Library

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 or DONATE ONLINE

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

Register by emailing library@jccgv.bc.ca.

Third Thursday of the month at 1:00pm

Intergenerational Storytime

(All ages)
Thursdays: 10:15am – 10:45am
and 3:00pm – 3:30pm
Children and adults of all ages are welcome to join our interactive storytime, which includes books, storyboards, rhymes and actions, crafts or colouring and a light snack. We will offer a different theme every week, often featuring Jewish holidays and values.

Makeshift Makerspace

Sundays 11:00am – 1:00pm
Starting January 5, the library will be hosting a makerspace for the public! Some general supplies will be available, but we encourage you to bring your own projects and connect with other makers in our community: knitting, crocheting, quilting, jewellry-making, crafting, calligraphy.

Found Object Art

Sundays and Mondays
Everyone welcome. No artistic skills required! Stop by during library hours to make art out of found objects.
New project every week!

Purim Storytime and Crafts

Join us in the library for Purim stories and guided craft workshops! Drop-in. All are welcome.
10:00am-12:00pm
Monday, March 10
Tuesday, March 11
Wednesday, March 12
Thursday, March 13

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