New Westminster Public Library launches self-service borrowing downtown
June 23, 2026
NEW WESTMINSTER, June 23rd, 2026 – Downtown residents will benefit from increased access to library materials thanks to a New Westminster Public Library (NWPL) initiative to install a self-service borrowing kiosk and holds-pickup locker at the Anvil Centre.
With its location at 777 Columbia Street, across the street from the New Westminster SkyTrain Station, the Anvil Centre presented an ideal location for NWPL to add the two automated units in order to better serve library patrons who either live or work downtown.
In combination, the kiosk and locker allow patrons to undertake three traditional library activities on their own without the need to travel to either of NWPL’s existing branches:
- peruse and “check out” physical library materials like books, CDs, and DVDs
- pick up materials they had put “on hold” and
- return materials they have finished.
“To establish a service point downtown is a huge milestone for us in our continual efforts to better serve our patrons where they live,” said NWPL board co-chair Deb Thomas.
“We feel those living and working downtown will be well-served by this initiative,” added fellow co-chair Darius Maze. “Both machines are designed to be easy to use.”
The launch of the kiosk and locker supports a longstanding library mandate to “make resources, programs, and services as accessible as possible to everyone in the community.”
The kiosk features a regularly stocked collection of several hundred physical items. Patrons can open the kiosk using their NWPL library card and four-digit PIN. Then, once they’ve plucked from the shelves what they’d like to take home, patrons can officially “check out” those items by simply closing the kiosk door.
“Libraries are increasingly turning to newer technologies such as lockers similar to those used by Amazon to allow patrons to pick up and return library material at more convenient locations or at times when the library is closed,” said Michael Dekovan, NWPL’s Manager, Technology Special Projects. “Residents also told us in our community survey last year that it was important for them to be able to browse for items to borrow so we have installed a ‘book lending machine’ at the Centre as well.”
Access to the kiosk and locker will be available during the Anvil Centre’s regular hours of operation. Patrons experiencing any issues with the units are instructed to contact NWPL directly by phoning 604-527-4660, emailing askus@nwpl.ca, or sending a message via the library’s website, nwpl.ca/contact.
Funding for the initiative was provided through an enhancement grant from the Government of British Columbia.
The milestone launch will be commemorated with a simple event on Friday, June 26th, 2026 at 2 p.m. Demonstrations of the two units will be provided and staff will be on hand to support anyone wishing to use them. Attendees will also be able to register for Summer Reading Club and sign up for library cards. And, ice cream will be served.
ABOUT:
New Westminster Public Library holds the distinction of being the first public library established in the province of British Columbia. It endeavours to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of New Westminster residents.
If you would like more information about this topic, please visit nwpl.ca/anvil or contact Chief Librarian Carolyn Caseñas via email at communicate@nwpl.ca
Add a new comment