Vancouver Public Library

The Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library is a significant architectural landmark resembling the Roman Colliseum

Vancouver Public Library collonaded wall
Vancouver Public Library collonaded wall cc licensed photo by Alex Ramon

The main reason for tourists to visit this must-see Vancouver landmark is to take in its remarkable architectural design. The design by Moshe Safdie was the people's favourite from a design competition and it is truly inspirational, both inside and out. Construction was completed in 1995.

The exterior design of this nine story library complex resembles the present state of the Roman Colosseum.

The library complex occupies a full city block and is surrounded with an elliptical, colonnaded wall that contains reading and study areas linked by bridges to the main portion.

Levels 8 and 9 will be of particular interest to visitors. On level 9 you can relax in the new roof-top garden and take in the view of the surrounding city. This new garden was opened in September 2018, 23 years after the Library first opened in this location. Two more outdoor terraces are located on level 8.

Level 8 also includes an exhibition space, a small theatre, a quiet reading room and a lounge area where you can bring your own food or purchase snacks from one of the vending machines.

For complete details about the Vancouver Public Library see the official site link below.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: No

Vancouver Public Library Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Address: 350 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1, Canada

Phone: (604) 331-3603

Official Website: Vancouver Public Library

Vancouver Public Library Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating 🏛️ A Modern-Day Coliseum of Knowledge: Vancouver Public Library 📚✨ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 The Vancouver Public Library's Central Library stands as a testament to architectural beauty and intellectual abundance, reminiscent of a grand coliseum. With nine floors filled to the brim with books, it's a reader's paradise. 🌆 The rooftop garden offers breathtaking views of Vancouver, presenting the city in a new and beautiful light. And for families, the basement transforms into a haven of fun with its children's library and an array of board games. It's more than a library; it's a community hub where knowledge and leisure intertwine. 🌿👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Kwong Tang - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating My visit to the Vancouver Public Library in West Georgia was an enriching experience, highlighted by the library's stunning architecture that commands attention and admiration. Beyond its aesthetic allure, the library boasts an extensive collection of resources, offering a treasure trove of books that cater to a myriad of interests and scholarly pursuits. Perfectly situated in a prime location, it provides easy access to a wealth of knowledge and literature. It is a must-visit for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the world of books.
Poonam Shalom - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating This is a huge library with a very extensive selection of books. Plus it's the first place with a recording and editing studio for artists. Not sure how much it costs to reserve, but it's available. 9 floors! Plus, you can even get a good view of the city on the 9th floor. On top of that, this is an architectural phenomenon! Gotta check it out! I'd give it 6 stars if I could.
龔振勝 - a month ago

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3 Star Rating architecture wise it’s kinda depressing.. with industrial vibes and very conventional layout. maybe the overcast weather was an influencing factor. but if aesthetics is what you’re looking for, don’t have your hopes up. but functionality wise, it seems that visitors / residents here are enjoying it. there is a good variety of services available and you can tell that the institution makes an effort. the root top is good for some fresh air, but again i wouldn’t say the view is mind blowing.
M - 4 months ago

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4 Star Rating we went here for some photo op 🫣 saw this 'hidden gem' online and definitely a good place to take some pictures! we went here weekday morning, so less crowd and of course be mindful of people who really went to the library to read/study 😉
Angieleth DCruz (Lotty) - 4 months ago

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Directions

SkyTrain Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Expo LineStadium-Chinatown Station7 Minutes
Canada LineVancouver City Centre Station7 Minutes

How to get to Vancouver Public Library by SkyTrain

No bus needed - just a 7 minute walk from either SkyTrain Station. From Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain Station on the Expo Line exit onto Beatty and Dunsmuir Street and walk to your right (west) along Dunsmuir for 2 blocks to Hamilton Street. Go left on Hamilton for one block and you will be at the east corner of Library Square.

From Vancouver City Centre Station on the Canada Line exit onto Georgia Street and walk to your right (southeast) along Georgia for 3 blocks to Homer Street and you will be at the north corner of Library Square.

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