Press Releases

Richmond, BC – Together with the library’s Teen Ambassadors (TAMBAs), a volunteer leadership group of Richmond teens that meets regularly at the Brighouse library, Richmond Public Library (RPL) is inviting local youth to enter the first ever Very Short Story creative writing contest. This contest is designed for aspiring writers and will celebrate originality and creativity.

Submissions must be an original work, written on any subject or theme, and can be a maximum of 300 words in length. The contest is now open and submissions will be accepted until April 29. All teens ages 13 to 18 are welcome to enter.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on May 6 as part of the library’s celebration of Youth Week. There will be three prizes awarded, consisting of Indigo gift cards and book prizes. In addition, the winning submissions will be displayed at the Brighouse library for the whole community to enjoy.

“I’m excited and honored to be a judge for the contest and celebrate writers that spark emotion, curiosity, and wonder with their words,” says one of the TAMBAs, who will be part of the judging panel. “I love seeing the creativity and heart that writers pour into their stories and it’s inspiring to experience so many unique perspectives.”

For more information about the contest, visit the library’s Teen web page at https://www.yourlibrary.ca/teens.

Looking for even more opportunities to develop and improve creative writing skills? This year’s Writer-In-Residence Taslim Jaffer is offering a Teen Writing Circle on Tuesday May 20 at the Brighouse library. Sign up today at https://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/67b7ba880bf98bfa52b00fac

Richmond, BC – Back for a third year, Richmond Public Library (RPL) is proud to welcome the Human Library® on Sunday, April 13, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Brighouse library.

The first Human Library® was held in Denmark in 2000, and has since expanded around the world, establishing itself as a global learning platform, creating space for dialogue between human Books and their Readers. The natural conversations that take place between Books and Readers can not only help challenge prejudices and stereotypes but also contribute more broadly to unjudging someone and creating greater cohesion across social, ethnic, and religious divisions.

During the Human Library®, Readers will see a listing of available Book titles and select one to “borrow” for a 20-minute reading slot. Readers and Books will then have a one-on-one conversation where Books will introduce themselves and Readers will have the opportunity to ask questions. The Books are all local volunteers interested in connecting and sharing their stories of overcoming personal hardship with others. The Human Library® at RPL has been overwhelmingly well received both by Readers and Books. Since its’ inception at RPL, 23 Books have been checked out by over 130 Readers during 105 reading sessions, with many Readers often choosing to read multiple Books per event. For those who have attended one of the previous Human Library® events, a few familiar titles will be available as well as a variety of new ones, each exploring complex topics that will challenge pre-existing views.

“I love being a Human Book – (I can) choose what I want to tell, listeners choose who they will listen to!”, one of the Books shared, as she prepares to come back after volunteering last year. “Then we both have some quiet time to talk about the story, about them, about me!  Different every time, but always a great experience for all!”

This is a drop-in event and participants will be invited to borrow as many Books as they like on a first-come, first-served basis until “last call” at 3:30pm. Teens, adults, and seniors are all encouraged to attend. Learn more on the library’s website.

Richmond, BC – Looking for something to do during Spring Break? Look no farther than Richmond Public Library. From March 15 to 30, there are over 20 fun and free programs to choose from, suitable for a variety of ages. These programs are in addition to our regularly-scheduled babytime and storytime programs.

Library Spring Break activities offer low-barrier, no-cost opportunities for children and families to have fun, learn and connect with others during the school closure. Last year, over 300 children and teens took part in Spring Break programs.

For those looking to build their technology skills, there are robotics, digital art and Cricut design programs for both elementary and high-school aged children. Gamers ages 8 – 13 will be excited to learn about the Super Smash Bros Tournament that takes place on Wednesday March 26.

Avid readers will be pleased to learn that there are two book club discussions to choose from.

Local organizations play a key role in Spring Break programs and the library would like to gratefully acknowledge its partnerships with Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Knit and Crochet 4 A Better World. Special thanks also go to the library’s Teen Ambassador volunteers for organizing events for local teens.

For a full listing of all program information, including recommended ages, locations and program times, please browse our online events calendar. Some activities are drop-in but many are registered; so be sure to browse the listing soon to secure your spot or put your name on the wait list.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library, in partnership with the Lord’s Harvest Fellowship, is once again offering free Income Tax Clinics at the Brighouse library. This is the 14^th year that the library has offered the tax clinics in partnership with The Lord’s Harvest Fellowship.

Trained volunteers will help community members with low income to file their income tax returns. In 2024, the volunteers helped over 200 individuals prepare their taxes at no cost.

To qualify for this service, individuals must have a maximum income of $35,000 and a couple must have a maximum income of $45,000 plus $2,500 per child. Couples will need to sign up for one appointment per person. This year’s clinics will continue to follow a drop-off and pick-up format.

Registration is now open. Interested community members can learn more about this service and register for an appointment by calling 604-231-6413 or visiting Brighouse library’s 2^nd floor Ask Me desk. A piece of government-issued ID and all relevant tax slips such as T4, T5 and Canada Child Benefit slips must be brought to the appointment. All print documents will be returned to the participant at their pick-up time.

The clinics are offered in English and run on Saturdays until April 26 (no clinic on April 19), with drop-off appointments available between 10:30am and 4:30pm.

Additional details about the tax clinics can be found at https://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?q=low%2Bincome.

Richmond, BC – As part of their commitment to protecting the public’s right to freely choose what to read, libraries across Canada, including Richmond Public Library (RPL) recognize Freedom to Read Week annually—raising awareness about the importance of free expression and informing the community about how and why books are challenged. This year, the library will be highlighting Freedom to Read Week from February 23 to March 1.

Looking to learn more on this important topic? RPL offers a variety of ways for community members to read, learn and explore various topics promoting the importance of intellectual freedom:

• Explore the library’s online collection of the top 10 challenged and banned books.
• Browse displays of banned and challenged books at all library locations.
• Attend one of the library’s book club meet-ups, which offer opportunities to share ideas with other readers, broaden horizons and gain different perspectives.
• Gain exposure to a wider variety of books through the library’s Your Next Great Read service, where a librarian will make book suggestions tailored to individual reading interests.

RPL’s Collection Development Strategy upholds intellectual freedom and the right of our customers to access informational, educational, cultural and recreational materials and resources representing different points of view.

Shaneena Rahman, Manager of Library Experience, says “At Richmond Public Library, we are guided by our vision to ensure that all will feel welcome, find what they need and leave the library inspired. By providing uncensored access to our diverse collection of over 486,000 digital and physical items, we are championing our community’s right to choose what they read, how they learn, and who they connect with.”

Since 1982, hundreds of mainstream and lesser-known books, movies, magazines and more have been challenged in Canada. In that time, Richmond Public Library has received, reviewed and resolved 118 customer challenges.

The City of Richmond supports the library in upholding intellectual freedom. The Mayor has issued a proclamation endorsing Freedom to Read Week, available on the library’s website and on display at all library branches.

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

Richmond, BC – At their January 29 meeting, the Richmond Public Library Board elected returning Trustees Denise Hui as Board Chair and Ashley Sandhu as Vice Chair. Trustee Sherine Merhi also returns for another term and Councillor Chak Au returns as the City Council representative with Councillor Michael Wolfe continuing as the alternate.

The Library Board also welcomed new Trustees Jacqueline Morrison and Angelica Victoria, appointed by Richmond City Council for a two-year term. The two new Board Trustees bring a range of experience from their respective backgrounds and believe strongly in the value of public library services.

Newly elected Board Chair Denise Hui notes that 2024 was a year of remarkable growth for the library, with our community borrowing 2.92 million items, attending over 4,100 programs and registering for 12,718 new library cards.

Library services improve the lives of residents “by making life more affordable, providing supports to help newcomers thrive, reducing isolation for seniors, and building the foundations of literacy”, added Denise. “With our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan to guide us, the Library Board and staff are looking forward to new services and programs in 2025 that will inspire, excite and connect our community”.

The Richmond Public Library Board would like to thank outgoing Trustee Yvonne Yong for her dedication and service to the library and community and past Board Chair Caty Liu for her leadership as she begins the last year of her final term on the Library Board.

The library encourages the community to get to know the Library Board Trustees – visit the library’s website and click on each Trustee’s photo to view a short biography.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library welcomes the Year of the Snake! On Saturday February 8 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Brighouse library will host an all-ages, cross-cultural celebration that honours customary tradition and highlights artistic demonstrations. This event is drop-in and no pre-registration is required.

Community members will be able to enjoy a festive lion dance, followed by a Kung Fu demonstration, a musical showcase that includes traditional Chinese songs of the new year, a guzheng performance, and more.

For those looking to experience hands-on activities, there will be a calligraphy station, lantern riddles, and a Chinese compass demonstration. Families can also take part in face painting, games, arts, and crafts.

The library will also be giving away an exclusive Lunar New Year commemorative gift, custom-created using the library’s Cricut cutter. For those interested in learning how to use the Cricut cutter, Launchpad staff will be on-hand to provide more information.

The library would like to thank all of the community partners whose contributions have helped make this celebration possible: Celia Leung, Rudy Chiang, Robin Leung, Wang Heng Wushu Taichi Institute, E Show Dance, Fangfei Guzheng, Ronald Zhang and RPL’s Chinese Couplets Study Club, Richmond Family Place, Big Bear Education, Touchstone Family Association, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Richmond Chinese Women’s Club, Chinese Artists Association Richmond, Tai Shing Pek Kwar, and the Richmond Photography Club.

To learn more about this free celebration, visit the library’s events calendar.

Richmond, BC – Together with Mary Wilson, a passionate local advocate, Richmond Public Library (RPL) is welcoming the community to attend a variety of Black History Month programs and activities for all ages. “2025 celebrates 30 years since Dr. Jean Augustine in 1995 spearheaded the Motion that passed unanimously by The House of Commons to recognize February as Black History Month across Canada,” said Mary Wilson. “We give thanks to all who were involved across Canada along with Dr. Jean Augustine for making this happen.”

Join us on Sunday February 9 for a full day of celebrating Black history, voices and culture in Canada. Visit the Brighouse library from 11:00am to 3:00pm to take part in a host of free events, including:

• The unveiling of the historical Canadian figure being honoured on this year’s Black History Month stamp, hosted by Canada Post representatives Jackie Bailey and Maurice Earle.

• A panel discussion featuring Doctor of Philosophy Leland Harper, Inclusive Leadership Coach Shelley Vidal and Richmond Board of Education Superintendent of Schools Chris Usih, which will highlight discussion about the 30^th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada.
• A musical performance for children and families by well-known musician and gospel choir director Checo Tohomaso. Come and learn a little about soul music, dance and have fun.
• An author talk, reading and Q&A with local author Ruby Diaz. Ruby’s book, Searching for Serafim, is a fascinating and personal exploration of one of Vancouver’s most notable historical figures, Joe Fortes.

Other activities taking place throughout the month include a trivia challenge for children and families about Black Canadians and historical events, and a film screening of the biopic film Till on February 25 at the Brighouse library.

Black history and culture is rich and varied and has had a tremendous impact on our community. To learn more about Black history, be sure to explore the library’s Black History Month book displays, featured at all library locations. These displays highlight the contributions, successes, struggles, and stories of the Black community in Canada and around the world.

Visit RPL’s events calendar to explore all of the Black History Month programs.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library and the City of Richmond are pleased to announce that they will continue hosting the Community Services Connectors program in 2025 to assist Richmond residents to find and access community resources.
The Community Services Connectors program provides peer-led, one-on-one support for Richmond residents seeking information about social services, affordable housing, employment resources, and other free or low-cost community programs. Every Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00pm, residents are invited to drop in to the Living Room at Ironwood Library (8200-11688 Steveston Highway) to access support, enjoy a drink and snack, and connect with a Community Services Connector.
The program also features Snacks & Facts workshops. Led by local organizations and offered at various times throughout the year, these workshops focus on practical and timely topics in response to community need. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, January 28 and Tuesday, February 25 from 2:00 to 4:00pm, and will focus on building financial security through tax filing, accessing benefits and tax credits, and saving and investing.
Since its launch in January 2024, the program has assisted close to 380 community members, proving to be a valuable resource as more Richmond residents have been experiencing affordability pressures.
The Community Services Connectors program supports the library’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan to leverage new and existing cross-sector partnerships to meet diverse and changing community needs. It also advances actions in the City’s 2021-2031 Collaborative Action Plan to Reduce and Prevent Poverty in Richmond related to the development of programs and services that address the needs of specific population groups at risk of or living in poverty and the development of targeted outreach opportunities.
For more information about the Community Services Connectors program, including upcoming Snacks and Facts workshop details, visit yourlibrary.ca or richmond.ca/CommunityResources.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is pleased to announce that our popular free “Learning Together” family literacy program will return to both the Ironwood and Brighouse libraries this January.  Sponsored by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, this eight-week program for preschoolers and caregivers will run at the Brighouse library on Wednesday mornings from January 22 to March 12 and at the Ironwood library on Thursday mornings from January 23 to March 13. Participants are requested to register to attend at one location only.

This program supports early literacy development and helps parents to discover new ways to connect with their child and make learning fun.  Parents and children ages three to five will enjoy various hands-on activities, with storytimes and crafts at each weekly session. Early childhood skills emphasized in this program include language development, relationship building and school readiness.

The Learning Together program provided a “very welcoming environment that allowed me to connect with other families. My daughter looked forward to the class every week!” said a parent who previously attended the program with their child.

Did you know that library cards are free to obtain, and that RPL is proudly fine free?  Parents are encouraged to sign up their children for their own library cards so they can access all of the library’s resources for children, including valuable programs like this as well as books, puzzles, games and much more. For more details about the Learning Together program, interested families should check out our online event calendar at www.yourlibrary.ca/events, or call the library at 604-231-6412.