New Westminster Public Library

One of the best public libraries in the area. Great selection of books and topics. I like the large area for kids, we always bring our little ones to play on the mat while we are browsing the shelves. I like the extended hours for most weekdays when other libraries close at 5 pm for second half of the week

I went into this library very recently and as per usual the bathroom on the first floor was gross. The toilet does not flush properly in the disability stall. In fact someone wrote instructions on the wall as to how to utilize the handle to flush the toilet (!).
There was a used but wrapped sanitary napkin left on the toilet role dispenser. Yuck. As I approached the sink to wash my hands there was blood on the rim — not so great for kids as this particular bathroom was directly adjacent to the children’s section. Imagine if your child went in there and touched that — health hazard. Another time I went into this same bathroom and a disabled man in a wheel chair — with his female caregiver standing outside in the hallway — was urinating on the floor because he could not reach the toilet. My heart broke.
In both cases, I reported this immediately to the information desk who said they would get their cleaning staff on top of it immediately. I did not stick around to confirm. But every time I go in there’s a mess and I have to report it. Overall, I find staff to be helpful, but with low energy.
The library is very useful and yes has a wide range of people (all walks of life) using it. I believe the existing building should be updated/​renovated and a secondary, newer branch be built downtown (e.g. on the existing site of the Adult Continuing Education Centre — which is losing programming/​funds due to cutbacks). Build a nice mid-​rise here that encompasses a COMMUNITY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. Create some green space around it — it’s a great location for such a project. The Anvil Centre is more business oriented and can be snobby.
BORROWING OF DVDS:
I absolutely disagree with the LATE CHARGES of these so called «express views» on a 3-​day loan. Apparently the New West «courtesy» reminder system does not auto-​generate a reminder because the 3-​day time-​frame is incompatible with their e-​reminder system. I asked about this because I used to receive them (3-​day reminders) and then it stopped — so not sure what happened. But you will get a reminder for 7-​day rentals. So if you miss your deadline of 3 days, you are charged a $ 1/​day. This can really add up over time. NWPL staff are very «group think» in holding a firm stance on keeping this system in place; much to do with their supervisor.
I called Burnaby Public Library and Surrey Public Library and they don’t have this 3-​day return system. It’s just too short. Their borrowing/​return times for DVD’s are AT LEAST 7 DAYS, Surrey is longer. Surrey will shorten the time frame to 2 weeks based on demand and a hold system is put into effect. New West follows the Vancouver return system. It’s a MONEY GRAB and I don’t believe its fair. Further to this, I think the 3-​day return system must be an administrative nightmare for the NWPL staff. KISS (Keep It Simple Sally).
A person needs at least a week to view and travel to and from the library especially if one works during the week and not to mention having to deal with the heavy traffic/​transportation during peak periods. I GENERALLY BORROW ON THE WEEKEND AND RETURN ON THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND I don’t have time during the week to make multiple short-​trips to the library. Give us a break already!!!
I encourage anyone reading this to complain about this $ 1 a day late charge. Reminds me of the old Blockbuster/​Rogers video rentals — please rewind… or else $$$.

Not the most impressive library, especially in comparison to the VPL but usually has what I need. Recently they have been reorganizing some of the ways they do things, for example most of the holds are no longer behind the counter, so it seems a little cluttered in some areas. I don’t mind coming here for a little read now and again but I usually come with an idea of what I want and if I happen to be passing by I will look it up. I think they need to do some kind of upgrade to it, make it nicer.

Though it may be the Lower Mainland’s oldest public library, the New West Public Library is pretty unimpressive to look at. It’s a small concrete building, situated on a busy block between a gas station and a Dairy Queen, and surrounded at most times by dodgy characters loafing on the benches out front.
The collection inside is decent, and i can often find books on the shelves here that I would probably have to wait in a hold queue for from the Vancouver Public Library. For example, the perpetually «out» 100-​Mile Diet at VPL was just sitting around in here.
The online resources are basic– nothing that I can’t access elsewhere. There are some nicely put together research guides/​link lists and I do like the local heritage links, especially the old photographs that have been put online.
Because of it’s lackluster collection, though, I don’t often physically visit the library unless I really want something specific.