Ellyn is a wood artist based in Brackendale, British Columbia, on the traditional territories of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). Her work explores the intricate relationships within natural ecosystems, drawing inspiration from her past scientific studies on topics ranging from Arctic permafrost to coastal predator-prey dynamics.
Through Ellynwood Designs, she transforms salvaged wood into detailed pieces that reflect the quiet magic of nature. Guided by concepts of minimalism and circular economy, Ellyn uses upcycled materials and non-toxic finishes to minimize impact and create art that honours the environment.
Sue is a wildlife photographer driven by a deep love for observing animals in their natural environments. Her quiet patience and intuitive understanding of animal behavior allow her to get up close and capture intimate, expressive moments that reveal the true essence of her subjects. Through her lens, she documents not just appearances, but the spirit of the creatures she encounters.
From November through February, Sue devoted her time to capturing the magical moments of these eagles. The result is The Many Faces of the Squamish Eagles, a striking collection that showcases the beauty, power, and personality of these birds.
Bring your blankets and get comfortable at the library as we host a screening of the most definitive movies of the 80s and 90s.
Romance, dramas, thrillers and horror, come revel in the memories and nostalgia as we present a new classic every month.
Please ensure to check movie ratings before you register for the event. Some of the movies shown may not be suitable for younger viewers. As we are watching movies that were made in the 80s and 90s, note that there may be outdated depictions, language, or cultural references that reflect the time period in which the movies were produced.
This summer, join the Summer Reading Club (SRC) at the Squamish Public Library! This free program is designed for kids ages 5-14, and encourages reading all summer long. When kids participate in SRC, they will get special reading recommendations, have the opportunity to come to fun weekly events, and earn a medal!
Thanks for a fantastic summer! Medal pick up will take place August 26 – September 6. Anyone who completed their reading record can come pick up a medal.
Once you’ve read all summer long, come pick up your medal!
We welcome you!
Can’t join in-person? The BC Summer Reading Club hosts an online program all summer long. You can register online here! Please note this is a separate program from our in-person SRC, but online participants can earn digital badges and a medal at the end of the summer.
The library hosts a Teen & Adult Summer Reading Club for everyone 13+. See the details here.
There will always be a craft and activities at the library for kids of all ages.
The purpose of the Zine Collection at the Squamish Public Library is to provide the community with a variety of contemporary zines across a diversity of viewpoints and subject areas. Through this collection, the library also aims to encourage expression and creativity within the community.
The collection prioritizes zines made locally, and zines relevant to local issues, topics, and events.
What is a Zine?
A zine (pronounced “zeen”) is a DIY, low-budget, self-made, small publication. In a zine, anyone can write, print, and distribute their story, ideas, or art however they want to. Unlike traditional publishing, zines are the final product of the individual creator or group and are often copied and distributed at low cost using photocopiers.
There is no one commonly accepted definition of a zine, but for the purpose of our collection we define zines as:
Self-published.
Published in small quantities.
Not published solely for commercial profit.
A physical product. Some zines are published virtually, but we collect print copies only.
Selection Criteria
Selection of materials will follow the guiding principles in our Library Collection Policies (Policy Manual, Section 5). When selecting zines specifically, we will also consider:
Inclusion:
Zines that promote inclusivity, equity, and representation of diverse voices, cultures, and experiences.
Local Representation:
Priority will be given to zines created by local artists and those that highlight issues, topics, and events specific to the local community.
Relevance:
Zines that address current or enduring social, cultural, and political issues.
Physical Condition:
Zines that are in good physical condition.
Size:
Preference for zines no bigger than 5.5” x 8.5”.
Circulation
Zines will be available for browsing and reading in the library only, and not available to check-out. Zines are all fully catalogued and browseable here.
Are you a zine-maker with a zine to donate to the library? We will happily consider including it in the Zine Collection! The library accepts zine donations but cannot guarantee that donated items will be added to the collection. Zines added to the collection must be in good condition and fit within our broader Library Collections Policies.
Discards
To keep the collection useful, the discarding of library materials is as important as the initial selection. This collection is not archival in nature and the library may discard zines that are deemed no longer appropriate for the collection based on relevancy and/or condition.
Starting on April 1, hundreds of participating Canadian public libraries will offer free, unlimited access to Valid by Chris Bergeron in eBook and Audiobook as part of One eRead Canada. Valid will be available in English and French without holds or waitlists throughout April 2025.
About Valid
Set in a disturbingly transfigured Montreal in the year 2045, Valid is a monologue delivered over the span of eight hours by Christelle, a seventy-year-old trans woman forced to live as a man in order to survive. Speaking to her captor, an ever–more powerful AI, she turns the tables and mounts her own revolution by showing her truest self. Part autofiction, part dystopic speculation on an all-too-possible future characterized by corporate power, ecological collapse, and political havoc, Valid is an ambitious work that is as much philosophical as it is confessional.
About Chris Bergeron
Chris Bergeron is diverse and fluid: after beginning a career in journalism and eventually winding up at the helm of the weekly cultural magazine Voir, she now dedicates her artistic vitality to Cossette, a leading global marketing agency.
She offers speaking engagements on leadership, diversity, inclusion, and trans rights.
Chris lives in Montreal.
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From April 1 through April 30, 2025, you’ll be able to download Valid as an eBook or audiobook with no holds, no waitlists, via:
Join the Facebook group and the follow One eRead Canada on Instagram OneeReadCanada to chat about the book with other people across Canada who are also reading Valid.
There will also be two online events scheduled during the month: Stay tuned for links and info!
About One eRead Canada
Launched in 2019, One eRead Canada is an annual initiative by the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC) to promote digital reading through public libraries, while also raising awareness about issues that libraries face in providing access to eBooks and audiobooks.
Chris O. Bennett is a contemporary landscape artist based in Squamish since 2016. Specializing in oil and watercolour painting, he captures the unique light and atmosphere of the high mountains, where solitude and nature converge.
Through his work, Bennett transports viewers into the scene, allowing them to experience the tranquility and inspiration of these moments. Using Winsor & Newton oil paints, he creates depth and dimension in his landscapes, drawing inspiration from the breathtaking views encountered during hikes in the surrounding wilderness.
Capilano’s University Community Development and Outreach Department (CDO) offers various programming to reach out to those not served by their campus based programs; those who are often socially excluded in many parts of our community.
CapU CDO Programs at the library:
Family Circle
Newcomer Conversation Circle
English Learners Book Club
Programs run September to June. Registration is all done via Capilano University.
For more info and to register, visit our event calendar.
Spring Break is March 15-30! Over those two weeks, the library will have programs for kids, teens and families. See what’s going on below to find something for you!
The Seed Library is set up to be completely self-serve, and information about how to become a member, how to save seeds, and other local gardening resources are provided by Squamish CAN. The Seed Library located across from the front desk, next to the boardgames section.
Why have a Seed Library?
It enables us to collectively adapt seeds to our Squamish climate, so we will have homegrown varieties that grow well where we live. In the event that our global climate changes substantially, we hope that different communities can swap seeds that are adapted to growing well in different climates. Diversity means resilience!
How do I use the Seed Library?
For an optional annual donation of $5, anyone can become a member. A membership to the Seed Library grants you unlimited access to any of the seeds we have available.
Please take 2-3 seeds for every plant you intend to grow this season. Example: if you would like to grow 3 tomato plants this year, take 6 to 9 seeds. For super small seeds, take a pinch.
Squamish CAN provides envelopes for you to take your seeds home. Label your envelope with as much info as you can about the seed: the seed company or who grew them, year, variety, Latin name, days to maturity, any growing notes, etc., so that if you bring seeds back, you can pass on that info to the next grower.
How is the library organized?
The varieties are divided in 18 groups, you will see them written on the drawers and on the baskets inside the drawers.
The “Easy”, “Moderate”, and “Advanced” labels on each family indicate how easy it is to get true seed from the plants, not how easy the plant is to grow. Getting true seed means that the parent plant has not crossed with another variety, and the offspring plants will grow into the same plant as the parent. More info on that below.
How can I learn more?
Keep an eye out for seed-saving workshops!
Follow Squamish CAN on Facebook or sign up for their newsletter for updates.
The Squamish Public Library and Squamish Arts hosted the first ever Squamish Zine Fest on April 5, 2025.
Huge thanks to the incredible zine makers who shared their work! Watch this Rogers TV video feature or scroll down for photos of the event.
Event Photos
Photo credit: Brian Aikens
Event details
Saturday, April 5
12:00 – 3:00 pm
Squamish Public Library, Community Meeting Room
Free
Come meet local zine-makers who will be displaying, selling, swapping, and talking about their zines! There will be all types and levels of zine-makers from the Sea-to-Sky and Lower Mainland areas.
A zine (pronounced “zeen”) is a DIY, low-budget, self-made, small publication, that is not created solely for commercial profit. Zines can amplify underrepresented voices, challenge the cultural mainstream, and take many forms, from personal reflections to comics to social commentary.
Zine Collection Launch
The library will also be unveiling our brand new Zine Collection. Zines will be available to read for in-library use.
Come check it out!
This event is free and open to the public. Don’t forget to bring cash and change so you can buy some zines!
Family and Baby Storytimes are a great way to meet other parents and learn new songs and rhymes. The little ones will love the time spent with you and will learn important skills that help with language development and literacy.
Family Storytime:
Babies to preschoolers and their caregivers are welcome.
Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 10:30-11:00am.
Baby Storytime:
Meet other new parents/caregivers and have fun with your baby.
Tuesdays and Fridays, 11:30am-12:00pm.
Join us for an interactive half-hour filled with singing, rhymes, movement, and of course, reading.
Registration is not required. Check out event calendar for cancellations.
Storytime Lyrics
Want to learn the lyrics? You can download them to use at home.
The Squamish Public Library and Squamish Arts invite local zine-makers to apply for the first annual Squamish Zine Fest.
The event will take place:
at the Squamish Public Library
Saturday, April 5, 2025
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm for the public
Set-up starts at 11:15 am
Squamish Zine Fest is a community event that celebrates zines and DIY culture. We want to create a space that promotes expression, accessibility, learning new skills, and making new connections within our community.
The library will also be launching our new Zine Collection at this event.
All types of zine-makers are welcome and encouraged to apply. Zines must remain the focus of your table, but if you are bringing other goods to sell they must be approved in advance.
Details:
Zine-makers are expected to:
Set up their display
Stay for the full three hours
Bring their zines to display, sell, swap, and talk about
The hosts will provide tables, chairs, refreshments
If you would like to have table space with another zine-maker, you can apply as a group
The library aims to create an accessible environment for everyone. If there are accommodations that would make it easier for you to apply, please let us know.
Terms and Conditions
Interested artists are advised that the Squamish Public Library is not obliged to select any artist or accept any of the artists’ proposals and may reject all proposals. Each artist is advised, and by the submission of a proposal, agrees that the Squamish Public Library will not be responsible for any costs, expenses, losses, damages (including damages for loss of anticipated profit) or liabilities incurred by the artist as a result of or arising out of submitting a proposal, or due to the Squamish Public Library’s acceptance or non-acceptance of their proposal, or arising out of any contract award not made in accordance with the expressed or implied terms of the artist call. Until a written contract in a form satisfactory to the Squamish Public Library is executed by both the Library and artist, and all necessary insurance coverage is secured, no legal rights or responsibility shall be created between the artist and the Library.
Confidentiality of Submitted Documents
The Library will make every effort to maintain the confidentiality of each application and the information contained therein except to the extent necessary to communicate information to staff for the purposes of evaluation and analysis. The Library will not release any of this information to the public except as required under the Province of British Columbia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or other legal disclosure process.
The library’s Sensory Kits are meant to support those with a variety of sensory needs. Our kits contain fidget materials, calming items, and communication tools.
If there is anything missing from our kits that you would find useful, please let the library know.
The Teen Advisory Committee helps advise the library on services to teens in Squamish, plan programs, help library staff with programs and projects, and get volunteer hours.
Teens between the ages of 14-18 are welcome to join! Snacks are provided.
Want to join?
Email library@squamish.ca with your resume and a letter telling us why you’d like to join.
Check out our new Squamish Public Library’s tote bags with artwork by Squamish-based artist Steffi Lai!
These tote bags have an inside pouch, key clip, and top zipper. There’s room to hold so many books.
How much?
$30.00
Where to buy?
To purchase, please come to the library front desk. We accept cash, credit, or debit.
All proceeds go to supporting the Squamish Public Library.
About the Artist – Steffi Lai
A lot of Steffi Lai’s work is motivated by her passion for illustration. She incorporates this with her arts education background and her interests into her projects, and she values the importance of art foundations in design.
She is lucky to have been able to grow up here in the pacific northwest, where her current inspirations come from – its lush forests, majestic mountains, dark mysterious oceans, and the many creatures that dwell within them.
She has always found an appreciation for the life cycles of the natural world, finding beauty in decay and its contribution to new growth. When she’s not illustrating or designing, she loves to drink tea, venture outside, climb rocks, delve into true crime and the macabre, and collect all things cute, strange, and unusual. Steffi is humbled and grateful to be able to live and work in Squamish, BC, which is located within the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw traditional territories.
The Mill is an ongoing multimedia investigation into the forestry industry in British Columbia by artist Russell Gendron. The project uses sound-art and quilting to highlight first hand accounts of workers’ experiences in forestry on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory and around the province.
Visitors to the exhibit will hear sounds and stories associated with working in forestry including, environmental soundscapes, music made from machine noises and voices talking about daily tasks, industry closures, first experiences at work and much more.
Also on display are quilts made from forestry worker’s clothing. These quilts are made from donated materials and help bring the personal and intimate nature of the voices and sounds into the physical realm.
Find more detailed information about this project, and listen to the sound piece here.
On display now until November 16, 2024.
About the Artist:
Russell Gendron is an artist whose practice includes music, quilting, sound mapping and photography. He enjoys wandering around and chatting with others and then trying to translate this subtle and serene material into art.
Born in Vancouver, from ages eleven to sixteen Russell worked at a sawmill during the summers and on weekends. This was a formative period for him and inspired his project The Mill. He lives in Montreal.
BC born multi-disciplinary artist and author Laurence Ramsay, creates surrealist hope-punk, solar-punk, and neo-futurist inspired works that seek to blend the line between where the urban and natural meet.
Believing as an artist that we as a society won’t move forward until we can find a peaceful merger between technological advancement and living in rhythm with the natural cycles of our planet, his work is inspired by aspects drawn from the beauty of the natural world, geometry, urban cityscapes, street art and urban movement practices, pagan spirituality and witchcraft, death, fringe subcultures, and the queer experience of living on the edges of society.
Ramsay uses spray paint, utilizing street art techniques drawn from graffiti and street art, as well as improvisational flow techniques, and general controlled chaos to bring his vibrantly coloured canvases to life.
Laurence Ramsay’s debut novel KYN is on sale now wherever books are sold.
July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the strength and diversity of individuals with disabilities.
Over 1 billion people comprise the global disability community, the most expansive and diverse minority group globally. People with disabilities are represented by all ages, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and socio-economic brackets.
Did you know that 27% of Canadians over the age of 15 have a disability, and that over 50% are expected to experience a disability at some point in their lives?
At our library, we invite you to learn more about disabilities through our dedicated book display and by taking our quiz. Test your knowledge and discover new insights!
Explore our diverse booklists:
Accessibility at the Library
Accessibility at the library is a priority for us. We strive to ensure that our space and services are accessible to everyone, including those with print disabilities. Learn more about our accessibility features and specialized services.
Celebrate With Us!
Visit us to explore a diverse collection of books, films, and resources that promote pride, understanding, and inclusion. Join us in honoring Disability Pride Month as we strive to build a more inclusive community together!
The Squamish Public Library has materials for all ages to learn about Indigenous peoples, culture, and history, including the Indian Residential School experience and the ongoing Truth & Reconciliation process.
Below you will find suggested resources, both from the library and elsewhere.
Booklists for Adults
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
Resources, history, and interviews related to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) members, customs, traditions, and history, as well as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Snichim (Squamish language) information and resources.
A selection of library materials relating to the Residential School experience in Canada, including first person accounts from survivors, and the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Children’s books that reflect on the residential school experience in different ways. These have all been identified as age-appropriate for children under 12.
Explore and contribute to the interactive map of the Indigenous Languages, Arts and Heritage in B.C.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) published its final report detailing the experiences and impacts of the residential school systems.
One outcome of the report was a document detailing 94 calls to action across a wide range of areas.
Indigenous Canada Open Online Course is a 12-lesson free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada.
Indigenous Podcasts
Vancouver Public Library Indigenous Storyteller in Residence Kung Jaadee shares this list of top podcasts by Indigenous creators keeping the storytelling tradition alive.
Squamish Nation Stories from the Heart
This six-part Squamish Historical Society documentary, Stories from the Heart, opens a window on the Squamish Nation from the early 20th century to the present, through original video footage, archival and family photos and personal reminiscences.
First People of the Pacific Northwest: The Photography of Edward S. Curtis
This Squamish Historical Society video documentary is based on selected images of Indigenous People from the State of Washington, British Columbia, and the coast of Alaska, captured by frontier photographer Edward S. Curtis between 1896 and 1930, during his journey across North America.
PAST EVENTS
In 2021, the library honoured the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, by listening to Squamish Nation Elders. You can watch the recording of Honouring Residential School Survivors online:
Namwayut – An Evening with Chief Robert Joseph (recording) On April 12, 2023, we had the honor of hosting Chief Robert Joseph in Squamish to speak about his new book Namwayut: A Pathway to Reconciliation. Chief Joseph spoke about his experience at St. Michael’s Indian Residential School, his own immense work towards Reconciliation, and his vision for Canada and the world if we all take part in Reconciliation work. You can watch the recording of the event online:
June is Indigenous History Month! To celebrate, the Library will be hosting Tsawaysia Spukwus of the Squamish Nation for a series of hands-on workshops including wool weaving and drum making.
All workshops will be free and online, and all materials will be provided for participants! Everyone is welcome to attend, and registration is required.
Squamish Nation member and educator Tsawaysia Spukwus (Alice Guss) is masterful at bringing innovative learning opportunities to all people through workshops, drumming, singing, dancing and storytelling.
There are three different dates for each workshop. Choose the one that’s best for you!
To register for a workshop, click the date and time you want.Please only register for each program once.
Our Visiting Library Service provides free home delivery of library materials and resources for home-bound members of the community. Through this program, volunteer library ambassadors provide personal phone calls and connections to patrons, reserve and deliver library materials and resources.
If you are home-bound and would like to receive a monthly delivery of library materials, please contact the library:
