Central Children’s Library Revitalization

Nearly 30 years after the opening of Vancouver’s Central Library, the Children’s Library Revitalization project will expand and improve a much-loved public space, responding to the increasing number of families living downtown, and providing enhanced services based on the latest research in child development.  

This project will transform the lower level of Central Library into a vibrant hub for young readers and their families, providing accessible indoor space in the heart of downtown Vancouver. 

Imagine a place where children – from newborns to tweens – can embark on immersive journeys of reading, writing, playing, singing, and talking – always for free.

Here are some exciting elements of the revitalized Library:   

• A hands-on programming room that will host over 1,000 children’s programs every year, reaching more than 35,000 participants.   
• Multi-level central tree canopy feature to offer learning, connection, and discovery above and below.  
• For VPL’s youngest patrons, aged 0-6, an early learning space filled with interactive play elements that will spark their curiosity and imaginations.    
• Expanded activity areas for families and children ages 6-12 to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities.  
• A dedicated space for children with sensory needs and hidden nooks for reading to provide a calm and welcoming environment.  
• A comfortable room for caregivers to feed and care for VPL’s youngest visitors.   

All spaces will be designed with elements of the local environment as the focus, to reflect and celebrate the beauty of Vancouver’s natural features through sustainable design.  

Currently $7 million has been raised towards the total fundraising goal of $10 million, with a funding gap of $3 million.  

VPL needs donor support to fully meet the needs of our community. Philanthropic gifts are critical to enabling the Library to test new ideas, leverage those ideas to scale, and respond to evolving community needs. 

While City funding provides VPL with a strong base, donor support makes innovation and expansion of new services, programs, and spaces possible.