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
We're moving back!
In preparation for our move back to 2772 East Broadway, we will close the library for borrowing on December 10, 2020. If you would like to borrow before this date, please follow instructions for ordering items through our catalogue here: https://www.wstcoast.org/library and we will call you to make a collection appointment. The last date for placing orders for resources on our website will be December 7, 2020.
You may return items to the library by drop-in up to 3pm on December 15, 2020. Our drop-in return only hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm.
All items borrowed during this period will be due at the beginning of February 2021. We will contact you in the new year to arrange an appointment to return and collect new resources.
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.
We are excited to welcome you back to our ‘home’ in 2021!
COVID-19 Update
WELL resources are currently loanable by appointment only until further notice due to COVID-19.
To order library resources for pick-up, please sign in to our catalogue under ‘Search the Library’ below using your library card number and PIN (the last 4 digits of your phone number) and place up to ten items on hold (instructions). Once you have placed your hold(s), a member of library staff will contact you in due course to book an appointment for the collection and return of your resources. The library is open for scheduled borrowing appointments ONLY on Tuesday and Thursday 3-8pm.
If you have items at home and would like to return them to us, you can drop in for returns only Monday to Thursday 9am - 2:30pm . please call us on 604 709 5661 ext. 236 to arrange a return appointment out of hours.
We are not currently charging late fees and items currently on loan will continue to be renewed until we are able to fully reopen, so there is no need to arrange a return appointment if you do not feel comfortable visiting us at this time. Please ignore any automated emails you receive regarding your due date. We will contact you when we reopen fully.
*Please note that appointment times must be strictly adhered to due to Covid 19 precautions and we will not issue or return items outside of your allotted appointment.
eBooks
Find eBooks and online resources on the WELL website.
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 fee is $20 per year. Library membership fees are non-refundable.
- Limit of 30 items at any one time (no more than 15 resource items*)
- 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 3 at a time.
- All materials must be returned to the Westcoast Early Learning Library, located at 3665 Kingsway.
- 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.
- You may want to clean infant and toddler 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 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
- Thank you for supervising your children at all times
Borrowing Limits
There is a total limit of 10 items The loan period is 4 weeks and 1 renewal of 4 additional weeks. You must contact the library on 604 709 5661 ext. 236 to renew items, they cannot be renewed online. 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