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What does the Library do for patients?

We help patients, their family members and loved ones in BC and the Yukon obtain the relevant and credible information for their cancer care, management, and support needs.

Reference Information Services: The public can contact the library via phone, email, or via our Information Request Form to obtain customized cancer and support information and resources specific to their unique needs and interests. 

Access to relevant and credible information: The library works to curate and make accessible the best cancer information available, and staff and patients can find resources below:

  • BC Cancer Library Website: provides access to our library catalogue, including "canned' searches on popular topics which retrieves the most current resources we have on the topic.
  • Types of Cancer patient webpages. These pages are revised and edited by the Library, and are great starting points to refer patients to for education resources.
  • Library Databases are available to staff only, and provide excellent patient-friendly materials that staff can share with the public. Check out the Basics, and Beyond the Basics handouts found in UpToDate and the drug information in LexiComp (available in many languages).
  • Pathfinders: patient guides that compile carefully selected library materials and trusted websites on specific topics. Each guide includes a printable handout. Select a pathfinder from the list in the box below.

BC Cancer Library Pathfinders for Patients

Pathfinders are curated lists of some of our books, pamphlets, support services, trusted websites, and other resources on a specific type of cancer or support topic for patients.

Events & Training for Patients

Events & Training

  • Patient Events: The library often opens our spaces and librarians can be available to provide information support during BC Cancer patient events. Contact us for more information on how we can support your event. *Please note - due to COVID, there will be no patient events until further notice 
  • Patient Learning: Librarians are able to conduct one : one or small group training via Zoom to assist the public on topics such as health literacy, how to find information, and more. 

New Patient Books

Can Patients Borrow Library Books?

YES! The library provides consumer-health cancer books and other materials that can be borrowed from the Vancouver Library and regional branch Cancer Information Centres (CICs). Note - though some library and CIC locations are currently closed to the public due to Covid, patient materials can still be borrowed).

People can search our library catalogue and call or email us for resources and we can mail books to patients anywhere in BC or the Yukon, and will provide a free return mailing label.


 The BC Cancer library system consists of a central library at Vancouver Centre (VC), and branches in Abbotsford (AC), Kelowna (SAHCSI), Prince George (CN), Surrey (FVC), and Victoria (VIC). All centres have patient resource collections in our Cancer Information Centres (CIC), and all centres have a professional collection on site. Professional resources for CN are housed in the adjacent UHNBC Library.
Subjects: Administration