Why Support the Library?
The Foundation Supports the Library
The Library Foundation is here to support the Gibsons & District Public Library over the long term, by providing financial support above and beyond the core funding which the Library receives from government.
Funds provided by government typically need to be spent during the year in which they are allocated. The Foundation is able to accrue funds over the years so that we can provide the Library with funds for projects and services that might not otherwise be possible. For example, in 2024 this will involve renovating the Young Adult area of the library.
The Library Foundation also makes it possible for donors to leave a legacy bequest that can be invested to generate continuing revenues to support the Library.
Read on to discover why we believe the Library is a vital institution in our community.
Gibsons Loves its Library!
Residents around Gibsons love the Library! And it's no wonder. The Gibsons & District Public Library is a hub in the community - open and welcoming to all, with something for everyone.
So Much on Offer
At the Gibsons & District Public Library you can:
- Explore a diverse collection of books, magazines and videos for all ages.
- Cozy up with a good book in a comfy chair by a window with a spectacular view of the stunning Howe Sound.
- Hold a Zoom meeting or make a recording in the Library's new soundproofed pod.
- Get online with one of six computers which are free to use.
- Read from a wide selection of digital resources including books, magazines, newspapers and material in a variety of languages.
- Sign out an item from the "Library of Things", which includes a sewing machine, a tool set, a lamp for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), binoculars, musical instruments and more.
- Join a book club to discuss one of the many titles among the Library's book sets.
- Bring in your broken household items to a Repair Cafe hosted by the Library.
- Sign out a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) learning kit for yourself or your child.
- Make use of online databases that the Library subscribes to, including genealogical research, auto repair information, BC building codes, consumer reports, and Kanopy and NFB streaming services.
- Surf the Internet with a Library iPad and Wifi in-house.
- Obtain seeds from the seed library.
- Sign up for a BC One card that lets you take out items from any library in BC.
And best of all, Library services are free to everyone in the community! (If you haven't got a Library card yet, what are you waiting for?)
The Library is for Everyone
“We should take a moment and really celebrate that our library is thriving and that our community is using it,” said library director Heather Evans-Cullen. “Because there’s so little free public space [in urban places], we are the great equalizer. For everybody who walks in, regardless of background or income status, they have the same access to everything.”
From an article in Coast Reporter
Gibsons library puts its stamp on community enrichment
Activity in the Library During 2023
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Letter from the Library Director
2022 was a year of regeneration, challenge and growth at our library. As we returned to in-person library visits and programming, we again became a busy place of dynamic interactions and learning. Our collection has evolved to include exciting new STEAM kits, Wonder audio picture books, and innovative databases such as LOTE4Kids that offer storytelling in over 41 languages.
Our programming has again become robust with regular and special events offered that meet the diverse needs and interests of our growing community. We continued to be a place of respite and comfort for people from inclement weather and inadequate housing.
We strive to keep up with our patrons’ needs, and aspire to expand our space and services in the future. One of the major achievements of the past year was the implementation of a remote locker at the Gibsons & Area Community Centre with a generous financial contribution from our Library Foundation. People can now pick up and return their items in Upper Gibsons, resulting in greater accessibility.
Our board, staff and patrons worked together to develop our new 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. Moving forward we will continue to do everything we can to make our library the very best it can be and will focus us on five primary goals:
- Deliver Outstanding Service
- Engage and Welcome Everyone
- Inspire and Empower Thinking and Learning
- Celebrate the Unique Value of our Library
- Expand our Space and Capacity
We hope to see you at the library!
Heather Evans-Cullen
Library Director
From 2023 Annual Report of GDPL
Our library is the first place our little and teen grandkids want to visit when they come for a visit, first for the books and then for summer and other fun programs. And they love to just hang out there, reading or studying because it's so bright and welcoming!
Shawn Cardinall
I regularly use the digital library service to check out books to read on my phone or Kobo. It saves me tons of money and is vital to my day to day life. I read to relax from a high stress job every day.
Cori O.P.
I love our Gibsons library and am a frequent visitor there! When I call to ask for a book to be put on hold for me staff are so accommodating!
Gibsons Resident
