Library

The Isaac Waldman Jewish Public Library is open to both members of the JCC and the general public. If you aren’t a member, you can access the library by letting the membership desk know that you’d like to visit.

LOCATION

2ND FLOOR – Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver
950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver

Access to the library is through the parking lot on the east side of the building. Turn right at the membership desk to find the stairwell to the second floor. There is also an elevator access available.

LIBRARY HOURS

Sunday: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Monday – Thursday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Friday & Saturday: Closed

CONTACT

604-257-5181  library@jccgv.bc.ca

The Isaac Waldman Jewish Public Library (IWJPL) was opened to the public in 1994, thanks to the dedication of many local community members and volunteers. Its name honours the late Isaac M. Waldman, who worked as a structural and civil engineer, and was an ardent volunteer and generous supporter of local Israeli and Jewish non-profit groups. Mrs. Sophie Waldman donated the funds that enabled the library to open in memory of her husband.

IWJPL remains the only Jewish Public Library on Canada’s west coast, and operates as a vital community hub in Vancouver’s Oakridge neighbourhood, bringing people together and connecting them with Jewish history, culture and tradition. Today, the library hosts a collection of 17,000 books, mostly by Jewish authors and relating to Jewish topics, including a vast number of Hebrew books. It offers computers, iPads, space to read and work, games and toys. Library staff implement dynamic programs and services seasonally to serve children, teens, adults and adults 55+.

SUPPORTING THE LIBRARY

While the library is housed within and generously supported by the JCC, it is responsible for fundraising to maintain and build upon the collection of resources, offer programs and services, and waive membership fees. We continue to rely on donations, book sales (from the book cart outside of our door) and our community of dedicated volunteers to keep the library going strong.

Call us with your donation today: 604-257-5181

BOOK INSCRIPTIONS & TRIBUTE CARDS

We inscribe donated books and create tribute cards for monetary donations at your request.

BOOK DONATIONS

If you’re interested in donating books resources to the library, please email library@jccgv.bc.ca with a list or photo of the book titles (or a photo and description of the items). We accept donations based on what we need, and what we know will circulate well. Occasionally, we can accept items to sell on the book cart. Items must be in good condition and typically should have Jewish themes.

We are not currently accepting donations of Hebrew books, but Hebrew books are available to take or swap (one by one) for free at the library.

SPECIAL GIFTS

For special gifts and donations, please contact the library directly.

JEWISH BOOK CLUB FOR ADULTS

Facilitated by Helen Pinsky
Last Thursday of the month

Mar 26 at 1:00pm
Dog by Yishai Ishi Ron

Apr 23 at 1:00pm
The Safekeep by Yael Van der Wouden

May 28 at 1:00pm
Heart of a Stranger by Angela Buchdahl

Everyone welcome to join!
Email: library@jccgv.bc.ca to register.

Jewish Storytime for Families

Tuesdays 3:30pm – 4:00pm
We’re thrilled to bring back Jewish Storytime, with stories celebrating Jewish holidays, traditions, and themes throughout the year.

Free Hebrew Book Exchange

The exchange has moved to the first floor, across from the pro shop. If you have books in Hebrew that you would like to donate, or want to pick up a couple of books – check it out!

Materials in Hebrew

Did you know? The library has an extensive collection of materials in Hebrew.

• Audio books
• Movie DVDs
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Fiction
• Children’s picture books
• Young readers and teens
• Textbooks

COME UP TO THE LIBRARY TO BROWSE, READ & BORROW!

PHYSICAL COLLECTION

• Adult Fiction & Non-Fiction
• Children & Youth
• Hebrew Fiction and Non-Fiction
• Religious Prayer Books & Texts
• Newspapers & Magazines
• DVDs and CDs

DIGITAL COLLECTION

• eBooks
• Audiobooks

OTHER RESOURCES:

Jewish Guide to the Internet

Encyclopedia Judaica (log in with your library membership number)

Genealogy: The Complete Resource Guide