Libraries are windows to a community. But travel guidebooks often focus on the big, the historic or the architecturally strong, and smaller civic and academic libraries are often overlooked.
As per the Library Planet, a crowdsourced guide to the libraries of the world, there are more than 100 libraries located everywhere from French Polynesia to Bulgaria. Here are the most popular and favorite libraries across Canada.
1. Vancouver Central Library
Vancouver Central Library
Vancouver Central library’s chief librarian, Christina de Castell says none can compare to her home branch library, located on West Georgia Street. This library, a nine-story building was inspired by the Roman Coliseum and designed by Safdie Architects. It’s also the Vancouver’s first public rooftop garden, opened in late 2018.
2. Westmount Public Library
Westmount Public Library
Canada is a great country for libraries as said by Library Planet founder Lauersen. Quebec’s Westmount Public Library, built at the end of the 19th century, it’s the oldest public library in Quebec and also one of the oldest in Canada. Still its design and interior are amazingly modern, due to a mid-‘90s overhaul that added 25,000 square feet of new space to accommodate the library’s growing collection and expanded services.
It features original the building’s castle-like turret, with greenhouses.
3. Calgary New Central Library
Calgary New Central Library
When this new public library opened in November 2018 in Calgary, this $245 million project immediately shot to the popularity chart of must-visit library tourists’ lists. Featuring an oval-shaped with a textured façade, it embodies a subtle design, including terracing inspired by the foothills.
There are plenty of readers of all ages everywhere. The staff is well-trained and friendly, and there was a tremendous number of volunteers.s.
4. Halifax Central Library
Halifax Central Library
This is also a favorite Canadian book room is Halifax’s Central Library which was introduced in December 2014. It has modern architecture, impressive collection, and location with stunning views of Halifax and its harbor.
The assortments are well-arranged and the study and performance spaces are well-designed. Apart from gaming stations, music studios, and a First Nations reading circle, the library has two cafes, one of which is a green roof patio.
Synopsis
So, are you looking to add some more must-visit places when you plan to make the next trip to Canada? I am sure the above list of libraries would make its way to your bucket-list.
