Central Library Expansion FAQ

The Phillips, Hager and North Garden is located on level 9 of the Central Library.  It is free and open to the public during opening hours, with limited exceptions during special events.

The Vancouver Public Library is open to everyone. Patrons do not need a VPL library card to use the spaces; however we encourage everyone to get a library card by stopping by our service desk at the main entrance. A VPL library card enables you to use our wifi, borrow books, DVDs, and digital content as well as accessing recording studios and high-performance computers in the Inspiration Lab.

When the Central library opened in 1995 the top two floors were occupied by the Provincial Government on a 20 year lease, with the expectation that the library would someday require the space. As the lease came due, the library undertook planning to expand Central Library to provide much needed community spaces.

The expansion is designed to complement VPL’s collections on other floors by providing much needed spaces for collaboration, creation, and connection within our community. It includes meeting rooms, an 80 person theatre, exhibition space, a glass enclosed reading room, and outdoor spaces. There will be small displays of books available to borrow or browse in the Pat Graham Reading Room.

As with other floors, covered beverages are allowed on levels 8 and 9. Food is allowed in outdoor spaces as well as in the RBC Lounge which has vending machines.

The Pat Graham Reading Room offers a calm area for reading, reflection and study. There are also designated quiet areas in Central Library on Level 5.

VPL’s exhibition space on level 8 features rotating art installations and interactive displays of local interest. In future, VPL may feature installations curated by partner organisations.

The Montalbano Family Theatre is a destination space for author readings, recitals and film screenings that can also be booked for community and private events. You can offer or suggest a program for us to host in the space. For private rentals, please contact rooms@vpl.ca.

Yes, a comprehensive schedule of events including those held in the theatre is available at vpl.ca/events.

Yes, all bookings will be made through the Library Square Conference Centre. For pricing and availability, please contact rooms@vpl.ca.

There are a wide variety of rooms and spaces available for rent. For a full description and booking forms, please contact rooms@vpl.ca.

The meeting rooms are currently unavailable until further notice.

Additional equipment can be rented from the Library Square Conference Centre to enhance your meetings. Refer to the equipment list on the website for audio-visual gear, wireless microphones and other equipment that we can provide.

A non-profit rate is available to registered not-for-profit societies, trade unions, government departments, publicly funded schools and universities. These rates do not apply when an admission fee is charged for entry, donations are requested or anything is sold during the event. Please visit the Library Square Conference Centre for current rates.

We anticipate offering outdoor spaces, including the rooftop garden, for public rentals sometime in the near future. All rentals will be done through the Library Square Conference Centre.

There are accessible washrooms for the public on both new levels. As with all VPL locations, trans people are welcome to use the washroom of their choice.