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Vancouver Public Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
350 Georgia St WVancouver, BC V6B 6B1
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 331-3600
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
42 reviews for Vancouver Public Library
42 reviews in English
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Review from Isabelle G.
Vancouver, BC
11/20/2011
Free DVD's and books to keep me occupied during the week = hell's yeah. They have been getting new material as well which is a plus and DVD's that I actually want to watch. They have 'zines as well. I have been so spoiled that I stopped renting and or paying for movies since getting them from the Library.
P.S. Their staff needs to be friendlier. -
Review from Remi C.
Vancouver, BC
12/17/2011
Just shy of 5 stars...really more of a 4.5. There's a girl who works in the kid's section who is fantastic! I asked for book recommendations, and she hasn't steered me wrong yet! She has this crazy spreadsheet that she whips out, then escorts me up every time to go and check them out. I've been on a teen fiction kick....and she has recommended some awesome ones. I highly suggest "The Book Thief" by Mark Zusak. It might be the first book I buy in quite a few years!
However...some of the somewhat older women that work at the info desk on the main level can kind of be asses unfortunately. -
Review from Theresa W.
Vancouver, BC
10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love love love libraries. I grew up in libraries, my mom was a librarian, I hung out at libraries after school with my cousin while waiting for someone to pick us up after work, I literally lived in the library in university during exam time (though that one is a not-so-happy memory...)
But when I first set eyes on this library, I was immediately in love. Not only is it beautiful architecturally (refreshing amidst all the full glass rectangular structures around it), but the sheer amount of knowledge stored up inside makes me giddy with excitement.
This one has some great studying areas on the higher-up floors. The lower ones are pretty noisy and have high traffic. There's free wifi throughout the building if you have a library card, which can be awesome or a huge distraction if you're trying to study. Other reasons why the library is great: the easy self-help check-out system is so cool! Plus, you can even pay your overdue fines there now! And the online system for placing holds and renewing items is a huge bonus.
There's lots of decent cheap food options in the area that are open until as late as the library is. Plus, if you're ever in dire need of a bathroom and are too embarrassed to go to a food place, this is your stop! -
Review from Sachi M.
I go through spurts of library usage: finding and reserving books, usually to pick up at this branch. The many self check-out stations are very convenient. You can even pay fees there with a debit or credit card. Now if only they stopped using Comic Sans....
There are too many floors to browse in. I usually have to just find the call numbers and go straight to that section. Speaking of which, the website catalogue has been much easier to use since http://vpl.ca teamed up with http://Bibliocommons.com . I only wish the mobile site also allowed access to My Collections (to note the books I'll be looking for) and required less clicks to find out the call number and which branches they are available at.
Did you know there is a section for sheet music on the Arts floor? There is even a room you can book with a keyboard (electric piano) so you can try them out.
Wi-Fi is free, but requires log-in with a library card. So does using the internet at one of the computers. -
Review from Trudi C.
8/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
For my first month here I didn't realize this was a library ;) It doesn't look like one! It's fantastic though, I love coming here to hang out.
Great points:
- Huge selection of books (you'll find me in the graphics novel section).
- Free wi fi as long as you're signed up with a card.
- Lots of comfy seats to slouch about on.
- A Blenz right outside (and possibly my fave in the city, very creamy lattes!).
- Multiple bike parking space outside.
- One block away from my fave Downtown cafe, The Buzz :P
Coffee and books, perfect! -
Review from Haedis L.
7/14/2011
You can tell a lot about a city from their libraries.
A city whose libraries are largely ignored is a city that is in danger. If you enter a library and see that it is mostly made up of a) homeless people or b) those suffering from mental illnesess.. then yes, that city is in danger. A library is a great place to spend hours when you don't have a home.. but they offer so much more citizens, so much more!
Vancouver public library is a wonderful mix of everyone. Bums, students, normal book lovers, families, kids, all the different forms us humans play out in can be found here. Everyone enjoys VPL!
I've paid over $100 dollars in fines here, (it's my good deed) stopped in a business class, saw a naked man shitting in the women's washroom, improved my spanish, but at the end of the day I feel a little booksick if I haven't come here in a while.
It's always a journey.. really. You enter with some general books in mind (or for the more organized, a list) and you leave with so much more. Maybe you gave up on ancient greek history and decided to take up Latin instead. Maybe you happened upon a book that really changed your life (I know thats happened to me..) Maybe you just left with more skip in your step knowing you've got something great in your hands.
What ever it is, libraries need to be cherished. They hold so much knowledge, so many possibilities, so much love and interesting things to be passed on. In the age of ipod's and blackberries and Iphones and computer computers the lost power of a book is often forgotten! How is it that we can build advanced buildings and starbucks on every corner, yet this Goddess of a building is so often ignored?
Forget your expensive university degrees! Spend the money on travelling and read a great book a week and you will learn just as much, if not more.
/Rant Over.
(I love you VPL) -
Review from Catherine W.
New Westminster, BC
8/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
OMG! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this library! When I was studying for my CSC I would go here and just immerse myself in my studies.
Now if you are on one of the lower floors it can be a bit noisy so you really should go to floor 5 and up to study.
Recently I started doing some family history research and since they have a lot of the BC Archive micro film it was the place to go. I spent a good 6 hours each time there and it went by so fast I still have a lot to do.
I just love this place. I think I might have said that already! -
Review from Melissa E.
Vancouver, BC
2/26/2011
I have a problem. My name is Melissa and I am a book request addict.
I think I normally have about 4-5 VPL books at my place covering a wide range of subjects, fiction, non-fiction, photography, how-to...you name it. I am addicted. Especially since I realized I can order books online and get them delivered to my local branch which is a mere 2 blocks away from my place!!! HAZAAAA!
Oh and I did I mention in grad school I spent half my life on the 5th floor? Yes, I wrote my dissertation there. Quiet space, solid desks, free wi-fi, allowed to bring in coffee. What more could i ask for?!?! And there are some crazies that keep it interesting.
The VPL and all their branches is an essential service to the community. Please support them whenever you can. -
Review from Steph C.
10/26/2010
I visited two large public libraries on a trip that encompassed Seattle and Vancouver, and I have to say that Seattle's kicked Vancouver's ass. Whereas Seattle's is a genuine attraction worth a visit from any casual tourist, Vancouver's is a giant public library, a gem to locals that is of possible interest to out-of-towners.
I happen to love libraries, and was happy to explore this one. The place was huge and beautiful, and when we visited, there was a festival going on called "Word on the Street" that celebrated the written word. Public libraries should be hubs of intellectual activity, and it was nice to see one doing its part. I wandered through a few floors of the interior, and it seemed easy enough to navigate, with all manner of books within reach. There was even a remarkably large section of foreign books, especially in Asian languages.
I used to work in a library and I still find comfort when I'm surrounded by books. Vancouver's provides the expansive warmth that comes from a good public library. It's an asset to the town and worth a peek if you're a book lover from out of town. -
Review from Liv F.
West Vancouver, BC
8/21/2011
I feel so lucky to be able to access this library, even though I live on the North Shore. I can take books out from VPL's Central Branch and return them to West Van Memorial Library, which is SO convenient.
The Central Branch has a huge selection of books, DVDs and magazines, loads of events such as 2nd hand book sales and comfy places to study or read.
If you're into zines, check out their awesome zine library in front of the DVDs, which are in the Popular Reading section. -
Review from Evilyn T.
10/5/2010
If you can read, you should take advantage of the VPL! I haven't used the VPL since I was in College many years ago, and had no idea how easy it has become since those years have passed!
If you know what book you are looking for, you can just log into the VPL website with your card number and pin number and put a hold on the book you are hoping to sign out. The library will send you an email to your account on their website, letting you know the book you are looking for is on hold for you. Then you go to the location you selected to pick up your book, in the downtown library there is a hold section and only the person who has put the book on hold can actually sign it out. I searched for the two books I put on hold and proceeded to the checkout.
You can sign out your own books now too! They have set up scanners where you scan through your card and then your books and it prints you a receipt which states when your books must be returned, but if you get lazy like me you can just log back into your account online and renew your books up to six times without even leaving your house! Ahhh... beer in one hand good book in the other, and I'm only a mouse-click away from renewing it before I pass out from drinking. -
Review from Holly L.
Vancouver, BC
1/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's a library! It's great! The Vancouver branch also has a great selection of magazines and other periodicals. Their events are really interesting and top-notch. If you like movies, this is far better than any video store (was) for selection. Even now they have lots of movies not available on Netflix.
The best part is the reservation system -- once you have a card you can order or reserve any book or movie from anywhere in the system and it's delivered to your nearest branch. -
Review from Tam F.
7/12/2010
What an amazing library. It is like a block long and 6 stories or something crazy like that. There were tons of computers on each floor, each section was well put together and laid out and wow, what an incredible place.
We walked through, wishing we could have borrowed books, music, movies, etc., but alas since we were lowly tourists, we just perused to our hearts content. -
Review from Daren D.
4/17/2011 1 photo
So cool, and the Colisseum-esque look is nice. There's shops and food at one of the entries in the atrium (didn't try the bubble waffle...=/) Friendly staff and internet computers on different floors. The bathrooms are somewhat lacking and the 15 minute express computers are CRT! Whaat?! Overall, cool.
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Review from May B.
Vancouver, BC
7/29/2010
I love this library because:
- It's huge. +5 levels worth of information and seating means that you will never not find what you're looking for, and there's always a seat available. Mind you, everyone wants to use the internet access computers so best bring your own laptop along (free WiFi!)
- You don't have to leave the premises to find great hot chocolate (Blenz), yummy food (Flying Wedge pizza!), or cute gifts (bookMark, where they stock those Anne Taintor reworked vintage items I absolutely love).
- It plays host to different public art installments.
- The building itself is beautiful. The view from the upper floors give me a people watching vantage, while sitting on the pebblestone concourse makes me feel like I'm on a cafe patio (the occasional pigeon that makes its way indoors adds to the aesthetic) -
Review from J Q.
Vancouver, BC
6/10/2011
i'm a big big big fan of libraries for their tremendous effort and invaluable role in comunities and vpl is excellent for those reasons. Specifically, i love browsing their new arrivals section at the front. As well, I've always admired how vpl is excellent about book deliveries to different branches. i'm writing this review particularly because i've finally jumped aboard the e-book category and was pleasantly surprised to find VPL so on top of it with an excellent virtual library access. Their library to go and books 24x7 collections are quite impressive to access at the convenience and in the comfort of sitting in jammies at home. great job! (though selfishly, if they can work out the kindle compatibility soon i'd be even happier)
i didn't give vpl a 5/5 (although I really wanted to) because this library's only but major annoyance to me is that they don't keep a few dedicated terminals near the entrance expressedly for searching and browsing the catalogue. kudos for them for providing computer access to patrons but they are always busy for when i simply need a 2 or 3 minute browse to look at what this library has to offer. i don't always have an idea specific enough to approach a librarian and i'm not looking for a conversation or assistance. Generally my idea of what i'm interested to browse in the visit becomes formed as i am scrolling through the collection of books available. I find this part a valuable start of planning the visit and developing an initial sense of what's out there. Please take an example from the burnaby public library's main branch in this regard. -
Review from Kim L.
Vancouver, BC
7/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
The outside architecture of the library is beautiful....reminds me of the shape of a rolled crepe or a cigar cookie! (Food is everywhere in my mind...alas, I digress.)
It's a great place to hide out if you don't want to be found, bring your music and headphones and lose yourself in a book (I'll be finishing the last of Stief Larsson's trilogy), work on a project (free wifi, take a break and people watch by Blenz), or just grab your camera and be an amatuer photographer, etc.
Go old school! There's just something about flipping the pages of a book that makes my fingers happy.Listed in: Bueller...Bueller...
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Review from sarah r.
Vancouver, BC
6/10/2011
Alright, I love our library. I use it often. What more is there to be said, really?
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Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
7/28/2009
* Relief! *
Ok, I'm going to complain about the weather. It is HOOOOTTTTTT!!!! Yes, I know 33 degrees (about 91 F) doesn't sound hot to someone in Arizona. But for us heat wimps in Vancouver where there is a very VERY limited supply of AC it is damn hot!
The library is a welcome respite from the heat:
- Numerous private desks and meeting rooms
- Free Wifi
- Cafe and snack food
- Nice architecture
And most importantly today: IT IS AIR CONDITIONED!
So here are a cool 5 stars to thank you for cooling me down while I could sit at a nice desk, and handle my work.
Aaaahhhhhhhhhh..........Listed in: Free Vancouver Wifi
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Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
12/8/2008
For many reasons, the Central Branch is my favorite of the Vancouver public libraries.
It's the best spot to head with your laptop: unlike most smaller VPL branches you'll actually find power plugs. There are even spots where you can get the finicky Wi-Fi and be plugged in at the same time! But not even Yelp will pry those secrets from me.
The nearby amenities mean there's no need to pack a lunch: grab sushi from one of many spots, coffee from Blenz or Gutenberg's, even fresh flowers. Although I don't recommend eating the flowers for lunch. Just so we're clear.
Most of all I love the arts community's use of the library. I really enjoyed watching the aerial performers of Aeriosa Dance flip along the outside of the library. Or, Aussie actors stage a fascinating piece called Small Metal Objects within the unknowing library crowd. Both shows were top-notch and have me focused on the library as a truly unique venue to see future shows. -
Review from Claudia L.
Burnaby, BC
2/25/2009
Take away the crazies loudly whispering their conspiracy theories on Big Brother and how they are controlling the colour of grass *take deep breath ... now close your eyes*, and you'll be left with the serene, magnificent building of what is the Vancouver Public Library.
It's a treat to visit the branch on a cloudy and drown in a novel alongside a pot of steeped tea from Blenz.
The Central Branch is not only the most attractive library in the lower mainland but the building itself is also an architectural sensation and the list of 5-star ratings prove it. Their use of daylighting techniques enable natural light to illuminate the vast space of the building, giving me a sophisticated version of the fuzzy feeling.
If you prefer to watch rather than read your Nancy Drew's, at least drop by for a glance and experience one of Vancouver's architectural landmarks. -
Review from Janel Y.
8/7/2008 3 photos
This is not only a public library nor a hangout place to get a cup of Blenz hot chocolate, but an architecture marvel. This is the main branch and spans a full city block, bordering Homer, Hamilton, Robson and Georgia Streets.
It was remodeled several years ago. From the street level it looks like the Roman Colisiem and from an aerial view it looks like a Cinnabon. Once you step inside, you're in an enclosed area with a glass ceiling. To the right is a Blenz and some places to eat. To the left is the library with its ceiling to floor windows which enable you to view the massive book collection and all the people studying inside.
I have yet to step foot in the library...I was just overwhelmed with the arches and glass ceiling that I left not checking out the inside!Listed in: O Canada!
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Review from Megan S.
11/19/2008 1 photo
This library takes up an entire block of Robson/Georgia. Styled after the Colliseum, it's quite an impressive building. It seems that I always pass someone taking a picture of it. The initial entrance opens to a corridor of food and gift shops. Once inside the library, you start out on level 2. This is the main floor where you'll find: checkouts, reserves, and fiction. Children and young adult sections are below on Level 1. Otherwise, I always have to use the large sign up front to remember what floor to find Arts and what floor to find Technology books. You can take the escalators to each floor, or for a more direct route- take the elevator.
This library always has a lot of people, but it's so big that there's always
an open computer or an empty reading chair. The signs in the elevator say that you can get one hour of free parking on Sundays. I've never taken advantage of that, but I believe that you turn into the library garage via Hamilton St. Also along Hamilton, is the after-hours book drop, which is a convenient way to avoid the 30 cent daily fines for a late book. -
Review from Marlena M.
Vancouver, BC
10/13/2010
Most Vancouverites don't realize what an amazing resource they have available to them with the VPL. You can get anything...ANYTHING...ok maybe not porn...BUT ANYTHING ELSE. New DVDs, music, videogames (and not old ps games, we just had out a bunch of wii games and Rockband for PS3), sheet music, magazines. And it's free people. FREE! oooooh I love that word. Free. I am especially a dork for requesting items on the website and having them delivered to my local branch. It's like internet shopping for the terminally cheap.
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Review from Allen W.
Vancouver, BC
11/14/2009
I'm a library lover and VPL saves me from buying books that I really don't need to buy. For some reason, I recently decided I must learn PHP and visited VPL for helpful guides (thank god I didn't spend money on them).
The library also offers interlibrary loan service with the Family History Library so genealogy micofilms can be loaned for a small fee.
I should note that I arrived just before the VPL opened one day and was shocked by how many people were lined up to enter (like 50 or so). When the doors opened people rushed in. I was like WTF? Then, I realized people were rushing for access to free internet and prime seat locations.
Avoid and the rush by taking your laptop and tapping into the free wi-fi. -
Review from Mary I.
8/7/2008
This library is any book lover's dream!
It is like nothing I have ever seen in the states! As the previous Yelper mentioned, it does look like a Roman Colosseum from the outside! Truly a gem located in Vancouver! -
Review from Tom W.
4/14/2009
Pros:
Pretty sweet looking architecture
Good place to take pictures
Haven't actually gone inside, but it looks Huge
Cons:
None -
Review from Havivah S.
Vancouver, BC
5/12/2010
This is truly a beautiful public library. Well maintained, and very organized. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful.
The ONLY thing I would wish to be different are the amount of computers available for public use. There are not that many :( But! At least they limit the use per person for one hour. Kind of aggravating when you see people using their FB account or watching music videos.. but eh, it is a public library.
Inter-library loan is def the way to go!
Oh their restrooms are also very clean.
I like the design of the location, close to a coffee house where I got one of the best cinnamon rolls I've ever had. They even heated it up for me too.. Yumm !!! -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
9/24/2008
This is not necessarily the library to come to if you want some peaceful, quiet study time, but it does have an amazing collection of resources for doing research - from the archival photographs and microfiche (historical) to current magazines and journals, and of course, books! The librarians are all very helpful and they've helped me with every kind of research query.
Having a library card allows you access to all kinds of electronic resources(which can be accessed from home via the website), as well as an hour of free Internet time per day - very handy for when I'm downtown and need to check e-mail or get a little work done between appointments. I can usually find a free computer (marked with a yellow sign) by going up a few floors rather than waiting in line on the ground floor.
Another cool thing about the library is the wealth of events they put on. I also make sure to attend the twice-yearly book sales, when loads of books and videos and DVDs are on sale for anywhere from a few cents to a couple dollars apiece. -
Review from BB H.
Burnaby, BC
3/31/2010
Cool looking architecture from the outside and even the covered passageway but once you get inside--zzzzzz!
Also, would it kill the library to have signs on each floor at the top and foots of escalators telling you what call numbers are on each floor? Finally, they have small signs indicating what subjects are on each floor although they can be hit and miss.
Lastly, what exactly do the librarians sitting at computer terminals actually do? I'm not complaining but what do they actually do all day and work on? It baffles me.
Anyway, as far as the collection of books, it's pretty decent and they do get new books in pretty quick. Could do better as far as sports books go but rest of categories I hit seem to more up to date. -
Review from Sheila W.
BC
1/2/2009
This branch is hard to compete with for any other library in the VPL system. Inside and out, it is a fabulous location.
In addition to the incredible selection of books, magazines, and international newspapers, there are so many great places to sit and loads of window seats! They have a great lounge near the newspapers to settle in and catch up on news from all over the world. They also host events and have all sorts of speakers in.
Even if you just want to gawk at it from the outside, I would encourage every visitor to Vancouver to check out this building. -
Review from Anita T.
Toronto, ON
9/30/2008 2 photos
I really heart his library. It looks like the Coliseum from Rome! I mean, any library that looks like an ancient Roman structure really should get some respect!
This is a great place to go to, not only if you want to check out some books in the library, but also if you want a good place to study. They have internet and tons of places to plant yourself to study/read.
The librarians are super knowledgeable and helpful. They can help you track down just about anything you could be searching for. They even teach you how to use those fancy machines that you only see people in the movies using! -
Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
10/1/2008
In this day and age, even academic types lack the fidelity they once held for libraries. Throughout my student days, the smell of musty old books comforted me during sad and stressful times. It was my second home and reference books were my blanket.
So enamored was I with this place that I wrote a paper on Moshe Safie. Now... well, now that my then vague understanding of the Dewey Decimal System has diminished even further, the Vancouver Public Library still stands, its Coliseum-like walls reaching out... ready to embrace those eager to learn. -
Review from Aaron Z.
Vancouver, BC
7/5/2009
Ten out of ten for architectual beauty.
Ten out of ten for books and resources.
Ten out of ten for location.
Six out of ten for quiet, especially around Internet computers.
Eight out of ten for availability and accessibilty of computers
Seven out of ten for staff (they're kind of thin-skinned about accepting criticism.)
Hey, it's way better than nothing! -
Review from andrew w.
8/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
Didn't go inside but just chilled on the front steps. Also the library was visible from our hotel room and was a very pleasant site to see.
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Review from Bryan W.
Vancouver, BC
10/4/2010
This is the best library in the lower mainland.The architecture of the building is really good as its built after the roman colliseum.They have 7 floors of library space as well as 2 others that are not used.Each floor has its own theme.They even have a childrens library which takes up an entire floor. They do have a lot of computers dedicated to the internet but they can be used up fast during certain times of the day.If your in a hurry to use the internet bring your IPOD or laptop as they do have free wifi.there is always something going on including career exploration workshops and story readings by famous authors.very easy to spend a day here
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Review from Mike O.
Port Moody, BC
9/3/2008
You know by now I'm a food fiend. I love it when a business mixes food into their gameplan. That's why I totally appreciate the Vancouver Library. It's a comfortable place to read or do some work. There are a ton of computers to go online with. They have a great system that makes it so there is always a computer available. It's convenient if you're downtown and you need to find a computer to do some work on.
But the best part of all is the café row. It's situated in an open atrium style lobby. The architecture is similar to a Roman Coliseum. They have a pizza place, a coffee shop a donut spot, burgers. Man! What are they trying to do to me? They should know how easily influenced I am. What's best about this place is the tranquil silence that engulfs the entire place. It's like a monastery bathed in sunshine. I can't believe how peaceful it can be with so many people walking in and out all the time. Take a moment to enjoy the beauty that is one of the more stoic buildings in Vancouver. -
Review from Richard D.
Vancouver, BC
9/12/2008
This is an awesome library. It's very nice-looking from the outside, with columns soaring to the top. There are eateries in an atrium, where you can see the facade of the library facing the atrium. The fourth floor is great for job-hunting. The one problem is that it's difficult to get a computer with Internet access. You may have to wait. The library also offers access to a wealth of databases at home using your library card.
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Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
10/16/2009
Love the building I voted for it along with an architect friend, we discussed the chances, slim to none we thought, you can't imagine our surprise when they announced it would be built, the alternatives were two boxes one tall one short.
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Review from Jer B.
Windsor, ON
5/16/2009
This place is in so many movies I've saw especially Battlestar galactica. Just watch out of their striking because they get NASTY.
