a group of tweens huddled around a table in the library's tween zone

The new Tween Zone has opened

Published: May 29, 2026

Categories: Children | Library news

The Children's Department and new Tween Zone are now open! 

North Vancouver City Library has created a new Tween Zone within the Children’s Department to better support children in grades 4 to 7 as they learn, connect and grow. Because tweens have reading, learning and social needs that differ from younger children and teens, they needed a space to call their own. The new space was designed with deep engagement from tweens, and adds to the City’s spectrum of after-school programs and activities for school-aged children.

Construction took place from June to September 2026. City Library is grateful for funding from City Council and library donors, without whom this project would not have been possible.

Key updates

  • The Children's Department and new Tween Zone opened Thursday, Sept. 10. 
  • Puzzles and games have returned to the lobby area. Soft seating is expected to return to the lobby area soon. 

For more information, please see the FAQs below.

Frequently asked questions

How will this project affect my library visits over the summer?

The lobby will look quite different during the summer! Because we are temporarily relocating children’s materials to the lobby, some items on the 1st floor will move. You’ll find puzzles, board games and magazines near the welcome desk, but holds and returns will be in the same place. If you’re looking for study space and soft seating, we invite you to find a spot on the higher floors.

Where can I find a quieter space in the library?

There may be construction noise 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays. The silent study room on the 2nd floor is a good spot for quiet individual study, and you can find armchairs and group study spots on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The library also has bookable study rooms on the 2nd floor.

How will the construction affect children's programs?

Children’s programming will continue through the summer, including programs in Civic Plaza and Book Bike storytimes in neighbourhood parks. Check out nvcl.ca/calendar to see where and when!

Children participating in the Summer Reading Club can get their stickers and enter prize draws in the lobby area.

View all children's programs

Where can I find the children's collections?

During construction, a “mini” Children’s Department will temporarily operate in the library lobby, offering access to key services and popular collections throughout the construction. Staff will be available to help guide your little ones to the materials they’re looking for or find appropriate alternatives. Holds on children's materials will be temporarily unavailable during construction.

Where can I find a family washroom?

During construction, you can request a key from the welcome desk for the accessible washroom on the 1st floor.

If you have a question, ask us or call 604-998-3450

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