Read, learn and play with VPL!

Aug. 27, 2021 10:00 a.m.
City of Vaughan
​Vaughan Public Libraries continues to enhance in-person and online offerings for the community

COVID-19 has changed many things, including the ability to visit your local library. But Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) did not let the pandemic slow services down. Enhanced experiences. Online programming. Digital databases. Safe reopenings. These types of offerings and many more continue to be provided to the Vaughan community – and the community loves it!
 
July was a busy month for VPL. First, its three resource branches – Bathurst Clark, Civic Centre and Pierre Berton – reopened on July 2 in accordance with provincial Step 2 protocols. Within that month, a total of 34,776 people enjoyed in-person library services at these locations. While the return of in-person services is exciting, the City reminds residents to remain vigilant and follow public health guidelines when visiting VPL, including physically distancing at least six feet (two metres) from others, wearing a mask or face covering, and thoroughly washing and sanitizing hands.
 
As well, VPL’s website – vaughanpl.info – was in high demand in July. About 135,000 people visited the site, which is a four per cent increase from this time last year. In addition, over the past three months, it saw its highest percentage of new visitors – 35 per cent of all online users were first timers!
 
Some popular VPL programs that contributed to this success include:
  • Virtual Science Fair: The second annual Virtual Science Fair saw about 4,000 site visits since its launch in May. A total of 32 participants submitted projects for judging.
  • The Teen Summer Challenge: Taking place until the end of August, the Teen Summer Challenge site has already gathered almost 10,000 visits with 117 registered participants competing for badges.
  • Virtual TD Summer Reading Club: The second virtual TD Summer Reading Club has so far gathered 12,500 site visitors and seen 700 registered participants.
Other offerings that were introduced, enhanced or modified throughout the pandemic are as follows:
 
Curbside Pickup
VPL’s entire library collection is available curbside. Through the popular Curbside Pickup program,  customers can place holds on materials from any community branch (excluding the Maple Library branch as it remains closed for renovations) and pick them up during Curbside Pickup Service hours or regular opening hours at any of Vaughan’s three resource libraries, Bathurst Clark, Civic Centre and Pierre Berton. Since the start of the pandemic, more than 2.4 million items have been borrowed from the library.
 
VPL online
VPL is at your fingertips. Available at vaughanpl.info/VPL_at_home, this fully digital library service is frequently enhanced to engage and educate residents of all ages. The web hub features a variety of free online resources, including eBooks and audiobooks, films and television programs, music streaming services, e-learning courses, newspapers, bilingual materials, databases and more. Additional content, such as virtual storytime, is also available daily on VPL’s Instagram.
 
A library card is needed to access these services. Get a temporary digital card for free by visiting vaughanpl.info/Services/Membership and clicking on ‘Apply Now.’ This will deliver a library card number to the email address provided in the application form. Any customers receiving an error can reach out to VPL through this contact us form and staff will work to resolve the issue. A library card can also be provided at any open VPL branch. A total of 6,069 library cards have been issued since the pandemic began in March 2020.
 
Learning supports
VPL is here to help students learn with educational support tools available for any age or skill level. This includes a Brainfuse HelpNow database to provide online tutoring, homework and curriculum help for students from kindergarten to Grade 12 in French and English. This service includes after-hours homework help, standardized practice tests and college entrance prep tests. Adults also have access to a Canadian citizenship skills builder focused on core academic skills, resume building, virtual resume help and job search and career guidance.
 
StoryWalks
VPL and the City’s Public Works portfolio are bringing the library outdoors with StoryWalk – a global program that promotes literacy, health and exercise in communities around the world. As citizens walk along select City trails, they will discover large panels showcasing colourful pages of nature-based children’s books. With each step, the story unfolds one page at a time in this immersive and interactive experience.
 
Nature Backpacks
VPL is also offering Nature Backpacks for three-week loans. There are seven different themed backpacks, all containing materials to enhance citizens’ adventures through Vaughan’s nature. Each pack includes a safety messaging sheet, trail guides, activity sheets, activity books and themed stories. Residents can register to reserve a Nature Backpack for curbside pickup at their local library on VPL’s website by using the search bar.
 
WI-FI
Wi-Fi has been extended to reach the parking lot of VPL’s three resource libraries – Bathurst Clark Resource Library, Civic Centre Resource Library and Pierre Berton Resource Library. This allows those who need it to connect to Wi-Fi from the comfort of their car at no cost.
 
Live chat
The live chat service on VPL’s website allows customers to directly converse with staff and receive immediate customer service. The live chat feature is visible as an interactive pop-up icon in the bottom right corner of vaughanpl.info.
 
Ask us
The team has an online service to support its customers remotely. Ask Us is a virtual reference desk supported by more than 20 VPL staff who can help with customer inquiries by phone, email and social media. There are three ways to Ask Us:
And there’s still more to come for 2021! Stay tuned for community branch reopenings, new library location announcements and more. Residents can stay up to date with the latest news from VPL by:
 
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