Vancouver is a young city that has an active cultural and student life in its streets. That’s why the city has up to 22 public libraries.
Among all libraries, the most popular is Central Branch this is due to the privileged location in downtown of the city and that, in addition, there are many schools nearby. This library is quite large and offers a wide variety of services to its users; It is open daily and is located at 350 West Georgia Street. Its opening hours are from 10 AM to 9 PM from Monday to Thursday; from 10 AM to 6 PM Friday and Saturday; And from 12 AM to 6 PM on Sundays.
* If you plan to go to one of Vancouver’s public libraries, you’d better check the opening hours on the library’s website. Each library has a different schedule, and schedules are constantly modified due to holidays (and other reasons).
For example, the Carnegie Library (Located on Main Street) opens every day from 10 AM to 10 PM while the Outreach Library closes Sunday and Monday; its opening hours from Tuesday to Thursday is from 10 AM to 5.30 PM and from 10 AM to 5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Also, the Joe Fortes Library, located in West-End (870 Denman St) opens from 10 AM to 9 PM Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; from 10 AM to 6 PM Wednesday and Friday; from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays and from 1 PM to 5 PM on Sundays.
As you can see, the theme of the schedules is a little complex, so our recommendation is that you always check the website or call the library to confirm the opening hours.
Vancouver’s public library system is managed by user cards, so if you want to enjoy the WI-FI services or others like borrowing a book or a musical instrument you must get one.
To obtain the card you must present a personal identification document and a home address document:
- Identification issued by the government of Canada, for example:
Passport
Driver’s license
Medical card
Birth certificate
Social Security Card
Citizenship Card
Permanent residence card
Canadian visa or work permit issued for 6 months or more
- Proof of residential address :
Rental agreement (officially signed)
Bank statement or personalized check
Utility bill
Personal mail with current postal stamp
Hotel receipt (s)
Letter of information about the stay in the home (full address and student’s name must be on the letter)
Bank accounts or utility bills opened in the personal electronic device
If on the contrary, all you want is to enjoy the facilities, then you will not need the user card. You can access the library freely to study in one of its quiet areas, read a book relaxed in one of its comfortable seats or you can get creative in the Inspiration Lab.
And that is, as Albert Einstein said. ““The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”
