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
🏛️ 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 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 weeks ago
I went to explore and feast my eyes. Beautiful and unique architecture. Small rooftop garden and patio areas. Some art to observe in various areas on different levels.
Jaclyn Bell - in the last week
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 - 4 months ago
Amazing staff and great facility. There are places to work undisturbed and computers for use with the usual books and multimedia available for rent. To note, it is stuffy and warm inside and also homeless people do use this place to rest and use the washroom, so the place stinks sometimes.
Martin Matahari - a week 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: theslowlane - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr
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