For 75 years, Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (FVRLibraries) has been at the heart of our communities, shaped by the people, stories, and shared visions that define them.
It began with a dream for equitable access to knowledge. In 1891, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union petitioned Vancouver to establish a public library. In Ridgefield, the Priscilla Study Club grew into a library that served generations. In Stevenson, the Women’s Club built a community hub for connection and learning.
These grassroots efforts culminated in the creation of FVRLibraries in 1950, uniting local libraries into a regional system. Over the decades, libraries have grown with their communities. In 1941, the first bookmobile delivered books to rural families. In 2021, volunteers passed books hand-to-hand to open the new Ridgefield Library. Advocates have continually expanded resources, ensuring libraries are spaces for connection, exploration, and creativity.
From Vancouver’s historic Carnegie building to today’s mobile-friendly catalogs, libraries reflect the communities that build and sustain them.
As we celebrate FVRLibraries’ 75th anniversary, we thank you—our patrons, advocates, and partners—for making this system what it is today. Stay connected by visiting branches, following us online, and joining the celebration with special events and experiences throughout the year.
Together, we’ll continue creating spaces where everyone belongs.