Kid-Friendly Vancouver: North Vancouver City Library
There’s a reason why North Vancouver City Library makes us feel calm from the moment we arrive – even with our kids in tow. Its award-winning design presents a contemporary, sustainable space with plenty of glass and light for maximum calmness. Ahh. There’s an outdoor reading terrace with a view of the Lion’s Gate bridge, a children’s reading area with fun seating and a comfy floor, a teen room, a café – and an amazing fountain and seating area outside the front doors to ponder your latest book choices…or just life in general. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly Vancouver retreat, this is it.
Hidden Art
Integrated into the North Vancouver City Library building design are public art pieces – kids love to ‘find’ them. There’s a beautiful carved glass mural by Marianne Nicolson to one side of the plaza. Amongst a myriad of treasures, you can discover the tree of knowledge, look up to a suspended LED art installation, and admire the work of ‘Iain Baxter&’ in the form of graphic window signage.
Kid-Friendly Programs and Events
Look for the birdy! The North Vancouver City Library promotes an interactive ‘play and learn’ environment, with a fantastic array of books, CD-readers, magazines and movies. This library is so progressive – there are too many components to detail – but here are a few favourites. An excellent Summer Reading program is offered, giving kids incentives to read daily, including stickers and a prize at the end of the season. Kids can book themselves into half-hour sessions on the computers – and for grade 6 and up, there’s even a ‘Homework Help’ program offered by the library. Visit during specified hours – or call them – or even live chat!
Homework Help Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays after school (Grade 6 and up)
Homework Help Line: 604.998.3490
Live Chat with a Librarian: www.nvcl.ca Monday-Thursday 10:00am – 8:00pm, Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Baby and Toddler Story Times
Regular toddler and baby story times are held in the children’s section of the library. Usually on Wednesdays and Thursday mornings – check times on the web site.
Lego Club
No registration needed – and it’s free. This is for kids aged five and up. They can practice their buildings skills with friends in a small, guided program. Held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month (except September 28, 2014).
Books for BC Babies
This is an early literacy program – it’s never too early for books! If you are a North Vancouver resident with a new baby, you will receive a gift bag with two books and a recording of songs. Reading and singing to your newborn helps with early childhood development.
Teen Book Club
For young adult book lovers from grade seven and up. Register at North Vancouver City Library to talk about favourites with other teens – and vote on the next books to be read. All books provided. Drop-ins are also welcome if there’s room for more. Don’t you wish they had this in ‘our day’?
North Vancouver City Library
www.nvcl.ca | Twitter | Facebook
120 West 14th Street (@Lonsdale), North Vancouver, 604.998.3450
Regular Hours:
Monday-Friday 9:00am – 9:00pm
Saturdays 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sundays 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Closed on various stat holidays and some Sundays – check their website.
