That
was the Evelyn's only Vancouver recommendation. "It's amazing, and not in any of the guidebooks." Well she was
right, Don't miss the library! Here's why...GO TO THE LIBRARY!!!!! June 18, 2004
That
was the Evelyn's only Vancouver recommendation. "It's amazing, and not in any of the guidebooks." Well she was
right, Don't miss the library! Here's why...
The architecture of the Vancouver Public Library's (VPL) is distinctive -- two entrances on opposite sides of the building, each with curved columns reminiscent of a Roman coliseum, but intermixed with lots of glass. Easier to show than describe.
There are 7 brightly-lit floors (all those windows!) staffed by more librarians (maybe an average of 5 per floor) than I've seen anywhere. Aside from all the books and media (1,300,000 items total at this one branch), there are comfy, cushioned, curved-back chairs attractively positioned throughout for reading, lots of computers (well over 150, I would guess), and tables for working. When you need a break, there's a mini-mall of coffee and gift shops on the main floor. All and all, an easy place to while away an afternoon or a whole day.
Moreover, the VPL sponsors loads of events. June had over 50, including poetry and book readings, computer training sessions and workshops, legal seminars in Chinese, and a swing music concert (which I stumbled into as I was checking out the library). The facility makes good use of its numerous lecture and meeting rooms; one recent Monday night there were 3 separate talks on offer -- each at 7:30 p.m.
There
is often an exhibition on the lowest level. The day I visited, Taiwanese
stone "paintings" were on display. These are thin slices of a special sort
of stone cut into square or oval shapes. The colors, mostly blacks,
whites, grays, beiges and gold swirl into interesting designs. The result
is reminiscent of oriental-style paintings of trees, mountains
and water. Cool!
All this in the unheralded Vancouver Public Library. Remarkable!!!
Should you visit Vancouver this summer (2004), the city is doing the arty-cow thing, but instead of cows, there are 65 orcas (some in small pods) spread around the city. So far, the Elvis Orca and this bookcase Orca are the best I've seen.
P.S. I discovered one major library downside -- as a "temporary" resident, I can't join the VPL unless I pay a $22 fee. Then, I'd be able to take out a maximum of 4(!!) books at any time, but no videos or tapes. I guess their experience with non-permanent residents isn't very good. (Compare this to the library in Minoqua, Wisconsin, where they happily allowed me join, though I told them I was only staying for 3 weeks.) I had planned to donate my Harry Potter, Order of the Phoenix tapes to this Library, but don't think I'll join, or donate, after all.