Vancouver Mall Community Library

«THIS IS A LIBRARY!» Noisiest library ever. Impossible to focus in here. From visitors to employees these people haven’t shut up the whole time. A bit of talking here and there is perfect white noise. But no voice level filter whatsoever. Feel like I’m on a playground. Even saw one girl smashing her fist on a laptop she just checked out from the librarian, while swearing excessively… no staff asked her to be quiet. This place should be ashamed.

This is a smaller sized library part of the FVRL and located on the second floor of the Vancouver Westfield Mall. I usually come here for computer use or free wifi since the mall itself does not have wifi. There is a handful of computers and sometimes they will all be in use. You are able to print ten free pages per day with your library card. There are some good books but mostly will have to get them from other branches. The staff is friendly and helpful. Besides that it’s a square room and good to bring kids while at the mall.

I love the mall and love the library. I think it’s weird that it is in the library but its cool. Its part of a mega convenience center.

I think it is a great idea having a library in the mall. They may not have a huge selection on hand, but they can order any book you may want. And Brewed Northwest right near by to get a great cup of coffee.

This library is currently closed for remodeling. It will be moved slightly closer to JCP and in a smaller 3,500 square foot space.
The new location will have more self checks, more internet computers, an automated check in and sorting machine, gorgeous new shelves, books, and furniture — with the same helpful staff.
The space will reopen in March or April 2013.

By comparison, this library is older than the rest of the brand new buildings in the system. The downside to this is that power outset are hard to come by and the wifi is quite slow (1 – 2 seconds to load). Its also commonly packed by groups of noisy unsupervised children — not the best study environment.

This library is awesome simply for it’s location. I’m not a mall person normally but this mall has some good attractions if you have young children. There’s the play place, the pet store, a Baskin Robbins and the library. It makes for a nice outing on a rainy day. The library is not huge but always seems to have most of the books I’m looking for. The children’s area is great, there are 2 computers with age appropriate games for preschooler and older kids, they have story time, magic shows, reading clubs and all sorts of other things going on. My favorite part about this library is that they don’t charge late fees! In general I’ve always sucked at being a library card holder because I’ve always racked up the late fees… I think it was 10 cents a day back where I came from. Here, I can renew books online, and keep them for months and return them and check out new books without getting dirty looks from a librarian. I’m kind of an ADD reader and I need at least 3 books at a time to read, so it takes about 3 weeks to a month depending on how busy I am to read all these.
I haven’t checked out the other libraries in Vancouver, and while I’m sure they are slightly cooler and larger, I will keep coming here because of the location… close to my house and lots of other things to do in the mall and I can knock it out all in one go!