Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre

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Westcoast Early Learning Library (WELL)

Library Space Use – At a Glance

The Westcoast Early Learning Library (WELL) is a grab‑and‑go lending library designed for short, efficient visits. Our space supports selecting, borrowing, and returning resources so that many community members can access materials each day. Materials are meant to be explored at home, children remain with their caregiver at all times, and longer visits or gatherings cannot be accommodated. Library staff are happy to assist with library‑related questions and borrowing needs.

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 has thousands of quality purposely curated resources for early learning and play and 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, program planning, child care administration and more. 

If you are an ECE Instructor and would like to book a free WELL Tour or a WCCRC Orientation for your students, contact our library and we can work with you to schedule it.  Scroll to the bottom of this page
for more information.

 

*Effective April 1, 2025, new library memberships will be available to individuals who live, work or study in Vancouver.

 

Other helpful libraries include:

Library Lending Policies

Find out more about our library lending policies including duration of loans, library card fees and more below:

  • Effective April 1st. 2025, Westcoast Early Learning Library (WELL) is available for those who live, work or study in Vancouver.
  • 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 sanitize 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 $0.25 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:
  1. We accept good quality replacements, but please consult with library staff before purchasing items.
  2. A $5 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.
  3. 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).

Library Space Use

The Westcoast Early Learning Library (WELL) is a grab‑and‑go lending library, designed to provide quick, easy access to early learning resources for our community.

Our space supports short, efficient visits, allowing us to serve many community members throughout the day. To help keep the library calm, safe, and accessible for everyone, we ask all visitors to observe the following guidelines:

What to Expect When You Visit

  • Visits are intended to be brief and purpose‑driven, focused on selecting, borrowing, or returning materials.
  • Children must remain with their caregiver at all times while in the library.
  • Materials, toys, games, and learning resources need to remain packed and complete while inside the library.
  • Musical instruments and sound‑making resources are selected for meaningful exploration outside the library, at home or at child care programs.
  • Clear floors and walkways help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors.

Shared Use of the Space

The library’s layout and staffing model are designed to support efficient access, rather than extended stays. It also accommodates office space in the back, where our staff assist families in their search for child care, and going through the process of applying for Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB). For these reasons, longer visits or gatherings cannot be accommodated. This approach helps ensure fair access to shared resources for everyone who relies on the WELL and other important services.

Staff Support

Library staff are available to support library‑related needs, including:

  • Borrowing and returns
  • Finding resources
  • Answering questions about materials and policies

To ensure equitable service for all visitors, staff focus their time on library support and may be unable to engage in extended personal conversations while on duty.

Borrowing Limits

  • There is a total limit of 10 resource 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 at 604-709-5661 ext. 236 to renew.
  • Ask our library staff for more information about specific limitations by resource collections.

Library Resources

Click on the thumbnails below to view examples of resources available through WELL.

  • Young Children Magazine for ECD Professionals
  • Board Books for Young Children
  • Variety of Books For Children
  • Resources on early childhood play
  • Books for ECD Professionals
  • WELL Babies in Basket
  • WELL Sea Life Puppets
  • WELL Resource Kit - Multicultural Look At Families
  • Inclusiveness and Acceptance Kit
  • wooden puzzles for young children
  • One Tiny Turtle - Kit at WCCRC's Library
  • Musical instruments available at the WELL
  • Multicultural-dolls.jpg
  • felt board story - planets
  • Lady Bugs - Felt Board Items at the WELL
  • Boo Hoo felt board story
  • Good Night Owl Big Book
  • Hourglass timer
  • Coloured scarves in buckets at WELL
  • Library resource kits at the WELL
  • Shoes From Various Countries
  • early childhood development toys
  • Day Care or Preschool room inspiration
  • Labyrinth Game
  • Blocks at the Library
  • Books In The Westcoast Early Learning Library
  • Light Table Ideas for Play

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 free time to explore the library after the presentation
  • Duration 20 to 30 minutes

WCCRC Orientation

  • Learn about Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre's programs and services
  • Customize the orientation for your specific group needs; e.g. students or community members
  • Duration 20 to 30 minutes
  • Maximum 20 people
  • Contact library staff for more details 

To book a tour and/or an orientation, contact the library staff by email at library@westcoastfamily.org