$15.5M plans to revitalize Vancouver Public Library include rooftop garden and theatre

The Vancouver Public Libraryplans to revitalize the top two floors of its central branchwith a $15.5 million project that includes an expandedrooftop garden, a silent reading galleryand a theatre.

Therenovation of the 21-year-old buildingwould affect thebranch's eight and ninth floors, which are currently being used as office space bythe provincial government.

"A lot has changed in 20 years, in terms of technology, in terms of the community around the central library, so we are looking at this revitalization," said chief librarian Sandra Singh.

She said more families have moved into the downtown core since the branch opened in 1995, adding that the library is the only free public indoor space in the area.

The library currently has a green roof, but it's not accessible to staff or the public.

The VPL is aiming to have the space ready by March 2018, withconstructionbeginning in early 2017.Singh said the library is stillwaiting for its development permit application to be approved.

Singh said the city is contributing$9 million towards the $15-million project, with the remainder of the funding coming from the VPL Foundation.

With files from WanyeeLi.