Why Libraries are Amazing

Hi everyone! It’s Zairra here. In my first blog, I would like to share my go-to place in the neighborhood.

When I arrived in Vancouver in February, it was freshman year of my MBA program and my first time in the city. I had finished my 14-day quarantine and was very excited to explore the city. I was searching for the best place to study and voilà! I live right in front of the Vancouver Public Library (VPL).

Millennials may find printed books boring and outdated, but not me! With 21 branches across the city, the Vancouver Public Library is a hidden gem for students looking for research.

The VPL Kensington branch is in Cedar Cottage Mews beside a grocery store, banks and coffee shops. You can efficiently run errands and stop by to check it out at the same time. There is allotted parking for cars and bike racks, too. At the entrance, you will see signs encouraging frequent sanitizing for the health and safety of the public.

On my first visit, the librarian showed me how to apply for a free library card. They asked for my phone number and a valid ID card with my address on it, and voilà! The library card is colorful.

With my new library card, I printed my syllabus, grading rubrics and class schedule. All you have to do is open a computer, enter the numbers on the back of your card and then indicate how many pages you want to print. It only costs 20 cents per page for black and white and 75 cents per page for coloured printing and photocopying. This place has been conducive to a newcomer/student like me since my printer did not fit in my carry-on luggage. Kidding! I was so ready for my class… My instructor asked who came prepared, and I proudly raised my hand with my printed syllabus.

The VPL has been a tremendous help throughout my term, especially on my RSCH 600 Graduate Research Methods course. I was one of the few students who aced the course (I got an A+) because I spent my whole day reading and digging for more information in the library. The VPL has internet access, computers, board games, children’s books and Indigenous collections.

The highlight of every visit to the VPL for me is visiting their world languages collection after a long day of studying. Yes! I get to read books, magazines and even borrow DVDs in Tagalog. They also have resources in Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish and French.

My dear peers, I encourage you to take advantage of the resources available through public libraries. There’s a lot of knowledge and fun in there!

I hope I shared something valuable today, and if you see me at the library, don’t forget to say hi!