We need your help. For the first time in 25 years, we are in a position where we will not be able to provide the level of support the VPL needs from us due to the pandemic. That is why we are asking for help to do something bold…Achieve the goal of raising $20,000 this season! Please, donate to help us make VPL’s programs possible in 2021 through these uncertain times.

We all share a passion for the Vancouver Public Library and we know how difficult it has been this year to stay connected to one another without our usual book sales, volunteer events, and – most importantly – our regular gathering spaces at local VPL branches.

You are not alone as this pandemic has impacted Friends of the VPL and many other communities across Vancouver who rely on the Library for connection, belonging, and access to services that support their well-being. According to Head Librarian Christina de Castell, over 15% of VPL users rely on the Library for access to the internet and for many others it is the only place where they can access a washroom facility. It is abundantly clear that equal access to library spaces and to their unique resources has never been more important.

“In a recession or an economic downturn, we see much higher use of libraries historically, when people are struggling with money. That’s the time they discover everything that libraries have to offer.”

That online access has become a lifeline for those of us able to access the VPL from the comfort and safety of our home, but VPL is struggling to keep up with the overwhelming demand for digital materials and online programs. Since March 2020, over 3,000 people have signed up online for new VPL cards and there has been an 80% increase in the use of e-books.

When urgent needs like this arise, Friends has always stepped up and provided grants to create or sustain vital VPL programs thanks to the generosity and support of our community. But for the first time in 25 years, we are in a position where we will not be able to provide the level of support the VPL needs from us. With book’mark only recently re-opened and no book sales scheduled for the year, we are expecting a $60,000 shortfall in the amount of funds we can donate. In short…

We need your help.

Now, more than ever, your donations are needed to support the Vancouver Public Library and provide access to programs that are essential to the health and well-being of vulnerable members of our community. That is why we are asking all of our members for their help to do something bold – achieving the goal of raising $20,000 this Winter!
We have never done anything like this before, but the need is so high that we have to try. Although COVID 19 has likely hit you hard as well, we are asking you to give what you can as your generosity will make all the difference.

Will you donate? If you have any friends or family who also care about and access library programs, will you ask them to support us in this goal?

Please, help us make VPL’s programs possible in 2021 through these uncertain times.

Help us achieve our goal of $20,000 this season.

Donate Today