This is the main (largest) branch of Burnaby Public Library, located next to Metropolis…read more Parking is plentiful in the underground lot. Not sure if it ever gets completely full, but I have never seen it happen. One thing to keep in mind that the gates close around 2000, which leads to the risk of getting one's car trapped overnight. There are also some metered spots on the surface. The place is fairly modern, but is a bit worn down from years of use. There are plenty of computer stations, and a nice atrium area with nice high windows. Lots of books inside too.

Look like the Burnaby Public Libarary was renovated sometime between Covid and now. It looks very…read morespacious and open. The inside was bright. On the weekend the library is super busy. The inside is super clean. The bathrooms are much more modern style and there is a cleaner cleaning it frequently.

Shout out to this gem of a local library. I've hosted and…read moreattended a few meetups here that have been successful and well organized. Most recently I requested holds on a few different library books and requested an inter library loan on another book. I was surprised when that book was available for me to pickup within a few days of the request. The book in question was The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown about the plight of the Donner party in the mid 1800s on their trek to California. I'm pleased that this library is now open seven days. You may not know that they provide $5 of free printing every month which comes in handy in a pinch! Plenty of parking underneath the library and close by and you can also transit here - bus stop is right out front and Edmonds skytrain is about a 10-15 minute walk down Edmonds street.

This is a poorly managed library…read more It is a small place and always short of seats. The management has carved out large areas for children use. This is good. But then there is a section next to kid's section, with three tables in it that can seat 12 people. That area is closed to all people and a sign says it is for children use with families. I have rarely seen anyone use it. It should be opened up for use on first come first served basis, including families. The meeting rooms are mostly empty too. Can we use that area? NO. It must remain empty. The windows bring in strong sunlight and one cannot see the computer screen. They do not install sun block curtains. But there are two janitors who sit idle 95% of the time doing nothing. The staff are super kind and courteous.

I am here at least once a month as I go to the Hillcrest community center often. It is located…read morewithin the center and you could take the elevator down from the center main entrance or take the stairs or enter from the outside. The library is small, so the selection can be limited. The categories are labeled clearly so you can go to your favorite section to browse. I like the computerized return system which is way more advanced than the surrounding municipals (looking at Burnaby and New Westminster). The parking lot is usually very crowded even on weekdays. The only time it is not so crowded is when the aquatic center is closed.

It's a pretty good library, not very busy. It's one of the smaller branches in comparison to some…read moreto the bigger ones like Central, Renfrew or Mount Pleasant. The selection there is fine, but not as good as some of the bigger branches.

A very clean, quiet library beside the fire station. The computers and printers are easy to use…read more I have had my library card since 2008 and it still works well. The staff are friendly and helpful. Inside the library there are enough tables and chairs and of course books. A very happy, spacious place.

All of my friends know that I spend a lot of time reading books. I can plow through a book in a…read moreday, so this is where the library comes in handy. The Firehall Branch is the closest one to me, so I end up going there the most. The Firehall Branch is on the second floor on W 10th Ave between Granville and Hemlock Street. It's a short walk from the 99 B-Line stop at Granville Street. The library itself is pretty small. They have a decent selection of children's literature, fiction, magazines and dvds. They also have computers available that you can pay to use. The best strategy with this library is to put books on hold online, then request them for pickup at the Firehall Branch. I find it can take up to 4 days for a book to be transferred from a different branch, but you receive an email as soon as the book is ready for pick up. The books you put on hold are alphabetically organized on the shelves to the right of the check out counter. There are two express check out stations, as well as two librarians available to check out books for you, which makes things really efficient. The hours of the branch are a bit lackluster compared to other locations. It's open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 AM to 8 PM, and Thursday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. It makes it easy enough to pick up books after work, but I wish this branch was open on Sundays as well. Also, I find the librarians aren't as friendly as you'd expect. I donated a huge bag full of plastic bags since they had a sign up asking for some, and the librarian seemed annoyed. If you're looking for super cheap paperbacks and books, this branch sells books for as low as 50 cents each. It's a great deal if you want a new book to read and don't mind its condition. I give this branch 4 stars because I've had no problems getting in any book I've desired in a reasonable time frame. For a small branch, it's in a great, convenient location. If you want a new book to read, save yourself some cash and borrow it from the library!

All the staff are super helpful, the website is easy to use. Handy parking, accessible to all.read more

I used to live near by and would come to this Library. I stopped coming here that often after I got…read moreinto University. I do find this location and the one on E.22 has a lot more kids activities. When I was in elementary coming to this library and joining the summer activities (which are free), I have won free books. Yes they gave out free books. I don know why they would waste money like that when the library does not have much funding. The activity the had back then is called the Reading Club. Also this is one of the few libraries in Vancouver that has lot of Asian books. Yes Asian Magazines as well and Asian Newspapers. My parents in the past like coming here. Well we do not come here often any more. Its far from our place.

Convenient location across Safeway South Granville. It is a small library but I visit it quite…read moreoften when I'm in the area. They have a section for computer use and kids. The librarians are very nice and helpful. They recently added self check-out stations which requires your library card and last 4 digits of your phone number. This makes things much easier.

Older small location, lots of patrons rotating in and out…read more Not as quiet as a library is. Very helpful librarians.

Really enjoyed visiting this library! As a guest at the Civic Hotel across the way, I wanted a…read morequick place to study for my licensing exam and decided to make the short walk over. The library itself, is quite beautiful inside with lots of natural light pouring into the unique architecture. Just had to walk around a while to enjoy the picturesque building. The library staff was friendly and very helpful in helping me with all of my questions. Lots of desk/table space and electrical outlets everywhere. Overall a great library to visit.

I live in downtown Vancouver and use this Library often because it often has books which I can't…read morefind in Vancouver. Love the interior design and spacious lay out. The main complaints I have are two. First I was stopped by an Indian Security and he asked if I had a mask. I was wearing a face covering and he said it was UNAPPROVED. Approved by whom? By what? I don't like this blue masks which are laced with carcinogenic ingredients and my own cloth material covering is clean and I don't want to breathe in anything that is harmful. He insisted I used the mask he gave me. Nothing but playing power trip. NOT IMPRESSED. I got an email notification about a video to pick up but when I showed up it was no where be found on the shelf under the initial of my last name. While I did get help from one of the counter staff and I told her perhaps someone just took the video and watched it inside the Library etc. This happens a lot in Vancouver Main Library as well. No, she offered to cancel my video and then put me back on ordering. But she did not place me on the next in the queue but back at the end of the waiting list. I waited weeks for this title now have to wait again. Poor management. Trust me IF I can find the same item in downtown I wouldn't bother to have to take 2 buses to Surrey!

This is one of the must see things on your visit to Vancouver. It's architecture is Roman Colosseum…read moreinspired and the library is so huge. Not only is the book collection so large but how the interior is laid out. There were all types of chairs. There are sittings areas on the floor, the stairs, the comfy couches, the outdoor garden, meeting rooms. It is a very thoughtful and modern lay out. You can get a nice view of the city skyline and from a particular spot even see the mountains taking you to far away mountains right from the busy city life. There were inspirational labs, recording rooms, opportunities to take classes, meeting rooms, computers with catalogue search and internet. The amenities are just endless.

The Vancouver Public Library Central Branch is such a beautiful building. The architecture is huge…read moreand impressive, and it reminds me so much of the Roman Colosseum. It really stands out in the middle of downtown, and even if you're not someone who usually visits libraries, it's worth going inside to explore. It's big, spacious, and surprisingly peaceful considering how central it is. There are so many books, quiet areas to sit and read, and different floors to wander through. I also love the cafés and places to eat in the middle, between the inside and outside of the structure. The rooftop garden and open areas are also lovely, especially when you want to sit somewhere quiet for a little while. A beautiful, interesting, and peaceful place in the heart of Vancouver. Whether you love books, architecture, or just finding a quiet place in the city, the Central Library is definitely worth visiting.