Key Highlights
- The Burnaby Public Library, or BPL, is in the City of Burnaby. It has four main branches. These branches are Bob Prittie Metrotown, McGill Branch, Tommy Douglas, and Cameron Branch.
- If you are a member, you get access to lots of books. You also get to use online resources, public computers, printers, and scanners.
- BPL has programs that are made for people of every age. Some of these are children’s space storytimes, tech classes, and English conversation circles.
- Each branch is easy to get to. You can use public transit and SkyTrain routes to reach them.
- Joining as a member does not cost anything and is easy to do. This lets you use all benefits of your public library in Burnaby and the rest of British Columbia.
Introduction
Welcome to the Burnaby Public Library. The library is at the heart of the community in the City of Burnaby. It has been here for many years. People come to learn, connect with others, and find new things. If you live in British Columbia, or if you are new here, the library offers many helpful resources. It is here to help you and bring new ideas.
You can use quiet places to study. There are also community events to join. Your public library gives much more than books. It is a place open to all in the City of Burnaby. Let us see why this spot stands out and means so much to people here.
Burnaby Public Library Branches and Locations
The City of Burnaby has four Burnaby Public Library branches. Each one is part of its local area in Burnaby. The biggest library is the Bob Prittie Metrotown branch, which is the main place for research, events, and people in the city. You can visit the McGill Branch in the north part of Burnaby. The Tommy Douglas branch sits close to Edmonds, and the Cameron Branch is now in a temporary location.
Each branch tries to meet what people need. They have a children’s space, a teen space, comfy lounge spots, and places for all to use. While the Cameron Branch is now near the City of Lougheed Shopping Centre, every library works to make sure all visitors feel welcome in Burnaby.
How to Find and Access Each Library Branch
It is easy to get to any Burnaby Public Library branch. The branches are in spots that are simple to reach in the City of Burnaby. You can take SkyTrain routes or TransLink bus services. These help you reach all four library spots with no trouble. Some people like to cycle. You can use the Burnaby bike map to find the best way to your public library.
Each branch is placed in a way that helps folks in each part of Burnaby. You can visit the main Bob Prittie Metrotown branch or the newer Tommy Douglas spot. The Bob Prittie Metrotown branch and the Tommy Douglas branch are both set in good places in the community. The McGill and Cameron branches are also in spots people can get to soon in their areas. If you’re looking for the Cameron branch, be aware it is in a temporary location now.
Here are the addresses for the branches:
- Bob Prittie Metrotown: 6100 Willingdon Avenue
- McGill Branch: 4595 Albert Street
- Tommy Douglas: 7311 Kingsway
- Cameron Branch (Temporary Location): #110, 9855 Austin Avenue
Hours of Operation and Transportation Options
Planning your visit to a Burnaby Public Library branch is easy, but it’s always a good idea to check the hours beforehand. While the opening times are generally consistent, they can vary between the Bob Prittie Metrotown, McGill, Tommy Douglas, and Cameron branches. Be sure to check the official library website for any updates on library closures or holiday hours to ensure they’re open when you plan to arrive.
Getting to any of the branches is straightforward. All locations are well-serviced by TransLink, with numerous bus and SkyTrain routes stopping nearby. This makes the library accessible to everyone across the City of Burnaby and the rest of British Columbia.
Here is a general overview of the hours for the main branches. Please confirm on the BPL website before your visit.
| Branch | Monday – Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Prittie Metrotown | 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| McGill Branch | 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tommy Douglas | 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Cameron Branch | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Closed |
Library Membership and Account Guide
Getting a free library card is the first thing you need to do to use the full range of Burnaby Public Library services. When you have a BPL card, the door opens to many things, both physical and digital. You can borrow books and use online databases. The card also lets you get membership benefits with other libraries across British Columbia.
It’s easy to manage your account. You can log in online or with the BPL app. This lets you renew items, place holds, and look at your borrowing history. This guide will show you how to get your library card and how to use your online account to get the most from the public library in Burnaby and all across British Columbia.
How to Apply for a Burnaby Public Library Card
Getting your Burnaby Public Library card is easy, and there is no cost. If you live in the City of Burnaby or in another town close by that is part of the public library system in British Columbia, you can get a card. You can start online or go to any BPL branch in person to sign up.
When you register at the library, you need to bring some ID. This is to let staff check your name and where you live. You can bring a driver’s licence or just a letter or bill that shows your name and address. Once you get your card, you get access to all the Burnaby Public Library services right away.
Here’s what you will usually need to bring:
- A piece of photo ID (like a driver’s licence or BC Services Card).
- Proof of your current address (for example, a bill or bank statement, if your address is not on your ID).
Online Account Access and Membership Benefits
Your Burnaby Public Library card does more than let you borrow books. When you have a BPL card, you get an online account that works from any place with internet. To use this, go to the library’s website. Type in your card number and PIN. You can then look at your loans, put books on hold, and check out a big digital collection of eBooks and audiobooks. There is also a BPL app you can download, which makes things even simpler when you are moving around.
One big bonus is your technology access. Each branch has public computers set up with the internet, ready for you to use for free. Do you need to print a file or scan a photo? You can use the library’s printer and scanner, though printing may cost a small fee. The library is a great help for school, work, and all your personal plans.
Your online account gives you:
- An extensive collection of eBooks and digital audiobooks.
- Access to online databases for research, news, and learning.
- The ability to renew items and place holds from home.
Conclusion
The Burnaby Public Library is very important for the people in this area. The public library has many branches you can go to. It gives a lot of services that fit what people need. You can find public library branches that are close to you. Their hours make it easy for people to visit when they have time. It’s simple to get a library card from the public library too.
When you join the Burnaby Public Library, you get much more than just books. You get chances to learn new things. There is fun, good stories, and lots of resources that can help in your day-to-day life. The public library is a great place for everyone.
Why not check it out? Go to the Burnaby Public Library near you today. You and your family can see what the public library has for you. There is something good for all of us at the public library.