Location and Contact
Library Director: Mark Anderson
- 4863 Stanley Street (inside the Radium Hot Springs Centre)
- Phone: 250-347-2434
- Facebook: radiumpubliclibrary
- Instagram: @radiumpubliclibrary
- Email (general information): info@radium.bclibrary.ca
- Email (administration): librarydirector@radium.bclibrary.ca
Services
The Library offers a broad and growing range of services for residents and visitors of all ages:
- Laptop/cell phone battery charging station
- BC OneCard, for BC library members
- Children’s crafting/art and play areas
- Computer access and internet service
- Cooling and clean air centre
- Digitisation of slides
- Exam invigilation
- Family support resources
- GALE Courses
- Individual soundproofed study pod
- Interlibrary loans
- Laminating (small cost-coverage fees apply)
- Law library
- Local writers’ section
- New releases
- Printing and photocopying (small cost-coverage fees apply
- Reading/browsing section (magazines and table books)
- Specialty backpacks (birding, hiking, bat, etc.)
- Tech rental (e-readers and other devices)
- Temporary library cards for out-of-province patrons
Programs
- Art in the Afternoon (for adults)
- BC Summer Reading Club (for ages 5-12)
- Featured literature programming (poetry evenings, book studies, etc.)
- Little Lambs (babies and parents)
- STE(A)M/STEM (ages 7-14)
- StoryTime (preschool)
- TechTutoring (adults/seniors)
- Volunteer Income Tax Clinic
- Wholesome Hobbies (crafting for adults)
Events
- Annual Teddy Bear Picnic
- Book launches
- Book sales
- Guest speakers/clinicians (typically naturalists, writers, musicians, etc.)
- Information evenings (FireSmart, municipal elections, emergency preparadeness, etc.)
- Local author talks
New volunteers are always welcome, and applications are available at the Library. To get involved, contact the Library directly at 250-347-2434 or at info@radium.bclibrary.ca
Endowment Fund
The library has established an endowment fund with the Columbia Valley Community Foundation to support its long-term development. As the fund grows through donations and bequests from residents and patrons, the annual interest enables the library to expand its programs and services. All donations over $20 receive a tax receipt upon request.
To donate or learn more, visit valleyfoundation.ca
A Brief History
The Radium Hot Springs Library was first established on February 15, 1994, in the former Radium Elementary School. The collection began as a single wall of books donated by local residents.
It quickly outgrew that space and relocated to the Radium Seniors' Hall in 1995. In 2006, it was established as a municipal library by bylaw. Two years later, the library moved to a larger space in the Radium Plaza, where it served the community for the next decade. By 2018, it had moved into its current home in the Radium Hot Springs Centre. It now enjoys official Public Library status.
Today RHSPL is governed by a library board, with trustees appointed by the municipality and neighbouring regional districts to two-year terms. A member of Radium Hot Springs Council and a Village employee liaison also sit on the board. The municipality approves the Library's annual budget.
Friends of the Radium Public Library
The Friends of the Radium Public Library is a group of public-service-minded volunteers, dedicated to promoting and supporting library service in Radium Hot Springs. The group was founded during its first Big Book Sale in 2021, and membership has continued to grow since.
Role of the Friends:
- Promote knowledge of and interest in the Library’s function, services, and needs
- Foster public support for the Library and its development
- Help raise funds to purchase equipment and materials not available through the regular Library budget
- Provide volunteer assistance at special programs and community events
In addition to its ongoing volunteerism, the group hosts two major annual events:
- May Long Weekend Big Yard Sale, held in partnership with the Rotary Garden Committee and the Radium Fire Department. Donated items are accepted from the public for this event.
- Annual Big Book Sale in November. Donations of books and puzzles are accepted year-round, and can be dropped off at the Library during regular hours.
Radium Artists Gathering/Art in the Afternoon
The Radium Artists Gathering (formerly the Radium Art Guild, founded in 2018) took its current name in 2022. For several years now, the programming room at RHSPL has served as the venue for these local artists who enjoy gathering for a creative and inspiring afternoon of art making.
All art forms and skill levels are welcome, including sketching, painting, carving, knitting, and glass work. Participants bring their own supplies. The group meets weekly, with an annual break over the summer months, resuming each fall.
For meeting times and further information, contact the Library directly.
