We’ll continue adapting our services throughout COVID-19, with guidelines from provincial health authorities including Fraser Health and City of Burnaby Occupational Health and Safety. Visit City of Burnaby for updates on other city services.
In-branch services
Browse for items, pick up your holds and use our public computers and Wi-Fi, no appointments necessary. Our hours at all branches are:
Monday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Browsing
As of September 8, our branches are open for browsing. Come on in and browse the shelves, take a look at new books, or read the newspaper. Because we are limiting the number of people inside each branch at one time, we ask that you keep browsing to 30 minutes.
Public computers
Computers, printers and scanners will be available to use with your library card. Computers are available for 45 minute sessions. Cleaning supplies will be provided, and computers are spaced two metres (six feet) apart.
If you don’t have a library card, call 604-436-5400 to get one over the phone. You can also register for a library card when you arrive at the branch.
Wi-Fi
There is designated seating in each branch to access Wi-Fi with your device. We ask that you limit your indoor use to 45 minutes. Wi-Fi can be also accessed outside Bob Prittie Metrotown, Cameron, and McGill branches. You don't need a library card to access Wi-Fi.
What in-branch services are unavailable?
- Meeting rooms are closed
- In-person events and programs are cancelled
Thank you for your patience as we continue to adapt our services throughout COVID-19.
Health and safety
Here’s what we’re doing for staff and visitor safety:
- Limiting the number of people inside the branch at one time,
- Posting clearly marked directional signs to help you navigate inside the branch,
- Providing hand sanitizer at library entrances, and other locations throughout the branch,
- Enhancing cleaning procedures at our branches, including regularly sanitizing high touch areas,
- Using Plexiglass barriers at service desks,
What you can do:
- Limit your visits to under an hour,
- Follow signage and directions from staff. There may be lineups to enter the branch,
- Physically distance and keep two metres (six feet) apart,
- Wash or disinfect your hands. Washrooms and hand sanitizer are available,
- Stay home if you or any member of your household is feeling sick,
- Wear a mask.
As announced by BC's Provincial Health Officer on November 19, 2020, masks are now required for everyone in all public indoor settings and workplaces. This order impacts all indoor spaces in City of Burnaby facilities, including recreation centres, libraries and cultural facilities. People who cannot put on or remove a mask on their own are exempt.
Is the library quarantining materials?
Guidelines for libraries and library visitors, issued by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), state that the risk of transmission of COVID-19 on library materials is very low, and that evidence does not require libraries to quarantine or disinfect their items.
Borrowing
Get a library card
Don’t have a library card? Contact us and we’ll register you for a new account that you can use right away. Access our online resources, and if you live in Burnaby you can choose from thousands of our e-books and audiobooks in Library to Go. Or use your library card to place holds on items and we’ll notify you to pick them up at your preferred branch.
Place a hold
Use our library catalogue to place holds on items. If you need help, call 604-436-5400. Availability of items through interlibrary loans is limited at this time.
Due dates
Regular loan periods are being reintroduced for items checked out on August 3 and onward, and borrowers will begin to see due dates for items beginning in September. Please check your account for details, or contact us if you have questions.
Return items
Drop your BPL items through our book returns at any time, near the entrance of each branch. For health and safety we can only accept returns through the book drops. Due to a high volume of returns, there may be delay clearing items from your account. There are no late fines!
E-books & audiobooks
Library to Go is our largest e-book and audiobook collection. Burnaby residents, log in with your library card and download thousands of fiction and non-fiction titles for adults, teens, and kids. Borrow up to 10 titles, and place up to 20 titles on hold. We’re rapidly adding new titles, best sellers, and books in Chinese.
Get Help
Information Service
Call 604-436-5400 during our open hours or email us for information help. We can connect you to community resources and services, give you reading recommendations, or walk you through our online resources and e-books and audiobooks. We’re available to help you with any question!
Home Library and Accessible Service
If you are unable to come into the library to borrow items, you may be eligible for home delivery. Visit Home Library and Accessible Service to find out about types of service available.
Last updated: December 4, 2020