The Whistler Public Library (WPL) opened its new facility in January 2008. At 12,000 square feet, the new facility is four times the size of the previous modular–building and includes a children’s area (including a configurable room for children’s programs), a fireside reading area (with coffee and the latest periodicals), a meeting room, quiet study areas and an enlarged computer lab.
The new Library was constructed according to guidelines suggested by the Natural Step program and other key sustainability initiatives.
The WPL’s visitation rate is more than double the provincial average for communities of 8,000 – 30,000 with over 550 visits per day. The library serves a community of about 10,000 (population swells to 40,000 during weekends and peak seasons). It is a place where locals and visitors alike meet, participate in a variety of interesting educational programs, and borrow books, CDs, videos, DVDs or magazines.
American Friends of Whistler has made three grants to WPL:
- In November 2005, the AFOW made a a $10,000 grant to fund materials for the Children’s Collection.
- In 2007, the AFOW provided $50,000 of funding for naming rights to the Teen Room within in the new library as a memorial to Jeff Harbers, AFOW’s first president. Jeff was killed in a tragic plane crash in June of 2006. As the father of two children and an avid reader himself, he was keenly aware of the impact of public libraries on the quality of life in a community.
- In 2013, AFOW underwent a transition as Rod Rohda stepped down as President after seven years of extraordinary leadership. The board surprised him with a $15,000 grant to reconfigure the service area creating a warmer and more welcoming space.
For more information about Whistler Public Library visit their web.
American Friends of Whistler 