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

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
Official Website: Vancouver Public Library
Fee: NoClosed Now
Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.
- 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
Category: Libraries
Address:
350 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1
Canada
Phone: +1 604-331-3603
Reviews
Jasmine A. Nov-22-2018
Since April 2017, the Central Library had been under construction, with the expansion of two floors and an addition of a rooftop garden. In September 2018,... Read More
Mari E. Feb-29-2020
Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver hosted free movie show here, a theater room at 8th floor. When I got off elavator at 8th, I was shocked because it... Read More
Justine S. Sep-26-2020
Due to covid, the rooftop garden is closed. Only the downstairs kid area, the main lobby, and the 2nd floor are open. The second floor is only for people... Read More
Accommodations near Vancouver Public Library:
Directions
SkyTrain Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
Expo Line | Stadium-Chinatown Station | 7 Minutes |
Canada Line | Vancouver City Centre Station | 7 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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Photo Gallery
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Vancouver Public Library and office tower cc licensed photo by Richard Smith -
Bridges linking reading areas in collannaded wall to the main library cc licensed photo by Alex Ramon Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp -
Photo Credit: theslowlane - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Phil~ - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr