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
Fee: NoVancouver 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 out of 5
It's a large, public library. Lots of books, knowledge, and helpful services. They can help you write a paper, get a job, make electronic music, or just sit and read quietly. Don't miss the rooftop garden.
Cigal Shaham - a week ago
What a beautiful library! To be honest, we were not here to read. We were on vacation, and my boy is a big Flash fan, so we visited to see where the Flash was filmed and boy, it did not disappoint.
There are 8 floors to the library, and there is a small but beautiful terrace where Barry (Flash) goes on a date with Linda. My son was very happy to see the filming locations :)
We saw many people reading, there was a 3d printer on one of the floors.
There is also a coffee shop.
Please visit if you're a Flash fan or even otherwise. The place doesn't disappoint :)
M. S. - 4 weeks ago
The library is large. We swung by on a rainy Sunday morning a little before 11am. It seems the library opens at 11 AM. I was surprised to see a very long line of people waiting to get in. The rooftop Rose "garden" is quaint with city skyline views and seating scattered all over.
Jennifer Golden - 2 months ago
For any library obsessed person this is the place for you. It’s 9 floors for you to venture through, however open floors are not very quiet, on the contrary of Quiet floors. You can look for quieter areas below the 8th floor cause people are more distributed around the area. There’s maps and help so you won’t feel lost or intimidate. U can’t eat in the open areas but it’s allowed on the rooftop. Am a big fan of active libraries cause seeing people working and studying keeps me motivated and accountable to finish my work.
Lastly it feels a bit messy at the beginning cause everyone is everywhere but that’s no normal.
The downside for me that it didn’t have a prayer room.
لجين علي عبدالله - 3 months ago
This is a book lover's paradise. The architecture is incredible and leads you into the 8 floors of community. There are books, programs and a music lending library as well as meeting space and a chance just to drink in the beautiful floors.
valdene callin - 2 months ago
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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Vancouver Public Library:
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: davidwilson1949 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: theslowlane - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: Phil~ - cc license via Flickr
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