Wide shot of the back of the library. On the left is a a colourful painted mural of an eagle flying in the sky against a large sun and mountain range, salmon swimming in a wavy ocean, and tall trees. On the right is a person standing at a window with a covered awning. They are wearing a bike helmet and have a bicycle with a baby trailer with them. On the very right is a notice board under glass doors.

Art at the Library

Did you know the Library is one of the only permanent public venues for showcasing art in Squamish? We’re proud to be able to showcase the work of talented artists from our community. These beautiful pieces inspire us every day, and we hope you take the time to appreciate them on your next visit.

Foyer Gallery 

The Foyer Gallery is dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary artwork, with new exhibitions six times a year. Artworks can be purchased and go toward supporting the Library and future gallery projects.  

The gallery also welcomes submissions from artists who would like to exhibit their work.

More about the Foyer Gallery
A man stands close to a glass and wood display case, inspecting the details of a sculpture. The case contains several sculptures ranging from small wood mushroom carvings to larger natural forms. Out of focus in the background, a woman can be seen looking at a hanging artwork.

Permanent Installations 

Eagle carving at Aox tanoyop Tse-tsob by X̠walacktun  

Location: Aox tanoyop Tse-tsob (BC Hydro Community Meeting Room), in Library foyer 

The doors to the Community Meeting Room bear a carving of two eagles by Skwxwú7mesh master carver X̠walacktun. Aox tanoyop Tse-tsob (pronounced Ay yuk tah noy up tsee tsahb) means “everyone is doing a good job” in Skwxwú7mesh Snichim, the Squamish language. In 1999, Elders of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) gave permission to use these words to name the BC Hydro Community Meeting Room where this carving is installed. Read more about this carving on Squamish Public Art’s website. 

Closeup of a circular wood carving mounted across a pair of wood doors. Within the circle are two eagle heads facing in opposite directions, carved in a Northwest Coast formline style.

Why the Salmon Come to Squamish Waters by Siobhan Joseph 

Location: North and East exterior windows of the Library 

Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw artist Siobhan Joseph created the art installation the wraps around the north and east side of the Library windows in 2021. The original work was selected from a call for artists and was completed in a traditional Coast Salish style. The art depicts the legend of how the salmon originally reached the Squamish waters for spawning season. Read more about this installation on Squamish Public Art’s website.  

Did you know the story behind this legend is also published as a book by Siobhan Joseph? Borrow it from the Library here!

An exterior view of a corner of the library building with a bright blue sky behind it. A decal of Siobhan Joseph's artwork 'Why the Salmon Come to Squamish Waters' wraps around the library windows, depicting one of the legends of the Squamish Nation.

Eagle and Salmon Mural by Erica and Maddy Phillips  

Location: Rear wall of the Library 

If you’ve ever picked up books from our outdoor holds window, you’ve seen this piece! Erica and Maddy Phillips of Phil Phil studio created it with support from the Squamish community. The artists (and sisters!) designed the piece and invited members of the community to come and help complete the mural. The design is inspired by the connections found within community and nature located within Squamish. Read more about this mural on Squamish Public Art’s website.  

A bold stylized wall-sized outdoor mural depicts a bald eagle soaring in front of the sun, a colourful river where red salmon swim and jump stretching below its keen eye. Parking bays are at the base of the mural wall and the Library drop-off window is to the right, with a bright blue sky overhead.

Donor Recognition Wall by Frances Solar 

Location: Foyer Gallery 

This woven metal installation was created by local artist Frances Solar. The artwork recognizes groups, businesses, and people who made major contributions toward the current Library building when it opened in 1997. Frances Solar, created woven sculptural forms to name these donors and honour their contributions. Read more about this installation on Squamish Public Art’s website. 

A close up of the details of Frances Solar's woven metal installation, with details such as indented text, spirals of metal wire and woven patterns of metal strips.

The Illuminated Community by Ciarra Saylor Douglas 

Location: Children’s area  

Look up in the children’s area and you can’t miss this colourful mural! Local artist Ciarra Saylor Douglas explains, “Community is something the library brings together and with this in mind I have chosen to use the visual metaphor of one of the strongest communities in nature, the hive and the honey bee. The hexagon is a beautiful shape, which organically brings connection. In creating this mural, I hope to bring a sense of creativity, discovery and inspiration to the place.” Read more about this mural on Squamish Public Art’s website. 

A painted mural in the kid's section of the Library reads 'Once upon a time' in large gold cursive script. The mural continues to the right in a trail of painted hexagons, with the smaller quote "A book is a device to ignite the imagination" by Alan Bennett painted in gold. Painted bumblebees and gold circles are peppered throughout the artwork, and bookshelves and seats are positioned below.

Metamorphosis & Strength by Ciarra Saylor Douglas 

Location: Teen area 

Flying above the shelves of our teen section is a stunning phoenix surrounded by butterflies. Artist Ciarra Saylor Douglas says, “I created this piece of art work to represent the changes this teen audience will connect with. The butterflies in there are fluttering beauty who have morphed and grown from one point in their lives to the next, along with the phoenix which is a beautiful and powerful symbol of creating oneself, which also brings joy and strength to the viewer.” Read more about this mural on Squamish Public Art’s website. 

A striking red, orange and yellow painted phoenix mural dominates the expanse of a wall above the tops of bookshelves. Painted blue butterflies are dotted above and below the phoenix, sharing the flight.

Squamish Public Library by Natalie Hapeshi

Location: Homepage

Natalie Hapeshi created the illustration for the homepage of our new website that launched February 3, 2026. It showcases the unique location of the Squamish Public Library between dramatic natural features. Echo Falls can be seen behind the building with Atwell Peak towering above. See more of her work on her website.

A digital illustration of Squamish Public Library in blues and teal with layers of purple mountains and Echo Falls rising behind it. The rugged and snow-streaked Atwell Peak rises highest in the skyline.