This is definitely the coolest library in the Toronto system. Amazing architecture - features in the Weeknds music video Secrets. Huge library. Lots of seating throughout. Very busy usually but surprisingly quiet. The atrium and elevators are amazing. Free internet of course. If you are in the Yonge Bloor area this is definitely worth peak inside!!! read more

Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library - Libraries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Trish and I checked out the Retail Retrospective exhibit in the TD Gallery at the Toronto Reference Library Friday evening. It was fun to check out the shopping bags of yesteryear and share the memories they brought back. It's here until January 11 and free. "Glimpse the retail world of yesterday and celebrate Toronto's shopping scene through the decades. Retail Retrospective showcases vintage shopping bags from our Special Collections tracing the history of retailers that defined eras in Toronto. Rediscover the iconic and historic shops that shaped how our city shops today. Far more than vessels for carrying goods, shopping bags can double as advertisements, status symbols and snapshots of design history. Their physical form can even tell a story--paper or plastic." read more

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We love this library, especially for 3D printing! The staff make it easy to book and print our designs. read more

The Toronto Reference Library is an amazing place to get some work done, or explore the sprawling book collection. This is a classic centrally located library in the heart of Toronto, close to the Yorkville area, a very short walk from the nearest TTC station. When looking for a place to work away from home, this is one of my go-to spots. With multiple reservable rooms, this place can also accommodate your remote work meeting needs as well. As the filming site of multiple movies/music videos, it's an iconic instagrammable spot. With its large vertical height, and glass tube-like elevators, this is a very recognizable photography spot. read more

Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library - Libraries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

As a certified bibliophile and lover of History, the Toronto Reference Library is one of my favorite spots in the city. It is architecturally designed to fully maximize the vast amount of books - for example, the elevators are clear glass so you can see a 360 View as you go up or down levels. There are multiple levels to this Library and many books are so rare there are dedicated rooms with specialized tables and supervision to avoid damaging older materials, for example the Marilyn & Charles Baillie Special Collections Centre on the 5th floor where I have spent much time engrossed in art books. Many books cannot be checked out due to their rare nature. Without even looking for history books for which I have a special penchant, there is something magical about holding in one's hands a book that has passed through so many others over Generations. I highly recommend a visit. There are lots of students here but for the most part they exercise a respectable decorum and are not loud and distracting with conversations. There is also an incredibly inexpensive bookstore to the right when you walk in which sells previously held books in the library, if I remember correctly for a dollar a book no matter what the size or how many pages. To the left, when you first walk in there is a gift shop which is more of a regular store with book related regalia. I have found the staff here to be incredibly helpful. If you are looking for newsreels manuscripts or rare books they know the floor and the layout and there is always a helper on each floor. I highly recommend a visit. If you are a bibliophile or information Seeker you will not be disappointed. read more

My favourite library in the city outside of my home library. I frequently make visits to the languages floor and proceed to borrow some literature & grammar books, plop myself either on a balcony or window facing seat, then not read any of it, but feel studious. This library is a great place to find warmth and peace of mind. At the edge of a bustling busy city, you can rest in quiet here. There's free wifi here. Lots of seating, water fountains, clean washrooms, PCs to get some work done, and lots of plugs everywhere. You'll never get bored being here. read more

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Shame on Toronto Public Library Board of Directors When Toronto City Librarian Vickery Bowles & her staff were blocking me from voicing out my grievance involving her office & Toronto Public Library management, I started to initaite reaching out to the TPL Board of Directors Chair & whoever board menbers who I could contact. Not much to my amazement, none of the more or less 8 TPL Board people I tried contacting had responded in any manner, not even some sort of superficial political acknowledgement whatsoever, including at least 2 of our elected city councillors at the time. Why not? I am simply a small potato marginalized member of the often powerless public in the face of the huge Toronto Public Library bureaucracy. These people have nothing to gain by listening or helping a powerless me with my years of negative experience dealing with Toronto Public Library & their often incompetent & indifferent management. Personally, I feel that these ''big shot'' Board people already so eagar to show off their long list of impressive credentials are sitting & enjoying tax-payors paid foods & drinks once every month or 2 being a rubber stamp at the TPL Board of Directors meetings are just wanting to add another effortless & impressive ''public office'' credential to their resume and personal ''achievement''profile. I therefore do not think or believe that these TPL Board members, like the arrogant TPL system & managemnet that they are suppose to govern & monitor, have any real intention to listen or help the people they are supposed to serve & help. These people's primary goal & personal agendy is to add another decrorative credential to their business card & TPL City Librarian & her management, keep their ever increasing sunshine list salary (with ever bigger accompanying benefit + pension package, of course). They serve themselves at taxpapers' expenses. Well, never say never, some of these people might listen or help on a selective basis if there are political , professional or social advantages to them personally. Consequently, seeking & hoping for any kind of help from these bureaucrats is similar to winning a lottery, IT IS VERY MUCH NO WIN. Sad Canada. SAD WORLD. SAD REALITY OF OURS!!! read more

Located on the very busy intersection of Bloor and Yonge is probably the most famous library in Toronto, and well deserved too. Even if you don't need to cram for a last minute exam or find a bunch of books for a paper, the reference library is worth a visit just for the beautiful architecture that's present in each of the 5 floors. Welcomed by a stunning Japanese stone garden, there's so many little quirks that make the library so unique. If you do need to do some work though, there are plenty of areas, quiet or non quiet, to get it done with tons of outlets and comfortable seatings. Private booths are available with booking slots and there are toilets on every floor which are clean and tidy. You can eat on the first floor which is useful, and there's even a Balzac's just as you enter the library with great smelling coffee only a second away. Overall a fantastic experience. read more

Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library - So many spaces for studying - Libraries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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As I keep voicing out the many wrongs & incompetency within the Toronto Public Library bureaucracy online in writing, a Mabel Ho & her endorsing managers have put up censorship against my right to free speech & my freedom of free expression as guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms for all of us. I really wonder if TPL can actually override our Canadian Constitution of free speech & some TPL frontline employees & management can mute a member of the public from voicing out continued concerns on Jane/Sheppard Library, Yorkwoods Library & a few frontline & senior TPL Managers & Directors. Of course, TPL can continue to operate in their own black box complaint system during AND beyond 16 years already in my experiences. My complaints shall carry on & be shared in front of the public' eyes. I also found that comments from the public ARE NOT ALLOWED In any of the City Librarian Vickery Bowles' reports, which to me are all so biased, positive only & one-sided showcase presentations !!! There is no way to voice out at all on anything being reported by TPL City Librarian IN TERMS OF FEEDBACKS OR COMMENTS OR COUNTER-COMMENTS. This seems very much absolute censorship to me!! So much similar to her office disallowing & blocking me to communicate to TPL Board in an official & more formal manner, NOT EVEN FOR A SILLY FIVE MINUTES AS STATED IN THEIR OWN TPL WEBSITE!!! IS IT ALL ABNORMAL TO ASK FOR A SAFE & QUITE LIBRARY NOW? WHY DOES SOMEONE AMONGST US HAS TO KEEP FIGHTING FOR THIS FOR OVER 16 YEARS OR STILL FIGHTING????????????????? read more

top 10 greatest libraries of all time. great aesthetics, plenty of tables, very quiet, very productive. added bonus there's a cafe attached. read more

I was in the area and needed some photocopies. Extra pages, actually--for one of my zines, Uncomfortable Trousers. I need the extra pages because this issue is extra uncomfortable. It made my friend, Trevor G, wince when I showed him the latest drawings. At the library, I was directed to the copiers by the friendly staff at the front desk. One of them, I think, looked interested in my file folder of artwork, so I tried to show them, but they glanced away quickly and sidestepped to another patron. Maybe just as well, in hindsight, might not have been appropriate for public consumption. At the copiers, I lifted the lid, and a loose paper fluttered off the glass and swooped down onto my feet. I'm a curious guy, so I picked it up to have a look. In the middle of the page was a circular botanical image that I happened to recognize as a spore print or, at the very least, a print of a print. In what looked like black fine liner was a handwritten annotation, Hymenogastraceae. I carefully placed the sheet aside and finished my copying. Fifteen cents per copy, by the way. I was reluctant to leave this peculiar artifact here, so I held it in the air for a moment, thinking its owner might appear out of the stacks and reclaim their specimen, but no one came, so I slipped it into my folder and went home. Turns out, there were real spores on that paper. After some research, I've cultivated a batch of these mushrooms under my kitchen sink and use them every week in my Sunday Risotto. Which, uncoincidentally, is going to be the name of my next zine. The TRL is a treasure. Go check the photocopiers--just in case. read more

Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library - Libraries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Wow what an architectural masterpiece, It's massive. Attended an event in one of their rooms and it was great venue. Walked around the different floors afterwards. There is something for everyone here. Secuirty at the main floor, ample amount of seating and pods space for private booking available. read more

Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library - Libraries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I've been to the branches, and I really enjoy the Reference branch. The staff was super helpful with my research needs and overall have a great way with the public, helping everyone with ALL types of requests! read more

Gorgeous library and a total gem in Toronto!! From the outside, this building doesn't look like much, in fact, it's really easy to miss cause it blends in to other buildings in the area. Walking in, you see a front desk reception and a small museum on the side with a pond, wait...a pond? You betcha. That's when you know this library isn't as simple as it seems. Walking into the lobby/main area, you know it's a beautiful instagrammable location in Toronto. It seems to be a fairly quiet library too (in terms of noise levels, I think it's pretty good to study here), but there is A LOT of traffic here - understandably. I would come early in order to get a nice seat. On the first floor of the library, there's also a Balzac's coffee shop for you to grab some quick food and drink. read more

Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library - Libraries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I have been to Toronto Reference Library so often over all these years. Great place to study as I can get lost among all these stacks of books. And it still feels like a library with the quietness. No toddlers running around and screaming their heads off. I also been here for the Power of Movement event. Having a yoga session here is definitely really cool. Close to Yonge/Bloor subway station and with all these restaurants around made TRL my to go to library to chill when I am downtown. 8/15 read more

Apart from an old Asian man asking me if I was looking for a husband, wanting to keep in touch, this library was every bibliophiles dream come true! Because it is open to the public, there were a lot of different kinds of people doing different kinds of things here: some were watching tv (cool tv area), some looked like students, and some were looking for wives. read more

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One of the coolest buildings in Toronto. A great place to read, study, hang out. Very helpful staff.

It is a big library with plenty of spaces to study - honestly, there are so many floors to this library. The building outside might not look like it, but interior is very unique - there seems to be no concept of walls between floors and thus you can see all the floors of the library wherever you are. One thing that I did not like was that when I first came in, there was a band playing on the first floor. Since the library literally has no walls, the whole entire library could hear the music. I prefer my study area to be quiet, but to know that wherever I went, I could hear the music, did not sit well with me. After the band finished playing, the atmosphere was okay to study in. read more

Although I'm not a fan of the outside's red brick, the large interior is a unique and inspiring piece of revival architecture that's really fun to spend time in. I say "revival" because it really reminds me of the much older interior of Frank Lloyd Wright's SJ Johnson Admin building (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnson_Wax_Headquarters#Construction). It's a great place to work, study and learn out of. But more than anything, this library offers a lot of hidden amenities that many people aren't aware of. On the second floor, they have these small cylindrical glass enclosures that are great for a short meetings (make sure you book them in advance). There are several event spaces that you can rent for full-sized conferences, and at a very competitive price no less. There's a 3D printer you can use. Every fall, they have a clinic with free flu shots--you don't even have to show your OHIP card. Altogether, this is a well-run and feature rich facility that people should explore on more than just a cursory level. read more

I love libraries and I find them a beacon of civilization. I don't mind paying taxes when they are used for the common good. Thank you librarians! read more

Great place for studying. Very spacious and bright with one seat per table now on covid regulations. Reservations for the use of computers is required. The variety of books are quite abundant tho it may require more time to search for the books you would like to read since only numbers are displayed on the shelf, which is a bit inconvenient for people who are just browsing for categories of books they are interested in. read more

I love this library. Carpet is slightly outdated but they have so much resources. Free wifi. Amazing shapes and curves. I come here to study read more

Fun fact: The Weeknd shot a music video here. If that doesn't make this place a part of Toronto history besides the fact that it is one of the best places to visit (for free), then I don't know what else will. This place has such incredible architecture. I love meeting up with pals here for co-working dates. The library has some of the best energy in the city. You can do some great people watching and also stay for hours working on your on stuff. Another thing that people don't really know about is that there are lots of pods and work rooms available (for free, with your library card) to be pre-booked. The pods look so futuristic. Don't forget to check out their events calendar: they have so many great authors stopping by all the time for great one on one chats and my favourite time of year has to be TCAF. Is there anything the library can't do? I think not! read more

A Great place to work and to study. This Library has a great interior with a nice open feeling and of course lots of interesting books to peruse. I often come here on my downtime to grab a computer and get working on a pressing project. The construction is now thankfully done. The Baldwin Room, The Music Collection and the rotating Gallery exhibit on the main floor are all worth checking out. read more

A very cool 70's looking design. Love the elevators and staircase. They would not built it like this anymore.. read more

One of my favorite libraries in the Greater Toronto Area. This place is really quiet so it is perfect for studying. There are 5 floors so it's spacious but it can packed on the weekdays by students, researchers, etc.There are tons of spaces on weekends. Seating options include individual desk and tables or large desks to share with others, plenty of lighting, a large collection of books, including prep materials if you are preparing for an exam such as the LSAT or GMAT. Some are available for you to borrow outside of the library. If you need anything, just ask the staff at the information desks located on each floor. They are so helpful! No food except on the first floor but coffee and drinks are fine. Clean restrooms. Relatively fresh air. Free wireless internet that's fairly stable. And if you need to grab some food during a study break, plenty of options nearby in the neighbourhood! read more

Even if you were to disregard the books, the services, the accessibility to precious information that this library offers, it would still get five stars. It's such a great space to work, and even just sort of wander around and get warm (which is what I did when I took all my photos). The architecture is sort of new AGO-esque, with its winding staircases, but its also got lots of amazing bits of natural elements in it. Two ponds (one with a mini-waterfall) are at each end of the buildings ground floor (there are 6 floors) and the PLANTS! They're everywhere, and they're old and established and full of personality (see my photos). But most of all, the reference is a great place to go to work outside of your home and still feel....comfortable. There's great area's to sit, whether its at a big desk or in front of a computer and the lighting! Let's just say I don't envy the person in charge of making sure all the lights in the reference library aren't burnt out. read more

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As the name suggests, Toronto Reference Library is an excellent place if you need reference for your (academic) research, essay, thesis etc. The collection is huge; I was able to find books on some unusual/unpopular historical topics that I could not find at the libraries at U of T / Ryerson. Amazing! They have various activities going on from time to time. I used it to pick up holds when I was working close by during the summer. Now that I am back to school, I rarely come here. But it is definitely worth checking out! Don't use the bathroom on the first floor; it is very unclean. read more

A nice place to study and to do research. It's resourceful with open access to most of the references. I've been there several time and enjoyed working without distractions. read more

probably the best library in Toronto, maybe even Ontario. i do have a tiny thing right off the bat...the red flooring needs to be replaced, its showing extreme signs of wear and tear and random liquid stains all over the place. this "extremely instagrammable" library is absolutely amazing for all of the space available as well as resources in house. i was taking a self tour of all of the floors and all of the services available...they have a preservation lab...like someone who records and preserves documents and newspapers. there is literally too many things for me to list that this library has, but you should come and check it out. the Asquith press, the cafe, and the water fountain at the front are a must see. the hours at this library are really good as well, open 12 hours a day during the week, but on the weekends the hours are not as favorable. parking is available in some nearby lots, and the transit options are the yonge/bloor station with a bit of walking. read more

The big book sale starts today throughout till Saturday March 18.2017. Happens once a year at Beeton Auditorium. All items ranges from 10¢ to 50¢. read more

Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library - Libraries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This is probably the biggest library I've been to, with the exception of University libraries. I love how every floor is different, and there are so many computers! Because I am not actually a resident of Toronto, I was still granted a visitor's pass to access them. That's pretty neat right? The computers are not old, the keyboards are actually newer than the ones I have at home! I don't know how to describe this place except that you really should come here to see it for yourself. The noise level does vary depending on where you are. I would say the rooms are probably good for group projects or solo study sessions lols. The washrooms are not the nicest, but it will do for now. I love how there is a coffee place that is directly attached to the library as well. I really don't ask for much in a library, but this place is somewhere I would go to if I ever need to kill time. It's a library I wish Markham would have as well in the future. read more

It's a neighborhood gem for those who like community spaces and libraries, I feel honored to live by it.

I've been coming here since high school, if not earlier. Have been using the TPL system since I was old enough to get a library card! One of my fave libraries around the area; it's definitely gotten an upgrade over the years. The 70s style of winding staircase, dim lighting and stacks makes me feel right at home. Majority of the collections here are reference material, hence the name though there is a section of the library you are able to take home. Computer use does require a library card. They've recently installed study pods on certain floors and you're able to reserve them to study, read or nap...I guess? Even on a Tuesday the library was hustling and bustling. There is lots of room for studying, reading or just lounging around with a good book in this library. There was a section of the library for the Toronto Comic Arts Festival and the recent addition of Balzac's Coffee makes it more enticing to come here. Will definitely be back. Hopefully I won't take such a long hiatus this time around. Having fun is definitely not hard when you've got a library card. read more

The Toronto Reference Library (TRL for the hepcats) is the grand poobah of this town's free book rental emporiums. The monstrous edifice is located just north of Yonge and Bloor. There are five floors where endless stacks of books, tables and study areas encircle a cavernous centre that is open to below. Sometimes you'll see little brown birds fluttering around this void, and then perching on a ledge to watch you read. The building was designed by Moriyama architects. It's mostly a brick and glass affair, and though the inside is decidedly a 1970s version of "the future" (especially those glass elevators), it is not offensively so. I actually quite like it, especially the rounded corner motif which manifests itself everywhere. Just look! There is lots of natural light and it's quiet. The library is presently undergoing renovations (under the same architects' lead) but is still open to the public. The first floor allows for food/drink and chit-chat but these are verboten elsewhere. There is wifi and computers for extended use, but the wait is usually long for these machines. The library also features events, readings, and lectures all of which can be found in their "What's On" guide. They have a small gallery on site, an A/V lab, a piano/practice room, meeting rooms, a newspaper room, a collection of maps... there's seriously a lot of stuff. Considering this is some city-funded 'ish, Torontonians should take their time and check out everything the library has to offer. Obligatory Title Pun: I go on TRL/Look how many hugs I get. Menu Readability: For a library stuck in the 70s, at least their typeface usage is up-to-date. Need to mention: This place is highly accessible. And you can call ahead to make sure they have the accomodations you need. What this place teaches me about myself: I love the library. read more

I'd have to say the Toronto Reference Library is one of the best public libraries in the city. I thought it would be kinda noisy as it's very large and open however that's not the case. If you can't find a book at school defiantly check the catalogue of TRL because they'll probably have it. This has happened to me on way to many occasions where the books I need have been taken out already at all the libraries at UofT so I checked the TRL and it saved my life. What to expect when you go to the library... some of the libraries and people who work there aren't really all that pleasant but there are some who are really helpful. There's a main computer area on the main floor and a dozen on the other floors so if you need to use one and forgot you laptop you can hook that up with no problem. Not to mention since it's a reference library there's a whole bunch of photocopiers so if you can't stay you can just photocopy the pages you need. If you do plan on staying to study, and like to study in quiet, then I'd suggest going to one of the higher floors or getting a private study room on the main floor. Most people are studying and grabbing books from the 1st and 2nd floor, so there can be some distraction. Just go up a floor or two and it's all good. read more

Toronto's public library system is the largest in North America and this is the flagship central branch of our library system. When you picture libraries, you might see old dark and dusty buildings with rows and rows of bookshelves and a old gentleman watching your movement through an eyepiece. Not the case here! The TRL is a beautifully designed building reminiscent of an architectural style that is a few decades older. There are some surprise contemporary elements such as a bold open concept design and the use of glass that suggests fluidity. The lower section is dedicated to the use of computer terminals, desks for people to hookup their laptops on (free wifi as is the case with all libraries) and special purpose areas. Upper floors are filled with books and communal study desks. Students take over this building when classes are in session, and their constant chatter may affect your concentration, but otherwise it is quite quiet. The library building also has a convention halls for private events, a movie theatre for free screenings and other spaces for artists and event organizers. Like most other libraries, the staff is friendly and very helpful. I bring most of my visitors and tourists to this building, it is very un-library like and I like that. :) read more

The library has great space (five floors!) for those that needed quiet solitude for their studies. First floor is good for group studies and you will see many international students that huddle together at the round tables. I usually study on the second or third floor as the noise level drops significantly when you get past the ground floor. Families with small children are very cognisant of the quietness that's present at the library. I have seen many times where the parents would sit with their children on the benches across from the ground floor's elevators. There was even a time where I saw three moms having a "baby-date" on those benches because they didn't want to disturb the quietness of the library. Don't expect the wi-fi here to be amazing. The connection becomes stronger when you are sitting either closer to the center of the building or closer to the ground floor. Other thing to keep in mind is the homeless people that came in here during the day since it is a public space. The washrooms on the first floor are the smelliest, although they do become progressively better as you go up the floors (yes, there are washrooms on each level). read more

Lots of books. FREE. Lots of computers. FREE! Very friendly staff. Cool elevators. Wireless internet. FREE Comfy chairs. Easy to get to. Open every day -- all you need is a library card. No resevation necessary. read more

I was blown away by my visit to the Toronto Reference Library. I had seen this library in the Scott Pilgrim comics and I was blown away by what a wonderful building it is in person. The librarian in me definitely had some serious library-envy when I visited the TRL. First off, the building itself is beautiful. Even though the design is somewhat dated, they've managed to create a modern looking space. I love how open it is! The view from the fifth floor of the rest of the library is pretty amazing. There are plenty of PCs available for public use as well as free wireless internet. There is also lots of space useful to individuals wanting to read or study quietly or to groups wanting to quietly collaborate on a project. They even have some sound-resistant study orbs that can be booked when you really need to focus. Too cool! Another intriguing feature of this library is some of the "maker" services that they offer. The library has a 3D printer for public use as well as a book printing service (both for a fee). I love the idea of a patron being able to walk into a library and have their scrapbook, novel, or home cookbook bound. I wish all libraries were like this one. Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card! read more