I like libraries, and I can't fault the building, its amazing. But as an art student, I couldn't be more disappointed as to what they had to offer. And no free Wifi means as a visitor I can't get my work done.

I haven't used this library as a patron, but I love to visit it when I'm in Vancouver---each time, I'm impressed by the open, public space. Such a beautiful library.

the library is a wonderful looking building and if like me you like a good film should be instantly familiar from the many films and tv shows that have been filmed here or use here as scenery, such as sixth day and almost human.
other than that I personally didn't have interest in much else and only passed through to... more

This is really just an amusement park ride. I thought it would be a narrated tour telling me what I was seeing, but all they did was play silly music. I thought it would be a little bit more educational!

Everything that you think... this library will find something about what you are looking for ... There are a lot of books... If I was you, and traveling in Vancouver ... I would go again there

The building itself resembles the roman coliseum. It is a very gran structure and easy to navigate. We stolled all through the building. Well lit, and easy access to different floors.

This library is incredible. The selection of books, tapes, audios, magazines etc is most impressive. the atmosphere invites you to stay, and the staff are most friendly. The library also has great meeting rooms.
Charmaine Hammond
Team Toby Paws
Across Canada Tour

I like the architecture of the building, central location. good collection, helpful people...like the atrium too!

Fabulous complex. Visited here to access Wifi and use toilets.
Staff very helpful.
Found people snoozing on the seating.

I can practically spend a whole day here, from the moment it opens its doors to the public at 10:00 am to 9:00 in the evening! Seven floors full of books and computer workstations will keep anyone occupied-- from kids to the not-so-young. The staff are very helpful and friendly, too. If you need to take a break, you can... more

We ducked into the library because it was raining and the venue we were heading to had not opened yet. We enjoyed looking around and it appeared they hosted many functions throughout the city. The nice part was the small shops in the complex where we could get coffee to wait in the warm and dry. We did need some... more

While visiting Vancouver I discovered the Library on pure coincidence. I loved it. Beautiful place with such a great vibe, a great for a cold winters day to curl up and read a book.

The library was amazing. A beautiful building, glass walls, and what seemed like a million books! A very busy and well utilized library. It is located in Library Square -- lots of little shops, eateries, and a lovely little Friends of the Library Gift Store. There was a Friends of the Library Book Sale, and we definitely came home with... more

Very hard to find things in this library but there is a good array of books, computers and desks to work at. Amazing building from the outside.

I love the look and feel of the building. This is a great place to gather and hang out, nothing to dislike.

We only walked through but very nice atmosphere. Buskers were selling balloons with funny faces on them like kittens and small farm animals.

Easy to use printers and computers. Often quite busy but very user friendly and always a warm refuge from the cold!!!

The architecture of the building is amazing. Very nice to see. People friendly and helpful. A must see.

I refer to the main library here. The architecture is really something to see. Inside the library, there are free events like documentaries, and story telling as well. You can order items online to be delivered to other libraries.

The library is within easy walk of the city centre and is worth going to see the building itself but also is a very well stocked library

This library is a great place to snoop. The architecture is quite interesting and worth a look. The mixed use space with a sunny atrium with small shops in it adds a great touch.
if you're travelling, it's worth visiting for
1) free quick internet check station in the front lobby
2) their great gift shop
3) check out the... more

Loved the beautiful open design with interesting architecture both exterior and interior. Well worth a visit.

Perfect place to go on a rainy or cold day. Very extensive media library. A must see if in the area. Parking is a little expensive in the area. It kind of reminds me of a city square but inside. Places inside to buy food and use the facilities.

Beautiful building with tons of place to study and every book for every topic. The architecture is amazing inside and around the building.

The building is very nice, the restaurant's inside has a nice price and the library services are amazing! There, you can lend some books, use free Internet, use meeting rooms, play electronic piano, watch a show or a workshop... I can say: it's a complete place, FOR FREE!!!

I noticed this before travelling to Vancouver and was determined to see it. The building is quite amazing and really does remind one of the Roman Colosseum!

Vancouver's premier research library with a great collection and lots of computer access. Very helpful staff with our research question on Family history.

The main attraction of the library (its collection) is not very useful to tourists, but it is in itself a gorgeous building and turns out great in pictures. I went during autmn, so having a hot chocolate in the indoors Library Square was great to people-watch in a cozy environment. The library shop also has some nice souvenirs, as well... more

The Vancouver library is one of a kind. It is built to resemble a Roman Colosseum and is a terrific landmark for the city. The library is huge and holds everything you could possibly want in books and research material. The escalators and elevators help deliver you quickly to your destination and the floor and desk staff are very knowledgeable... more

Lots of do and see at the Vancouver library. There are eating outlets just outside the library. Often they have a booksale going on at the front entrance.

The main branch is right downtown and well worth a visit. Of course there is a mammoth print collection but their electronic collection is also top-notch. Hosting a variety of events like controversial speakers I just love having this library with its welcoming and very helpful staff.

The library itself has an interesting architecture so worth it just to see this. However, there are several shops just inside the outer building and many more around the library, including a nice pub. We were staying just a block away, so it was a useful landmark for us.

huge, clean, of course so many books.
really good to spend hours and hours here to read book all day long

In addition to being a world class library, this facilaty has extraordinary architecture. It was designed after the Roman Coliseum. Did you know that when the new library opened in 1995, it took 600 truck loads of books from the old library?

The library is kind of my happy place in the city. Very well stocked, not too big but not too small and fabulous architecture. I can always find a seat by the window with a gorgeous panorama view out to the city (though be warned, it can be hard to find a free computer to use). Out in the library... more

I love libraries and this library is one of the best. It is a beautiful building. The inner "courtyard" has many places to sit and get something to eat or drink. The library itself was a great place to take a moment and read some magazines. It was also a fun place to people watch.

I was rummaging around for things to do and I ran into this library, it's fair, they have internet and many books.
If you are looking for a way to pass the time quietly among books, you found the place!

Maybe not a destination for a traveller per se but a wonderful spot to read, catch up on the news, check out films, or brush up on any information you feel so inclined regarding. The staff are helpful and the area is clean and comfortable.

It's worth wandering past just to admire the design of the building. The structure is massive, taking up the entire block!

Worth dropping by here to appreciate the design of the building, but also for a coffee or snack at one of the fast-food restaurants inside.

This is a beautiful library with excellent resources. The building is shared by the three levels of government and shows what is possible when governments co-operate on a project. It stands in downtown Vancouver as an architectural masterpiece. Take time to walk around the building and enjoy its many perspectives. The inside is like any other library but has some... more

Interesting and modern. They allow you to use the internet for free plus its a really nice place to look around and be curious.

I'd say from an architectural perspective, the outside of the library is stunning.
The inside is just your average library.

This library was a gorgeous surprise. Positioned in a complex, it was great to see a well utilised public library. I was particularly impressed with the Children's library. Definitely worth a visit of travelling with a young family.

FREE ! to join even if you are a tourist. They do not discriminate! You get free membership and use their wi-fi and internet at no cost. They have excellent staff in all the branches we attended and they were so very helpful demonstrating and advising how their system works. The VPL branches I attended on Commercial Drive and Knight... more

I use the library from my computer and download books onto my kobo with terrific ease. I use it all the time

Such a nice library! We couldn't check-in to our hotel for a few hours so we spent some time here. We were able to get free library cards which gave us access to the internet. Very clean and quiet. Loved the stores in the atrium outside, as well.

Spend 2 hours, coffee shops, eateries, chairs, tables, outdoor step seating; spiral architecture to sky covered parkwalk of shops. Inside are several huge floors of books & departments, by elevator or escalator; access to what's on; brochures; internet, online cataloging and all media book-film-cd-etc Helpful staff; busy, accommodating, easy to locate shelves and books. Printers, photocopiers... more

a really interesting building - so different from what you would normally expect from a library. The day we were there, there was a book market which was attracting good crowds. A building to see while in Vancouver.

We were staying nearby and frequently popped in here for a quick read in the reference library to look things up. There are public toilets inside and also a couple of cafes in the same building. It appears to be open every day which is a bonus. Well worth a visit if you are passing. The 'Big Bus" and Trolley... more

The best place in Vancouver.

I live in Vancouver, and I'm just in love with the library, especially the magnificent Central Branch downtown. I'm a student and a book lover, so I go to the library almost everyday; to research, read, or people-watch. It's much more peaceful in the morning, when there aren't as many paople around, and it's a lot easier to ... more

A Must See!

Ok, I'll confess, I haven't spent much time actually using the library just to get bus info. But it is the most beautiful library on the West Coast (including the USA). Yes I have seen Seattle's acclaimed new library. There really is no comparison. Vancouver's is a must see even if you don't need a bus schedule.