New Westminster Public Library Facilities Master Plan
Project Update, February 18, 2026:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas on New Westminster Public Library! The Engagement Summary report is ready for your review.
Staff are now reviewing the results of community engagement to determine priorities for the future of the Libraries in New West. The Final Facility Master Plan will guide how we invest in library facilities to best serve New Westminster residents today and in the years to come. Please check back here to see more updates.
What's happening?
The New Westminster Public Library is preparing a Facilities Master Plan to guide the future of our community’s library spaces over the next 25 years. This plan will look at how libraries in New West are used today, how community needs are changing, and how the library can continue to provide welcoming, flexible, and accessible spaces for everyone for years to come.
Both the City and the Library are experiencing significant change. In late 2023, the Province of B.C. introduced new housing legislation that will increase density and population growth in communities like New Westminster. At the same time, libraries everywhere are evolving. No longer are libraries just places to borrow books. Libraries are essential “third spaces” where people study, meet, work remotely, connect with others, and access programs and services.
It is important to note that the majority of funding for the Library and its services comes through the City of New Westminster’s annual budget. This means decisions about investing in library spaces must be carefully balanced with many other priorities and funding needs across the community.
This Facilities Master Plan will ensure the New Westminster Public Library is prepared for growth and change. It will help identify what kinds of spaces and resources are needed, and guide strategic, financially responsible decisions on future investments over a 25-year span.
Your feedback will help the project team understand how the New West community wants to see the Library evolve in the future. These visions will shape priorities when it comes to investment in the New Westminster Public Libraries in the long run.
Important Links and Documents
Who's Listening?
How can I engage?
We want to hear from you! Community input is a key part of this process.
💻 Share your ideas through the online survey, open now until end-of-day November 23, 2025.
📚 Prefer to participate in person? Visit either the Main Library or Queensborough branch to read about the Plan on our information boards and pick up a paper survey. These boards and paper surveys are available during operating hours until November 23, 2025.
How will my input be used?
Your feedback will be used to help the Library and City understand community priorities and shape recommendations for the Facilities Master Plan. The final plan will guide how we invest in library facilities to best serve New Westminster residents today and in the years to come.
The project team will also be meeting with the Library Board, library staff, and City staff to gather feedback and ideas.
Check back here after engagement concludes for updates and to learn What We Heard through the engagement.
Phases
Survey Reporting
Project Update, February 18, 2026:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas on New Westminster Public Library! The Engagement Summary report is ready for your review.
Staff are now reviewing the results of community engagement to determine priorities for the future of the Libraries in New West. The Final Facility Master Plan will guide how we invest in library facilities to best serve New Westminster residents today and in the years to come. Please check back here to see more updates.
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Project Update November 24, 2025:
Thank you for taking the time to complete our survey on the NWPL Facilities Master Plan. We heard from almost 650 community members through this engagement!
Stay tuned over the coming weeks for results from staff on what we heard.
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The engagement summary report from community engagement will be posted here. Stay tuned!