CUPE Local 391
170-111 Victoria Drive V5L 4C4 Vancouver, BC, Canada

My name is Leah and I work part-time as a Library Technician in the Programming and Learning department. Before the pandemic, you may have found me hosting an author reading or film screening at the Central Library, or leading a digital literacy class at one of VPL’s neighbourhood branches. I miss being at the Library and connecting with our patrons and community members. I also miss working alongside my amazing team to create and deliver exciting programs and events. While I am still waiting to return to work, I am proud of the innovation, dedication and creativity that staff are demonstrating as they adapt to the new normal. I look forward to being back at VPL soon! #wemissourlibrariestoo #vancouver #vancouverpubliclibrary

Hi, I'm Ginny! I usually work as a full-time library assistant at the Terry Salman branch inside the Hillcrest Community Centre. Currently I am working at the Central Branch because the Terry Salman branch hasn't been reopened! I love working at Central but I worry about my regular patrons from Terry Salman, and I wish all my colleagues could come back to work. One of the best things about Vancouver is how many library locations we have to serve our neighbourhoods. The people... most hurt by delays in library reopening are the people who already had the least mobility and least access to technology. We need our libraries fully reopened! If you want to see libraries reopen, sign on at https://www.betterlibraries.ca/ #wemissourlibrariestoo #vancouver #vancouverpubliclibrary

My name is Alex Friesen and I have been an auxiliary library public service associate for Vancouver Public Library since 2015. For the past two years I have been working towards my Masters of Library and Information Science at UBC, from which I graduated this Spring. I’ve worked countless customer service based jobs before this one, but never before have I had a job that made me feel so at home, and I hope someday to work as a children’s librarian at VPL. I miss going into ...work not knowing what the day would hold, not knowing who I would meet that day or what things I might learn, whether it was from a book, a coworker, or a patron. I miss taking a moment while building a children’s book truck to flip through the latest Elephant & Piggie series and undoubtedly laugh out loud (because those books are enjoyable for all ages!). I miss being a part of something that is bigger than I am, but the thing I miss most about the library is the people - both the staff and the patrons - because a library can’t exist without either. If you want to see libraries reopen, sign on at https://www.betterlibraries.ca/ #wemissourlibrariestoo #vancouver #vancouverpubliclibrary

Hello, our names are Christy and Liza. We are Library Assistant IIIs in the Circulation Department at the Central branch of Vancouver Public Library. We have been back at work for a few weeks, and have been welcoming patrons back to the Central branch since Tuesday July 14th. We work in the Circulation office, where we handle phone calls and emails from the public; support the staff working on the public service desks; take care of scheduling and payroll; and generally, troub...leshoot for patrons, staff and equipment problems. Although we are happy to be back at work, serving library patrons in person, we know many people are concerned and confused as to why their local branches are not open as well. We are looking forward to having all staff back to work, offering equal access to the branches and services across Vancouver. If you want to see libraries reopen, sign on at https://www.betterlibraries.ca/ #wemissourlibrariestoo #vancouver #vancouverpubliclibrary

Our members are very excited to welcome our communities back into a few of our libraries! They provide unique services that are vital to those that rely on them. However, we know that it is important for every neighbourhood in Vancouver to be able to access their local library so we want to see all of our branches open safely and as soon as possible! Visit the site below and join the call that reopening libraries should happen NOW! #Wemissourlibrariestoo #Vancouver #VancouverPublicLibrary #Betterlibrariesbettercommunities