Where we are

We began in 2018 with a mission to offer affordable, multidisciplinary learning opportunities in east Vancouver; to be a social hub for nourishing intergenerational community connection; and to celebrate curiosity. We are proud of the ways we have brought this mission to life.  While it is time to move on from running the shop, the Society continues to reimagine how to fulfill our mission in new ways in the future.

We are incredibly proud of creating a beautiful storefront, which has been loved so well by the community. We have forged partnerships, learned together, had many wonderful conversations around the curiosity table, and shared so many beautiful little moments of recognition and laughter. We started this social enterprise with the hope of doing something different within a capitalist framework, and we have learned so much about how that does and doesn’t work. Unfortunately, due to the combined difficulties of small business in today’s economy, the pandemic, and long Covid, we are just not able to make the project financially viable.

Above all else, we are so very grateful for the volunteers, board members, and staff - past and present - who have shaped this space. As well, we are thankful to everyone, young, old and in-between, who has come to the Learnary to share in spontaneous conversation, learn something new, share part of themselves, and deepen their curiosity. Together, we have made The Learnary what it is - a place of connection, where everyone belongs. 

With gratitude, 

Sam and Surya