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Celebrate Your Freedom to Read With New Westminster Public Library

We invite you to join in celebrating Freedom to Read Week February 22nd to 28th, an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom. Borrow a book that has been challenged in Canadian libraries from one of the displays in our Main Branch or browse titles from this online booklist.

Despite having strong traditions of free expression and free inquiry, Canada also has a long-standing tradition of censorship. Historically, books and magazines have often been quietly removed from libraries and classrooms. Freedom to Read Week was founded in 1984 to challenge the covert nature of censorship, creating a broader awareness of these ongoing challenges to Canadian writing. It also encourages Canadians to actively defend their right to publish, read and write freely and to widen their understanding of the negative effects of censorship, not just on readers but on writers and publishers as well.

Thanks to Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, and the Ontario Library Association in partnership with the Book and Periodical Council for leading Freedom to Read Week in Canada.

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Find your perfect reading match with Blind Date With a Book

Visit New Westminster Public Library’s Main Branch to be matched with your next great read through our annual Blind Date With a Book.

Each year around Valentine’s Day, our librarians use their expert matchmaking skills to connect readers with fresh and unexpected titles through Blind Date With a Book. This is a great opportunity to try a book outside your usual “type”, get out of a reading slump, or find some recommendations to help meet your 2026 reading goals.

Come see us at Main Branch to unwrap your next match! And be sure to tag us on social media to let us know how your “date” went: @nwplibrary

Blind Date With a Book titles will be available from Sunday, February 1st to Tuesday, February 17th, and then while supplies last until the end of February.

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Share a wish and enter to win a prize for Canadian Library Month

October is Canadian Library Month and, to celebrate, we want to hear from you!

Come visit us in person at New Westminster Public Library and write down a wish you have for us. Then hang up your wish alongside other wishes as part of a month-long display. After you share your wish, enter a draw for the chance to win a tablet.

The theme for this year’s Canadian Library Month is “Libraries for Life” (#LibrariesForLife). Thanks to the Ontario Library Association for being the driving force behind Canadian Library Month.

Canadian Library Month. Le Mois Des Bibliotheques Au Canada. October 2025.

 

Survey: Have your say about our planned kiosk at the Anvil Centre!

A left hand reaches for a book on a shelf. UPDATE: OUR SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SHARED THEIR THOUGHTS! WATCH FOR OUR NEW DOWNTOWN KIOSK COMING SOON!!

New Westminster Public Library is pleased to announce our committment to expanding our presence at the Anvil Centre in order to better serve downtown residents.

In addition to introducing programming such as our recently launched Anvil Centre Babytime, we would next like to provide an automated kiosk for self-service checkout of popular library items and the secure return of borrowed material.

This is a truly exciting prospect for the library to become a permanent fixture at the centre and offer materials and services on a regular basis.

But we need your help to ensure this venture is successful! What do you need from a downtown library kiosk? What library materials and services are most important to you?

Please complete our survey to let us know so we can deliver a library kiosk downtown residents deserve. Click here to fill out the survey today!

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Library donates heritage collection to New Westminster Museum and Archives

November 27, 2024

The New Westminster Public library is pleased to announce the transfer of a small collection of heritage materials to the New Westminster Museum and Archives as part of an effort to redesign the 2nd floor of its Main Branch. The collections include historic fire insurance maps, old city directories and microfilm. Relocating these specific materials to the City’s archives will round out a larger transfer of similar materials initiated during the library’s 2018 renovation.

“Some may not know that hundreds of photographs were transferred to the archives in 2018, but the index to those photographs remained at the library.” says Carolyn Casenas, Chief Librarian. “We are thrilled that the New Westminster Museum and Archives have accepted our donation of this last set of materials,” says Casenas.

“New Westminster Heritage Services is excited to accept this collection of heritage resources, and add them to those already available in our Archives Reading Room at 777 Columbia Street,” says Rob McCullough, Manager of New Westminster Museums and Heritage Services. “For the first time, the public will have the opportunity to discover and work with the City’s full and extensive array of heritage materials in one place.”

The library will retain books related to local history as well as heritage materials related specifically to the library.

As part of its planned redesign the library examined the use of the 2nd floor, prompted by increased demand for individual study space, and more reliable technology, seen particularly since the onset of the COVID pandemic. The library experienced a 52% increase in the number of visitors to its 2nd floor between 2022 and 2023 alone, and is currently on track to surpass that at the end of 2024.

“While we are pleased to see so many people relying on the library as a third space to study and work, we have taken note that our current configuration and service offerings are not optimized for the needs of a growing community” says Casenas. “Transferring the last remnants of the library’s heritage materials to the New Westminster Museum and Archives is a critical component needed for an effective redesign of the floor.”

The opportunity to refresh the 2nd floor is made possible by a grant all public libraries received in 2023, part of a province-wide strategy to help libraries recover from the COVID pandemic. Plans include the addition of more study stations with outlets for the charging of portable devices, improved printing and copying services, and access to more public technology. Following public consultation, the library will be working to recruit designs for a refreshed public technology, study and service area to be completed in early 2025.

About the New Westminster Public Library
Founded in 1865, the New Westminster Public Library is committed to providing accessible and responsive community services, that balance the needs of traditional library users with those seeking the tools and experiences of a modern, technologically relevant public space. The library provides dynamic and vibrant means for the community to continually grow, learn, and succeed.

For more information about New Westminster Public Library, please visit https://www.nwpl.ca/library-history/
For more information about New Westminster’s Archives Services, please visit https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/arts-and-heritage/museums-and-archives

For more information, contact Christopher Koth, Manager, Special Projects ckoth@nwpl.ca

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New Westminster Public Library relaunches literary festival

April 11, 2024

New Westminster Public Library is excited to announce the launch of a revamped, city-wide literary festival. The newly coined Bridges Literary Festival will be held May 9 – 12 in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

“We are so thrilled to provide the opportunity for local residents to celebrate and connect over a love of the literary arts,” says Caitlin MacRae, Programming Librarian at New Westminster Public Library. “For this year, we have 15 events taking place across the city, including author talks, kids’ storytimes, crafts, author panels, a book launch, a local author book club and discussion, poetry readings, workshops and social events! The idea is to not just passively consume stories but to learn how to create and share them, whether you are a budding novelist, poet or just want some advice with your own writing,” says MacRae.

The festival is the library’s first since prior to the COVID pandemic. While the focus is local, the aspiration is to use this first year as a launchpad to grow into a larger event each year.

“As a small library we wanted to capitalize on the power of partnership and community to deliver a festival that would appeal to as many as possible. What we have assembled here is a starting place that will hopefully grow to represent as many experiences and points of view as possible,” says Elaine Su, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees.

For this inaugural outing, the library is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Arts New West, Groove Cat Books & Records, Kinder Books, Moodswing Coffee + Bar, New West Writers, Royal City Literary Arts Society, SFU Writer’s Studio, Steel & Oak Brewing Co., and Wildfires Bookshop. All events are free and residents are encouraged to pick up a flyer or visit the library’s festival web page for details at http://nwpl.ca/bridges

About the New Westminster Public Library
Founded in 1865, the New Westminster Public Library is committed to providing accessible and responsive community services, that balance the needs of traditional library users with those seeking the tools and experiences of a modern, technologically relevant public space. The library provides dynamic and vibrant means for the community to continually grow, learn, and succeed.

For more information, contact Caitlin MacRae, Programming Librarian, cmacrae@nwpl.ca.

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Carolyn Caseñas is New Westminster Public Library’s new Chief Librarian

Welcome to the library, Carolyn, we’re so happy you’re here!

Can you tell us a bit about your connection to New Westminster?

New West is a special place for my family! My parents got married here and my mother spent most of her nursing career here as well. And I had one of my first postings as a librarian here!

Oh really? When was that?

Yes! After my degree in archive and library science, I worked in archives for a few years. Then I switched to libraries and worked at NWPL from 2008-2011 as an auxiliary librarian.

That’s so great! I’m sure there are some staff in the library who you remember and maybe some specific events?

Yes, that’s one of the things I am excited about with the NWPL – there are quite a few long-serving staff members which indicate a sense of stability and that the organization must be doing something right! I’m really happy to see some familiar faces here. When I worked here previously I often did storytimes in the children’s department, which I know are ongoing today. I remember one storytime in particular during the 2010 Olympics when there was so much excitement about the Games. We read sports stories, acting out the different winter sports, and energy was so high and so positive. That’s the kind of connection the library is all about.

That’s wonderful. Have you always had a passion for libraries?

I’ve always been a reader and a user of public libraries from a young age. My parents always encouraged the seeking and gaining of knowledge and the public library was a big part of that. I also consider giving back to the community to be an important part of everyone’s responsibilities, and libraries are a great way to engage in that. I didn’t always know I wanted to be a librarian, but when a classmate at university was accepted into library school at UBC, I thought I could do that too!

What has brought you to this point in your career of leading a public library?

I have worked all through the library and archives sector in special collections, archives and public and academic libraries. Just before I came to NWPL, I was the Assistant Head and User Services and Engagement Librarian at SFU Fraser Library (that’s the SFU library at their Surrey campus). The through-line of all these organizations is that they are all about community and connection. The institutions have meaning to and are in service of communities, bringing their stories and interests together. I’m excited to bring my professional experience together to help the NWPL meet its mission and vision and to be the library it’s meant to be.

What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing libraries in Canada?

There is definitely a tension between different visions for what libraries can be. There are great needs in our society, and sometimes there’s conflict between those different needs or between those needs and traditional library service. Navigating a course between these competing needs and visions is a challenge for organizations and for staff.

What are your hopes for the NWPL? What are you most looking forward to?

The vision that was laid out in the NWPL Strategic Plan (from 2021) is really exciting – as a Filipina Canadian, it is exciting to see myself personally reflected in a strategic plan with a radical vision of inclusion and diversity! I look forward to continuing to bring the vision of this strategic plan to the people of New Westminster, and I hope that this will help us become a model for other libraries.

What are you reading right now?

For me, reading serves different purposes. At work, I read to get up to speed and for professional development. It’s a time of intense learning and transition for me. But at home, I need to relax, and so it’s cozy mysteries all the time! Particularly ones that feature feisty library directors who solve all the crimes! I also love listening to audiobooks of middle grade fiction (aimed primarily at kids in grades 4-7) as they have super fun stories and amazing narrators.

What’s your favourite place to read?

Wherever there’s a chair with enough room for me and my dog, Coco, and enough light, I will happily read a book.

Thanks for sharing with us, Carolyn! We look forward to working together!

 

CO2 monitors added to collection

The New Westminster Public Library is very pleased to announce that the Carbon Dioxide Monitors are now ready to borrow!

CO2 monitors are super easy to use and provide interesting and accurate information for users about the concentration of CO2 in the air, which can be a useful tool to understand ventilation in an indoor space. The concentration of CO2 can indicate the potential viral load in a crowded space, so folks can use them as a tool to make informed decisions to keep themselves safe. CO2 monitors DO NOT detect viruses or airborne particles (such as smoke), but they are a good indication of how good the ventilation is, which is impossible for regular folks to know otherwise.

For more information about monitoring indoor air quality, this is an excellent resource: https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/your-health/home-health-and-safety/carbon-dioxide-co2/

How to use:

The monitor is always on, and uses an energy saving E-ink screen (like a Kobo). It will refresh every couple of minutes by going momentarily black and then coming back on.

The screen shows

  • The CO2 reading (in parts per million or ppm)
  • The humidity level
  • The temperature
  • The battery health
  • Whether the CO2 level is healthy or not. Green (healthy) indicates lower than 1000 ppm of CO2, the yellow (average) is 1000-1400 ppm, and the red (unhealthy) is over 1400 ppm. The machine also sounds an alarm if the level is in the yellow or red territory

If users want more information or utility, the device can also be paired with a free app they can download on their phone, but it’s not necessary for basic function.

Each Kit Contains

  • The CO2 monitor including 2 AA batteries
  • A quick start guide (in English and in French provided by the company)
  • A carry case
  • An information guide (created by the NWPL)
  • All in a red library zip up case

Checkouts

  • One device at a time can be checked out on adult cards
  • Loan period is three weeks with one renewal possible (as long as there are no holds)
  • Devices can be placed on hold through our catalogue, just like books (search: CO2 monitor or click here)
  • Kits must be checked out by staff, they do not work on the Self Checkout machines
  • Kits must be returned to the desk.
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New art exbibit draws attention to housing precarity in New West

September 5, 2023

The New Westminster Public Library announces What Housing Means to Me, a photovoice exhibit running through the entire month of September 2023. The exhibit includes photographs and recorded stories of a number of women experiencing housing precarity and/or homelessness. The project was originally facilitated by Artist-Mentor photographer Mihailo Subotic with funding realized by the Community Poverty Reduction Committee and Douglas College. The goals of this project are to use photography and storytelling to highlight the importance of home, belonging, and community while also facilitating dialogues around affordable housing, and the misconceptions and stereotypes about those living in poverty and experiencing homelessness. The resulting exhibit, features photographs taken by 4 different women with lived experience. This particular exhibit builds on previous displays of the works by including recorded conversations with each of the women. Through both the exhibit and dialogue it is hoped that there will be greater community awareness and support regarding the need for more affordable housing and the value of including those facing housing challenges in future discussions about housing development in our city.

The exhibit has been made possible through a partnership between the New Westminster Public Library and the Changing the Conversation Project at Douglas College. The impetus for the show came out of the relationship-building work Community Librarians have undertaken with vulnerable and marginalized members of our community. The exhibit will highlight the photos and digital stories of each of four women who were involved in the original project. Each of their stories have been made available through sound recordings accessible at www.nwpl.ca/housing. In-person visitors to the library can scan a QR code to learn more about the importance of the project and those involved in bringing it to fruition.

What Housing Means to Me will be available to view starting September 1, 2023, on the top floor of the Library’s main branch at 716 6th Avenue.

For more information, contact Liz Hunter, Community Librarian Lead, lhunter@nwpl.ca.

Public art project with Rain Pierre (SɬəMƏXw) call for submissions

RAIN AWAKENS – NEW WEST PUBLIC LIBRARY – RAIN PIERRE (SɬəMƏXw)

Public Art Project Outline 2023

DETAILS:

It is time to have your part in this amazing project in the library community! We are hosting an art competition for a collaborative public art project in the library with Rain Pierre. It is time to start your art career!

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

All of those willing to participate are allowed to enter this competition. Each participant will draw on a standard sheet of paper (8.5”x11”)on what they would like to see on the mural. This project will be our own way of working together. Participants are encouraged to draw something that is relative to what the community means to them. You can see some of Rain’s artwork on his website (www.rainawakens.com) for some inspiration.

WHAT SHOULD I DRAW?

Draw what the community means to you (LGBTQ2S+, reconciliation, equity, environmental protection, recovery, etc.). You could draw an animal or plant that might be significant to Coast Salish people or the surrounding territory. You could draw what you have learned reflecting on the heart of reconciliation. It is up to you if you want to color it, but keep in mind the colors might change in translation to the final art piece to ensure cohesion of all design pieces.

WHAT IF I AM NOT AN ARTIST?

Do not worry, we also accept words or phrases that you think represent the community. The Library will collect all submissions, and forward them to Rain who will select the winner(s). The winners’ artwork will be integrated with Rain’s art work, creating a collaborative art projectwith the library community, as well as creating YOUR legacy and beginning your art portfolio.Best of luck!

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

JUNE 28, 2023 AT 3:00PM. Submissions can be accepted at either NWPL branch, or electronically at: art@nwpl.ca

Please include your name, contact information, and one page of art only.

TikTok/Instagram: @rainawakens