Press Releases

Richmond, BC – The library is committed to supporting the community with information, resources and valuable connections. In January 2021, we are pleased to offer a special three-part series designed to help parents and caregivers learn ways to help their children and teens respond to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues during the pandemic and other times of crisis. This program series is presented in partnership with Pathways Clubhouse and Beyond the Blues, and was made possible by a Democracy Spark Grant from the SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue.

The series offers free programs featuring local guest speakers Dr. Deborah MacNamara, Dr. Ashley Miller and Dr. Gabriela Ionita. Topics covered will include information about the new digital world and its impact on social interactions, introducing strategies for strengthening family relationships and building resiliency and tips for managing anxiety and stress.

These programs take place on January 13, 20 and 27 and will be held online.  The programs are free to attend, but registration is required.  Register now at https://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/search/fq=program:(5fc84099fc38cd4500b2bce4).

“Many young people are struggling during the pandemic, and the library is pleased to welcome Dr. MacNamara, Dr. Miller and Dr. Ionita to discuss and explore the topic of mental health for families” says Kate Adams, Head of Children and Family Services. “This series will provide participants with skills and resources to help them support their children or teens as they continue to navigate through the pandemic and beyond.”

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library invites you to follow us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/yourlibraryRichmond/ and give the gift of literacy on Tuesday December 1 at https://www.yourlibrary.ca/giving-tuesday/. GivingTuesday is a global movement that utilizes social media to encourage individuals to donate to their favourite charities during the holiday giving season. You can change lives – even the smallest amount counts – with your generosity.
Since March, the library has offered over 1,400 online programs to over 50,000 participants. From filling over 35,000 holds requests during the library’s Curbside Holds Pickup service from May to August to receiving and answering over 10,000 questions via phone and email, the library will continue to stay connected with Richmond residents during these difficult times. Financial donations are gratefully accepted and help make our collections, technology, programs, and community events even better and more accessible for all.
Every donation over $10 will be eligible for a tax receipt. Thank you for your support!

Richmond, BC – We’ve missed you and we’re excited to safely welcome you back to the library.

On Tuesday July 21, the library will reopen the Brighouse branch for in-person access on a limited basis. “Library staff are pleased to be able to expand service offerings that allow customers to browse and check out popular collections for all ages and receive one-on-one help from library staff, in addition to the library’s current available services and online programming,” said Robin Leung, Chair of the Richmond Public Library Board.

Services that will not be available at this time include seating and study spaces, in-branch programs and physical access to our fiction, non-fiction and children’s collections; library staff will be pleased to retrieve these materials for you by request.

To ensure the safety of community and library staff, physical distancing signage, capacity limits and cleaning protocols will be in place.

The Brighouse branch will be open from 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday. The Cambie, Ironwood and Steveston branches will be reopening in August and we plan to expand our hours of service to include Saturdays at that time.

If you’re not quite ready to venture out to the library, check out the library’s online programming for all ages and our digital collections. Be sure to visit https://www.yourlibrary.ca/src/ to find out more about our summer reading programs and activities. If you do not have a library card already, sign up online for a card that will connect you to our digital collections and services, all without leaving your home!

We want to thank you for your patience as we work to quickly process the thousands of items being returned. All outdoor book return bins will now remain open from 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday and we would like to also reassure you that no fines are being charged at this time.

For the most up-to-date information about what’s available in-person at your library, visit https://www.yourlibrary.ca/. We can’t wait to welcome you back!

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library invites community members of all ages to participate in Pride festivities, offering a range of programs in partnership with the City of Richmond and local community associations and societies. “Richmond Public Library values diversity and is committed to creating a safe and inclusive community for everyone,” said Kate Adams, Head of Children and Family Services at Richmond Public Library. “All of our programs will be online this year.”

From Monday July 27 to Friday July 31, the library’s daily Storytimes will feature inclusive stories that explore LGBTQ2S+ themes and promote diversity. Come and enjoy a wide variety of stories, specially chosen by library staff, on Facebook Live daily at 10:00am. These Storytimes are suitable for children of all ages to enjoy with their families.

On Thursday July 30, join the library, the City of Richmond and the Hamilton Community Centre on Zoom for a very special event. The library is pleased to offer its first Drag Queen Storytime, featuring guest performer Bryan Bone, also known as Miss Gina Tonic. Bone is an art teacher at a Richmond high school. This event promises to inspire, uplift and inform, providing an opportunity for children ages 3 and up and their families to come together, have fun and spark conversations about celebrating what makes us unique.

We are pleased to sponsor a two-part event for teens, adults and seniors in partnership with the City of Richmond and Branscombe House. Join us online on Wednesday July 29 for an in-depth talk with acclaimed Canadian artist Brendan Fernandes to explore the intersection of dance and visual arts while addressing issues of race, queer culture, migration and protest. Then, on Saturday August 1, tune in for an interactive workshop with Fernandes and Branscombe House artist-in-residence Lou Sheppard to examine the histories of Pride, language, art and identity.

In addition to programming, library staff have curated Pride Week book lists featuring stories for children and teens about love, acceptance and understanding. You can find the lists here:

• ebooks for young readers and teens https://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1490746849_rpl_staff/1641942059_pride_e-books_for_young_readers_and_teens
  
• Picture books for children https://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1490746849_rpl_staff/1496057069_pride_picture_books

For more details about these events and to register, visit the library’s events calendar or give us a call at 604-231-6413.

Richmond, BC – Registration for Summer Reading @ RPL opens on June 24 and this year, it’s all being offered online! There’s a wide variety of free programs and reading activities to choose from, suitable for kids, teens, adults and seniors.

“Summer Reading @ RPL will provide Richmond residents of all ages with opportunities to have fun learning and connecting with others in their community, while experiencing the joy of reading,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.

Kids can blast off with the 2020 BC Summer Reading Club theme: Explore our Universe! Register online at https://bcsrc.ca/, and then record your reading progress weekly to earn virtual badges. Create an avatar, set your reading goal and earn virtual badges. Complete all of the challenges to earn a medal at the end of the summer. Inspiring library programs are happening all summer long, too, including science and technology programs, book clubs and more.

For teens, joining the Teen Summer Reading Club will definitely make reading a memorable part of the summer. Write and post book reviews on the blog http://rplteenhub.yourlibrary.ca/ and be sure to enter the teen summer design contest for a chance to win great book prizes. One winner will be chosen to design the artwork for next year’s Teen Summer Reading Club! Plus, don’t miss the virtual Escape Rooms, Kahoots trivia challenges and more, available throughout July and August.

Adults, seniors (and teens too!) are invited to join the second annual One Book, Three Cities community reading project, presented in partnership with the City of Richmond’s Sister City Advisory Committee. This year’s book choice is Dear Life, a collection of short stories by award-winning Canadian author Alice Munro. Borrow a digital copy or place a hold for curbside pickup. Starting on June 29, connect with other readers from Xiamen and Qingdao, China on the One Book, Three Cities discussion forum. After reading the book, play Dear Life Book Bingo for a chance to win a fabulous book prize or join the weekly Stories Together Apart book conversation online.

Full details about summer programs are available at https://www.yourlibrary.ca/src, plus you’ll find everything you need to know about Summer Reading registration. We look forward to inspiring you to read, explore, discover and learn this summer!

Richmond, BC – The library is following the guidelines set out by the province, health authorities and regulatory agencies and working closely with the City to begin a phased approach to restoring services. “While we’re enjoying connecting with so many community members through online programs, we absolutely miss seeing you and we know you miss coming to the library,” said Susan Walters, Chief Librarian at Richmond Public Library. “As we begin to restore library services, I share the Library Board’s perspective that a slow and steady approach is the right way to proceed for our community and the library.”

On Wednesday May 20, the library will launch a Curbside Holds Pickup service. Library staff will be calling customers with existing holds at Brighouse to set up a time for contactless holds pickup. Curbside holds pickup service at Steveston, Cambie and Ironwood will soon follow and staff will be connecting with customers to provide details of the service.

We want to reassure customers that there is no requirement to return books if they wish to keep them. All due dates have been extended to July 31 and no fines are being charged. For your convenience, the Brighouse book returns will reopen on Wednesday May 20. Beginning Monday May 25, the branch book returns will be open Mondays at 10:00am and will close Thursdays at 4:30pm weekly.

For both the Curbside Holds Pickup and book returns, a system has been established to ensure physical distancing and safety procedures for returned materials “We are committed to bringing back the library services our community needs in as safe a manner as possible,” said Robin Leung, Richmond Public Library Board Chair. “We would like to thank our community for their patience as we gradually re-introduce access to valuable library services and resources step by step.”

Richmond, BC – Looking for something to do this Spring Break? Look no farther than Richmond Public Library. There are over 20 fun and free programs to choose from, suitable for all ages. /p>

The library is offering a number of programs in partnership with organizations including Parks Canada, Let’s Talk Science, Knit N Crochet 4 A Better World, Eye Level Learning Centre, and Under the GUI.

Curious about learning how to write like a published author? This year, programs include writing workshops for children by local author Julia Nobel, and author/illustrator team Amy Takeda and Dawn Lo. Teens can practice their creative writing skills with author Eileen Cook, and learn how to get published with editor Fernanda Viveiros.

“It is so important for literacy programs to be accessible within the community,” says author Amy Takeda. “We see the children in our writing programs thrive in a creative setting and their confidence grows in tandem with their writing skills.”

For those looking to build their technology skills, there are also many robotics and coding programs available, ideal for youth ages 7 to 13. Not looking for an organized program? We’ve got something for you too. There will be plenty of library spaces available for students to find their own books, hang out with friends or take some time for themselves.

For a full listing of all program information, including recommended ages, branch locations and program times, please check out our program guide at http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/spring20_proguide.pdf. Some activities are drop-in but many are registered and are first-come, first-serve. Most programs will reach capacity so register today to secure your spot!

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library has partnered with Power Buddy, an innovative local start-up company, to provide Brighouse branch customers with access to portable cell phone chargers. Library customers looking to charge their mobile devices are no longer dependant on a wall outlet but can rent a portable power bank and even leave the library with it.

The charger kiosk is now available on the first floor of the Brighouse branch. Customers access the rental cell chargers through an app, available for both iOS and Android phones, after creating an account with Power Buddy and providing a credit card. The kiosk offers portable cell chargers that are able to charge mobile phones, tablets and other devices. The app, the kiosk and the chargers are all being managed for the library by Power Buddy.

Richmond Public Library customers are entitled to the first 60 minutes of rental free of charge. The cost beyond 60 minutes is $1 per hour. The portable cell chargers can be returned to the kiosk at the Brighouse branch or to one of the other kiosks located in Richmond. To find the location of other local cell charger rental kiosks, download the app at https://getpowerbuddy.com/app.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library’s newest book dispenser is ready for you to open the door and explore on the second floor of the Seniors Centre at the Minoru Centre for Active Living. The new book dispenser was made possible with generous funding from Richmond City Council.

A Richmond Public Library card is all you’ll need to unlock the door and check out books seven days a week. The new dispenser is accessible during Seniors Centre hours, which are Monday to Saturday, 7:00am to 9:00pm and Sundays from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

The books will be refreshed and replenished frequently so stop by often to see what’s new.
“This dispenser provides an innovative service to better meet the needs of local seniors, their families and their caregivers,” said Susan Walters, Chief Librarian at Richmond Public Library. “We are excited and we hope you are too. Come try out the new book dispenser soon and see what it holds for you!”

Richmond, BC – Why do libraries celebrate Freedom to Read Week every year? Our goal is simple: libraries aim to raise awareness of the importance of protecting your right to choose what you read, watch and listen to without censor.

From the Harry Potter series to the Handmaid’s Tale to the Kite Runner, books, movies, magazines and more have been challenged across Canada over the last 40 years. During that same time, Richmond Public Library has reviewed and resolved over 100 customer challenges.

“The library takes book challenges very seriously but at the same time, considers the rights of individuals to choose what they want to read, view and listen to,” says Robin Leung, Library Board Chair. “Freedom to Read Week raises public awareness of the importance of free speech, freedom of expression and the tremendous impact that censorship can have on us all.”

The City of Richmond stands with the library in support of intellectual freedom. Every year, the Mayor signs a proclamation endorsing Freedom to Read Week.

Pop into any RPL branch from February 23 – 29 to view the Mayor’s Proclamation and browse through the displays of challenged and banned books. You just might find your next favourite read on those shelves! And, as always, everyone is welcome to ask a library staff member for advice about age-appropriate books and other library resources. We are always here to help!

To find out more about Freedom to Read Week, visit www.freedomtoread.ca.

Richmond, BC – Did you know that February is Black History Month? Richmond Public Library, the City of Richmond and Mary Wilson, long-time organizer of Black History Month events, are ready to welcome the community at a month-long celebration of the legacy of Black Canadians past and present. This year’s theme recognizes the contributions of Black Canadians to arts, music, culture and sports, all made while breaking down historical barriers./p>

There’s something for everyone at the library this February. We’re offering free, drop-in programs that explore some of the unique impacts that Black Canadians have had.

• On Thursday February 6, join us for a National Film Board screening of “Speaker for the Dead”, which uncovers hidden truths about desecrated graves and underlines the hidden history of black people in Canada.
• On Friday February 7, join Canada Post’s Jackie Bailey to discover the history and process of marking Black History Month with commemorative stamps.
• On Saturday February 8, take a journey through the history of music in the black community with Checo Tohomaso, founder of VOC Sweet Soul Gospel choir.
• On Sunday February 16, join basketball player, coach and mentor Hope Segun to learn about the history of basketball and its impact within the black community. No previous basketball experience is required!
• On Friday February 28, participate in an enlightening panel discussion with Carmen Lake, Linda Gene Coyle, Karen Ameyaw and Mary Wilson and debate the status of Black History Month today. You’ll hear thoughts from the panelists and have the opportunity to contribute to the conversation.

“Richmond is a multicultural community and it’s an opportunity to share the vast history of Black Canadians with people from other cultures and diverse backgrounds,” said Mary Wilson. “Having programs on Black History Month within the library can make huge positive differences in people’s lives in so many ways.”

Come and be inspired! To find out more, visit http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/events_calendar or speak to a library staff member.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library, in partnership with the Lord’s Harvest Fellowship, is once again offering free Income Tax Clinics at the Brighouse branch. Trained volunteers will be on-hand to help community members with low income file their income tax returns.

To qualify for this free service, single persons must have a maximum income of $35,000 and a couple must have a maximum income of $45,000 plus $2,500 per child. Sessions are 45 minutes per person and couples must sign up for one time slot for each person.

The clinics run on Saturdays from March 14 to April 25 with sessions offered between 10:30am and 4:30pm.

Interested participants must pre-register for a session by calling 604-231-6413 or visiting the Brighouse Branch 2nd floor Ask Me desk. Registered participants need to bring a government issued ID and all relevant tax slips such as T4, T5 and Canada Child Benefit slips. All print documents will be returned to the participant at the end of their session.

“We are always blessed and excited every year,” said Pastor Abe Lagayan, representative of the Lord’s Harvest Fellowship. “For the past nine years, the Income Tax Clinic has been giving a helping hand in preparing and filing income taxes for students, seniors, new immigrants and people with modest income in our community.”