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The Vancouver Public Library has been named one of the world’s top public libraries. Scholars from Germany’s Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf surveyed libraries in 31 cities around the world and tied the VPL and Bibliothèques Montréal for No. 1.

“Vancouver is a world-class city and we’re extremely pleased and humbled to be recognized as a top world-class library,” Sandra Singh, VPL’s chief librarian, stated in a news release today (December 18). “It’s gratifying to be in such esteemed library company, and we’re excited to be playing a part in highlighting Vancouver on the world map through our work supporting an informed, engaged, and connected city.”

Libraries were judged on their services, physical spaces, and online resources, as well as how they supported their cities.

Other public libraries recognized on the list, which has been published in LIBRI: International Journal of Libraries and Information Services, include those in Toronto, Chicago, San Francisco, and Shanghai.