Burnaby Public Library

It has been a while since I came the last time (about a year) there are a lot of changes specially on the main floor. It was renovated and there are self check out stations which I like. It has a modern look. Good job Burnaby!

Story time for toddlers is great the lady reading the stories and songs is amazing and she loves what she does! I think everyone should bring their toddlers and come every week!!!

First off the surrounding landscape is just beautiful. This used to be my favorite spot to take out books and read on the lawn in the summer (yes I was that much of a geek). I found that their selections were much better than the Vancouver Public Library. I used to read vintage Rolling Stone magazines from the 70’s here for fun. That is how I used t spend my Saturday’s in high school… sitting and educating myself on music. My parents used to think that I was up to something with the mall being close by, however, they were thrown off when they saw me in the corner reading about the Sex Pistols first US performance in a quiet library. I don’t go there anymore ’cause there is a $ 70 fine lingering from years ago from when my sister borrowed books on my card, all the interest built up. She hasn’t paid me back and now the fine is so high I have to now go to Chapters to read the books or go to VPL downtown (this library is closer). Lots of room to do homework. I do come here to work on my zine, just not take out any books. If my sister is reading this… please pay the fine… there is a vintage Springsteen Rolling Stone mag that requires my immediate attention.

This is my favorite library to go to in lower mainland. The place is spacious, and they have long, long table, which I can place my belongings on top of it. If you like to read at a corner, there is always a spot to park. The staff is nice, and waiting time is not long.
The book selection is great. They had a pretty huge section for newspaper, magazines area. They include some overseas editions too, which you don’t see in other smaller branches. They also have fancy head lamp by the table, where I am totally relaxed at this place.
Parking is plenty, there are underground parking spots. If you want to drop off a book, park at 15 mins spot is the way to go.
Another nice thing about the library is that it is right next to metrotown mall and crystal mall. Can do shopping next door right away!

I had the chance to revisit this library after a 15 year absence and for the most part, it has held up fairly well.
I came on a wednesday evening and the parking lot downstairs was fairly empty and easy to park, and there were enough desk spaces to get set up. 15 years ago it was much more crowded. I’m guessing the coffee shop phenomenon has drained most of the crowds out.
The wifi is open, so you don’t have to be a member to use the wifi, and it seems speedy with nobody here.
There are ample books and the library is of the right size that if you’re interested in a subject, you can find a decent amount of what you want to learn about without feeling like you have to navigate endless floors.
The chairs and table heights are made made for reading writing and studying. The ergonomics aren’t that great for using a laptop.
They have some newer chairs that are a bit more comfortable and padded over the standard wooden chairs. However for those study pros, I’d recommend bringing a nice padded seat cushion.
The dvd section is pretty good and not picked over.
Overall, I would say this space has the best energy for studying and get things done. I would say that this place is better than VPL downtown, Richmond Public Library Minoru and the VPL Renfrew Branch.

Been there many times, specially back then when I first came to Vancouver. Their selection of books is fantastic. Particularly top novels and comics which you can read laying on the gardens if it’s a nice day. I would clean up the bathrooms more often though since most of the times smell!

I love libraries. Just not this one. I’ve lived in Burnaby for a few years and I know that even though there are lots of libraries, doesn’t mean that they’re necessarily good. I grew up in a city in California that had ONE public library (because they rest were private) and it was the best. Great services and resources, so I do have high hopes when it comes to libraries.
Here’s the bad:
1.) Too loud and way too many non-​library users. What I mean is people who come to the library to lounge and watch movies and blast music. There are also the creeps who stare and people watch — so uncomfortable.
2.) Book selection is limited. For a library so large, why are all the books at other branches? There were literally 5 copies of a book at Cameron Library (a tiny branch) and they charge to transfer it. Totally uncool.
3.) There are no group study places — aside from the one room they have that you have to get to the library at opening to book and you only get 2 hours. With many schools in close proximity and many transit options, this library should cater to group study sessions and have an area. Except NO, you have to whisper and be unproductive.
4.) Staffs are not professional and rude. I was at the librarian desk for help finding a book in a particular subject and stood in line waiting for help and when I got there the librarian simply said «No, we don’t have it.» without even looking it up. What?!
Ugh. Last resort library. I’d rather go trek to Vancouver.

Always found this place as a social place for the students, very full upstairs to get a spot, & too much action to concentrate fully; ppl are always moving around here.
Washrooms on both levels, and a lot cleaner than the DT one. The ground level ain’t too bad with its lounge seating if you’re into reading there w/​the current papers & magazines.
One saving grace is its free underground parking & close to Metrotown.
And close to Crystal Mall & Save on Foods to sneak in some junk food.

BPL in North Burnaby has always been my favorite, even when it was in the old building. The new building has been around for a while and it’s gorgeous! Even with all the glass and concrete, it somehow still feels comfortable. Great selection of books, DVDs, and they have a really friendly staff. Free wifi if you have a library card and a great view of Confederation Park. They allow drinks with lids (yay!) and there is a fire place in the back. ;) Thanks BPL for you years of service!

When I first moved to Burnaby, this was the first place I visited. Mainly for two reasons… reason one. When I was passing by on the skytrain, I was really impressed with the courtyard in the back… or side… Actually now that I think about it, I’m not really sure which side of the building is considered the front. Anyways, reason one, Beautiful and well kept courtyard! reason two, I didn’t have cable or internet yet at my place. So after speaking with the knowledgable staff, I perused the movie and tv show dvds. Awesome selection! Everything ranging from Buffy the Vampire Slayer tv series to The Guns of Naverone to Ukulele dvd tutorials! Free internet is another plus. If you’re looking for a place to hold meetings or post or peruse local advertisements, again this place delivers.

With two spacious floors and more than enough comfy chairs to read a book or newspaper in, the main branch of the burnaby public library is already a large enough place for the relatively small portion of the community that come here. Although their free internet service is always backed up, the park and mall close by can provide more than enough distraction for those 45 minutes before you do some light browsing, not to mention the vast amount of literature available that you could always… read. I find them to have a better DVD and VHS selection than the main Vancouver Public branch, especially when it comes to foreign films (which they have entire shelves dedicated to). Sometimes they stock films you would be hard pressed to in a rental store. Also, like the books this is all free and public as long as its returned on time, so you dont need to your working dollars on something that was once recomended by that someone but you dont completely recall who…
Anyways, its a relaxing and expansive place, but dont expect to find a lot of reference material here (especially compared to the VPL). As a previous reviewer said, they stock newsprint here, but they arent dedicated to it and theyre mostly on microprint.