MARCH 14, 2024
West Vancouver, B.C.— Libraries are known for lending books, but the West Vancouver Memorial Library is adding to that narrative by lending something more unconventional—mason bees.
The scoop on this buzzworthy initiative
At the helm of this unique program is Taren Urquhart, WVML’s Arts & Special Events Programmer and a seasoned bee enthusiast with over 25 years of experience.
In 2016, she approached the Library’s Youth Department with an idea for giving mason bees a home on the balcony of the Storyhouse in a “bee hotel”, which provide kids an up-close look at the lives of this gentle pollinator.
Then, in 2022, a mason bee lending program took shape, piloted with an online workshop.
Now, every Spring, patrons can borrow a mason bee “bungalow” along with 10 to 15 mason bee cocoons from the Library’s bee hotel, kickstarting their journey into beekeeping. In its third successful year, this lending program has grown into a vibrant community of 86 mason bee enthusiasts across West Vancouver and beyond. The program is perfect for anyone with a garden, a small backyard, or low-rise apartment patio. Mason bees already live in your neighbourhood, are easy to care for, and don’t sting, making them a great addition to any family.
Urquhart says, “What started as an educational project has evolved into a groundbreaking lending program that isn’t part of the catalogue of any major British Columbia library to my knowledge. Part of the program’s success is the required education workshop that runs every February, where people learn how to care for their colonies, which also gives people a chance to learn from one another and build a sense of community.”
But why lend bees at a Library?
The lending program is not just about beekeeping; it’s a strategic move towards integrity and sustainability, which is at the heart of the Library’s mission. Mason bees are exceptional pollinators and contribute significantly to local plant life. “By lending them out, we’re not just creating hobbyist beekeepers; we’re nurturing a network of environmental stewards,” says Urquhart.
Beyond the Library
The success of the mason bee lending program has led to a collaborative effort with the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre. Their Woodwork Shop participants have crafted larger mason bee houses, such as the one now found at the Capilano View Cemetery, and are available for past participants of the Library program to purchase. Plans are underway to expand this initiative to other locations, including the Argyle Village Pollinator Garden located along Ambleside’s waterfront.