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The Many Benefits of Your Richmond Public Library

Posted on: January 24, 2018

Richmond Public Library

 

Libraries in BC are free for residents of British Columbia and it’s very easy to become a member. The benefits are bountiful, much like this beautiful province of ours.

If you live in Richmond, BC, you can fill out this form, and bring one piece of photo identification, along with proof of your current address to any branch of the Richmond Public Library to receive your Library Card. Once you have your card, you’ll quickly learn that it is the best free gift you will ever receive.

In BC, libraries are so much more than borrowing books; the Richmond Public Library has an entire section of their website dedicated to newcomers to Canada. This Newcomers section is specifically designed to help you find information including:

Library Services

The Richmond Public Library (RPL) is a friendly and welcoming community gathering place that offers free access to books, newspapers, DVDs (in multiple languages), computers, study space, and events and classes for people of all ages. The library also provides free use of internet and computers; bookable equipment (3D printers, Kobo eReaders, and more) and bookable spaces; and home delivery service of library materials to elderly, disabled and homebound members who are unable to visit the library.

Settling into BC

RPL has put together a comprehensive Newcomers Guide, available online, to help you settle and learn about your new home. Information on finding a place to live, settlement services near you, transportation, getting your Canadian identification, information on banking and money, finding the right grocery stores, and more can be found here.

Improving your English

To help newcomer library members, RPL has collected ESL DVDs and books, as well as Duolingo to help you master English faster. RPL also offeres regularly scheduled conversation events, such as the ‘Mandarin, Cantonese and English Language Exchange Club 国语、粤语、英语语言交流会.’

Tourism Traveling

And, of course, you’ll want to discover all that your new home has to offer you. RPL has a link to featured Canadian Travel Guides, BC Travel Guides, right down to local Richmond Travel recommendations. These guides are available to borrow with your RPL Library Card. You will want to ensure that you have your Cultural Access Pass before you go exploring. This gift for new Canadian citizens provides FREE admission to more than 1000 of Canada’s cultural treasures from coast to coast. You can register and come to RPL to pick up your pass.

This is just a sampling of what your Richmond Public Library has for you. You’ll want to get your library card so you can experience its full bounty.