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See & do · Landmarks & architecture

Vancouver Public Library Central Branch

Downtown
Closedvia Google
Opening hours
  • 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

The city's grand central library, with a colonnaded surround reminiscent of a Roman amphitheater.via Google

A striking, Colosseum-inspired building designed by Moshe Safdie, featuring a public rooftop garden.

Good to know
Free to enter; the rooftop garden offers quiet seating and city views.

Reviews from Google

Guilherme Cavalcantein the last week
Huge library with nine floors and an impressive collection. I absolutely adore the rooftop garden on the ninth floor. The views are amazing. Just the perfect spot to unwind and relax after a hard day of work/study
Sugees_Travel_Talesa month ago
Impressive library in the downtown area. Has access to all the 9 floors via a lift and also an escalator. Wonderful collection of books. Their “Staircase Sounds” featuring musicians is an immersive program for which we need to register in advance ( free event). Loved the musical ensemble ‘Fetele din Balkani’ performance on 25/4/26 was immersive. Visit highly recommended and encouraged for all visitors.
Jennifer Neilsona month ago
Im a sucker for a library while travelling and this is one of my favourites. When I visit Vancouver with someone new, I always take them. I love the art on each of the floors and then the terrace at the top is stunning. Plus the building itself is beautiful. I enjoy visiting the little gift shop on the main floor just outside as well. Lots of cute stuff.
Johna month ago
What a beautiful building. architecture based on colosseum.great rooftop space and views from same. lots of areas for folk to chill & work remotely. Just happened upon it while sightseeing Vancouver.
Bernice Maa month ago
A lovely place with a great selection of books. It’s quiet and relaxing, perfect for reading, unwinding, and enjoying some peaceful time on the rooftop.
See all reviews on Google Maps