Library
Call for Volunteers
The Isaac Waldman Jewish Library’s Annual Telethon takes place over the summer. We need volunteers to help us make phone calls. Please contact Sol at: library@jccgv.bc.ca.
If you are interested in volunteering in another capacity or joining our steering committee, please contact the 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.
Book Club for Adults
June 18 at 1:30pm – Fagin the Thief by Allison Epstein
July 30 at 1:00pm – Happy New Years by Maya Arad
August 27 at 1:00pm – Twice by Mitch Albom
Everyone welcome to join! Email: library@jccgv.bc.ca to register.
Jewish Storytime for Families
For children under 7 and their caregivers.
Enjoy stories celebrating Jewish holidays, traditions, and themes throughout the year.
Tuesdays 3:30pm
June 9, 23, and 30
In July & August we go on break for the summer and will be back in September.
PJ Library Baby Storytime
For babies ages 0–2 and their caregivers
June 22, July 13, August 3, and August 31 at 11:00 am
Please note that a small drop-in fee may apply. For registration details and the most up-to-date information, visit PJ Library Vancouver’s Facebook events page or contact the library at library@jccgv.bc.ca.
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!
- Adult Fiction & Non-Fiction
- Children & Youth
- Hebrew Fiction and Non-Fiction
- Religious Prayer Books & Texts
- Newspapers & Magazines
- DVDs and CDs
- eBooks
- Audiobooks
OTHER RESOURCES:
Encyclopedia Judaica (log in with your library membership number)
Need help registering?
Call our team:
604-257-5111