Vancouver Public Library

This dramatic, Colosseum-like building must be a temple to the great god of libraries. If not, it’s certainly one of the world’s most magnificent book-lending facilities. Designed by Moshe Safdie and opened in 1995, it contains 1.2 million books and other items spread out over seven levels, all of them seemingly populated by language students silently learning English from textbooks (and messaging each other under the tables). There’s free wi-fi available on-site (plus terminals if you don’t have your laptop) and the library hosts a lively roster of book readings and literary events. If you’re traveling with kids, the downstairs children’s section is an ideal hangout.