Public Libraries in British Columbia

The role of public libraries becomes even more significant in the information age. Public libraries offer accurate information that is easily accessible. They have led the way in adopting and adapting new technologies. In the past 25 years, libraries have computerized their cataloguing, streamlined checkout procedures, provided electronic delivery of information, and facilitated public access to the Internet.

Fast facts

• In BC, public library services can be accessed at any one of 238 public library facilities.
• Many electronic services can be accessed from anywhere you can connect to the Internet.
• 70 locally appointed library boards, accountable under the Library Act manage and control the public libraries of BC.
• Last year, library boards were responsible for more than $155 million in annual spending.
• Local governments fund the lion's share of public libraries' annual operating budgets.
• All BC public libraries established under the Library Act, are eligible for provincially funded annual per capita operating grants.
• Provincial operating grants for 2005/06 total over $9.3 million.

About the Branch

The major goals of the Branch are:

• to provide relevant support programs to public libraries;to administer and ensure compliance with the Library Act;to assist libraries in implementing new technologies;to facilitate resource sharing among all types of libraries;to build partnerships with local government, the private sector and community groups;
• and to guide libraries in identifying and securing revenues from new sources.

The Branch facilitates information sharing among BC public libraries and acts as a liaison with other government departments. While promoting the use of public libraries throughout the province, the Branch also provides leadership at national and provincial levels on all issues affecting libraries.

• Staff List

Programs & Services

• Community Library Training Program
• Quintessential Consultant
• Virtual Reference Desk
• OutLook Online - Union Catalogue of BC libraries

Public library staff and trustees should access the Service Centre for a complete list of programs.

A Strategic Plan for Public Libraries

Released in late 2004, Libraries Without Walls: The World Within Your Reach is a vision for public libraries in British Columbia. This plan is the result of 18 months of intense consultation with the library and municipal communities, outlining clear directions for service development over the next three years and reflecting a commitment to strengthening library services across BC.

British Columbia Public Libraries Statistics

The data are also available (see Reports and Publications) in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Excel 97 file formats.

Reports and Publications

• Libraries Without Walls: The World Within Your Reach   [3.0 MB]
• Privacy Guidelines for British Columbia Public Libraries
• Statistics
  • BC Public Libraries Statistics 2005   [390 KB]
    • 2005 Excel
    • 2005 Survey Questions [24 KB]
  • BC Public Libraries Statistics 2004   [440 KB]
    • 2004 Excel
    BC Public Libraries Statistics 2004   [435 KB]
    • 2004 Excel
  • BC Public Libraries Statistics 2003   [248 KB]
    • 2003 Excel
  • BC Public Libraries Statistics 2002   [442 KB]
    • 2002 Excel
  • BC Public Libraries Statistics 2001   [333 KB]
    • 2001 Excel
  • BC Public Libraries Statistics 2000   [362 KB]
    • 2000 Excel
  • BC Public Libraries Statistics 1999   [261 KB]
    • 1999 Excel

Please send any questions or comments to PLSB@gov.bc.ca