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Apply to enter the Draw for Two Fully Subsidized Tickets to Write on Bowen

two tickets and logos for write on bowen festival

Fully-Subsidized Tickets to Write on Bowen Festival of Writers & Readers — apply by August 6 to enter the draw. Email info@bowenlibrary.ca

Through generous funding from the Friends of the Bowen Island Public Library Society, the Library is pleased to be able to offer two fully-subsidized Write on Bowen festival passes to community members for whom the ticket price is a barrier.

Whether you are a senior on a fixed income, a teen who is interested in writing, or anyone else who self-identifies as needing a no-cost ticket, please let us know.

Email the Bowen Library and ask to be entered in the random draw. You do not need to give a reason for entering the draw. Please apply by Sunday, August 6, and we will draw two names on August 9.

Learn more about Write on Bowen Festival.


New Open Hours

We will be modifying our open hours slightly, beginning the week of Tuesday, July 18, 2023. We’ll be open earlier on Saturdays, a popular time for patrons to visit the Library.

Our new open hours will be:

Tuesday – 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday – 10 am-5 pm
Thursday – 10 am-7 pm
Friday – 10 am-4 pm
Saturday – 10 am-4 pm
Sunday – 12 pm-4 pm
Monday – Closed

Our book return, located by the Library Annex entrance, remains open at all times. We look forward to serving you during our new hours!


flying books with speech bubble that says "fine-ally" and text that says bowen island library is now fine free! Starting in July 2022, we will clear old late fees and no longer charge for overdue items! Some charges, including those for lost or damaged items, still apply.

Fine-ally! We’ve Gone Fine Free

The Bowen Library Board and staff are thrilled to announce the Bowen Library is now fine-free! In an effort to provide more equitable and accessible library service, patrons are no longer charged for returning items late, and staff will clear old overdue charges on patron accounts.

The Bowen Library joins public libraries all across the country in going fine-free, and believes that everyone should have access to the same information, resources, and support that the Library has to offer, regardless of their financial situation.

Overdue fines were originally implemented in libraries as a motivator to return materials on time, however studies have found that late fees have the consequence of disproportionally impacting lower-income and marginalized populations as well as children and families. Read the rest of the Undercurrent article…


wool weaving hanging on a wooden stick with blue, white, and beige with a small plaque next to it.

Community-created Squamish Weaving in Annex

Come see our community weaving, now up in the Library Annex. This weaving was created on June 26 by islanders at a drop-in event led by celebrated weaver and artist Chex̱imiya, who combines modern techniques with the ancient Sḵwx̱wú7mesh art of weaving.

The plaque by the weaving says:

Chénchenstway
‘To lift each other up’

Created by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh weaver, Cheximiya, and Nex̱wlélex̱wm/Bowen Islanders on June 26, 2022 as part of Knowing Our Place, a reconciliation initiative by Pauline Le Bel, the Bowen Island Public Library, and Hearth Arts on Bowen.

With open hearts and minds, and under Cheximiya’s masterful guidance, participants wove in the ancient twill technique of the Skwxwú7mesh people. May we continue to move forward in respectful relationship with the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw, on whose traditional, unceded territory we live.

We thank Chex̱imiya for her artistry, openness, and kind leadership in facilitating this group artwork, which will remain in the Annex for all to enjoy.


Bowen’s Cultural Corner Becoming a Reality

Shared space will offer many community programs between the Library and Hearth

Bowen Library submission published in the Undercurrent, March 18, 2022

Image: An artist rendition of the finished outdoor Cultural Corner outside the Library and Hearth. Tectonic Architecture

The Library and the Hearth Gallery will soon be swapping out orange fencing for sunny benches, a new plaza, and fresh landscaping.

Work will begin shortly on the Snug Cove Cultural Corner, a project that expands the outdoor community space in the Cove, and provides a sheltered structure for Library and Hearth events such as art demonstrations, live performances, and author readings.

South facing and with delightful views of Snug Cove Marina, the new space will be an aesthetically beautiful gathering place for all members of the community to relax, learn, share, and connect.

Designed by local Tectonic Architecture, the project features a covered programming area, new pathways and lighting, additional benches and seating areas, and landscape work around the Library Annex and Hearth Gallery to finish off the final phase of the Cove Commons project that began in 2018. Read more from the Undercurrent article.

 


Bowen Library and Arts Council Awarded $398,000 in Provincial infrastructure funds

Completing the Snug Cove Cultural Corner at Cove Commons in 2021

Bowen Island, BC, February 25, 2021 – Bowen Island Public Library Foundation and The Hearth – Arts on Bowen are thrilled to announce that we have been successful in our grant application for funding to complete the Snug Cove Cultural Corner. The Library Foundation has been awarded $398,000 from the Province of BC’s Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) to construct a public community square at the Cove Commons. The project includes an outdoor covered stage, additional covered seating areas, expansion of the plaza and walkways, and completion of hard and soft landscaping around both the Library and the Gallery. Read the news release here.

 


Nex̱wlélex̱wm Sign Blessing Ceremony Documentary Video

Posted October 29, 2020

The traditional Squamish language name for Bowen Island is unveiled on a new welcome sign for the island. Four members of the Squamish Ocean Canoe Family were invited to come and bless the sign on June 21, 2020 – National Indigenous Peoples Day. Unable to hold a community celebration due to COVID-19 safety protocols, this historic ceremony and blessing took place with minimal audience with this documentary capturing the event and the story of the sign’s creation.

See the press release, more videos, and photos from the event.