Today I'm studying at Vancouver Island Regional Library's Nanaimo North branch, and I got to thinking...
What are some of the best libraries our country has to offer?
Which ones are worth a visit?
When I lived in Vancouver, I had the pleasure of visiting the VPL Central Branch on many occasions, with its spectacular architectural design, vast stacks and multimedia offerings. They even had a recording studio on site, where I made some demo recordings for a budding musician friend of mine. I have also been to UBC, SFU and BCIT's campus libraries when I was a university student, and as a child I spent many afternoons at the Saint John Free Public Library's Central Branch. After a quick Google search, I found a list that includes one familiar location, and many more that are now on my must-visit list.
Clever Canadian is a website created by four friends to compile "reliable reviews on products and services here in Canada" (Clever Canadian, 2026). Follow the link below to see their library list:
Atop the list is the Library of Parliament in Ottawa, and for good reason! The photos reveal a visually stunning design, and within the walls lay over 600,000 items! As if there wasn't already a good enough reason to visit Parliament Hill.
Scroll down the page a bit and you'll find my favourite, the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch. The Spiraling building is sure to catch the eye, as its design was inspired by the Roman Colosseum, but it's what's inside that really counts. The building boasts a conference centre, an 80 seat theatre and a green rooftop. Can't make it to Vancouver? Check out this virtual tour on Youtube!
Clever Canadian's list also includes Morrin Centre Library in Quebec City, Ottawa Public Library, Halifax Central Library and more!
So, if anyone needs me I'll be library-hopping!
I guess I'll start at the Vancouver Island Regional Library.
Resources
Clever Canadian, 2026. https://www.clevercanadian.ca/about-us/
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