Services

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

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.

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.

• Crisis Centre & Suicide Distress Line 1-866-661-3311 or 1-800-784-2433
• Whistler Community Services Society 604-932-0113
• WorkBC Employment Centre 604-639-1743
• Whistler Welcome Centre 604-698-5960 info@welcomewhistler.com
• Sea to Sky Community Services Society 604-892-5796 community@sscs.ca 
• Poverty Law Advocate 604-389-8069 peter.kabengele@sscs.ca
• Whistler Women's Centre 604-962-8711 psh@hswc.ca  Crisis Line 1-877-890-5711
• Helping Hands Emergency Shelter (Squamish) 604-815-4984
• Whistler Mental Health & Addiction Services (VCH) 604-698-6455 
• Victim Services Whistler-Pemberton RCMP 604-905-1969
• Bylaw Services 604-935-8280 bylawservices@whistler.ca
• Ministry For Children and Family Development 604-894-2091 

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.

Exam invigilation

• We are currently unable to offer this service.
• Other local organizations offering invigilation:
  • Alpine Learning
  • Squamish Tutoring

Facility rental

Due to the ongoing pandemic impacts on library operations we are unable to offer Community Room bookings. Please check back for restoration of this service at a future date.

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 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, 11 to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursday, 11 to 7 p.m.
• Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
• Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

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 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, 11 to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursday, 11 to 7 p.m.
• Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
• Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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.

Starting on Tuesday, October 12, our new hours are:

• Mondays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Fridays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sundays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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:

• Mondays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Fridays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sundays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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:

• Get settled
• Become a Canadian citizen
• Improve your language skills
• IELTS & CELPIP resource sheet  

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

Print

• The cost is $0.25 per sheet for black-and-white and $0.75 per sheet for colour. There is no additional cost to print double-sided.
• We are currently not accepting cash; payment methods include debit or credit.

Quick print station

• Use your library card or see the service desk for a guest pass to login to one of the two quick print stations for a 15 minute session at the library.
• Open your document, select print.
• Visit one of the two dedicated print release stations to release your print job within two hours using your library card number or guest pass number. 

Print from home

• Use Printer On to send in a print job from anywhere.
• Within two hours of sending your print job, visit the library and release your print job using your email address at one of the two dedicated print release stations.
• Limitations: printing specific page ranges and secure government documents is not possible through this portal. Please borrow one of our laptops or use our quick print station, which provide more printing options.

Print from your own device

• To print an email message or attachment, forward your email to:

          Black and White 1-sided: whistler-library-bw@printspots.com

          Black and White 2-sided: whistler-library-bw-2@printspots.com

          Color 1-sided: whistler-library-color@printspots.com

          Color 2-sided: whistler-library-color-2@printspots.com

• Within two hours of sending your print job, visit one of the two dedicated print release stations to release your print job using your email address.
• Limitations: printing specific page ranges and secure government documents is not possible through via email. Please borrow one of our laptops or use our quick print station, which provide more printing options.

Copy

• To photocopy visit one of our two self-service copiers.
• 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.

Scan

• To scan visit one of our two self-service scanners.
• Scanning is a free service.

Internet access

• You can access the Wi-Fi in our building using a personal device to connect to the network 'Whistler Public Library'.

Computer access

• Use one of our quick print stations for express computer access

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!

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