All GVPL branches will be closed on Wednesday, September 30, for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

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GVPL alerts

  • Due to scheduled system maintenance, the online catalogue, My Account, online library card sign-up, and some digital collections will be unavailable from 7:30 pm on Wednesday, September 23, to 5:30 am on Thursday, September 24.

  • All GVPL branches will be closed on Wednesday, September 30, for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Esquimalt Branch

Bright and modern, our newest location is at the Esquimalt Town Square.

101-503 Park Place, Victoria B.C. V9A 0H6
Entrance of Esquimalt Branch

Branch hours

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
interior of esquimalt branch

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.

Accessibility at GVPL
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. 

a library assistant sits at a computer and smiles at the camera. A video recorder hooked up to the computer is sitting on the desk in front of her and there is an instruction manual on the desk with images of the recorder. The computer monitor shows a media player window displaying an outdoor scene with a row of trees and the side of a building.

LIBRARY SERVICES

Use a public computer

We have computers for everyone to use, free of charge. Book one for up to an hour, or hop onto any open computer until the next reservation begins. We also have Express computers available in 15-minute time slots for quick tasks.

Drop in and use any available computer.

Book a study room or pod

Study rooms and pods offer a private place to meet, work, and collaborate for up to two hours at a time.

Book in-person at our front desk.

Go online

Enjoy fast, free Wi-Fi throughout the library on your own devices. If you need help getting online, just ask us for help.

Just ask at our front desk.

Print and photocopy

You can print from any library computer. In a hurry? Book a computer ahead of time for quicker printing. Black-and-white and colour printing and photocopying are available at all GVPL branches. Just keep an eye on the time as computers automatically shut down 15 minutes before closing.

Drop in and use any available computer.

Pick up a hold

Place a hold on any book or item in our online catalogue and pick it up at the branch most convenient for you. Every branch has a Holds section for reserved books, often located right near the entrance

Borrow a book

Newcomer supports

We help newcomers navigate life in Canada. You don’t need to be eligible for federal settlement services to get help. Join a conversation class, ask questions, or get free information and support for newcomers.

Find services for newcomers

Help with job searches

Stuck on the job hunt? We can help! Get directions on the right places to look for jobs and help finding reliable resources on writing resumes.

Just ask at our front desk.

Help with research

While we can’t write your essay for you, we can help you find great sources for your research. Let us help guide you to reliable and specialized information on any topic. We can show you how to find what you need in academic journal databases, historical archives, and trusted websites.

Just ask at our front desk.

programs AND Events
  • Culture Days wording in colourful letters overtop of hands creating paper crafts with paper, glue and pastels.

    Culture Days

    Celebrate Culture Days with hands-on paper crafting fun. Make thank-you cards, puzzle purses, infinity cards, and more using simple materials and your imagination. Everyone is welcome!

    September 18 to October 3

  • Adults reading books

    Fall programs for adults

    Discover new interests, learn new skills, and connect with others through our exciting lineup of adult programs.

    September to November

  • Child colouring on table

    Fall programs for children

    Explore our exciting lineup of programs designed to inspire creativity, encourage exploration, and keep kids engaged all season long.

    September to December

  • Overhead view of young hands holding a coloured pencil while drawing in a collaged journal full of stylized words and drawings.

    Fall programs for tweens and teens

    Unleash your creativity, meet like-minded people, and discover new hobbies through arts, writing, gaming, and more!

    September to November

  • a woman reads to a young child who is in her lap

    Fall programs for young children

    Join us to play, learn, and make memories together while helping your child build a lifelong love of reading and discovery.

    September to December

  • children in a library at storytime

    Family Storytime with Stay and Play 

    Enjoy fun-filled stories, songs, rhymes, and puppets, followed by 30 minutes of social time and free play.

    Fall Session (September 15 to October 31)

  • Carved pumpkins at night with a candle

    Halloween at the Library

    Spooky stories, crafts, and Halloween fun for all ages!

    October 23 to 31

  • Someone pours peas out of seed packet into open hands

    Seed Library

    Patrons can borrow seeds for vegetables, herbs, and flowers through the self‑serve Seed Library located at the Central Branch.

    Ongoing

See what’s happening
a woman using what appears to be a film holder that is holding film negatives. there is a computer monitor behind her

The Lab

Turn old photos, home videos, and recordings into digital files at our free, easy-to-use digitization stations.

Book The Lab

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.

Three children, two boys and a girl playing an interactive game of Code and Go Robot Mouse, on a library table.

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.

Digital collections