Photo: Explore150 team photo.
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When was the first iteration of the Vancouver Public Library system established?
1901, by Andrew Carnagie, an American steel magnate. January 1869. It was known as the Hastings Literary Institute. February 2010, for the Vancouver Olympics. April 1886, when the city of Vancouver extended to include Granville.
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yamaneko/
Apr 25, 2017
The central library is a pretty awesome, especially when you have a glimpse at its architecture, inspired by the roman coliseum!
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Saraefte/
Sep 3, 2016
Over the years, the Central Branch of Vancouver Public Library (VPL) has been a place of education, serenity and peace for me. The library provides a safe space where I can sit quietly to read a book or study. The VPL is a component of culture and an institution where culture is expressed. They not only have archives of movies, books and articles about culture and history but they also have programs grounded in B.C and Canadian culture. For example, they have an Aboriginal Storyteller series where individuals can learn about Aboriginal culture and people which is quite significant in Canadian history. In addition, the VPL hosts numerous art shows, book clubs and teen programs. The best part about the VPL programs and services are that they are completely free! They also offer rentals of their rooms at a reduced rate to youth! Overall, the VPL has educated me in a variety of ways and I suggest checking out their website for more information. Thank you VPL for being so youth friendly!
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cass1998/
Feb 17, 2016
Whilst taking a quick break from our constant (not really) studying for our pre-calculus midterm, my friends and I decided to explore the various cafes and shops that stood near the entrance to Vancouver Public Library. Drinking some Blenz Belgium hot chocolate was the most perfect choice to indulge into on that rainy December afternoon.
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yucaistudent/
Mar 31, 2015
There were so many books, great place for relaxing and getting immersed with literature ...timeless!
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sallyyylin/
Mar 16, 2015
Leaving the rumbles of the city behind and slipping past the gentle slide of its automated doors one is quickly greeted by the caress of soft, natural light and the murmured shuffles of feet against old carpet. The intoxicating scent of well read pages hangs the air above the low whispers of patrons digging for knowledge. Like a gem of tranquility buried within the earth, the Central Branch Vancouver Public Library sits in the boisterous heart of Downtown Vancouver.
As a young child who had immigrated to a new country, I faced difficulty making new friends. Yet the library offered a six year old all the friendship necessary. I remember adoring the Children’s section with its endless rows of Robert Munsch’s silly books along with their vibrant illustrations. Often, I dragged a bookbag full of fictional novels to the checkout much to the chagrin of my little muscles. Now at seventeen and an ardent student, I sit in hushed corners chipping away at assignments on my laptop. Now and then when the strain in my neck has become noticeable, I’ll pry my eyes from my screen and shift my gaze towards the surrounding scenery. Cradled in the majestic architecture, I see a second home to people of all ethnicities, genders, classes, and ages. Young children plopped on beanbags with their noses and imaginations firmly inserted into books. Fellow students hauling armfuls of clunky research texts. Elders reading newspapers while silhouetted against the light of the towering windows. Those who cannot afford a computer or an internet connection hunched over the keyboards of public computers.
When I look up I see a place of acceptance, tolerance, and care. A place without of discrimination as we all joined in the harmonious pursuit of knowledge. It is places like the VPL that makes me proud to be Canadian.
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Explore150/
Mar 5, 2015
To me, Vancouver is home. When I was young, I never lived in one place for more than two years. My father's job made it so that I was constantly changing schools, cities and even countries. Finally, we arrived in Vancouver, where I was lucky enough to settle for over a decade.Leaving Vancouver to attend university really made me appreciate and miss the beauty of home. What I miss most is being by the ocean. Whenever I go home, one of my first visits is to the beach. Whether it is warm and sunny, or cold and pouring rain, nothing rivals the beauty of the choppy, grey waves and the mountains in the distance. In this photo, I love the cityscape in the background with it's tree lined streets. Vancouver always strikes me as the perfect mix of city and nature. This photo is taken in a little inlet, making the water much calmer than usual, which allowed for the reflections in the water. This photo makes me feel a sense of calm that I feel whenever I am at home, surrounded by the beauty and peace that I associate with Vancouver.
Originally submitted by Jasmine Harding
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moriahdawn/
Mar 12, 2014
I did a fashion shoot outside the library. Beautiful architecture, you can see how it was based off the Colosseum.
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karigirl1/
Nov 28, 2013
I used to live in Vancouver and went to the Vancouver Public Library a lot
Photo: Explore150 team photo.