Published: October 8, 2026
The Marpole branch Library is undergoing some big and exciting changes that will result in a new, expanded Marpole Library reopening in 2027.
For this to happen, the branch will be temporarily closed, staring November 1, 2026. Here are some key dates and more details to help you navigate the temporary closure.
Marpole Key Dates
- Thursday October 15 – Last day Marpole is available as a holds location.
- Sunday November 1 – Last day of operations.
- Tuesday November 3 – First day of public closure; Marpole closed; remaining holds ship to Kerrisdale branch.*
- November 2 – 7 – VPL staff on site to decommission branch.**
- November 9– begin demolition phases 4-6 of renovation.
- April 2027 – re-opening.
*Monday November 2 is a day the branch is usually closed, so the first actual day of closure is November 3.
FAQ
- VPL’s Marpole branch will be closed effective November 3. The last day of operations will be Sunday November 1.
- Construction is ongoing for the new branch space, which will see the branch expand into the adjacent retail space and more than double its current size.
- Occupancy in mid to late March is the time when the branch will be handed over to the City and Library for final touches – e.g. installing tech, addressing any deficiencies, moving in collections, and preparing the staff and building for public use.
- At this time, we’re anticipating a public opening in Spring 2027.
- On Friday October 16, 2026 the Marpole Branch will be made unavailable as holds pick up location until the new Marpole branch opens again to the public.
- Patrons can change their pickup location from Marpole Branch to another branch by calling (or visiting) any branch and talking to library staff or calling Circulation Services at 604.331.3670. Once the location has been changed, patron holds will remain active in the queue until the next copy becomes available.
- On November 2, 2026, all holds with Marpole as a pick up location placed before October 16 and fulfilled after November 1 will be re-routed to the Kerrisdale branch at 2112 West 42nd Avenue. The Marpole Branch will be unavailable as a location from November 2, 2026 until the Marpole branch opens again to the public in 2027.
- During the branch closure, the book drop will also be closed.
- Library users can return items and enjoy regular service at any VPL branch.
- Locations closest to the Marpole branch are:
o Kerrisdale branch at 2112 West 42nd Avenue
o Terry Salman branch at 4575 Clancy Loranger Way
o South Hill branch at 6076 Fraser Street
o Firehall branch at 1455 West 10th Avenue
Q & A
What construction is being done?
VPL has worked with the City of Vancouver to design an expanded branch for VPL that will be a hub in the Marpole neighbourhood for working, relaxing, and learning in a vibrant and connected environment. The Marpole Library is expanding into the adjacent retail unit, doubling the library’s public space and improving accessibility. The new, renovated Library will expand and take over the Salvation Army Thrift Store space, effectively more than doubling the size of the library to about 8,800 sq ft.
Marpole branch is scheduled for handover to VPL and the City of Vancouver in early 2027. We’re now in the home stretch for this long-awaited project!
Why will my branch be closed for so long?
The Marpole branch will be closing temporarily effective November 3 – last day of public services operation will be Sunday November 1.
How will we support patrons during the closure?
We will be advising patrons of the closure with notices at the branch, online, and through social media. Website and interior/exterior signage will identify nearby alternative VPL branches, and we will encourage patrons to redirect or suspend their holds. Staff will be asked to share this message proactively with patrons ahead of the closure. More communication support is coming soon.
Programming will largely stop during the closures, but the branch is assessing whether some neighbourhood support is still possible (e.g. school visits and pop-up programming).
Questions about accounts, holds, and other services can be directed to any open branch, or our Central information email/phone contacts.
What other libraries are open? Where can I return my books? Where can I attend library programs?
Library users can return items and enjoy regular service at any VPL branch. Locations closest to the Marpole branch are
- Terry Salman branch at 4575 Clancy Loranger Way
- Kerrisdale branch at 2112 West 42nd Avenue
- South Hill branch at 6076 Fraser Street
- Firehall branch at 1455 West 10th Avenue
Patrons can also return their books to other library systems like Richmond Public Library.
Where can I renew my library items?
You can renew your items online at vpl.ca or at any VPL branch. For more information and a full listing of locations, visit vpl.ca.
How can I pick up my holds?
Patrons can change their pickup location from Marpole Branch to another branch by calling (or visiting) any branch and talking to library staff or calling Circulation Services at 604.331.3670. Once the location has been changed, patron holds will remain active in the queue until the next copy becomes available.
Will I be able to choose Marpole Branch as pick up location for my holds while the branch is closed?
The Marpole Branch will be made unavailable as a pick up location in Bibliocommons and Horizon as of October 16, holds placed before that date and fulfilled after November 1, can be picked up at Kerrisdale or the branch of your choice.
What happens to my Holds while the branch is closed?
After November 1, 2026, if a patron has holds at Marpole when it closes or they didn’t change their pick-up location for holds placed before October 16 and fulfilled after November 1, their holds will be re-routed to the Kerrisdale branch at 2112 West 42nd Avenue.
Musqueam Consultation Display
A Musqueam Consultation Display is currently up for your reference and commentary. Please fill out a Comment Card in the Library lobby before November 1st, to comment.
