Parents and Educators

Parents & Educators

The Youth Services department welcomes parents, caregivers, and educators. Our staff are able to help you find resources for your children or assist with resources on literacy, technology, parenting, and more.

Children are always welcome to use the library! Older children can visit us independently; younger children must be accompanied by an adult. Please refer to our policy, Safe Use of the Library by Children for more details.

 

Parents & Educators FAQs

Class visits

We welcome you to visit the library with your class, preschool, or daycare group.

Visiting the library or inviting one of our Youth Services staff to come to your class is a fantastic way to connect your students with all the exciting and useful resources freely available at the library. We are able to work with groups of all ages, from preschool to grade 12.

To arrange a visit, please contact Youth Services. A few helpful guidelines to keep in mind:

  • The Youth Department team is small (but mighty!) and we usually require at least three weeks notice of your visit to ensure staff and the community room's availability.
  • If possible, please provide us with a range of dates for your visit so we can find a mutually agreeable time.
  • We try to tailor the visits as much as possible so they are useful for your students. Please give us as much information as you can on your current unit/theme of study, research project, etc.
  • Visits are best between 9 and 10 a.m. before the library is open as we have more staff available to assist your class.
  • We can accommodate one to two classes at a time, taking into account the day and time of the visit.

Options for your visit

  • Introduction to the library's online resources. 
  • Research skills tailored to the age of your students.
  • A tour of the Youth Services Department and "behind-the-scenes" areas.
  • Book talks on material both new and tried and true. Stories kids and teens want to read!
  • Storytime and/or age-appropriate read-aloud activities.

Local resources for parents

  • Whistler Community Services Society: WCSS provide programs and services that support social sustainability in Whistler. Their many services include the food bank, parenting classes, outreach support, and counselling assistance.
  • School District 48: Information about public schools in the Sea to Sky Corridor.
  • Parks and Recreation: Information about year-round programs for kids, after-school care, and summer camps.
  • Vancouver Coastal Health: Providing services and resources locally including:
    • Infant Development Program
    • Nutrition & health
    • Speech and language
    • Physiotherapist
    • Occupational therapist
    • Pregnancy and early childhood
    • Mental health