Current Services

Richmond Public Library is committed to work practices and procedures that ensure clean and safe facilities.  We follow direction and controls as specified by the Provincial Health Officer, BC Centre for Disease Control and the local Health Authority’s Medical Health Officer.

The library is committed to health and safety by asking staff and visitors to:

• Follow library guidelines
• Stay home if sick
• Sanitize your hands
• Wear your mask
• Respect personal space
• Consider other people’s situation

Customers can visit the any library branch Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and on Saturdays & Sundays from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Available services include access to browsing, picking up holds, checking out books, limited seating and receiving help from library staff. Capacity limits are in effect and the line-up to enter the library will close 10 minutes prior to closing if capacity limits are reached. To view available services, visit https://www.yourlibrary.ca/limited-service/

Public computer labs are available at all branches for those who have limited or no access to a computer, the internet, and/or printing. This service is drop-in, first come, first served. Customers may use up to 90-minutes of computer access per day, system-wide. This will begin with one 45-minute session with the option of adding another 45-minute session, depending on availability. Visit our Public Computers page for dates, times and capacity.

Effective Tuesday April 6, the Hamilton book dispenser is now open. Customers may visit the dispenser Monday to Friday between 2:00pm – 6:00pm and on Saturdays from 9:00am – 1:00pm.
Items borrowed from the Hamilton book dispenser should be returned directly to the dispenser. Due to the Hamilton book dispenser’s reduced hours, customers may temporarily return book dispenser items to any library branch external book return.
The book dispenser at the Seniors Centre at Minoru Centre for Active Living remains temporarily closed.

External book returns

All external book returns are open 24/7 daily.

Internal book returns
The internal book returns are now available at all branches during open hours.

This guide highlights a range of City and community resources available to support individuals and families living in Richmond.

• Please call 604-231-6404 for library card and account questions.
• Please call 604-231-6413 or email us for Information Services or for 1-on-1 help from a librarian.

How do I stay healthy & well?

Updated July 16, 2021

• BC’s Restart Plan – A careful, 4 -step plan to bring B.C back together
• BC ‘s Restart – Golden Rules for Everyday Life
• Vancouver Coastal Health – daily local COVID-19 updates.
• Canada.ca/coronavirus – Government of Canada updates, awareness resources and information on prevention, risk, symptoms, treatment, being prepared, and more.
• Government COVID-19 Email Updates – sign-up to get trusted information about COVID-19 from the federal government.
• COVID-19 BC Support App and Self-Assessment Tool
• HealthLinkBC. – includes information in several languages. Or phone 8-1-1.
• Vancouver Coastal Health
• WorkSafeBC
• Message from the BC Human Rights Commissioner on Covid-19: Guidance to employers, landlords, service providers & individuals about how to ensure that human rights are protected and balanced against urgent public health priorities. Statement is translated into Chinese, Filipino, Persian, Punjabi, and French.
• B.C. COVID-19 Information Line: 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319) or text 604-630-0300.
• Canada Coronavirus Information Line: 1-833-784-4397
• Richmond Primary Care Network Phone Triage: 604-278-9711 ext. 4153 – Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm, subject to staff availability. Open to all Richmond residents. English, Cantonese and Mandarin. Hindi and Punjabi subject to staff availability.
• Facebook: Vancouver Coastal Health | Provincial Health Services Authority | Healthy Canadians
• Instagram: @vchhealthcare | @PHSA.bc
• Twitter: @CDCofBC | @PHSAofBC | @CPHO_Canada | @GovCanHealth
• ArriveCAN app – allows travellers returning to Canada to input their 14-day isolation or quarantine information quickly, easily and securely upon arrival.

How can I get financial help?

Updated July 16, 2021

• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information
• COVID-19 Support for Income & Disability Assistance
• Information for renters and landlords during COVID-19 – April 2020 Factsheet. Multiple language translations available.

Where can I get help in Richmond?

Updated July 16, 2021

• bc211 or phone 2-1-1 – TTY, Text and Chat available
• Safe Seniors, Strong Communities – a program that matches seniors who need support with non-medical essentials, to volunteers in their community who are willing to help. Phone 2-1-1 or register online if you need help or if you would like to volunteer to help. .

• City of Richmond – updates about affected City programs, services & facilities.
• Pathways Virtual Clubhouse – hosted on Facebook for people living with mental illness in Richmond.
• Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives is continuing to serve seniors through its grocery shopping service and friendly-visiting, peer counseling and information and referral services over the phone. Call 604-279-7020 for more information.
• Richmond Food Bank (5800 Cedarbridge Way) – hampers for individuals and families. Call 604-271-5609 for more information.
• Richmond Free Community Meals
• St. Alban’s Church (7260 St Albans Road) –Hot lunch on Fridays at 11:30am.
• Church on Five (10200 No. 5 Road) – Take-out meals on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 pm.
• Brighouse Park Pavilion – Bag lunches from Turning Point are available Monday to Thursday from 12:00pm – 1:00pm.
• Meals To Go are available for purchase Monday to Friday 10:00am – 2:00pm at the Seniors Centre at Minoru Centre for Active Living (7191 Granville Avenue). Call 604-238-8450 for more information.

Who can I talk to?

Updated July 16, 2021

• Crisis Centre BC – 1-800-784-2433 (24/7). Chat and Youth Chat available.
• Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 (24/7).
• Here2Talk – Counselling and referral for post-secondary students (24/7). Connect online, through the Here2Talk app, or by phone at 1-877-857-3397 or 604-642-5212.
• Seniors Distress Line – 604-872-1234
• CHIMO Crisis Line – 604-279-7070
• BounceBack® – online coaching and support from the Canadian Mental Health Association.
• Foundry Virtual – expanded virtual mental health programs and services for youth ages 12-24.
• Wellness Together Canada – mental health and substance use support resources, tools, apps and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals.
• VictimLinkBC – a toll-free, confidential resource for those experiencing domestic violence that is available by phone or email 24 hours a day.
• Anxiety Canada™ – for resources to help cope with COVID-19 related anxiety.
• Hope for Wellness – immediate 24/7 mental health counselling and crisis intervention for all Indigenous peoples across Canada.