Nanaimo offers many opportunities for residents to learn and expand their perspectives, often for free or at low cost.
Helpful Links
All Ages
Vancouver Island Regional Library: Three locations in Nanaimo that offer programming, free borrowing of countless types of materials, and access to a wide variety of technology.
Vancouver Island Regional Library provides Creativebug, a virtual art and craft education resource.
Visit – Nanaimo Art Gallery. Admission by donation, free for those who identify as Indigenous.
Sarah Mclachlan School Of Music: These classes are open to kids, teens or adults who are looking to advance their musical learning. With over 50 free classes in 12 different categories, enroll yourself in a free course today. Learn a new instrument, music notes, theory, singing, or more.
Children
Vancouver Island Regional Library offers Kids Literacy Kits to borrow: Each kit comes in a backpack or plastic tote and contains books, CDs, DVDs, and/or toys.
Vancouver Island Regional Library provides a number of online Kids Learning Resources, perfect for homework help or homeschooling.
Nanaimo Science: Offers free outdoor activities for families, as well as free sponsored programs for children indoors. Follow their social media for updates about free events.
Lego Canada: Free magazine subscription mailed to the child’s home 5 times a year. Best for ages 5 to 9.
Teens
Nanaimo Art Gallery: CØD3 Youth Art Collective | Second Semester – Nanaimo Art Gallery. An art collective meeting once a week for creative teens ages 15 – 19 to practice their artistic skills, learn about the art world, and work with professional artists. Full bursaries available by emailing yvonne@nanaimoartgallery.ca.
Literacy Central Vancouver Island: Youth programs & tutoring: Free tutoring sessions, group activities, and workshops offered.
Jax Mac Foundation: Offers grants and scholarships for youth aged 10-18.
BC Housing Education Awards Program: Offers post-secondary scholarships to people living in BC Housing properties or who receive BC Housing rental supplements.
Adults
Literacy Central Vancouver Island: English Conversation groups & tutoring: Provides adults with free opportunities to work on their English listening and speaking skills in a group environment.
Literacy Central Vancouver Island: Tutoring for reading, writing, math, computers: Offers free opportunities for clients to improve their basic skills.
Tillicum Lelum ADULT BASIC EDUCATION LEVEL TWO & THREE CLASSES: Provides Adult Aboriginal Learners with an alternative to attending the ABE program offered at Vancouver Island University with the same accreditation.
Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo 