All Vancouver Public Library branches and services were closed Thursday morning after unionized library staff walked off the job.

The library's 22 branches and all services, including InfoAction, the Virtual Library, outreach services and online services are shut down.

Striking library workers in Vancouver picket the main branch downtown on Thursday morning.
(CBC)

Pickets are only set up at Central Library in downtown Vancouver but not at individual branch libraries.

"We're asking people to hold on to their books, to keep them at home until the libraries reopen," said Jean Kavanagh, speaking for the library management.

"There will be no late fees charged for the duration of any strike or job action," she said.

City Librarian Paul Whitney said in a press release that if it is essential to return library materials, return slots will be available if not blocked by pickets.

He also asked patrons not to pile books at library entrances. "We will work towards restoration of services as quickly as possible."

The librarians' union, CUPE Local 391, gave notice to management Wednesday evening.

There are 790 unionized employees throughout the library system and this is the first strike by library staff.