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 historic 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 JCCGV, it is responsible for fundraising to maintain and build upon the collection of resources, offer programs and services, and waive membership fees and other library fees for members of the public. 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.

NEW Banned Book Club

(Teens and Adults)
3rd Wednesday of the month
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Discuss historically banned books with us. May contain difficult or explicit content.
September 18: Read your favourite Judy Blume book!
October 30: Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl OR Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation
November 20: Night by Elie Wiesel
December 18: The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

NEW BOOK CLUB Combatting Antisemitism

We will discuss Jewish authors’ writings on antisemitism, in an effort to learn about this topic on a deeper level. Everyone is welcome! The library will have two physical copies of each book and one eBook available on a first come first serve basis.

To register for Book Club email updates, please email library@jccgv.bc.ca.

First Wednesday of the month at 2:00pm

September 4: People Love Dead Jews by Dara Horn

JEWISH BOOK CLUB FOR ADULTS

Register by emailing library@jccgv.bc.ca.

Third Thursday of the month at 1:00pm

September 19: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

NEW Intergenerational Storytime

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.

Stitches in the Stacks

Sundays 11:00am – 12:00pm
A casual yarn & needlecraft drop-in group. Please bring your own materials. We encourage everyone to share their knowledge and make beginners feel welcome!

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!

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