Library Stuff

“Starting Tuesday, dozens of musical instruments, including  guitars, ukuleles, banjos, keyboards, xylophones and drums, will be available free to anyone with a library card as the Vancouver Public Library launches an innovative new lending program. The launch, fittingly, will be a musical event jam packed with talent, including Jacob Hoggard of Hedley, Mother Mother, Ryan & Molly Guldemond, as well as students from the Sarah McLachlan School of Music.” (via Vancouver Sun)

“This Tuesday marks 20 years since Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch on Robson and Hamilton streets opened its doors to the public. “[It’s] really a testament to the city’s interest in investing in its residents and lifelong learning,” said Sandra Singh, chief librarian at the Vancouver Public Library. Prior to 1995, the city’s main library was located on Robson and Burrard streets. That location is now the home of lingerie store Victoria’s Secret. “With the growth that was projected for Vancouver, there was no way [the old location] could continue to serve as the central library,” said Singh.” (via CBC)

“Vancouver Public Library’s downtown branch unveiled its brand new, custom-built digital media lab on Tuesday. The 7,500 sq. foot ‘Inspiration Lab’ features high-speed computers with the latest audio and video editing software and fully-equipped recording studios. “Libraries have always been about creating and sharing stories, ideas, information and cultural expressions — in a place that’s free and accessible to everyone,” said Christina de Castell, VPL’s director of collections and technology, in a news release.” (via CBC News)

“Vancouver’s downtown library — a nine-storey “Colosseum” that holds 1.3 million items and covers a full block at Georgia and Homer — is approaching its 20th anniversary, and with that will come some significant changes. The downtown branch, which is known as the Central Library, is being rearranged to make it easier for people to find books, as well as to create space for a new Inspiration Lab.” (via Vancouver Sun)

“Every year the Vancouver Public Library is asked by members of the public to remove some books from its shelves, books that have upset someone’s sensibilities, and in 2013 a children’s book by Dr. Seuss was among them. There aren’t a lot of formal requests for removal and they are almost always denied, but not before VPL takes a long, serious look at the book involved. Take the Dr. Seuss book If I Ran the Zoo, for instance. It seems laughable that a Seuss book, loved by parents and children alike, could offend anyone.” (via The Province)