Facilities at VPL
Vancouver Public Library provides a range of amenities. Each branch offers free Wi-Fi, access to computers, printing, and photocopying, scanning, and many great places to sit and work or relax. Printing costs are paid by coin or with a print card, and meeting rooms can be booked by the public.
Computers
You can book a computer in-person or online.
Desktop computer stations are available for public use at all of our branches. Each computer has a CD/DVD optical drive as well as USB, headphone, and microphone ports. Headphones are not provided, so please bring your own if you plan on listening to audio.
Research stations are only available for searching the catalogue or accessing VPL’s electronic resources. Anyone can use them without needing to sign in.
Internet stations have fewer restrictions and can be used for browsing the web, checking email, writing resumes, watching movies and much more. You will need your VPL or Internet Access barcode number and library PIN in order to log on or book a time slot. Each internet station computer comes equipped with the following software:
Computers provide access to:
- Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Chrome
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (non-premium features)
- PDF24
- Sigil (ebook creator)
- Microsoft Office 2016 with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, OneNote.
- LibreOffice: Writer, an open source alternative to Microsoft Office with Writer (Word processor), Calc (Spreadsheet), Impress (Presentation), Draw (Drawing), Math (Formula), Base (Database).
- Notepad
- Paint and Paint 3D
- VLC Video Player
- Magnifier
Computer stations with more advanced software are available in the Inspiration Labs for people to work on a variety of digital projects.
Computers at the Carnegie branch are not bookable.
Find a public computer at the Central Library with our Computer Location Map. Scroll down to see all floors.
Printers, Photocopiers and Scanners
Access to a coin operated 3-in-1 printer/photocopier/scanner is provided at all of our branches.
You can print directly from any of the library’s computer stations. You will need your library card (barcode) number and PIN to release your print job.
Scanning to email is free.
Printing at the Central Library
- Get a free Library or Internet Access card at the Level 2 Service Desk.
- Printers take coins or copy cards for payment (cannot be combined). Exchange bills for coins at the Level 2 Service Desk or at change machines on Levels 2, 3, and 4. Buy a copy card at the Service Desk.
- Log in to an available computer on Levels 3, 4, 6 with your card number and PIN.
- Open the file you want to print.
- Confirm printing settings - the default is double-sided.
- Black & white is the default. Click Print.
- For colour, select the “Public-Colour on vpl-pcut” printer. Click Print.
- Go to any printer on Levels 3, 4, 5, 6. Log in to the computer with your card number and PIN.
- Insert your coins or copy card into the payment box. Only insert 1 copy card at a time.
- Click Print. Collect your document and your change or copy card.
Printing Costs (per sheet)
| Paper Size | Black & White single-sided |
Black & White double-sided | Colour single-sided |
Colour double-sided |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8.5”x11” 8.5”x14” |
$0.20 | $0.30 | $0.75 | $1.00 |
| 11”x17” | $0.40 | $0.60 | $1.50 | $2.00 |
*A print job cannot total more than $10 with coins or $20 with a copy card. Please divide your printing into smaller jobs if necessary.
Scanning - Free
Select the ‘Scan’ button to switch to scanning-mode.
Photocopying Costs (per sheet)
| Paper Size | Black & White single-sided |
Black & White double-sided | Colour single-sided |
Colour double-sided |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8.5”x11” 8.5”x14” |
$0.20 | $0.40 | $0.75 | $1.50 |
| 11”x17” | $0.40 | $0.80 | $1.50 | $3.00 |
Printing in the Branches
- Get a free Library or Internet Access card at the Service Desk.
- Printers take coins or copy cards for payment (cannot be combined). Exchange bills for coins or buy a copy card at the Service Desk.
- Log in to an available computer with your card number and PIN.
- Open the file you want to print.
- Confirm printing settings - the default is double-sided.
- Black & white is the default. Click Print.
- For colour, select the “Public-Colour on vpl-pcut” printer. Click Print.
- Go to the printer and log in to the computer with your card number and PIN.
- Insert your coins or copy card into the payment box. Only insert 1 copy card at a time.
- Click Print. Collect your document and your change or copy card.
Printing Costs (per sheet)
| Paper Size | Black & White single-sided |
Black & White double-sided | Colour single-sided |
Colour double-sided |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8.5”x11” 8.5”x14” |
$0.20 | $0.30 | $0.75 | $1.00 |
| 11”x17” | $0.40 | $0.60 | $1.50 | $2.00 |
*A print job cannot total more than $10 with coins or $20 with a copy card. Please divide your printing into smaller jobs if necessary.
Scanning is free
Select the ‘Scan’ button to switch to scanning-mode.
Photocopying Costs (per sheet)
| Paper Size | Black & White single-sided |
Black & White double-sided | Colour single-sided | Colour double-sided |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8.5”x11” 8.5”x14” |
$0.20 | $0.40 | $0.75 | $1.50 |
| 11”x17” | $0.40 | $0.80 | $1.50 | $3.00 |
Wi-Fi Access
We are happy to provide Wi-Fi free of charge.
Wireless internet access is available at all VPL branches during library hours.
To connect to our network, select VPL from the available Wi-Fi networks displayed on your device, then click on the Accept button.
Please review our Wi-Fi terms of use.
Work Spaces
The availability of work spaces varies from branch to branch, but all locations have tables and chairs that can be used by members of the public.
Several of our locations have meeting rooms which can be booked by the public. Some are designated quiet areas when not otherwise in use.
Phone Charging Stations
Lockable phone charging stations are available at the following branches: