Media Releases

March 31, 2026

Richmond, BC – For one of last year’s winners, the Very Short Story Teen Contest offered an opportunity to flex their creativity and continue building writing skills.

“As an avid creative writer, I entered the contest to push myself beyond my usual boundaries and experiment with ideas I wouldn’t normally explore,” said Arwen M. “It supported my writing goals by expanding my creative range and helping me grow more confident in trying new styles, themes, and storytelling techniques.”
 
Richmond Public Library (RPL), together with the library’s Teen Ambassadors (TAMBAs), will host the 2026 contest, an annual celebration of creativity, imagination, and youth voices in our community. Teens ages 13 to 18 are invited to submit an original story of up to 300 words for a chance to win prizes and have their work showcased during BC Youth Week.
 
Writing a short, concise, and engaging story is a unique challenge to the teen authors.
 
“The hardest part for me was choosing a genre and developing a concise storyline that still felt complete within the word limit,” added Arwen. “It was challenging to balance creativity with brevity, making sure every detail contributed to the overall story without feeling rushed or underdeveloped.”
 
Entries will be evaluated by a panel consisting of Teen Ambassadors and members of the RPL Board. Winning entries will be displayed at the library following the contest.
 
Arwen offered the following advice to this year’s contestants: “I would say to have fun with the process and not be afraid to take creative risks. Make sure to revise your work multiple times and seek feedback from teachers or peers. Growth as a writer comes from being open to learning and continuously improving your work.”
 
Teen writers (16+) can also look forward to sessions with Aaron Chan, Richmond’s 2026 Writer-In-Residence, throughout April. Sessions include Fundamentals of Storytelling, The Magic of Words, and Creative Nonfiction Tour, and more.

Contest Details

• Submission period: April 1–24, 2026
• Eligibility: Teens ages 13–18
• Word limit: 300 words
• Theme: Any subject or genre
• Originality: All submissions must be the writer’s own work and will be screened using a plagiarism tool
• How to submit:
  • Drop off your entry at any RPL branch by 9:00pm on April 24, or
  • Email your story to teenblog@yourlibrary.ca
• Include: Full name and age with your submission

Prizes

Winners will be announced during BC Youth Week, with prizes awarded on May 5 at 5:00pm at the Brighouse branch. Prizes include:

• 1st Place: Writing Trophy, gift certificate (donated by The Old Spaghetti Factory: Richmond), and a book prize pack (approx. value $90)
• 2nd Place: Silver Medal and book prize pack (approx. value $60)
• 3rd Place: Bronze Medal and book prize pack (approx. value $40)

About Richmond Public Library

Richmond Public Library has proudly served the Richmond, BC community since 1976. The library’s goals include low-barrier accessibility to materials, experiences, and programs; facilitating safe spaces for dialogue; and meeting the needs of Richmond’s growing and diverse community. RPL operates four locations and two book dispensers across Richmond, as well as the mobile RPL to Go service.

Contact
Mark Dawson
Manager, Marketing and Communications
news@yourlibrary.ca

February 2, 2026

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is pleased to welcome two new Board Trustees appointed to two-year terms ending December 31, 2027. The Trustees bring a wealth of experience from their respective backgrounds and believe strongly in the value of public library services.

Gina Mahil brings both a strong professional background and a deeply personal connection to public libraries. Growing up with immigrant parents, the public library was a cornerstone of Gina’s childhood. Gina brings extensive volunteer leadership experience within the Richmond community, including her children’s elementary school Parent Advisory Council and with the Richmond Ravens Hockey Association. Professionally, Gina has over 20 years of marketing experience where she provides strategic leadership, supports governance and planning, and manages complex marketing programs serving various communities.

Bryan Tisdall has been a Richmond resident since 1997, when he took on the position of President & CEO of Science World British Columbia. Throughout his career Bryan has been involved in the management of not-for-profit organizations and has a commitment to the power of local organizations, particularly public libraries, to enrich the texture of community life and contribute to healthy, happy families. In 2017, Bryan was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his life-long contribution to community development and the promotion of science appreciation amongst families and children across British Columbia.

At a Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, January 28, Chair Denise Hui was re-elected for a one-year term, while Jennifer Gervès-Keen, a Trustee since 2024, was elected as Vice Chair.

“I look forward to working with our new Trustees in support of the library’s goals and priorities in 2026. Their expertise and willingness to serve our community further strengthens our dedicated team,” said Hui.

The Richmond Public Library Board would like to thank outgoing Trustees Caty Liu and Ashley Sandhu for their dedication and service to the library as their respective terms conclude. Liu served on the Board for eight years, including in the roles of Board Chair and Vice Chair; Sandhu served on the board for two years, most recently in the role of Vice Chair.

The library encourages the community to get to know the Library Board Trustees – visit the library’s website for a short bio on each Trustee.

About Richmond Public Library
Richmond Public Library has proudly served the Richmond, BC community since 1976. The library’s goals include low-barrier accessibility to materials, experiences, and programs; facilitating safe spaces for dialogue; and meeting the needs of Richmond’s growing and diverse community. RPL operates four locations and two book dispensers across Richmond, as well as the mobile RPL to Go service.

Contact
Mark Dawson
Manager, Marketing and Communications
news@yourlibrary.ca

January 30, 2026

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library (RPL) will mark the beginning of Black History Month with music, displays, and family fun on Sunday February 1, including a performance by soul musician Checo Tohomaso.

“Black History Month in Canada gives the Black community an opportunity to share our history, interconnectedness, and shared identity among cultures and separate and united voices,” said Mary Wilson, a local advocate for the Black community in Richmond.

Events take place at Brighouse Library, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.

• Family festival, including live music, information, and community partners
• Canada Post: Black History Month commemorative stamp presentation
• Black History Month Film Club screening: Green Book (Feb 3)
• Black history trivia for children (all month)
• Featured book display celebrating Black history (all month)

Checo Tohomaso is a seasoned studio and touring musician who has played alongside Marvin Gaye, The Commodores, and Lionel Richie, shaping the sound of R&B throughout the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. As part of the band Nova, he contributed to their successful 1980 album before shifting his focus to gospel music. Today, he remains active in Vancouver, teaching music, preaching, and leading the Sweet Soul Gospel Choir, sharing his passion for gospel and soul with new generations.

Visit RPL’s events calendar to explore all of the Black History Month programs.

About Richmond Public Library
Richmond Public Library has proudly served the Richmond, BC community since 1976. The library’s goals include low-barrier accessibility to materials, experiences, and programs; facilitating safe spaces for dialogue; and meeting the needs of Richmond’s growing and diverse community. RPL operates four locations and two book dispensers across Richmond, as well as the mobile RPL to Go service.

Contact
Mark Dawson
Manager, Marketing and Communications
news@yourlibrary.ca