Vancouver Public Library, Champlain Heights Branch

Once again first time at this newly renovated and relocated branch library from the previous inside the Champlain Mall 80's. Had not been to the new plaza since after high school from across Killarney High School in 1991. Today Aug. 2025 finally had the chance to check out the newly plaza and its business shops and its library relocated on the outside skirt of the plaza. Great Library!

Great little VPL library that is nestled in this small mall that is Champlain Square. The staff is very helpful and friendly, the facility is well lit, clean, organized, and surprisingly spacious. They even have a quiet room available for booking for meetings, or whatever activities brought forth by special interest groups.

Clean, organized, and surprisingly spacious little library. Various places to sit at a communal table to do some studying. It's great to study in the conference room when it is not booked and opened for anyone to use. Library Wi-Fi available and decent Shaw Open Wi-Fi signal.

On March 29th, just after 12 PM, my children and I—who are regular library users and proud bookworms—visited Champlain Heights Library, a place we’ve always loved. As a homeschooling family, the library is an important part of our learning journey. But what should have been a peaceful visit turned into an upsetting experience that left us feeling disrespected, unwelcome, and racially profiled.nnWe went to the front desk to check out a book, knowing there was a $19 overdue fee on my son’s account. The staff member who assisted us—an older white woman—was someone we had never met before. Her demeanor from the start was cold, harsh, and dismissive. She kept repeating, “Are you able to bring the books back?” even after we politely assured her that we could. She followed this with, “Do you have another card you can use?”—spoken with suspicion, not support.nnWhen I asked her to check my other son’s account Eli, she scanned his card and snapped, “Same—overdues,” while rolling her eyes. Her body language, tone, and repeated questioning made it clear we were not being treated like valued patrons. When I requested a receipt, she tossed it toward me without a word. I still responded, “Thank you, have a good day,” because I choose to model kindness and self-respect, even in uncomfortable moments.nnAs soon as we left, my children—both avid readers and gentle souls—immediately said, “Mammy, that woman was rude. She kept rolling her eyes at you.” One added, “She was racist.” And painfully, I had to agree.nnThis incident was especially hard because I am actively teaching my boys how to be responsible with the books and resources they borrow. It’s a process—and yes, it may take time. But it’s something we take seriously, and an opportunity for growth. What we didn’t need was judgment or condescension, especially in a public space that’s supposed to foster learning and inclusion.nnI want to be very clear that this was our first time encountering this particular staff member. Every other staff member at Champlain Heights Library has always been warm, respectful, and supportive. We’re incredibly grateful for those past interactions—which makes this incident even more disappointing.nnTo families of color: please know that even in Canada, discrimination still exists, often in quiet but painful ways—through eye rolls, tones, and subtle exclusion. Don’t let it silence you.nnWe will continue to visit our local library and take responsibility for our accounts. But we also believe in standing up and speaking out. Libraries should be safe, inclusive, and respectful for all families—especially those raising the next generation of readers.

It's been delightful to rediscover the VPL after a number of years! I love both the adult and the teen graphic novels sections! This branch in particilar is very spacious! There's books, movies, and video games for all ages! Highly recommended!