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.

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.

• 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.

Facility rental

We are unable to offer this service at this time.

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.

Building

Drop by for an Express Visit 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

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.

Hours, location & contact

During COVID-19, the Welcome Centre is offering all of their services online. Contact info@welcomewhistler.com or 604-698-5960 if you need support. 

Virtual client appointments: Monday to Friday, 1 to 3 p.m. 

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

This service is available:

• 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. 

Print

• Please email your print jobs to publicservices@whistlerlibrary.ca.
• In the subject line include the following:
  • Number of copies;
  • Single or double-sided;
  • Black-and-white or colour;
  • Specific page numbers, if the entire document doesn't need to be printed.
• Pick up and pay for your print jobs 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. 
• 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.

Copy

• Bring your documents to the library during the following hours and we will make copies to your specifications.
  • 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. 
• 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

• Bring your documents to the library during the following hours and we will scan them and send a PDF version to your email address.
  • 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. 
• Scanning is free.

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

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

Tips & tricks

• Information on growing your own food and seed saving coming soon!