I've learned to love the library all over again! Sometimes I want a quiet, distraction-free place…read moreto work where I don't have to buy a coffee (or...a cookie. Or muffin. And gain 5lbs. Haha!). I'd visited the Orleans library a few weeks prior with Noah K, and wasn't super impressed. I heard there was a second location attached to the Ray Friel Centre, and decided to check it out. I went in with low expectations, but I really loved this library! Attached to the Ray Friel Centre, as mentioned, I bet it's a great spot for families. It was really busy, even at 10 in the morning. I've also worked here around 2 p.m. and it was just as busy then. There's a great computer area here, and lovely section with comfy chairs and a beautiful stone mantle (I think the fireplace is fake though, ha!). There's a dedicated spot for ancestry research, and I noticed the Orleans Historical Society has a meeting room here. They have a fantastic selection of DVD rentals here, and a massive Children's Library. This is a much better location than the other Orleans library, and I absolutely recommend it if you need a quiet place to work, need to do some research, or love to read. As with all Ottawa Public Library locations, you need your library card and pin number to use the wifi.

Its an amazing experience it's calmness peacefulread more

Gosh, I haven't been to a library in years. I had no idea they held classes and baby playtime here…read morefor free. The cool thing is you don't even need a library card to attend (we seriously live in an awesome city!) I decided to check out a babytime class here, and I was a little lost and had no idea where to go when I entered (the library isn't even that big, lol), but a friendly staff member showed me the way. Everyone was very welcoming at this library. There is plenty of parking at the back of the library, or if you are taking the bus, there is a bus stop literally right in front of it. There are also tons of restaurants a right next to it like crust and crate, a&w, mr.shawarma and pita pit to name a few. The library is where it's at these days!!

If I was trying to attract tourism to Ottawa, I would make sure the marketing campaign included…read morefootage of the Aviation Parkway in the fall. There are several striking drives that offer dazzling views of the Capital's landscape, but Aviation parkway is a great introduction to the Capital's green space. Bytown is known for it's green space, and the wide range of trees contribute to impressive lush greenbelt. The leaves on this parkway change to blazing oranges, reds and yellows in late September & early October. If you are in the area in Autumn, it's worth your while to take one of the best wooded scenic drives. As with all the NCR parkways, it can be explored by car, bike, or on foot. The parkway is enclosed by significant woods owned by the Canadian taxpayer, and managed by the National Capital Commission.

It was that dreaded time again where I had to get my health card renewed. I'm literally so bad at…read morerenewing cards and documents, and always wait until the very last minute. This service center is in beacon hill mall. There are like four other centers in this mall, one for financial aid, card renewals, and employment services. I ended up going to the wrong service center at first, but the first lady I spoke with directed me to the right one. I literally walked two steps in the mall and bam I was there. I grabbed a number, grabbed a seat (theres not many seats, and it gets crowded fast), and waited for my number to be called. The numbers were called pretty quick, and I waited about 10 minutes. The associate helping me with my renewal was super quick, efficient and got me in and out in no time. This location is a short drive away from my home, so to not even be gone an hour to get this service done is a win for me.

I think I've been spoiled with having the Centrepointe Library so close to me the last few years…read more When I came to this library in Orleans, I expected more, and unfortunately I wasn't blown away. I realize not every library can boast water installations, an awesome kids floor and everything, but this place was pretty lackluster. Don't get me wrong - this place is what you'd expect from a typical library, I suppose. It just seems a bit dated to me, and the staff weren't exceptionally friendly (which I find really odd, as every other library has amazing staff!). I asked an older lady at the help desk if I could borrow her scissors for a moment, and she glared at me and said "you may use my scissors if you use them right here in front of me." Really? Do I look like I'm going to steal you scissors lady? A bit silly, I think. This place was quite busy on a Saturday afternoon - lots of children (which resulted in a not-so-quiet atmosphere at times, but hey, they're kids!). We found a quiet corner to do some reading/work. They do have individual desk-cubicles for those who are studying, which is great. I also noticed a section of used books for sale, initiated by the "friends of the Orleans library" group. They have audiobooks here, as well as movie rentals, which is nice. They don't have the greatest selection though. I'd maybe search online if you're looking for a specific title. One of my favourite things? They have an awesome magazine selection! Forget buying them anymore, they stock a huge selection here, all bound monthly. There were quite a few people relaxing with a magazine or newspaper, and it's good to see the library is still being used. Note: You need an Ottawa Public Library Card to use their wifi.