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In May 2013 the New Westminster Public Library opened its first-ever branch in 148 years, in the revitalized Queensborough Community Centre. This branch will serve the needs of the community in Queensborough and provide them with convenient access to Library services alongside other great New Westminstser Parks, Culture, and Recreation facilities. The new Library also saw a dramatic increase in use, due to shifts in city demographics and the change from single family dwellings to apartments. By 1976 it again became apparent that the Library was not large enough to accommodate the number of members.
The completion of the new building coincided with the 100th Birthday of the Province of British Columbia, and the library was officially opened on November 19, 1958 by His Excellency, the Honourable Vincent Massey, Governor-General of Canada. The building was completed in October 1903, but due to a shortage of books and political wrangling, between City Council and the Library Commissioners, the new Library did not open until 1905. For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Society’s website. We recognise and respect that New Westminster is on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halkomelem speaking peoples. We acknowledge that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land. As a City, we are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.
New Westminster Heritage House Tour
This charming home retains the original exterior wood cedar shakes, stone planters and leaded glass windows.
They really listened to what we wanted, offered excellent suggestions, and went out of their way to ensure that what they were building was exactly what we were looking for. They REALLY care about the quality of their work and that each client is satisfied. The Peter Lik’s lithograph “Tranquility” grounds the space and the house reminding us that there is spiritual connection to all things Wood. Adjacent to the kitchen is an open area that serves as the house’s central think tank/home office. The Wood house features all the traditional fare of homes of that era including the original tiled fireplace, coved ceilings and a large front window.
Homes Tour Sponsors
The NWHPS is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage stock in honour of its contribution to the City’s economy, sustainability, culture and aesthetic appeal. We do this by advocating on behalf of buildings in need of preservation, restoration or access to funding and promoting constructive conversations with our partners in the community. Sometimes you get the seriously funky Strathcona or East Van gem on the same tour as triple-A heritage Shaughnessy mansions and beautiful West End apartment buildings. There are some avid cyclists who are always present, but they obviously do not have arthritis.
Renovation and expansion of the existing Library began in 1977 and included the addition of 17,800 square feet. After only a brief closure from August 6th to September 5th, 1978, the library officially re-opened October 21st, 1978. The New Westminster Public Library is a vibrant, modern library situated in the city of New Westminster (pop. 52,000), in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia, Canada. However, it’s the whimsical and elegant design touches that surprise and please the eye as you enter the focal point of the house—the kitchen.
Heritage Conservation
On August 15th, 1865 the Library opened in the quarters of the former Mint where it remained until 1890. During the first two years of its existence, the Library was well funded by the government but by 1868 all government aid was withdrawn. The Library was forced to rely entirely upon subscriptions and limped along for the next 22 years. By 1890 the Mint building was in a terrible state of decay, which was particularly noticeable when compared with the many fine new buildings that were being built in New Westminster. Soon after it was completed however, the library’s space was required for civic administration and so the City began to investigate the possibility of obtaining money from the Carnegie Corporation. Andrew Carnegie was a wealthy philanthropist who, as a firm believer in the importance and value of a free public library, donated money to communities across the United States, parts of Canada and the United Kingdom, for the construction of libraries.
There are social, financial and environmental benefits to retaining heritage buildings in a community. First, heritage sites are a connection to the past and provide a sense of history and continuity. Heritage sites also tell the stories of who we are what we have experienced as a community, in addition to functioning as landmarks and having significant aesthetic value.
Check our Patreon page for stylish coffee mugs, private city tours, and more – or, make a one-time or recurring donation. NEW this year we are also offering a limited number of bus tickets! Leave the car and your parking worries at home and join a small group of heritage enthusiasts as your mini-bus driver does the navigating.
A thoughtfully designed front yard and walkway leads to the tile entrance, opening to a spacious open plan living space featuring a vaulted tongue & groove ceiling, a window wall with clerestory windows and a limestone fireplace. An open kitchen with pendulum lights over the quartz capped island and sink, stainless steel appliances, an induction cooktop and a mosaic glass backsplash tie together this warm living space. Engineered hardwood floors flow through to the main floor primary bedroom with a glass enclosed ensuite shower and double sink vanity.
The years in the Carnegie Library saw the development of the first consistent modern community services, accompanied by increased expectations of New Westminster residents. For the first time, professionally trained librarians were hired, the book stacks were opened to the public , and both Children’s and Reference Rooms were created. The first Library and Reading Room was established in 1865 through financial support from the colonial government and membership fees charged to the public.
We would recommend them for your kitchen project and built-in cabinetry. The Library keeps copies of the New Westminster City Directories dating back to 1860. These directories list New Westminster resident’s names and sometimes addresses and occupations. The City Directories are a great resource to track the movement of people around the city. Listings will often include names or initials of all members of a household.
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