Vancouver Public Library – Firehall Branch

All of my friends know that I spend a lot of time reading books. I can plow through a book in a day, so this is where the library comes in handy. The Firehall Branch is the closest one to me, so I end up going there the most. The Firehall Branch is on the second floor on W 10^th Ave between Granville and Hemlock Street. It’s a short walk from the 99 B-​Line stop at Granville Street.
The library itself is pretty small. They have a decent selection of children’s literature, fiction, magazines and dvds. They also have computers available that you can pay to use. The best strategy with this library is to put books on hold online, then request them for pickup at the Firehall Branch. I find it can take up to 4 days for a book to be transferred from a different branch, but you receive an email as soon as the book is ready for pick up. The books you put on hold are alphabetically organized on the shelves to the right of the check out counter. There are two express check out stations, as well as two librarians available to check out books for you, which makes things really efficient.
The hours of the branch are a bit lackluster compared to other locations. It’s open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 AM to 8 PM, and Thursday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. It makes it easy enough to pick up books after work, but I wish this branch was open on Sundays as well. Also, I find the librarians aren’t as friendly as you’d expect. I donated a huge bag full of plastic bags since they had a sign up asking for some, and the librarian seemed annoyed.
If you’re looking for super cheap paperbacks and books, this branch sells books for as low as 50 cents each. It’s a great deal if you want a new book to read and don’t mind its condition.
I give this branch 4 stars because I’ve had no problems getting in any book I’ve desired in a reasonable time frame. For a small branch, it’s in a great, convenient location. If you want a new book to read, save yourself some cash and borrow it from the library!

A surprisingly large, surprisingly bright, surprisingly nice branch considering its location (right beside the fire hall). I tend to order books in from other branches, but the selection at Firehall is actually pretty decent. I usually can find a book I’d like to read or DVD I want to watch just browsing.
I haven’t dealt with the reference staff here yet, but the circulation staff are not the most polite, I’ve found.

This branch is decent. Usually one can find a place to sit. I’ve found a bunch of useful books here too.

The great thing about the Vancouver public library system is that if you do a little planning, you can have any book you like at any branch. Their online system of requests and reservations is awesome. They also send you emails to remind you when your book is coming due, and you can renew your books online to avoid late fines.
This branch is small, so the selection of on-​site books is also small (go figure). But I use their online system to order in whatever book I’m interested in. I get an email telling me when my book is there. Then I can just walk into this upstairs location and ask for my book at the desk!
The downside is that there’s usually a line up for the desk and the librarians have been kind of grumpy. I guess I usually go late in the afternoon and perhaps they’re worn out by then.
They have a descent collection of magazines here, so I like to go in sometimes and sit in the bright surrounds and flip through the glossy pages. All those suckers going to Chapters just around the corner should really sign up for a library card! It’s not like you have room to house books in your little Vancouver apartment, anyway. Borrowing is where it’s at.

This is a great, not excellent location of the Vancouver Public Library. The major fault is there is no express check out. I just love scanning those bar codes myself.
The big bonus at the Firehall Branch is the proliferation of natural light. Unlike the dark depths of Kitsilano branch, I can tell whether it is raining or getting dark without leaving my perch at a desk.
The book selection here is pretty limited although the staff are very helpful in making the best of what is on-​site. The chairs are comfortable for reading and writing, but I haven’t scoped out if there are any electrical outlets here (essential for laptop users).
I prefer this branch over the bookend other locals (Kingsway and Kitsilano branches) but Central Branch undeniable beats them all in the Gladiator ring showdown of Unilocal