My Montreal Bucket List: Grande Bibliotheque du Montreal

BANQ. Photo by Annie Shreeve

A visit to the Grande Bibliothèque et Archives Nationales du Quebec is something every Montrealer and traveller alike should do! I have been to many libraries in my time throughout my travels but there is something really fascinating about Montreal’s public library. It’s modern and grand, and ever so interesting.

The amazing staircase inside the library. Photo by Annie Shreeve

I guess in some ways it reminds me of a giant clock, or something of the sorts. The exterior is simple and relatively plain. Big sheets of glass panels click together to create a big box like structure. It’s mighty. The exterior is sleek and simple in design. But don’t let the simplistic exterior fool you. The interior is fascinating. Simple in terms of its modern design, yes. The greys, silvers and white create a clean atmosphere while the straight lines, square structure and sharp edges create an industrial vibe. The turning staircase, the glass lifts, the industrialised workings of this building are on full display and it’s beautiful. And it’s just like seeing behind the scenes of that simple clock face.

The bookshelves. Photo by Annie Shreeve

I love Montreal’s public library. The place is brimming with more information than one person can possibly consume. There is what feels like an endless selection of books, movies, music, magazines, newspapers, encyclopaedias, maps and so much more. There are friendly staff to speak with, there is an area especially for the children and even a museum like section for displays! The library holds events for all ages year round and is at your disposal for almost all of the time!

Window seats. Photo by Annie Shreeve

And, Montreal’s grand library has the most amazing library returns system I have ever seen! It’s worth a visit just to see this amazing machine.

The Grande Bibliothèque et Archives Nationales du Quebec is Located at 2275 Rue Holt, Montreal. It is open Tuesday to Thursday from 10am to 10pm and Friday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. It is free to become a library member and borrow items if you are living in Quebec. More information about the library can be found here.