đź“š A Storied Past: The Kitsilano Branch of the Vancouver Public Library
Delve into the Vancouver Public Library's storied past and learn about the Kitsilano Branch's offerings, from meeting rooms to programs for all ages.
WBN News Kitsilano
✍️ By Karalee Greer | WBN News – Kitsilano | April 20, 2025
I frequently drive or walk by the Kitsilano Branch of the Vancouver Public Library (VPL) and see many young families as well as seniors and bikers coming and going into the library. As a long-time book lover, I enjoy seeing the Kitsilano Branch well visited by our community.
VPL traces its origins to 1869 with the establishment of the Hastings Literary Institute, a reading room for mill workers. Following the Great Vancouver Fire in 1886, surviving books formed the foundation of the Vancouver Free Reading Room.
In 1901, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie funded a new library at Hastings and Main, which opened in 1903. The central library relocated to Burrard Street in 1957 and then to its current location at Library Square in 1995, a design inspired by the Roman Colosseum. ​vpl.ca+3Wikipedia+3Wikipédia, l'encyclopédie libre+3
đź“– Kitsilano Branch: Serving the Community
The Kitsilano Branch of the Vancouver Public Library (VPL) is a vibrant community hub located at 2425 MacDonald Street, near West Broadway in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Kitsilano Branch is the oldest existing branch, opened in 1927 at 2375 West 4th Avenue and moved to its current location at 2425 Macdonald Street in 1963.
This branch is part of the extensive VPL network, which includes 21 locations across the city, making it one of the most visited urban libraries per capita in Canada. The Kitsilano Branch serves as the regional reference library for the North Area division. ​LAC E-PublicationsWikipedia
Services Offered at the Kitsilano Branch:
- Meeting Room: Seats up to 45 people, equipped with tables, chairs, and a projector screen. Available for non-profit neighborhood events. ​vpl.ca+1vpl.ca+1
- Programs: Offers a range of programs for children, teens, and adults, including storytimes, book clubs, and educational workshops.​
- Facilities: Provides free Wi-Fi, computer access, printing, and photocopying services. ​vpl.ca
Accessibility:
- Parking: Free library parking is available on the south side off the alley, with additional street parking options nearby. ​vpl.ca
- Location: Situated within walking distance for many local residents, making it a convenient resource for the community.​ The library's location is also convenient for those using public transit or cycling, with bike racks available at the entrance and on the patio.
- Accessibility is a key feature, with street-level entrances, button-engaged automatic doors, and elevators providing access to meeting rooms
The Kitsilano Branch is a cornerstone of the community and continues to be a vital part of the VPL system, fostering a love for reading and learning across all age groups.
The branch's hours of operation are Monday to Thursday from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Tags: #WBN News - Kitsilano Edition #Karalee Greer #Kitsilano #Kits #Vancouver Public Library #Kitsilano Branch of VPL #Community Services #Library History
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