About GVPL
Greater Victoria Public Library has been a part of the community since 1966. We’re a place where people come to connect, discover, and imagine. Today, our 12 branches serve over 350,000+ residents across the region.
Each branch reflects the community around it, with collections, spaces, and programs for all ages. Whether you’re learning new skills, staying informed, or spending time with family, the library supports your lifelong learning. Our people are at the heart of what we do. Our staff are here to help you find what you need, or maybe something you didn’t know you were looking for.
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Our impact
We believe everyone deserves access to knowledge, resources, and community. With a library card, you get access to dozens of free services and resources.
Vision, purpose, and values
Learn about the library’s vision, purpose, and values and the impact we make in our community.
- Collaboration: we engage and work in partnership to meet community needs
- Inclusiveness: we respect diversity and provide open access for all in welcoming physical and virtual spaces
- Service excellence: we provide a high-quality library service that is responsive to the community
- Innovation: we commit to continuous improvement in library service delivery
- Intellectual freedom: we uphold the Canadian Federation of Library Association’s position on intellectual freedom and the equitable access to and exchange of information, ideas, and creativity
- Public accountability: we make transparent decisions that are fiscally sound and measurable
- Sustainability: we deliver reliable and relevant services and remain resilient in times of change
Our promise to you
Everyone deserves to access what GVPL has to offer. We strive to be a place for inspiration, imagination, and community. This is what keeping that promise means to us.
Strategic priorities
We invest in people and culture to build an inclusive, collaborative community with meaningful impact.
We’re committed to reconciliation
Greater Victoria Public Library’s service area is located on the unceded traditional territories of the Songhees and Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nations, the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations of SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) and W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), and the SC’IȺNEW (Beecher Bay) Nation. Colonization and systemic racism continue to impact Indigenous peoples today. In recognition of this history, we are committed to advancing reconciliation.
We’re committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility
Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) principles guide everything we do at GVPL. Everyone has the right to read, learn, and connect in ways that feel welcoming and respectful. As our community grows and changes, we continue to adapt so we can serve you better.
Give to GVPL
A gift to your local library helps keep knowledge free and accessible to everyone. Your support strengthens an essential community space for kids, students, and lifelong learners.
Fastfacts
Your librarians have monthly book talks on CBC’s All Points West. Tune in on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. You’ll hear lively conversations and great reading recommendations.