Since 1922, the Prince Rupert Library has played a key role in the community of Prince Rupert, providing residents a place to connect with each other and to the ever-changing world of information. Today, the Prince Rupert library provides along with the traditional book services, access to magazines, newspapers, DVDs, Audiobooks and eBooks, as well providing Internet services through free public WiFi and general use computers.
We are your public library, and are happy to serve Prince Rupert and the surrounding area, including Port Edward, Dodge Cove, Metlakatla, Lax Kw'alaams, Oona River, Kitkatla, and Hartley Bay. If you live in any of these areas, you are entitled to a free library card and free use of all our services.
Here is a look at some of the many services we currently offer:
Books and Magazines
We currently have over 67,000 books in our collection. And if we don't have the one you need, we can borrow it from another library in the province at no cost to you. More about our Interlibrary Loan Service [1]
We also carry over 125 different magazine titles and you can borrow back issues of these to read at home.
Reference Books and Services
We have a special collection of reference books that stay at the library, and are always available. We have access to several online databases that can be only accessed in the library, like car repair information, and magazine, periodical and journal articles. Others can be accessed at home by using your library card.
We can also order MedLine articles for you to purchase.
Just ask if you're having trouble finding the answers to your reference questions.
Talking Books
Our Talking Book Collection is growing in popularity as more people discover the pleasure of listening to stories on tape. Whether you're facing a long drive, or just like to have someone read to you while you enjoy your favorite hobby or wash a few dishes, check out our collection of new and classic titles. Using our download service, Library To Go [2], library patrons have access to a large collection of audiobooks and e-books.
Videos
We have a wide array of DVD and VHS videos for children and adults alike. We also have a large collection of instructional and informative videos on subjects ranging from learning another language to how to drywall. All videos are loaned out for 1 week and are free of charge.
Compact Discs
We have a wide assortment music CDs covering classical music, as well as ethnic, folk, country and popular.
Internet Access
The library has eight machines that are available for email, chat, surfing the Internet, reference research and homework use. All machines are available for a half-hour per day, free of charge. Additional time is $1.00 per extra half-hour.
Ask about purchasing one of our frequent user cards, which, when purchased, gives the user an extra free hour of computer time.
We also have a fax machine and a microfilm/microfiche reader/printer. We have microfilm for all issues of the Prince Rupert Daily News ever printed, as well as several other newspapers.
Northwest History Collection
Our Northwest History Collection contains books on the history of the Pacific North Coast, including many on our First Nations groups. Some of the books are very rare, and therefore all books must stay in the library, but are always here for everyone to enjoy. Please bring in picture I.D. to the library to gain access to the Northwest History Collection room.
Children's Services
We offer several programs for preschoolers during the school year, including Tales for Twos and Story Hour. During the summer, we offer a Summer Reading Club for school-aged children. All programs are free, but you must pre-register.