The word 'cool' isn't always synonymous with libraries. We know full well that most are oversaturated with fluorescent lighting and chunky oak furniture, but we also know that Canada has some public library gems worth featuring. That's why we're highlighting the cool library exceptions across Canada that we actually wouldn't mind hanging out in.
1. Maison de la Littérature - Quebec City, QC
Image: @inayali
This is what Province of Canada's library would look like. This restored church was gutted and transformed into a beautiful, bright public space.
2. Westmount Public Library - Quebec City, QC
Image: Guide Habitation
Westmount is a library with an attached greenhouse. Basically the ultimate Instagram vignette.
3. Grande Bibliotèque - Montreal, QC
Image: Flight Report
8,000 visitors a day. Largest public library of the French-speaking world. Merger of three institutions: the central public library of Montreal, the national library of Quebec, and the archives of Quebec.
4. Library of Parliament - Ottawa, ON
Image: Travel and Leisure
From the outside, the Library of Parliament seems like the perfect hybrid between Hogwarts and Magic Kingdom. From inside, it's a grand archive where Belle may or may not have lived.
5. Douglas Library - Kingston, ON
Image: Queens University
What was initially dubbed by students as "the Harry Potter room" has now been adopted by Queen's University as the unofficial name for this space in Douglas Library.
6. Toronto Reference Library - Toronto, ON
Image: The Vinyl Factory
You might recognize this setting from The Weeknd's music video, Secrets. Tip: Sit inside the glass cube overlooking Bloor for the coziest reading nook.
7. Vancouver Public Library - Vancouver, BC
Image: Scott Norsworthy
This colosseum-esque building was listed on the best libraries in the world. In addition to their extensive archive, the reconstruction in 1995 made room for restaurants, high-rise retail shops, underground parking, and a rooftop garden.
8. Whistler Public Library - Whistler, BC
Image: HCMA
If you didn't know better, you might guess that the Whistler Public library looks like a ski chalet in Hobbiton.
9. Millennium Library - Winnipeg, MB
Image: Allan's Catalogue
We're all asking the same question: was it named after the Millennium Falcoln?
10. Halifax Central Library - Halifax, NS
Image: Canadian Architect
If you conduct a quick Google search for the best libraries across Canada, almost every list is bound to feature this glass giant in Halifax.
