Library
Come visit Burnaby Public Library—engage with your community and share your stories, ideas and information. We have 4 branches conveniently located throughout the city that offer lots of ways for you to explore, learn and connect:
- browse our stacks or go online to find great reads
- borrow items from our print, media and digital collections
- get information and help with your research
- learn how to use technology that’s new to you
- take part in our free events and activities for all ages
- book community meeting rooms
Visit bpl.bc.ca to learn more.
Archives
The City of Burnaby Archives operates as the official repository of Burnaby’s public records, containing records dating back to Burnaby’s incorporation in 1892. We provide free access to publicly available records online and in-person, facilitating community engagement and research opportunities, and fostering connection between the community and Burnaby’s history. We are located in the McGill Branch of the Burnaby Public Library.
Types of records held at the Archives include City Records (Council minutes and reports, bylaws, departmental records and photographs) and records from private individuals and community organizations (correspondence, reports, minutes, photographs, moving images and sound recordings). The Archives storage area is equipped with sophisticated environmental controls necessary to preserve Burnaby’s unique archival material into the future, providing their longevity for years to come.
The Archives’ reading room is open on Thursdays (noon to 8 pm) for in-person visits. Many of the records held in the Archives can also be found online at heritageburnaby.ca. Reference services are available by appointment and during drop-in hours on Thursdays from noon to 8 pm. To learn more or book an appointment, call 604-297-4947 or email [email protected].
We invite members of the community to contribute to Burnaby’s shared history by donating individual, family and organizational records to the Archives for permanent preservation. Your valuable materials enrich our collections and preserve Burnaby’s stories for generations to come. If you are interested in contributing community records, please contact us at [email protected] or call 604-294-4947.
Those interested may also support the Archives’ sustainability through financial contributions. Financial donations of all sizes are welcome, including legacy giving to ensure the ongoing care and accessibility of the records into the future. Your gifts are graciously accepted.
Financial contributions will be used to sustain and enhance the Archives in the following areas:
- archival record storage, conservation, and restoration efforts
- expanding perspectives and narratives through diverse record collections
- digitization projects to convert physical records into digital formats
- technology upgrades to create database inventories and support our website, Heritage Burnaby
- educational outreach to support community engagement through workshops, events and tours of the Archives
The personal information that you provide to CanadaHelps is collected and used under the authority of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). The information is used only for the purpose of processing online donations and providing tax receipts to donors. If you have questions about the collection, use or disclosure of your personal information, please contact [email protected].
Heritage Burnaby
Interested in finding out more about the history of Burnaby? Experience our community's unique history through heritageburnaby.ca. Use the online database to access our heritage sites and landmarks, artifact collections, archival photographs and textual records—including Council records, bylaws and more.
Visit heritageburnaby.ca to learn more.