vancouver public library is a wealth of information and resources for the community, housed in a striking building designed to resemble a modern day coliseum. the library provides accessible services to help ensure everyone can use the space comfortably, along with social services and community support resources. it also regularly features events such as talks, workshops, and activities for different age groups. the architecture is organized across several levels. the lower level is currently under construction. level 2 contains the main entrance, information desk, children's collection, library card services, and borrowing services. level 3 focuses on digital creativity, featuring the inspiration lab. this space provides free access to soundproof recording studios, including three sound booths for small groups and the larger terry mcbride recording studio for video and photography. to use these, you can book a session online up to two weeks in advance with your library card, allowing for a maximum of three hours per day. level 4 has collections related to business, cookbooks, esl, and fashion. level 5 is a quiet floor with newspapers and magazines available. level 6 holds dvds, music cds, and spoken word materials. level 7 includes special collections and human resources. level 8 features meeting rooms, a reading room, an eating area, temporary exhibit space, the family theatre, and several outdoor patios for fresh air while you work. level 9 includes additional meeting rooms and a very nice rooftop garden that serves as a great escape with a panoramic view of the city skyline. this green space is even equipped with solar panels that help power the ninth floor. beyond books, the library hosts a musical instrument lending library. you can borrow a variety of instruments free of charge for up to three weeks, including acoustic and electric guitars, violins, ukuleles, and keyboards. to borrow one, simply check the library catalogue to see if it is available and visit the service desk at the central library. inside the building, there are also several convenient services and businesses, including a td machine, blenz coffee, a convenience store, gift store, dental clinic, bike shop, and onigiri ya. together, these resources make the library a welcoming and useful place to study, learn, and spend time. read more

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If I lived here, I'd go to the library at least twice a week (unlike now, where I only check out ebooks online, and go in once every two years when they make me verify my residency). What an incredible resource for the citizens of Vancouver! We had a long layover so we explored every single floor of this library. There were so many computer stations if you needed to do work online, but also so many little nooks with comfy seating to settle down in with a good book. The rooftop had an incredible view of downtown Vancouver, and the atrium was nice and warm. There was currently an "electronic concert" going on where there were chairs set up so people could listen to recordings played over the speakers in the atrium. I thought it was a really neat way to get the community together to listen, discuss, and engage with one another. read more

Vancouver Public Library - Central - Rooftop at night - Libraries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I can't accurately rate the entire library, but overall, I have the impression that it has a lot of books and items you could borrow, due to the sheer size of the place. Overall, the building's architecture is unique, especially from the outside looking in. Some floors look like they could use a bit more of a renovation, but the 9th floor is a hidden gem - it gives you access to a great outdoor patio where you could hang out, talk, and work. The wifi is quite strong up there - I've even taken a conference call from up there read more

Vancouver Public Library - Central - Rooftop - Libraries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Walked by here several times as it was close to where I was staying. It was open until 8:30 pm so wandered in. The lobby is a large atrium with small shops/businesses (many are empty) and then the library. Spent most of the time in the children's area (which was on the 1st floor but signage made it seem like it might be on the 9th?). Children's area had large selection of books, magazines and tables for kids. My kid was very upset we could not check out books (a quick google search showed I could pay $30 for a guest membership but I didn't do it). Did not explore more of the area but from walking by this building several times a day, saw that it has a roof top deck? garden? which would have been neat to check out if time permitted. Not sure if this is specific to this library or Canada in general but was not very cool (temperature wise inside). It actually felt very stuffy and damp. I can assume that the air conditioning would cost a fortune due to the large atrium/lobby area. If in town again would explore this library more in depth. read more

Really cool looking library in downtown area. Parking here sucks. Can't really help you here. The nice big atrium area is worth checking out. If one desires, one can also take a walk through the nice spacious library. The library itself takes up several floors, and is accessible by escalator. The study areas are nice and open, with a nice view of the atrium area. Good for reading as well as people watching. read more

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OK library. Not the cleanest. Mainly loses points because of the dead mouse I was sitting next to. Other than that, the community programming seems to be useful and supportive of the low income and unhoused population in downtown . Library staff were polite enough. However, this branch closes slightly earlier than other branches. read more

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If only we had a library designed like the coliseum back at home. We found street parking right across from the Library and it was only $1CAD per hour. The inside layout was much like other libraries until one reached the top floor. Here the center opened up to the floor below with an unusual piece of art suspended in the middle. Outside was the rooftop garden. The Phillips Hager and North garden was accessed through two glass sliding doors. Follow the arrows on each door and make sure you waive your hand over the sensor to open them. They will not automatically open. Once outside, the rooftop was quite spacious with various seating areas including a poet's corner. It was nice with views of BC Place in the distance. There also were stairs leading down to a patio on the floor below. It was unusual to see security posted at the main entrance and wandering around the library. read more

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What the hell happened to the library? There's a playground on the ground floor. Children cry and scream so loudly it can be heard throughout the building. Migrant nannies ignore their cries. Library management doesn't understand that a library is supposed to be quiet. Management sits in closed offices, and people have to listen to the screaming. They should also open a zoo area in the library. read more

Vancouver Public Library - Central - Libraries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

This library is across the street from the hotel. I took my kid, hoping to inspire her. It was breath taking. Beautiful architecture. Huge and the children's room is gigantic. Lots of books. The librarians were super friendly. Experience was very relaxing, calm and inspiring for our next generation. read more

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Beautiful architecture. Nine floors with lots of diverse reading materials and multimedia, and lots of computer terminals throughout. The ninth floor is a rooftop garden with a beautiful view. Was definitely worth making the trip. read more

This building, seen from my hotel window, turned out to be a public library. It looks like a Coliseum in Italy, making downtown Vancouver an interesting place. I recommend you stop by here when you visit Vancouver. read more

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the book worm in me was saur excited!! i think there's about 9 stories and there is just so much to read and walk around and do! everyone is super friendly and helpful -- would have checked out books if i wasn't just visiting for a short stay! read more

Vancouver Public Library - Central - entrance - Libraries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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The library is very clean with 8 levels providing a variety of resources. I went just to visit and the view was great at the top floor. It's a nice spot to take a break and learn more about Vancouver. read more

Vancouver Public Library - Central - Libraries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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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 was not looked like library. It was more like galary, playroom, chill room and glass covered reading room. There is big stairs with cusions and some people lay down for relax. Maybe you can play board games which belong to the library too. The theater was quite small with new seats with a cup holder. But not much leg room and no reclining function neither. If you are tall, pls sit back side. Otherwise your head would bother someone's view. read more

Vancouver Public Library - Central - 8F theatre room. Not much leg room. - Libraries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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, the construction finished, and the rooftop garden opened September 29th. However, it wasn't until November 12th that I had the time to go check it out, and I went with my Yelp pal Nancy H. Being November, the weather was dreary, but there were still a lot of people enjoying the garden, and I am certain that come spring and summer, it will be packed. (If they put out Christmas lights, it will be absolutely gorgeous during the evening.) There are two levels to the garden, an upper level with several benches, and a lower level with tables and chairs. In addition to the rooftop garden, the library renovated the two upper floors, the 8th and 9th floor, which were previously leased out. The new floors are very nice, and I predict they will be my new hangout spot - a good place to spend time if you're waiting for someone or have time to kill while downtown. On the 8th floor there is an exhibit called "morph" (https://www.vpl.ca/morph). It's hard to accurately describe, but there are various things going on, including an exhibit about how the city of Vancouver has changed over the years, and there are plenty of interactive activities for kids. Go check it out! For more details on the expansion: https://www.vpl.ca/library/news/2017/construction-officially-begins-vancouvers-central-library-expansion [Yelp collections: Libraries and Bookstores; Pee for free!] read more

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What a beautiful Sunday. I needed some paperwork printed out & I was downtown so I headed to the Vancouver Public Library. If you haven't seen or been to this library, I highly recommend it. I've always been impressed by the architecture of this building! It is a magnificent design that stands out today & is just as impressive as the day it opened - back in 95'. Sadly I'd only really ever been to the main floor & sometimes up as high as only the 4th floor. Today I went all the way to the top floor - to the brand new public & garden rooftop - all I can say is - WOW!!! The views are spectacular - it helped that it was sunny with blue sky all around! This library is top notch offering - book sales, interactive sections, digital lab, e-books, exhibitions, classes, workshops, special events, massive book collection, music booths, teens & kids programs, book clubs, digital library, computers, private work rooms, art displays, etc. You can even borrow musical instruments! I was impressed with the sound recording studio. As I went by I heard a lady singing opera in one booth & she was very good. This library is very busy but noise level was low. Bring headphones with you if you require & need extreme quiet - but I found the noise level to be low to unnoticeable. I highly recommend going to the rooftop - make a trip to the top floor on your next visit. An idyllic setting for dates, piece & serenity, a moment to chill, or just come to be wowed by the views! There were plenty of VPL staff (more than one finds at Walmart or Costco) on hand on all floors to answer questions or give directions. They were very friendly & informative! My one recommendation to the VPL - start working on a replacement carpet sooner than later! It reminds me of the old, tired & sad carpet YVR Airport used to have or older Vegas hotels (remember those carpets with a nasty smell & weird dizzy colour patterns - yeah groovy baby. Google it). So please VPL start planning for the future now or it will soon begin to feel old & grungy inside the library! Overall still an amazingly awesome library & an architectural landmark that has been seen in many TV & movie scenes over years! read more

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I'm a library worker, so I might be biased. I have been here twice and enjoyed spending time while my husband took a nap. Enjoy seeing new titles and reading magazines. read more

I love exploring libraries any time I visit a new city and when I passed by this one I was amazed by the architecture of this building. The structure is gorgeous and the library is clean and well maintained. At the time I went, they had 7 floors of public access and there was construction going on in the higher floors. Each floor has plenty of private seating to sit and read or work. There are also few small shops inside to grab coffee or small bites. If I was living here, this would be my goto spot. read more

Vancouver Public Library - Central - Libraries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Rooftop garden is a great spot for pictures. The structure of the building alone is amazing to see.

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 with appointments though because it's for computer use. I liked the measures they put in place to keep everyone safe. You wait in line and there are arrows. For kids, you have special surprise bags with a little summary attached and you will find inside things to entertain your kids with. Although most of the library was closed it was still a beautiful building and seemed like a good place to study before Covid. read more

This exclusive area holds over of the most beautiful libraries. It's obvious the love guess both ways: library's services to the public and the city loves them right back. They are well funded and it shows. They're currently undergoing construction fur a more grander library. Wishing this was my library but alas I'm just a gypsy wandering into this part of town. read more

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Such a beautiful and majestic library located in the heart of downtown! Although I did not have any intentions of borrowing a book, visiting the public library was a must for me! The architecture alone is highly impressive as it is reminiscent of classic Greek and Roman design. I wish the libraries back at home were this nice... On top of that, I think there is 7 to 9 different levels! You will definitely get what you are looking for. However, finding it may be slightly difficult. There are also many small restaurants and coffee shops making it a nice place to hang out and get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. It's definitely a great public library, one that I am very envious of. If you are not from the area, I highly recommend stopping by as the library is one of the many great things Vancouver has to offer! read more

Vancouver Public Library - Central - Libraries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Odd decision to review a library, but I can't help it. Vancouver Public Library is one of the cleanest and most modern libraries I've ever been to. My fiancé and I came here on weekday to kill time before checking into an Airbnb. It was filled with people studying and enjoying the various community events. We went directly to the outdoor patio, can't remember which floor, before getting too cold and going inside to hide in a conference room and read. Love the youthful and educational vibe, as well as the events catering to so many different demographics. Coming from the US, obviously I couldn't check out books, but I brought my own anyways of browsing the various floors. Definitely more of a library nerd than my fiancé and would love to visit again if I didn't have my darn heavy suitcase to drag around with me. read more

The building itself is beautiful and when we got there at 10am there were many people waiting to get inside. There's plenty of room inside to stretch out and have your own space and they have electric plugs to get your phone recharged while you read. read more

Vancouver Public Library - Central - Books galore - Libraries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

***Update 11/12/2018*** I never would have thought this fab library could get any better - but it DID! Today I visited the newly-opened rooftop garden. Despite it being a cool, crisp November day, there were quite a few folks up on the roof, some sitting on benches and reading or working on their laptops, many others taking in the view or snapping selfies with the city skyline behind them. It was terrific! And even better: you can walk down the staircase on the outer perimeter of the building to a second exterior seating level, on a lower seating deck outfitted with bistro tables and chairs. I can totally see these two outside areas getting crowded in the summer-time, so already I'm planning to come early and stalking out my preferred seating areas. (Note there were vending machines for coffee and snacks by the lower seating area). Because these rooftop decks are newly open, there was a lack of signage in some areas (I went through an unlocked door to walk up some flights of stairs, thinking they'd lead to the upper rooftop deck. I was wrong. It lead to a dead end). There was also a bank of elevators that didn't work (no signs about it, either. I just pushed the button and waited and waited for the elevator to arrive. It never did). So my advice is to give the library a bit of leeway to work out the minor kinks in the construction. I'm sure in a few weeks, these minor issues will be remedied. There was a fascinating exhibit about metamorphoses on an upper level, with interactive displays and hands-on installations. I could have stayed and read all the displays for a few hours, seeing the changes in the city of Vancouver, and in animals and peoples over the years. It was like being in a museum exhibition - for FREE. This place is truly a gem in the city. We are so lucky to have this library here in the downtown core. read more

This library is gorgeous. It's beautiful from the outside and inside. Lots of light and space and if you go all the way up to the rooftop garden, there are some beautiful views of Vancouver. Unfortunately it was a gray, chilly, cloudy day so we didn't hang out for long. We spent a bunch of time in the Children's Area on the ground floor. Plentiful iPads for the kids and there's a play area with toys and games as well as board games for older kids. Most notable for me, there's a kid section for French readers/speakers as well as a section for educators about how to deal with bullying, curriculum, etc. read more

I am not a big fan of going to library. Well this Library is basically a big artwork at the same time. The first floor has some fast food or quick bite places. The library is multiple floors. I remember coming here when it first opened when I was a kid. I remember the chocolate artwork that they had display for 1 week after they opened. Inside is very glassey like. Lots of books here. read more

Vancouver Public Library - Central - Libraries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

This place was my stomping ground in college. First of all it's a gorgeous building, if you didn't know it was a library you would never guess it was. Most out of town visitors often as me what it is. Great place to study or just to take out books. It's a beautiful library and now with a outdoor rooftop garden even more amazing, plus views of downtown Vancouver. Don't get me wrong it's a busy library but you can always find a corner and it will feel like you're all alone. It's a big library, I often like to just get lost here. If you're a student looking for a place to study or a tourist wanting to just take a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown come on in, and its free! read more

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This public library is huge and beautiful. This is situated near the condo we rented and it's a great place to hang out. There's a lot of little places to eat nearby that will want you to keep coming back. It's free and a great place to explore. Great for photographers, people who loves to read, and for people who likes to eat & shop. read more

Vancouver Public Library - Central - Libraries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Even for tourists that are not planning on borrowing books, the Vancouver Public Library is worth a stop. An architectural gem! Our local libraries look nothing like this, alas. My wife and I wandered through, taking picture after picture, courting sore necks from constantly staring upwards. The outside and the inside lobby are the most dramatic features; ironically, the library floors inside feel old and dated. If you're hungry, a few eateries are in the lobby. The hop on/off bus stops right nearby. read more

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This is a great library! It's the main one located Downtown. The building itself is beautiful. Inside, it has many floors. It is bright, clean and well organized. Staff are friendly, as well as helpful . I find if you want to get something specific, or don't want to take the time to browse in the library, best thing to do is to go online, make an account with your card bar code, then log in. . When you search for your item, it shows you availability . You can place a hold, to be picked up at location of your choice, it will be placed in the hold section under your last name- you can just go straight to that section and grab it. Very easy ! I also love the self check outs! There are quite a few so you don't have to wait in line. You can also use it to renew, and pay fines. read more

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Passed by Vancouver public library as recommended. The building is beautiful and stunning to look at. The library is very well maintained and has various floors to walk about. If I was a local student, I could totally see myself studying. I was a little let down with the lack of things to look at as a tourist. I walked around the different floors but just felt awkward walking around. Good place to grab a coffee and sit at the tables and look around. read more

Vancouver Public Library - Central - Libraries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

For a public library, that is cool building. In the middle of downtown Vancouver, the public library is located just a couple of blocks from the busy business district. It's really convenient for the tourists, white collars and students to spend some time reading and relaxing. The building itself is majestic. It's huge, vintage with lots of characters. Inside the building, it got bunch of cafes, coffee shops, restaurants under the glass roof before the main entrance. It's a neat design letting people to eat, drink and rest between the readings without leaving the library. Looking forward to spend some more time in this nice library in the future. read more

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I wish I lived in Vancouver just so I can go to the library every weekend. I went there on a Sunday morning and finding parking was little difficult. However there were several parking lots near the area - found parking one block ahead with a flat rate. I usually love to visit libraries and bookstores when I travel and I got really ecstatic when I entered the library! My fiance was right next to me and he was able to see how my face just lit up as we entered! I imagine heaven to be filled with books everywhere! It's a huge library with several floors! They contain a great selection of books on every topic and every genre. It was labeled in a neat and nice manner which made it easy to find them. Library and restrooms were clean. Staff was helpful and friendly - during my 45 minutes of a visit couple of the staff came to ask whether I needed help with anything. As my fellow Yelpers mentioned it has reading rooms, theater, playroom and chill room. P.S. love the building itself, especially the side view! read more

Vancouver Public Library - Central - SIDE VIEW. - Libraries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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This library is awesome. Multiple levels, well curated and organized, with enough to keep kids busy, clean (incl. Bathrooms). Worth a visit as a tourist. read more

You will witness no blood sport here, unless you intend to fight other patrons for that particular seat overlooking the atrium or downtown. There will be no wresting because citizens behave in Vancouver, and apparently have enough quirky humor to have chosen in 1995 for the design of their new library a structure by Moshe Safdie that resembles the Colesseum! The design of this library alone would have it merit 5 stars. But this 7 floor library has the bonuses--it is high tech, has an atrium with restaurants in case you are feeling peckish after all that brain fuel you are reading, has underground parking and even has a rooftop garden(though sadly, it isn't open to the public. I hope they do an Open House event one day as they do in NYC. I understand a conveyor belt moves books around this library). What a uniquely spectacular building to have as a public library! And so smart of the city to house office buildings in the same structure, to help pay for all those free books, computers and services. This library even hosts events, like ethnic dancing in the plaza. When we went there was a photo exhibit of Chinatown with many interesting old pictures. We rode the escalators up every floor to the top and I peered over the edge, with slightly wobbly legs. We came, we marveled, we left still agape. A tip: Visitors can sign up for a visitor's wifi pass at any of Vancouver's public libraries! read more

Vancouver Public Library - Central - Libraries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Wow. I am sucker for libraries and bookstores. I find structures that contain vast amount of knowledge to be powerful and sexy. Maah Hahhahahha. Seriously. The Vancouver Public Library is a work of art in its own right. First, the design for the library is shaped like a coliseum. A coliseum!!! As I entered the structure, I felt as if I was transported back in time to the Greek era. The structure was used in the TV show Battlestar Galactica and probably other films and shows that I am not aware of. This structural beauty contains seven floors to explore. Again, I am in awe of this wonder. Second, the library provides free wifi for patrons and visitors alike. Wifi is provide for a two hour period. I was issued a temporary internet card that will last for a year! OMG. How can you not love this library? I would have stayed here for hours if I did not have other places to visit in the city. read more

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The quality and amount of restrooms is appalling. I went up four floors and all busy, being cleaned or gross. How can thousands of people have the equivilant of a port-a-potty in a "world class" facility. the collessium in Roma has better a restroom situation. g read more

We two tourists visited the library. Good location, within 5 minute walking distance of a SkyTrain station. As tourists we were allowed to use the Wi-Fi for internet access, as well as computer stations. One just needs to check in at the front desk to obtain access. Beautiful building, with an attractive interior food court in the same building as the library. Large selection of foreign language books. Plenty of computer stations. Though most were being used, we were able to find open computers with no wait. Bathroom was clean. read more

This VPL location is my favorite in the city! The library is always clean and the security staff are so kind and friendly. I enjoyed studying here pre-COVID because of how spacious it is and how many food options there are nearby given the fact that it's located downtown. read more