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, or by emailing the Librarian to set up a guided tour.
2ND FLOOR – Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver
950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 2N7
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 and come up to the second floor. Our entrance is by the book carts! There is also an elevator access available.
Sunday:
10:00am – 2:00pm
Monday – Thursday:
10:00am – 6:00pm
Friday & Saturday:
Closed
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 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+.
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.
We inscribe donated books and create tribute cards for monetary donations at your request.
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.
For special gifts and donations, please contact the library directly.
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
May 1: Jews Don’t Count by David Baddiel
June 5: The 7 Deadly Myths: Antisemitism from the time of Christ to Kanye West by Alex Ryvchin
July 3: How to Fight Anti-Semitism by Bari Weiss
August 7: Antisemitism: Here and Now by Deborah E. Lipstadt
September 4: People Love Dead Jews by Dara Horn
Register by emailing library@jccgv.bc.ca.
Third Thursday of the month at 1:00pm
April 25: The Third Daughter by Talia Carner
May 16: Maus I and Maus II by Art Spiegelman
June 20: The Wolf Hunt by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen
July 18: The Blood Libel by Allan Levine
August 15: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
No artistic skills required! Stop by during library hours to make art.
Sundays and Mondays:
Make a craft out of found objects!
Monthly Feature: Storybook Craft
A kid-friendly matching craft for families to complete together.
Starting in May, the library is planning to offer a free drop-in knitting (and sewing, crocheting and embroidery) circle, open to all.
Participants are instructed to bring their own materials, though beginners are welcome, and there will be basic knitting needles and yarn available. This program is casual and will not have an instructor, but we highly encourage everyone to share their knowledge!
If you’re interested, please email library@jccgv.bc.ca so that we can gauge interest and continue to develop this program!
The library is pleased to offer iPad borrowing privileges to qualifying adult patrons who require a personal device. We are also happy to provide one-to-one assistance for those who have an iPad and are looking for IT assistance.
Email library@jccgv.bc.ca.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Encyclopedia Judaica (log in with your library membership number)
Call our team:
604-257-5111