Vancouver Central Library

Originally founded in 1869 as the "New London Mechanic Institute" (a meeting room and library for the employees of the Hastings Mill), it was later renamed the "Hastings Literary Institute." Following the Great Fire of Vancouver in 1886, the then defunct Institute donated its remaining 400 books to the newly established "Vancouver Reading Room." One year later, it was renamed the "Vancouver Free Library." In 1901, when the collections outgrew their facility, Andrew Carnegie donated fifty thousand dollars for construction of a new library building. By 1957, the library collections had outgrown its home again, and the current building, resembling the Flavian Amphitheater in Rome (more popularly known as the Colosseum) was opened. In an effort to help continued funding of the library's operations, this new nine story building includes high rise office space, retail stores, restaurants, and an underground parking facility. This is truly one of the most impressive libraries we've encountered. So much so, that parts of the building have been included in such films as "Battlestar Galactica," "Mr. Magoo," "Fringe," etc. Included in its collections are enough DVD's to rival Blockbuster Video ( there may still be one or two of these stores around) musical instruments that can be taken out on loan like books, and stacks-upon-stacks of foreign language books (from Arabic, French, Japanese, Korean, etc.). In addition, this library has one of the largest current magazine collections we've seen. And, this was only a five minute walk from our apartment. What a great find!

The West Georgia Street front entrance of the Vancouver Central Library (it does sort of resemble the Colosseum in Rome)...

... Vancouver-based artist, Terada's sign in front of the library. In his words, "Taken within the context of a public library, the work touches upon - in a very poetic way - the use of words and language as boundless and imaginative, as a catalyst for a multiplicity of meanings."

The interior promenade shows the library on the left and the retail stores on the right.

Entering the library by way of the promenade level only provides a sample of what awaits you.

Comprising nine stories of various collections, this is one of the most impressive libraries we've been in...

...just the stacks of books alone are impressive...

AKA Canada's version of Blockbuster, the DVD collection alone would probably fill a moderate size home, floor to ceiling...

...and the stacks of foreign language books took up half of one floor all by itself.

If you happen to be overwhelmed by the shear numbers, throughout the library are staff recommendations for books to read.

I have never seen such a large selection of magazines from which to choose (this is only a sample).

There's even a complete selection of bus schedules servicing Vancouver.

Of course, having been a First Grade teacher for so many years, Lori's favorite area was the Children's Room.