Central Library FAQ

How did the people of Vancouver decide to build the Central Library at Library Square?

In November, 1990 a referendum ballot addressed two questions to Vancouverites: was there a need for a new Central Library and for a new branch in the Renfrew/Collingwood community?

Response: Sixty-nine percent of the population favourably supported the building program.

Why expand?

Libraries have always been about creating, exploring, and bringing ideas to life. Vancouver Public Library's expanded top two floors provide flexible spaces for performances, programs, quiet reading, and exhibitions with a Vancouver focus.

How much did the Central Library at Library Square cost?

• The cost of the library, retail, daycare, and parkade: $106.8 million.
• The cost of the Federal Tower: $50 million.
• The cost of the move from 750 Burrard to Library Square: $300,000.
• The cost of the 2018 expansion: $16.8 million.

How were the architects selected?

The architects for Library Square were selected on the basis of a two-stage open competition. From 28 expressions of interest submissions comprising 50 local, national, and international architects, 10 consortia were shortlisted to be interviewed. From this list, the following three teams were selected in December 1991 to participate in an anonymous competition:

• Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects with James K.M. Cheng Architects and Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership.
• Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates with Waisman Dewar Grout Carter Inc.
• Moshe Safdie & Associates with Downs/Archambault and Partners.

Each team received $100,000 to produce an "Expression of Vision" of Library Square. On August 14th, 1992 the winning submission of Moshe Safdie & Associates' Downs/Archambault Partners was announced by Vancouver City Council. Safdie Architects were retained for the 2018 expansion.

What other projects have the architects designed?

Safdie has designed Habitat in Montreal, the National Gallery of Canada, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts addition, Quebec City's Museum of Civilization, the Ottawa City Hall and most recently the Ford Centre for the Performing Arts (across Homer Street from the Central Library).

Downs/Archambault has designed Canada Place, Kwantlen College in Langley, International Village in Vancouver, the YWCA Hotel in Vancouver, additions to Langara College and the Britannia Community Services Centre among other projects.

Does the Central Library have a rooftop garden?

Yes. Our green roof was designed in 1995 by Cornelia Oberlander, and is planted with ornamental grasses (blue and green fescue bunch grass) and kinnickinnick in a pattern that replicates the flow of the Fraser River. The 2018 expansion provided an accessible rooftop garden, giving Vancouver a long-awaited, publicly available outdoor green space within the downtown core.

"The benefits of green roofs are multiple. They increase biomass and bird habitat in our cities, help to reduce airborne pollutants, improve the micro-climate, store and delay stormwater runoff, provide opportunities for urban agriculture and therapeutic gardening, reduce heating and cooling requirements for buildings, and aid in the reduction of the urban heat island effect."

Irwin, John "Green Roofs: A Sustainable Option for Greening Our Cities" Sitelines (April 2002): 6-7.

Does the Central Library have a theatre?

Yes. A state-of-the-art theatre was included in the 2018 expansion. With fixed, comfortable seating, the Montalbano Family Theatre has the capacity for 80 people, including three accessible spaces. We can host a variety of events in the theatre, such as author readings, documentary film screenings, lectures, and performances.

Does the Central Library showcase its community?

Yes. Dedicated exhibition space is a feature of the 2018 expansion. This space is home to rotating topics of local interest.

Are there spaces that allow for eating food at the Central Library?

Yes. The addition of designated eating areas were part of the 2018 expansion. All outdoor spaces on the 8th and 9th floors are food friendly. The RBC Lounge on level 8 is an indoor space for eating that also includes vending machines.