Library Resources
Click on the thumbnails below to view examples of resources available through WELL.
Westcoast Early Learning Library (WELL)
Resource Library for Early Childhood Educators, ECE Students and Caregivers
The ECE curriculum library at Westcoast houses British Columbia’s most comprehensive, publicly accessible collection of materials related to early childhood education and care. Our collection of nearly 12,000 items includes a broad range of materials which support anti-bias education and recognize the human and cultural diversity around us. It also features professional development and student resources on a variety of topics including ECE theory and practice to program planning, child care administration and more.
The WELL is open to Early Childhood Educators, ECE students, caregivers, parents and all who are interested in quality early learning and care.
Contact us by email library@wstcoast.org or phone 604 709 5661 ext. 236
COVID-19 Update
We are now pleased to announce that we are allowing customers to browse and borrow from our collection at 2772 East Broadway!
Due to Covid 19 capacity restrictions, we ask that customers please keep browsing to a maximum of 30 minutes. Feel free to browse our online catalogue before your visit and ask library staff to help you locate resources. Library capacity will be restricted to ensure customer and staff safety. We appreciate your patience if you are asked to wait during busy times.
Our library opening hours will be:
Mon: 9:00-5pm
Tues: 9:00-5pm
Wed: 9:00-8pm
Thurs: 9:00-5pm
Fri: CLOSED
Sat: 9:00-4pm
Sun: CLOSED
Library card expired? No worries! Borrowing from our library is now FREE! Give us a call to update your membership on 604 709 5661 ext. 236.
Other helpful libraries include: The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS) Resource Collection and the Decoda Literacy Library.
Library Lending Policies
Find out more about our library lending policies including duration of loans, library card fees and more below:
- The Westcoast Early Learning Library card is free to all customers
- Limit of 10 resource items at any one time plus 15 books.
- The loan period is 4 weeks
- You may renew once for an additional 4 weeks if there are no holds on the item. Holds are limited to 10 at a time.
- All materials must be returned to the Westcoast Early Learning Library, located at 2772 East Broadway.
- Please return items in the same condition and packaging that they were in when you borrowed them.
- Personal items returned in library packages will be discarded or repurposed.
- We do not sanitize any materials. You may want to santize materials before use. All items should be returned clean and dry. Infant and toddler packages include cleaning instructions.
- Please check the contents of each package borrowed before you use it to ensure it is complete and in good condition. Report any missing or damaged items within 48 hours to avoid paying replacement fees.
- We reserve the right to use our discretion on borrowing limits in specific circumstances.
*A resource item is anything that is not a book.
- Fines are $.25 per item per day.
- Lost or damaged items must be replaced or paid for within 4 weeks. After this period, borrowing will be suspended until a resolution is reached.
- Replacement Costs:
- We accept good quality replacements, but please consult with library staff before purchasing items.
- A $10 admin fee will be charged on top of the value of lost or damaged items. Admin fees and fines will be waived for borrowers who replace missing items themselves rather than paying for them.
- Missing pieces and packaging: once returned, each package is counted and verified complete before it is re-shelved. Please count each item before returning. For all items except books, we charge $5 per missing piece or package (excluding materials with essential parts, which must be completely replaced).
Please help us maintain our library by:
- Keeping the floors and walkways clear
- Someone could trip and fall if resources are left on the floor
- Keeping the materials and toys in their packages until you get them home
- The best way to ensure you are taking a complete resource home with you is to keep all the pieces in the package while you are in the library
- Please take musical instruments home to play them
Borrowing Limits
There is a total limit of 10 reasource items plus 15 books. The loan period is 4 weeks and 1 renewal of 4 additional weeks. Go to your online library account or contact the library on 604 709 5661 ext. 236 to renew. Ask in the library for more information about specific limitations by resource collections.
Group Tours & Orientations
The Westcoast Early Learning Library (WELL) offers tours and orientations to help your work group or class become more familiar with our services and resources.
WELL Tour
- information about what the WELL has to offer
- Learn how to navigate the library catalogue
- Explore Resources that can enrich your practice
- Enjoy the free time to explore the library after the presentation
- Duration 20 to 30min
WCCRC Orientation
- Learn about Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre's programs and services
- Customize the orientation for your specific group needs for example students or community members.
- Duration 20 to 30min
- Maximum 20 people
- Contact library staff for details
To book a tour and/or an orientation please contact the library by email at: library@wstcoast.org