Bright and modern, our newest location is at the Esquimalt Town Square.
Branch hours
| Monday Mon | 10:00 am to 6:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday Tue | 10:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Wednesday Wed | 10:00 am to 6:00 pm |
| Thursday Thu | 10:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Friday Fri | 10:00 am to 6:00 pm |
| Saturday Sat | 10:00 am to 6:00 pm |
| Sunday Sun | Closed |
Special features
- 24-hour library materials return
- Children’s area
- Bookable computers (8)
- Bookable study room (1)
- Bookable study pod (1)
- Free menstrual products
- The Lab
- Printing and photocopying
Location information
Branch accessibility
All GVPL branches, including ours, have wheelchair-accessible entrances, washrooms, and computers. The Central Branch has an elevator to access the second floor. We welcome service animals.
Getting here by transit
Take the 15 and 26 bus routes to get to this branch.
Bike and car parking
We have a bike rack to the left of the building.
Free parking is just a few minutes walk from the branch. Park behind the Archie Browning Sports Centre or along Lyall Street and Carlisle Street nearby. Patrons may also use the library parking stalls located to the left of the branch or in the underground parkade (access via Park Place) for up to two hours at no charge.
What’s at Esquimalt Branch
This library is a true community living room with a modern design and décor. The branch includes dedicated areas for children and teens, an interactive learning play structure, comfortable reading areas, and program space. Ask us anytime for help or suggestions for your next book, our friendly staff are here for you.
Branch signage
The Esquimalt branch features signage in both lək̓ʷáŋən and English. Developed in collaboration with xʷsépsəm Nation and Songhees language speakers and Elders, the sign includes šx̣ʷiméɬəɬ tə́ŋəxʷ, which translates to “Esquimalt land.” The signage reflects the ongoing presence, language, and cultural continuity of Indigenous communities in this place.
LIBRARY SERVICES
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English Conversation Classes and English Language and Learning
These classes provide newcomers with a welcoming environment to develop English skills.
Wednesdays | Weekly
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Family Storytime with Stay & Play
Enjoy fun-filled stories, songs, rhymes, and puppets, followed by 30 minutes of social time and free play
Summer Session (July 7 – August 15)
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Seed Library
Patrons can borrow seeds for vegetables, herbs, and flowers through the self‑serve Seed Library located at the Central Branch.
Ongoing
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Summer Reading Club
Explore Under the Sea with GVPL’s 2026 BC Summer Reading Club!
June 19 to September 5
The Lab
Turn old photos, home videos, and recordings into digital files at our free, easy-to-use digitization stations.
Library TechPlay toys
TechPlay educational toys introduce children to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) through fun, hands-on learning experiences. Whether designing a new circuit or coding a game, TechPlay empowers children to become active creators in the digital world, preparing them for the future.
Find these in our children’s area.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Friends of the Greater Victoria Public Library for the Play and Learn Pod. This structure is designed for children five and younger and supports the development of early literacy skills through play.
Fastfacts
Your library never closes online. Borrow audiobooks and ebooks anytime, day or night.