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

Official Website: Vancouver Public Library

Fee: No

Closed 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

Yelp Rating:
4.5 out of 5 4.5 Star Rating
Based on 120 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

5 Star Rating 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

Jasmine A. Nov-22-2018

4 Star Rating 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

Mari E. Feb-29-2020

4 Star Rating 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

Justine S. Sep-26-2020

Accommodations near Vancouver Public Library:

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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Photo Gallery

Video


A great video showing off the remarkable design on the Vancouver Public Library

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