The first library was established in Terrace in 1929. It was located in several locations over the years until it found its permanent home in 1967 at its present location.
The library is operated by the Board of Trustees of the Terrace Public Library Association and funded through grants from the City of Terrace, the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine and the Government of British Columbia.
The Killer Whale design is carved into a rock at Kitselas Canyon on the Skeena River near Terrace. It is believed that the stone drawing or petroglyph is 10,000 years old and predates contemporary native settlement by approximately 50 centuries.
Special thanks to the Kitselas band for permission to use the Killer Whale design as our logo.
The Terrace Public Library is a safe and welcoming environment that fosters a love of reading and life-long learning, beginning with our youngest members. As a key community space, the Terrace Public Library's core mandate is to provide access to information and knowledge, both written and electronic.
We seek to inspire the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading, and the pursuit of knowledge for people of all ages and backgrounds, beginning with the very young. Our ultimate vision is of a literate citizenry, transforming and enriching lives through knowledge and information.
Our vision centers on creating a welcoming and safe space for cultural, personal and intellectual enrichment, delivering a wide-range of programs that entertain and inspire;celebrate our diverse cultures, communities and people; and,support lifelong learning, reading and enjoyment.
The Terrace Public Library board, management and staff accept a collective responsibility and accountability for the effective management and stewardship of library resources and for the overall quality of library services offered to the people of Terrace and surrounding communities.
It is made up of nine elected community volunteers, one representative appointed by city council and one representative appointed by the regional district. The nine elected trustees sit on the board for two year terms. A member is eligible for re-election or re-appointment, but no member may serve for more than eight consecutive years. Board members must be residents of Terrace, Thornhill, or designated Library service areas and must be over the age of 18.
To contact Library Board Trustees please email us at enquiries@terracelibrary.ca
Do you wish to contribute your skills to our library as a Trustee? You can learn more about that, download the application (or fill it out online) right here.
The Library Board is responsible for developing library policy and works with the Head Librarian to oversee Library Management. Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month, September through June.
Thank-you for your interest in the library. We accept applications for library staff throughout the year. Simply drop off your résumé and cover letter to any front-desk staff.
The library welcomes monetary donations. Tax receipts will be issued for amounts exceeding $10, debit is available. Your donation will be used to help support our programs and services.
The library also accepts donations of materials (books, DVDs, etc). These materials are either added to our collection or sold at one of our fundraising sales.