Vancouver Community Library — Attraction in Vancouver

We live in north Portland and decided to make this our home library. The small branches in our area of Portland weren’t cutting it, and we weren’t getting the same loving feelings as we had back in our last home library.

This one is big and beautiful, there’s parking, most of the staff is really friendly and helpful, you can get a card even if you’re not a resident, and the location is very convenient. Yes, there’s usually homeless hanging around, but not too many. My family loves that there’s an entire floor dedicated to children. There’s a good selection of wonderful books to choose from, and an area that is children’s museum level fun. It’s a blessing and a curse having the children all on one floor, being that I don’t have to worry so much about my 4 little ones making the grownups in their section mad over their noise (I try to teach them to be quiet in libraries, but they’re kids!) but it’s also harder for me to break off and go browse the adult section with my kids in eyesight. A problem that won’t last forever as...

Is it against the law for a homeless woman to access public resources? Apparently so. Some of the staff here, particularly the woman on the fourth floor of nonfiction seem to think very highly of themselves, as though they run the place. My friends and I from the overnight shelter are very clean and respectable people.

I do not recall this woman's name, but the proper way of introducing herself was "well, I'm her boss", as if that would even matter to me. I inquired about directions accessing the Vine, as I had not been around prior to new changes. Whoever this woman is, I really hope she retires soon..

She took me over to one of their computers, printed off a map, even though she claimed she was not familiar with the route either. Then she told me "maybe just google it and make it larger so you can see it" after I explained that I was not wearing my real PRESCRIPTION.

Very annoyed with the service provided.. I could've got so much more done, if snotty people like that did not pretend as though they actually...

Everything a library should be, and more! Nice parking lot on the east end, but entrance is on the west end. Wheeled chair accessibility all over. Cool sculptures outside. Revolving door a bit small, so watch little ones if you use it. The 8 yr olds asked if we were going to the airport bc of the security gates inside. Community center throughout, with all that that entails, people included. Floors and stacks clearly identified. Great views, cozy seating, extensive collection and partnerships so you can find/order anything. The interactive children's area is phenomenal. The details are incredible. Lights, sounds, action. Puppet theatre, dress up gear, magnets, a kitchen, music box, teepee structures. Make a breeze! Too much to describe. This area is very large, and if you are creative, adult seating abounds. The twins loved it, played with others, and had a hard time leaving. Please interact thoughtfully with your child as they explore. They even have little posters to explain...