If we downsize in retirement, as Glen and I did, we need to adapt to small spaces. This process involves efficient furnishing, putting every square inch to maximum use. But it also means devising ways to spend time — and not always money — away from our home, to ensure our walls do not feel confining.
In Vancouver and Scottsdale, libraries are my go-to place. They’re free, welcoming, comprehensive and open to all. From providing collections of books, periodicals, movies, music etc., libraries have evolved into centres of creativity, local and global connections, accessible learning. Since they now help to bridge the digital divide, many patrons value access to computers and the Internet as much as to the collections. I, however, like sitting among readers — of hard copy that is. In cafés, everyone’s using a device. In libraries, many people, myself included, read newspapers, magazines, novels, while sipping water or coffee. A culture shift occurred once libraries allowed beverages through their doors; they became an alternative hangout to Starbucks et al.
The journey to my libraries, each within walking distance, is as pleasant as the destination. Once there, when not ensconced in a chair reading, I’m at a free workshop on social media, genealogy, Photoshop and more. I also attend various lectures as libraries fulfil yet another aspect of community engagement. Given our small spaces, we no longer house large collections of books and DVDs (part of downsizing). We borrow, not buy, and have enjoyed several TV series from the Library. I’ve also explored for free a new genre: the mystery novel.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
- The Scottsdale Library makes readily available Culture Passes that give free admission for two to 14 attractions in the Valley. Though not as easy to obtain, Inspiration Passes at the Vancouver Library offer complimentary entry to 27 venues.
- The Vancouver Library loans out instruments — for example, violins, guitars, keyboards, ukuleles — to play at home.
- Libraries dedicate space and feature programming for children and teenagers.
- Libraries often house galleries that display rotating exhibitions by artists and community groups.
BACKGROUND
Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist, business tycoon and philanthropist, laid the groundwork for public libraries. In the late 19th century he declared the best gift to any community is a free, or “public,” library. To demonstrate his belief that educational opportunities should be open to all, he donated over $56 million, between 1883 and 1929, to build 2,509 Carnegie libraries around the world (1,689 in the U.S. and 125 in Canada). He paid for construction in localities that committed funding for operations, maintenance and repairs.
The Carnegie buildings typically followed a standardized style called “Carnegie Classic“: a rectangular, T-shaped or L-shaped structure of stone or brick, with rusticated stone foundations and low-pitched, hipped roofs, with space allocated by function and efficiency. The buildings welcomed patrons to enter through a prominent doorway, nearly always accessed via a staircase. The entry staircase symbolized a person’s elevation by learning and a lamppost or lantern out front represented enlightenment.
SIGHTSEEING
In addition to museums and churches, many libraries rate as top attractions on TripAdvisor and other travel sites. Some are lauded for their historic grandeur. Others, designed more recently, not only satisfy new requirements of the public space but also present bold, architectural statements. Indeed Architectural Digest lists Calgary’s $245-million downtown Central Library as one of the 12 most anticipated buildings to open in 2018.
World renowned architect Moshe Safdie designed Vancouver’s Library Square that opened in 1995. The Colosseum-inspired building combines the old with the new and is the only library in Canada to be ranked (by Travel + Leisure) as one of the 20 most beautiful libraries in the world. The huge skylit concourse, containing shops and cafés, acts as an urban gathering point.
During Canadian Library Month in October and National Library Week in the U.S. in April, libraries get acknowledged for the valuable role they play in our communities. Do you take advantage of your local library? •
P.S. The first Carnegie library in the U.S. opened in 1889 in Braddock PA with a grant of $358,000, the first in Canada in 1903 in Windsor ON with a grant of $27,000.

Glen Wickens says
Back in the day when I was a graduate student at Western University, the London Public Library loaned out paintings for several months. I became a borrower and kept changing the paintings hung on my apartment walls.
Pam McPhail says
You’re right. I remember doing the same in Vancouver in the mid ’70s. Our Library doesn’t appear to loan art any longer; however, it does lend devices such as a Nexus 9 tablet loaded with apps for ebooks, digital magazines, online courses, streaming music and more.
Grant McPhail says
Thank you for the insight. When I get old I can imagine taking advantage of this resource, xo G
Tim McPhail says
It sounds like you have my definition of old Grant. An old person is someone 10 years older than I am. For some reason, there seem to be fewer and fewer old people every year.
Tim McPhail says
The Library Square looks amazing. I will try to go there next time I’m in Vancouver.
Roy says
You’ve reminded me to schedule my annual audio book rental for when Kierin and I do our upcoming pilgrimage to Star Belly. Thank you.
Pam McPhail says
And what will be your book of choice? A classic tale by Charles Dickens, a contemporary mystery by Linwood Barclay, or something educational (hope not!)?
Tanya Loretto says
I’ve been meaning to renew my lapsed library card and you have inspired me to do so- sooner rather than later. A lot has happened in the last 5 year’s
Pam McPhail says
Renewing your card will coincide with the Central Library’s 40,000 sq ft expansion: two terraces and a garden on the rooftop, plus a large quiet reading room, art and cultural exhibition spaces, and an 80-seat auditorium on the 8th floor. Can’t wait!
Ian Wallace says
Vancouver is an expensive city but the public library network is an incredible bargain, much appreciated by aged pensioners like me, and others too. We recently attended a short workshop on managing space in digital phones, and a long-term project is to watch all the Oscar foreign language film winners. The library seems to have something for everyone. An e-mail just in, invites me to visit our local branch to pick up a book I ordered. Very convenient!
Pam McPhail says
Like you, Ian, I take advantage of the convenient, reservation system. After reserving 50 items one season, I was charged a modest fee. As of January 2018, however, patrons can place an unlimited number of holds at no charge.
Fun fact: last year, VPL had nearly 6.5 million visits, with patrons borrowing nearly 9.5 million physical and digital items including books, ebooks, movies, music and magazines. Across 21 locations, VPL is the most-visited major urban library per capita in Canada.