This place is my jam. Well, not really, considering it's a library with a quiet zone, but I love it…read morehere for all of my studying needs. It's pretty empty in the morning and there are three floors of studying space, which means you don't even have to be close to other human beings as you're studying! Fabulous! The computers boot up really quickly and there is an abundance of them. On the first floor, you have individual cubicles that fit two people, as well as long, coffee shop style tables behind glass doors. I like the second floor the best, because there are a lot more cubicles that you can sprawl out on. The basement gets super noisy at times because they have soft leather couches that faces towards the beautiful waterfall in Victoria College. You don't have to be a student at U of T to walk in, but if you want to print things you need a T-Card in order to do that, so come by purely for the atmosphere if needed.

Completing my trilogy of U of T libraries is the E.J. Pratt library located on Queen's Park…read moreCrescent or a stone's throw from the ROM nearby. Q: Gawd, another library review? A: Yes, it's prime studying season for many students and the Pratt library is another fine building to burn some brains cells away in. I've been spending an inordinate amount of time in these centers of information lately and thus, feel the need to pay homage to the gaw-jus libraries of U of T. Q: Yes I get that but how is this library different from Gerstein and Trinity (John Graham), two other gaw-jus libraries? A: True, U of T is really blessed with a few beautiful architectural delights (save for brutalist Robarts) and massive collections which serve as their academic libraries. However, Pratt differs slightly from the other two counterparts in that it is more minimalist looking.. Renovated earlier this decade, the building looks like a massive stone square box from the outside but inside it's a different story. On the main floor you'll find the Kathleen Coburn reading room on the right enclosed in glass walls and ikea styled tables. Quite photogenic. It's an elegant, bright and roomy space with separate carrels hidden along the far right wall inside for added quiet and privacy. Most study carrels at Pratt are equipped with internet sockets and individual reading lamps-a nice touch. Green, plastic moulded chairs provide the seating in the carrels. There's a staircase with a vibrant, illuminated wall leading up to the second floor. The second floor features the periodicals section, stacks, more individual carrels and a column of plush, black leather arm-chairs-perfect for digging into Pratt's luminous collection of poetry, history and philosophy texts. Way, way downstairs on the ground or if you prefer basement level, there's a lounge for eating, washrooms, enclosed study rooms and yes, even more study carrels. The study carrels line the perimeter of the basement floor and depending on where you sit, the large floor-to-ceiling windows open up to splendid views of Queen's Park or the tranquil, sunken garden and pond on the east side. Lots of natural sunlight flowing through on this level. Q: Wow, that sounds nice. But so do the libraries at Gerstein and Trinity. What sets Pratt apart? A: That's hard to answer, I suppose that Gerstein, Graham and Pratt are magnificent and stylish places for studying in their own right, they just have different personalities. Kind of like the male celebrities we know and love. So if we were to engage in analogies this is how I'd see the three playing out: Gerstein is brainy and modern with a gothic twist. Hmmm, this is tougher than I thought.... I'll take David Duchovny's cerebralness paired with Twilight's Robert Pattinson. John Graham or Trinity library is warm, charming and strikes me as quintessentially British in its design-definitely Colin Firth! Pratt library seems to have an urbane, polished feel, almost too good looking but still functional. It's definitely not it's celebutard's namesake but I have in mind Rodrigo Santoro or David Beckham. Heh. On another note, Pratt is smaller in size than Gerstein and tends to fill up quickly compared to the other two. Q: Errr, that's rather interesting! What if I find your taste in men questionable? Does that mean I can trust your judgment of libraries and places of study? A: Just check them out for yourself if you're downtown, the most you're likely to lose is an hour's worth of time in commute. Humour aside, they are truly fantastic and more importantly quiet places to get work done. So there you have it my take on three of U of T's most pleasing libraries. IMO.

I've been at U of T for nearly 6 years (in the 6ix!) and would have to conclude that Gerstein is…read moreone of my favourite libraries for a number of reasons. Walking distance First, it's close to most of my classes but also a 5-10 minute walk from most stations. Layout and seating I like how there are different types of areas. Some areas are more conducive for silent/quiet study, while other areas allow for group work. That's important to have as not everyone studies in complete silence. It gives the opportunity for students or other people studying to migrate to different areas when they need a change in environment. There's also a tiny balcony area above the silent study room, which I find to be neat. Green Beet! In my opinion, Green Beet is one of the better food places on campus. They have a selection of "healthier alternatives" and appear to be more frequently cleaned and maintained. The staff are friendly as well. Tips Book study rooms EARLY and don't be afraid to gently remind someone that you've booked that room for that specific time.

Gerstein, in my opinion, is the nicest library on campus…read more As the science library on campus, the stacks are full of science papers and textbooks - but really the best thing about this library is all the study space! People are pretty hardcore at Gerstein, especially during exams. There is always a crowd waiting for them to open the doors on the weekends, and it really is best to go early, especially if you have a favorite spot (two below at the back by the window, anyone?). They have three floors of tables where 6 or so people can sit, each with its own plug and light. They also have what I fondly call "the fortress" in the stacks - individual study carrells which also have their own light (and even a coat hook!) There are also "silent reading rooms", tables in the cafeteria, and even group study rooms. Gerstein is a peaceful looking library in neutral beiges and browns. It is definitely what a stressed out UofT student needs during exams (not the bright red, yellow, blue theme of the Robarts stacks!) So, go forth and study. But don't talk, listen to your music too loud, or eat food with noisy wrappers - or the hardcore students at Gerstein will eat you alive!

Went in today to print 12 pages. T-Card wouldn't open the front gate. Had to wait for assistance…read more Then, the ONLY machine to put cash onto your T-Card to print was out of order, so I reluctantly tried to add "T-Money" ("the currency you convert to if you'd like to print a document yippy") online, but my BMO Mastercard was declined 3X (three times filling out name, address, name (again, tho same), and delivery address (again, tho same) ... Asked someone if I could pay them to print for me? No. Trinity Library recommended -- even though they don't have a cash-to-T-Card machine. Another dead-end. Again, "Can I just pay someone to print for me?" "No, sorry." Sought solutions in 2 different shops OFF campus and the 2nd was fast, pleasant, easy, with a stapler, file folders, and for less than $2 CASH over the counter. Thank you cement turkey.

So call me crazy, but I actually really like the way Robarts looks - I think there's something…read morereally impressive and grand about the architecture. The place is HUGE - extremely overwhelming, even the large escalator stairwell is hard to navigate. The entrance is currently under construction, but even that doesn't detract from the gravitas of the place. Luckily there is staff at almost every single floor (or at least the first handful) who are always so glad to help if you need it. Great place to study - quiet and very academic setting. The area around the library is fairly safe too, so I never feel too bad about leaving the library and walking back late at night.

I would frequent this library growing up. I have found some good finds from their summer book…read moresales. It usually happens at the same time when the stores in the mall have tables out with sales. The location is at the quieter side of Woodside Square and the side by the high school. It's a pretty good with different the sections/nooks. The larger sections are the kids, seating, tables and computer areas. You might have a hard time looking for a specific book in the resource books and adult books area because they are a lot smaller. This is if you check in person before going online and hold a book. From a post about the mall on Reddit, the library is possibly staying in its current location but expanding a bit to have extra study/quiet space and a larger kids area.

This is a fairly small community library on the west side of the mall. I had come for a 3D printing…read moreworkshop. The room that the workshop was held in is spacious, with a lot of room for seating. After the PowerPoint presentation, the instructor provided MacBooks for us to search online for small items that we could have printed. Just FYI, a fee of $0.15 per one gram of filament (printing material) is charged for each print job, and 3D printing isn't available at this library but is available at *Agincourt *Albert Campbell *Albion *Downsview *Fort York *North York Central Library *Richview *Scarborough Civic Centre Toronto Reference Library *York Woods

Small library with some nice events for children led by very patient library staff. We thoroughly…read moreenjoyed those. The took place on the second floor. Rather small selection of teen books in the teen zone. Major issue is that there's a particular gentleman who always sits in that teen zone at a table with wet wipes and a back scratcher in toe, breakfast strewn about, and essentially uses it as his person living room. I have witnessed him scratching his back with his back scratcher, wiping his neck and disposing of tissues in the nearby waste basket. It is certainly unappetizing particularly with children in that zone. And a library table is not the place for personal hygiene care (go to the bathroom for that please) I STOPPED going to this library when I witnessed this person changing medical bandages on his bloody foot on a chair in his "living room". I told the clerk who said that wasn't permissible (bodily fluids, blood, no thanks), and she got security to handle it. But come on - that's not what a public library is for.

It's a small branch. They have a few tables for patrons, a children's section, computers etc. There…read moreis a printer as well although it's still not in operation post cyber attack.

Cute little library. The building was a former church but has been a library for 90+ years. The…read morechildren's section is on the top floor. If you are n the picture book room you have big windows that allow you to look out on Gerrard street. They have a good selection of children's graphic novels and books in many languages. We saw French, Hindi, Urdu etc. The tables and benches on the second floor are beautiful. Looks like they came from a church. We have a habit of visiting libraries in our vacation locations. The librarians seemed seemed surprised that we were tourists visiting the library but quickly got used to our questions and gave us a history of the building.

Really old library, as far as service, computer and room to sit read and study its not there…read more But it's an old branch looks nice from the outside but it's lacking outside being find/pick up a book and go.

This is a perfect library. it's clean, the layout is great and people that work there make it feel…read morewelcoming.

Love Bloor Gladstone Library! It is the best Toronto Public library I been to!…read more Love how the new and the old structure just compliment and blend with each other so nicely... love the old arches and the vaulted ceilings.. love the big huge windows that letting in all the sunshine... Love the free WIFI.. and the numerous electric outlets for laptops or whatever you need to charge up! Love those comfy individual armchairs... I can just have a power nap in one of them anytime! Love the location! Right across from Dufferin subway station... I am in LOVE!!

This is a very well hidden library in one of the more confusing buildings on campus, so make sure…read moreyou know exactly where you want to go or else you will get lost :) It's not a grand library but for a college library it comes in at a good size and is very spacious and not terribly busy which is a godsend when it's exam period and libraries like Robarts and Gerstein are just too crowded. A majority of study tables are private ones with privacy (wooden) screens separating each "cubicle". However power outlets are not always handy. As with most of UofT buildings, there is a UTORwin wireless signal here and I've always found it to be reliable. It is extremely well light, and the large windows are high enough so you do not get distracted by people enjoying the sun on back campus while you're stuck indoors! As for the books they carry, it is very centered around the University College's programs so unless you're looking for something very specific (in the humanities and social science fields), do not expect a lot of variety. There are 2 printers and 14 computer terminals, and as is with all UofT libraries, the cost of printing is a lot higher than it should be. And until the library gets a makeover allowing a lot more tables to have individual power outlets, this will remain a solid 4 star space!

I have received excellent help at the writing centre and highly recommend it. I also use the…read moreprinter there now and then, and they have a few computers available. It's never been busy when I've been there, but I've only visited in the morning, and not during exams. That being said, I will only go to Laidlaw if I have class in UC or an appointment at the writing centre. I am not a fan of the study space: - it's dark, unless you sit by the window - you have to search for an outlet, and they are not conveniently placed - so cold in winter! after an hour I feel like I have to go to Hart House to warm up - overall depressing atmosphere