Vancouver Public Library
by Jenavieve
Activity:
I've been to a lot of libraries before, but this one takes the cake! It's the biggest library I've ever seen. You have to look way up to see the top (I counted nine floors). The outside is mostly made of glass. I don't think Spiderman would be able to crawl up this one. Not only that, it's kind of a weird shape. Nathe said it looks like one of those places gladiator's used to fight in. Mom said this library is a landmark because of it's unusual design. Across from the front door there's even a few shops and places you can get food (pizza, coffee, candy). If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm talking about the Downtown Vancouver Public Library.The inside is neat too. I've never seen so many books. There must be at least a million. Mom told us it has 528 computer terminals. I didn't believe her, so I started counting. The only problem is I had to stop at 15, because I get mixed up after that.
Mom took us downstairs to the children's department. I've never seen a library with so much to do. It has drawers you can pull out and look into. They have stuff like books, games, and puzzles inside. Plus there's a place for little kids to play and another one for older kids to sit and read. Mom says she wishes we lived closer to the BIG library, then we could go more often.
Age group:
I think even babies would have fun going to the library, because it has a section of cardboard books with the letters of the alphabet and pictures of babies doing things.Expense rating:
It doesn't cost any money to go to the library. You don't even have to pay money to take out books or Videos! But if you don't bring the books back on time, you have to pay money. You also have to pay money to park. We found lots of parking spots in the basement of the library.
:
Mom always says that reading is the key to learning. It opens up
your brain to the world outside. The Downtown Vancouver Public Library
has books on everything you can think of. Nathan even found some
books on Egyptian Mummies and Basketball All-stars. All you have
to do is bring a piece of mail someone sent you and one other piece of
identification, and you can take out as many books as you want. Mom
always says I can only take out as many books as I can carry, which isn't
too many right now. But wait until I get older; I'll show her.
If you're new to Vancouver, the unique architecture (designed by architect Moshe Safdie) of the Vancouver Public library is a must see. The Roman "Coliseum" style design has quickly made the library a Vancouver landmark since the new library opened in 1995.
:
I don't think Mom was too crazy about all the cars downtown. I even
heard her say a bad word. If you don't like driving in traffic you
can catch a bus or take the SkyTrain (the SkyTrain "Stadium" station is
close by).
Details:
The address for the Vancouver Library is 350 West Georgia Street. It's not far from the Georgia viaduct, and close to BC Place Stadium and Rogers Arena. It's open Monday - Wednesday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Thursday - Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday (October - April) from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. If you have any questions you can call (604) 331-3600. Website: www.vpl.caArea:
VancouverSeason:
All seasons, but remember the library is closed on Sundays from May to September.Educational highlights:
If you ever want to know what it's like on the moon or why bats live in the dark, you can find out at the library. It has the answers to all your questions. Or, if you're like me and you just want to look at pictures, you can do that to.Fun for the adult?:
I think Mom and Dad must love the library, because they never want to go home. Mom likes to look at the dessert recipe books. Dad says Mom likes to torture herself because she can only look and not eat. Dad on the other hand always has his nose in the gardening section. Mom wants him to get a book out on pruning, because last year he cut off all the flowers from her quince and forsythia bush. For those of you who don't know, my Dad is a little colour blind, so he sometimes gets leaves and flowers mixed up.
