Free Vancouver learning events featured in new listing website

Vancouver Public Library, along with a number of other learning institutions, has created a new online destination for free learning events – Vancouver Learning City.

Called the Vancouver Learning Guide, the site will feature learning and educational programs and events free to the public. The project is a collaboration from Vancouver Public Library, Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, Langara College and the Vancouver Board of Education.

Sandra Singh, Chief Librarian at the VPL, says the guide will make it easy for organizations to promote their programming and for residents to find opportunities that interest them.

“Opportunities for lifelong learning and development are vital to our quality of life, sense of potential, and prosperity, both individually and as a community. We are fortunate to have an abundance of learning opportunities in Vancouver, offered by our outstanding network of educational institutions, museums and galleries, public libraries, community centres, and hundreds of community-based organizations,” says Singh, adding, “The trouble has always been quickly and easily finding out what’s happening in Vancouver.”

According to their recently-launched website, Vancouver Learning City is a coalition of members who offer learning opportunities to the public. Current members are Vancouver Public Library, Vancouver Board of Education, Langara College, Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, City of Vancouver, Mozilla Foundation and Ashoka Canada.

Members, such as Langara College, already offer free educational events to the public, but now will benefit from a more centralized way to communicate their programming.

“Langara continuing studies has a long history of working with Vancouver Public Library, having held our community lecture series there for many years. With their development of the Vancouver Learning Guide we are looking forward to extending this partnership. The Learning Guide will raise awareness of community education and events throughout the city, and Langara will work with it to make our many courses and other offerings even more accessible,” said Daniel Thorpe, Dean of Langara College continuing studies.

When using the Learning Guide, participants can search by date, location, event type, special programs and age groups. Businesses or organizations offering free learning opportunities are welcome to register to enter their events into the guide.