Library Square
350 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6B 6B1
This public square is named after the central branch of Vancouver Public Library, which sits on the plaza. Opened in 1995, the library—designed by eminent Canadian-Israeli architect Moshe Safdie—is one of Vancouver’s architectural highlights, with its spiraling Colosseum-esque form standing out amid the sea of glass office buildings.
The basics
Library Square encompasses the library itself as well as the adjoining office tower, with various shops, cafés, and eateries found at ground level. Many sightseeing tours of downtown pass by the square. If you have time, it’s worth entering the library. The atrium is a good spot for people-watching, while the rooftop garden on level nine—planted with arbutus hedge, white roses, and lavender, among other plants—offers views of the Vancouver cityscape including BC Place stadium. The library also hosts local art exhibitions, most of which are free to enter.
Things to know before you go
*The rooftop garden on Library Square offers respite from the busy downtown streets. *There are bike racks and underground parking at Library Square. *The library building is wheelchair-accessible with elevators providing access to all levels.
How to get there
Library Square occupies an entire city block, and is bordered by Homer, Hamilton, Robson, and West Georgia streets. To get there by public transit, ride the SkyTrain to City Centre (Canada line) or Stadium–Chinatown (Expo line). Both stations are less than 10 minutes’ walk away.
When to get there
The Central Library opens daily, and stays open until 9pm Monday through Thursday. Visit in late spring or summer when the weather is warmer and you can fully enjoy the rooftop garden. The library often hosts talks and events. Check the schedule in advance of your visit to see what’s planned.
The Rooftop Garden
Though the original design of the library incorporated a rooftop deck, the plan was never fully realized until 2018 when a rooftop garden was opened to the public. In addition to the 7,400-square-foot (687-square-meter) garden on level nine, there are also two outdoor terraces on the level below—all of which serve as a quiet sanctuary far above the hubbub of street level.
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