Reviews of Toronto Public Library - Runnymede Branch (Library)

Erwin Sniedzins

In 1909 a group of literary gentlemen started a library with 300 books. By 1929 the public library doors of architect John Lyle opened. It's an interesting motif of 3 different architectural designs - Indigenous, English and French. Today, Sharon Wood, the first North American woman to summit Mt. Everest was doing a presentation on her experience and launching her new book 'Rising'. It's been 33 years since she taught me ice climbing. The talk was fabulous.

Arthur Chow

Cozy heritage library location. It is closed for the next 5-6 months for renovations. From January 30, 2017 onwards

Google IsEvil

A beautiful old building that is easy to navigate for the disabled, which is a rare and wonderful thing. Also the librarians are very kind and helpful.

brenda gilligan

This is one of my favourite branches. it is so well laid out and bustling. It has a great vibe and convenient parking with lot's of great books. Spend some time, you won"t be disappointed. ;-)

monsieur diecasts

I agree with the other reviewers. Nice, quaint neighborhood library, but not the place to study (too noisy).

Juan Campana

This library is amazing, free wi fi, books, e books, DVDs, opens from Monday to Sunday, chess club, conversational english, kids zone. Bring your address and phone number to get the Toronto's library card, even if you are foreigner, then you can checkout any material. Some times is noisy, but is not a problem. There are printers, you just need to load a few dollars in the card in the same library to use the printers, 15 cents every page. The checking out process is very simple and the checking is automatic. Upstairs there are many events that you can check in the web page. Great place in Runnymede.

Sarvinoz Hamzaeva

I love this place. I wish I lived nearby to come more often. New book return system was really cool, btw. I also like how creative they are with weekly book selections.

Mark David Webster

The Torontopublic Library system is one of the best institutions in the world. This branch has a gorgeous addition in the back. Put a book on hold and pick it up at the Runnymede branch. You won't be sorry.

Thi Nguyen

The library itself has great selection of materials and studying areas. But the staff should be more effective in enforcing the rules. It goes without saying that people are supposed to be quiet in the library, but since this location is closed to a school, visitors usually have to experience loud young children in the kid section. There was a screaming toddler during my visit, and I mean screaming-crying with his mother completely ignored him and the staff did not do anything to resolve the solution. They could have asked the lady to leave as people were trying to study and did not come here to be bothered by her kid. There were teens making out in the library in plain sight, taking up the entire table just to flirt to each other. I had to leave because I could not tolerate the smooching and excessive PDA. Staff should have done something to control inappropriate activities as such.

church videos and dumbness DERP

Not that good

Luciana G

I love this branch! The location is great, just one block alway from Runnymede Subway Station. There are good activities, staff is really helpful. Sometimes it is a little too difficult to get a table to study though. If you can find a table downstairs, they offer more space upstairs, it is quieter too!

John Kyakuwa

The staff are willing to assist and have knowledge about the systems

Carlos Charris (izaioi)

Cozy; hours of operation are Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. To 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. To 5 p.m. and closed on Sundays

Valerie Pinard-Jain

What a lovely library and how quickly you forget all the hustle and bustle of the outside world, even the lady playing guitar in from of the LCBO.

Andrew Pieries

A beautiful and cozy library.

Gabriele Tomasso

Nice and clean, good selection of books.

Nancy Ferareza

The library is conveniently located on the subway line. You can order books, put books on hold and renew books on-line. It's so convenient.

Gilles

Nice, bright library in a charming old building. However, like others have posted here, the place is very noisy. It appears to have been converted into a daycare. lol. Nannies/babysitters/parents bring many children and there seems to be no attention to library etiquette. Loud, running around, screeching, etc. It would help if library staff would inform these patrons of library manners/expectations so these guardians can control and teach the children how to behave in a library. Bright clean place though.

Cinda Chebet

Such an awful library, nobody cared if you needed a quite study time. If you just need to hang out and chit chat, this is the place to go. lol

Jenni Hutchings

One of my favorite branches. Maintains it's beautiful historical look, while having all the accessible modern conveniences. Prime location in the heart of Bloor West Village. Close to coffee shops and two of my favorite health food stores. With Kennedy Margdon Parkette amazingly located right behind the library, it's perfect to grab a few enchanting books from the Runnymede branch and settle yourself on a bench or a hilly grassy spot and enjoy the simple things of life. Thank you to the staff who are continuing to navigate the the many changes Covid has presented them with. Thank you for providing the level of courtesy I have come to appreciate from you. Keep up the good work.

Jack Catal

Small library but very nice interior, not too many outlets or tables but there are benches for people to read on.

Shawn Hayden

This is a beautiful library inside a historic building.

Vitaliy Latanskiy

Excellent library

Nicole Hart

Few seating. Not quiet at all for studying. I thought libraries were supposed to be quiet....

Shashank Aggarwal

Very peaceful and well stocked library place. I visit here every Saturday.

Sean OGrady

Great little branch of the Toronto Public library. Never a line to pick up holds.

Marla Behnke

Such a historic, architectural gem in a beautiful neighbourhood. Always busy, the Runnymede Public Library is a meeting point and quiet place of refuge for many, as well as a great place for high school students to study together, and young children to cultivate their love of reading early on in life. Their exceptionally user-friendly automated return wall and lightning fast check-out system makes it often a three minute visit. On the rare occasion that I do require staff assistance, they are always very helpful. The only reason I gave a four star rating is because their washrooms are ALWAYS repulsively filthy, the stench unbearable and rarely stocked with paper products. If staff could perhaps address that issue, it would be much appreciated. Overall, I consider myself fortunate to live within a block of this fantastic resource.

W P

Conveniently located only a few minute walk from Runnymede Station. Be prepared to wait in line (as of January 2021) due to Covid

angela selmys

Always liked this location...staff very friendly and helpful.

etoilethay

Nice Library in an old building but it is very small. I have been there a few times just looking at the book while waiting for my dentist appointment in the area. It was noisy like other reviewers indicated but I did not care as I was not trying to read or focus. Just hanging out while waiting for my appointment.

Luisa Merlano

My 5 years love to go to the library but the area for kids in this one is not so nice.

Larisa Bosova

I didn't find a book I need.

Pan Zarovkar

Very nice building, friendly staff, but long waiting time always when I need to deal with the front desk. Overall very nice place to read a book and relax in quite environment.

Berke Gulek

Very good.

Anon Tablet

Beautiful building, elegant space. Hampered by a lack of noise-absorbing material and proper study space, and talkative patrons.

OMAR ELKEI

Very good.

Javier

Small but comprehensive neighbourhood library on a beautiful, historic building. Great location and friendly staff. Highly recommended.

Emeka Chukwura

Very quite and well organized

Jessica R

I was often here when I was studying for my CPA exams. I am grateful that it is a place to go but it is often overcrowd (could not find a seat) and loud. I worked upstairs mostly as it was more quiet and there are more desks to work at. Most people are respectful when you ask them to talk quietly but often times I could hear people chatting though the earplugs I had in. The worst was when the smelly homeless people were there, they could clear an entire room (but I am not sure what the library can do about this). Other than this the building is nice and kept clean. And the staff is nice and helpful.

Hector Reymundo

very noisy, you cant study there... it's a shame

Dani A

Space is small and so much noises , great location and nice building though.

Victoria

My favourite branch! Very clean and friendly staff. The only downside is that there is limited seating, but it mostly depends on the time you arrive. Also very convenient, short walk from the subway station

Mel P

There’s only like 3 armchairs for reading. It’s in a older building there has been renovations but it still feels very small and at times crowded. The children’s area is in the same floor and can get very noisy. Better off going on the subway a few stops to the much bigger Bloor & Dufferin branch.

Paul Eudore

Knowledgeable and very helpful staff. In addition to usual library services such as books, newspapers, magazines, computers, CD s DVD s, this library branch offers a wide variety of programs, presentations and activities for all age groups and many diversified interests.

erica chibizhe

It's a very good place, people are very friendly and staff also.

Marlene Beck

Helpful staff

Alvaro G

pros: friendly staff. beautiful historic building, close to the subway, good selection of manga, children books and books in eastern European languages as well as popular books. A great neighbourhood hang out and they often have activities. cons: Small building and not a lot of place to work, fairly noisy. because it is small, the selection is very limited.

Nastaran Abbarin

Too noisy! Not the right place if you looking for working in a quiet environment

Tigran Levonyan

Has quiet places for you to get your work done in peace. Only downside is the hours.