends changes to your home if your average radon level result is above 200 Bq/m3.
     
  • How do I interpret the results from my device?
    The reading on your device is a "snapshot" of the radon levels in your home.  The numbers on the display are readings of radioactivity in the air, measured in Bequerels per meters cubed (Bq/m3). The Long Term Average displayed is calculated over the full time the device has been in use since it was last reset. The Short Term Average is the average per day, up to a week. The average is used because the levels can vary substantially over the day. 
    • If your daily average result exceeds 100Bq/m3, you may wish to consider purchasing your own radon detector and conducting long-term testing in your home.
    • If your daily average result exceeds 200Bq/m3, it is recommended that you reduce your exposure. There are steps you can take right away to lower radon levels and there are certified professionals you can contact that will help to reduce the amount of radon entering your home; contact hc.radon.bc.yt.sc@canada.ca if your radon levels are above 200Bq/m3.
    • If you have questions or want to discuss your results, contact Simon Fraser University researchers at radon@sfu.ca

  • How do I reset my radon detector?
    The radon detector can be reset by pressing "Reset" indent on the back of the device with the point of a pen.

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.