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The Squamish Public Library and Squamish Arts invite local zine-makers to apply for the second annual Squamish Zine Fest. Read below for full details, click the link to download a PDF version of the Call for Artists, or download an accessible version here.

The event will take place: 

• at the Squamish Public Library 
• Saturday, February 21, 2026 
• 11:00 am – 3:00 pm for the public 
• Set-up starts at 10:15 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.  

Spaces available include ½ table (2.5’ x 2.5’) and full table (2.5’ x 5’). We will try to accommodate requests, but may not be able to give full tables to everyone, depending on space. 

All types of zine-makers are welcome and encouraged to apply. Print goods must remain the focus of your table, and if you are bringing other goods to sell, they must be approved in advance. 

Details: 

Zine-makers are expected to: 

• Set up their table display 
• Stay for the full four hours 
• Bring their zines to display, sell, swap, and talk about 
• The library will provide tables, chairs, refreshments 

If you would like to have table space with another zine-maker, you can apply as a group

Tabling fee is $20 day-of event (If you are unable to cover this cost, please let us know in your application) 

How to apply: 

Send an email with the subject line “Squamish Zine Fest” to rbergquist@squamish.ca. 

Please include: 

• A brief bio 
• Description of your zine/s 
• Any website or handle you want included in promotion
•  How much table space you prefer. Options: 

1. ½ table (2.5’ x 2.5’) 
2. full table (2.5’ x 5’) 

• Answer the following questions: 

1. Will you be selling your zines? 
2. Would you like to sell other items as well? 
3. If you’re applying as a group or collective, please provide contact information for everyone 

Deadline: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 

If you have any questions, email Rachel at rbergquist@squamish.ca. 

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. 

Our Kids Book Club is for children in grades 4-6.

Everyone who registers will get to borrow a copy of the book from the library one month before our meeting. Space is limited, so be sure to register!

On November 4, we will be discussing My Best Friend is Extinct by Rebecca Wood Barrett!

All Kids Book Club dates for 2025-2026 year:

• November 18, 2025
• February 3, 2026
• May 5, 2026
• August 11, 2026

We will announce upcoming books two months before each meeting.

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Join our nostalgia movie club!

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. 

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.

Browse Zines:

• Creative Arts
• Lifestyle & Hobbies
• Personal
• Social & Political

Donations 

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. 

Questions 

Please email library@squamish.ca for more info.

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:

• The Libby app

Join the Conversation

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.

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 Squamish Public Library hosts Squamish Climate Action Network’s Seed Library.

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.

How is the library organized?

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.
• Check out Squamish CAN website and Seed Library page.

Join the Squamish Seed Savers

Are you interested in collectively adapting seeds to our region to support biodiversity in our food system and community resilience?

Get in touch with Squamish CAN

Contact Seed Library Manager, Marie-ève (marie-eve@squamishcan.net) to get started.

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
• Table space is free

How to apply:

Send an email with the subject line “Squamish Zine Fest” to rbergquist@squamish.ca.

Please include:

• A brief bio
• Description of your zine/s
• Any website or handle you want included in promotion
• How much table space you require:
  • Option: ½ table (2.5′ x 2.5′) and full table (2.5′ x 5′)
• Answer the following questions:
  • Will you be selling your zines?
  • Would you like to sell other items as well?
• If you’re applying as a group or collective, please provide contact information for everyone

Deadline:

• Monday, March 17, 2025

If you have any questions, email Rachel at rbergquist@squamish.ca.

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.

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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.

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. 

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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.

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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.

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!

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.

Wool Weaving Workshops (week of June 14) 

Tuesday, June 15, 6:30-8:00 pm – waitlist

Wednesday, June 16, 6:30-8:00 pm – waitlist

Thursday, June 17, 6:30-8:00 pm – waitlist

Drum Making Workshops (week of  June 21) 

Tuesday, June 22, 6:30-8:00 pm – waitlist

Wednesday, June 23, 6:30-8:00 pm – waitlist

Thursday, June 24, 6:30-8:00 pm – waitlist

About

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:

• Phone: 604-892-3110
• Email: library@squamish.ca

Volunteers

If you are interested in volunteering for our Visiting Library Service, please review the Volunteer Position Description.

Read the Volunteer Position Description here.

Volunteer applications are currently closed. Sign up for our newsletter to hear about future opportunities.