Library Square
Library Square
4.5
11:30 AM - 3:00 AM
Monday
11:30 AM - 2:00 AM
Tuesday
11:30 AM - 2:00 AM
Wednesday
11:30 AM - 2:00 AM
Thursday
11:30 AM - 2:00 AM
Friday
11:30 AM - 3:00 AM
Saturday
11:30 AM - 3:00 AM
Sunday
11:30 AM - 2:00 AM
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Robson Street
Robson Street is a shopper's paradise. Whether a window shopper or a serious trendsetter, a fashionista or a dabbler, the crowd of independent boutiques, quirky one-off shops, and well-known luxury brands on Robson Street have something to cater for every itch in your wallet. As a result, it draws a diverse crowd, and the people-watching along this famous walking thoroughfare is a primary attraction. In between the clothing shops both high-street and budget-friendly are a number of cafes to lay down your load, as well as numerous specialty stores ranging in their wares from music, to art, to city souvenirs. Known as "Vancouver's Runway," if a new trend is on the rise, you'd spot it here first.
How to get there
- Granville • 5 min walk
- Stadium–Chinatown • 5 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,960 within 5 kms
Attractions
677 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
271 reviews
Excellent
122
Very good
109
Average
33
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia53,434 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Library Square takes up an entire city block and includes the Library, an Office Tower, and integrated retail and service facilities. It is a place where you can visit and just enjoy the surroundings. The amazing spiralling grand urban room seems to draw visitors towards the Square and the Library. You can spend time looking around in the shops, have a cup of coffee, borrow a book, or go to the top floor of the Library and enjoy the open garden and the panoramic views of the surrounding area! We loved it!
Written January 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada14,895 contributions
Jul 2019
Library Square encompasses a full city block and represents the culmination of Moshe Safdie’s innovative design. The city’s vision for the Vancouver Public Library and, by extension, Library Square, was to develop a multi-use building that would serve as a central hub for Vancouverites and tourists alike. In that regard, the space known as Library Square has succeeded because it seamlessly blends retail, dining, entertainment, art and bibliothek into a comprehensive and dynamic gestalt.
Indeed, Library Square represents the proverbial heart of the Vancouver Public Library (VPL). As you approach the VPL, the “art” of Library Square greets you in a multitude of ways. First, there’s the intriguing and thought-provoking text just outside the building: THE WORDS DON’T FIT THE PICTURE. Installed in 2010, this text-based sculpture unsettles our typical understanding of what it means to develop a sculpture. Taken within the context of the library, however, the text alludes to the very malleable nature of words and language – we can use it to contemplate numerous meanings within the oasis of calm that is Library Square and the VPL. Second, there’s the architecture of Library Square and the VPL. In shape and colour, the space is reminiscent of Rome’s great Colosseum, but with a modern twist. In ancient times, the Colosseum was a thing of spectacle. Here, in the 21st century, Library Square and the VPL are also a thing of spectacle, but on a far more functional level. It is a thing of beauty.
Once you actually enter Library Square, you can see how it draws all of these diverse elements together. Retail, dining, entertainment, art and library work together to create an energized yet strangely relaxing space. The internal glass façade allows for streams of light to come through the structure, giving the illusion that you’re outdoors as opposed to inside. In this way, the space is at once contemplative while concurrently a beehive of activity. You could sit back, enjoy a Blenz coffee and read a book; or, attend the ABC Dollar Store, grab a drink at the Library Square Pub, or do some banking. It’s a diverse hodgepodge, but done in an attractive, balanced way. Thus, even if one doesn’t patronize the VPL proper, Library Square is worth a visit.
Indeed, Library Square represents the proverbial heart of the Vancouver Public Library (VPL). As you approach the VPL, the “art” of Library Square greets you in a multitude of ways. First, there’s the intriguing and thought-provoking text just outside the building: THE WORDS DON’T FIT THE PICTURE. Installed in 2010, this text-based sculpture unsettles our typical understanding of what it means to develop a sculpture. Taken within the context of the library, however, the text alludes to the very malleable nature of words and language – we can use it to contemplate numerous meanings within the oasis of calm that is Library Square and the VPL. Second, there’s the architecture of Library Square and the VPL. In shape and colour, the space is reminiscent of Rome’s great Colosseum, but with a modern twist. In ancient times, the Colosseum was a thing of spectacle. Here, in the 21st century, Library Square and the VPL are also a thing of spectacle, but on a far more functional level. It is a thing of beauty.
Once you actually enter Library Square, you can see how it draws all of these diverse elements together. Retail, dining, entertainment, art and library work together to create an energized yet strangely relaxing space. The internal glass façade allows for streams of light to come through the structure, giving the illusion that you’re outdoors as opposed to inside. In this way, the space is at once contemplative while concurrently a beehive of activity. You could sit back, enjoy a Blenz coffee and read a book; or, attend the ABC Dollar Store, grab a drink at the Library Square Pub, or do some banking. It’s a diverse hodgepodge, but done in an attractive, balanced way. Thus, even if one doesn’t patronize the VPL proper, Library Square is worth a visit.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
happy4travel
Northern California1,208 contributions
Nov 2019
We spent hours and enjoyed the beautiful library! This was wonderful time and a great experience. Our family loves libraries. Absolutely a delightful time. The Library 📚 is great for any families! So much more than books. A gorgeous building!
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Goal100Countries
Cheltenham, UK596 contributions
Jun 2019
I have watched sport many times here due to the huge projector screen and atmosphere. The staff are excellent and friendly considering how busy it gets. Sadly, in my opinion, the quality, quantity and price of food is poor. Despite this the drinks menu is extensive and caters to all tastes.
Written September 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tells It Like It Is
1 contribution
Feb 2020
I hated this building from the day it was built sometime in the 1990's, a 'center of learning" (a library) modelled after one of the worlds most nortorious monuments to mass execution, suffering, and injustice, the Ancient Roman Colliseum. The fact that Vancouver chose a design like this for its star public enlightenment center (a main public library) tells you a lot about the social psychology of this city, that it is and has been for decades inherently TWISTED and PSYCHOTIC, but can't seem to understand that, because Vancouver is too proud, snotty and psycho.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bitler
Newport Beach, CA380 contributions
Oct 2019
This library is huge, yet warm and quiet. 8 Floors, it is amazing, they have programs going on all the time and really knowledgeable librarians. Very Friendly.
Written October 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laaduuzze
Grindelwald, Switzerland111 contributions
Apr 2019
The prices are really high if you don't have a coupon and the staff was not really friendly and we had the feeling that we are not welcomed
Written September 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary Alice M
Dallas, TX223 contributions
Oct 2019
We walked by almost every day we were there. We went to the library several times, once to the book sale. Beautiful building - interesting architecture.
Written October 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larina H
Portland, Oregon, United States37 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
The attached covered breezeway is really interesting and is a great place to duck out of the rain for a few minutes. There are several little shops and places to grab a coffee or snack under the covered area and it's worth it to walk through even if you don't want to stop for anything.
Written July 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thata Portugal
Vancouver, Canada249 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
I love books, therefore, libraries in general are a very comfortable place to me. However the central branch has a special place in my heart. Besides being beautiful inside out, you can find any book there, magazines and even movies. The library offers space to study, to access internet if you need it, to print, or if you just want to hang out and read your book in peace. The library system is very convenient and if you need help, there are always friendly people willing to help.
Even if you’re not from Vancouver, it’s a place to at least visit once.
Even if you’re not from Vancouver, it’s a place to at least visit once.
Written December 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
is there parking available and how much for how long?
Written December 14, 2017
Hello Moonglow, The most expensive parking is near the Vancouver Convention Centre. It's $6 an hour near Cordova and Burrard streets. It's $7 an hour at the nearby EasyPark lot. that's the price approximately in most areas. you have to call the library to have the exact price.
Written January 9, 2018
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