The Creston Valley Public Library has had to close its doors on Fridays since March 2025 owing to the evolving funding situation. Provincial funding for libraries has been frozen at the 2009 level. The Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Library are launching the “Fund a Friday” campaign with the aim of raising money to open the Library again on Fridays and build for the future. As it costs some $2,000 per day to operate the library with full staffing, our goal is to raise at least $100,000, which would allow us to open on Fridays, while advocacy efforts aimed at securing a boost in provincial government funding continue.
Many of our patrons — students, families, job seekers, and seniors — have told us how much they miss having access to the Library on Fridays. A new long-term, sustainable funding program is being developed, but in the meantime, community support is essential. Your donation now will help bridge the gap and keep programs, services, and access strong during this transition period, ensuring that the library remains a vibrant, fully accessible community hub — open and welcoming five days a week, every week.
Here’s How To Help!
Make a donation by cash or cheque to:
Creston Public Library Association
531 16th Ave S.
Creston, BC
V0B 1G0
OR
e-Transfer to:
donations@crestonlibrary.com
OR
Tax receipts can be issued for gifts over $20
Take a peek at our brochure
What Does Our Library Do?
Libraries are more than just books – they’re lifelines.
A place to learn.
Thousands access free resources, both physical and digital, every day. Tutors use the Library as a meeting place, and students do supervised exams. The Library is for everyone.
Plenty of programs.
Last year, 4382 people of all ages attended over 226 programs. Think of all the money saved, friends met, fun had, and things learned!
Want to see what’s happening just this month? Check out our community calendar.
Oh yeah, the books.
Our community borrowed over 125,000 physical and digital items in 2024. Items include our Radon Detectors, Hiking Backpack, tech kits, and more from our Library of Things collection.
Wait, there’s more?!
Creston Public Library provides:
- Library service 4 days a week, all year long.
- Public washrooms (and no, you don’t have to borrow a book to use them).
- Heating, cooling, and clean air during weather events.
- Free community meeting rooms.
- Free public computers and Wi-Fi.
- Free technology help.
- Printing, faxing, and scanning.
- Free access to databases like Kanopy, LinkedIn Learning, Gale Courses, and others.
- Exam proctoring.
- A place to be, free of charge.
- And so much more!
Where Does Our Funding Come From?
Creston Valley Public Library receives annual operational funding from the Town of Creston, the Regional District of Central Kootenay, and the Provincial Government of British Columbia. These funds are used for basic library services.
Increases from local governments have helped to cover rising costs for many years, but it’s no longer enough.
Where Can I Learn More?
- Overdue: The Case for Canada’s Public Libraries – Canadian Urban Institute, 2023.
- My Library: The Heart of the Community.