Reviews of Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library (Library)

MD's Journey

The library is definitely fantastic dated back to 40 years ago, when it was established in 1977. There’s no significant changes after that and the most serious problem is there’re lots of street homeless persons coming in and out and make the space smelling terrible

Félix-Antoine Bordeleau

Perfect spot to study at and a lot of space at a great location

Sidney C.

Big place, only place to find the book I was looking for. Only negative is wifi is very slow in the upper levels

戴怡宁

It is a very good library but it is also very hard to find a space. You have to arrive early in the morning just so to have a table.

Farhan Chowdhury

Beautiful, large library. Largest in the country I think. Insane amount of books. Lots of computers, tables and sitting areas. Specialized areas for events and classes. Short walk from subway.

Shallibodhran

Cool building. The staff were very busy when I was there but on subsequent visits it has been pleasurable. Also, if you just are walking by and need a washroom, this is a good place. On the main floor. Straight in---straight out.

Sabih Zafar Ullah

Very courteous and friendly library staff. Always eager to help you.

Nikita Dogadkin

Amazing place for anyone seeking knowledge. Top notch studying facility. It's almost like my new home. Btw unfortunetly you cant sleep there :( thats my only complain ;)

Andrew

Always said, the design is what makes this place make me want to read harder than stevie wonder using brail.

Alan Rivers

Beautiful modern library near Yonge and Bloor. Free WiFi. Very helpful staff. Great quiet place to read and relax.

ken “404” c

Huge collection, tons of study spots.

leto BG

Amazing building. Knowledge and sophistication. Reflects a city the side of Toronto. One of my favorite spots in the city!

leto BG

Amazing building. Knowledge and sophistication. Reflects a city the side of Toronto. One of my favorite spots in the city!

Max Chevelle

Best library in the city. Lots of studying/reading options (5 floors) and is usually very quiet

Neha Maheshwari

Wow TPL is huge with so many lighted up floors and great collection of books

Nischay Modi

This place is Amazing. They have lots of books and literature,CDs and everything. Lots of space to study and even cubicles for conference call or online lectures. Due to Covid -19 its mandatory to put mask on while you are in the library. Nice view while studying or reading books . Gujarati books are good I wish they had little more collections of new Gujarati writers. Lots of new things like 3D printing n all . Staff are friendly and helpful. You should visit this library once if you are in Toronto. Overall- unique library, great collection, helpful. Highly recommended.

S Stapleton

I love this library. Its well lit, and quite (for the most part). The wifi isn't great as expected, but gets the job done. My new favourite study facility (wish it was open later though).

Anita Windisman

Designed by architect Raymond Moriyama, the Toronto Reference Library is a place to see, just for the building alone. This location has so much to offer: The Toronto Star Reading Room in the basement is the place where you can view past newspapers on microfilm. You can book a glass "pod" for private meetings. There are many quiet study areas. Numerous classes and talks are offered. And of course, there is a coffee shop and bookstore on the main floor. Staff are friendly and helpful!

Hércules Dias

One of my favorite places in the city. I go there to work, study, and relax. There's always something interesting going on

Irfan khan

I love this place but only thing always disgusts me here is washroom which is always extremely smelly & most of the times out of order. Whoever in the charge of washroom cleaning...plz..plz..look into this issue. I spend a lot of time there for my study & everyday this place makes me feel special except that washroom thing. I would love to rate 5* but just wanted to attract attention so that someone in the admin can look into the thing. Thanks.

Laura Martin

I love the library workers, atmosphere, and obvious the collection and facilities are unparalleled. One caveat: BRING 2 SWEATERS! It gets so cold in there.

Antonio Olmedo

Great place to study in. Tons of books and also techological equipment.

Uzzi Usman

Great place for conferences. Amazing customer service and quality media work. Couldn’t be more proud of the authors and their achievements. Book launch of Jamil and Amy. Wish i had time to go back and sign out some books. I will probably be going back soon! Highly recommend.

Gunnar Sewell

Great resources, spaces to hang out and study, right down town. Mayor Rob Ford is a fool to think he could downsize our public library system without a public outcry.

Ahmed Afif

I'm blessed to live close to this library ???? ❤️

Sanaa Zaheer

One of my favorite libraries. I love coming here to do my work

Ha Pham

What a beautiful library! Came by to use the practice room on the 5th floor. There are two piano rooms, one however doesn’t have a functional pedal. It’s a first come first serve, no booking in advance. You get the room for 30 minutes and if no one needs the room after you, you get to use the room longer. The elevator that takes you up also gives you a great view of the library !

Paulo Otavio D. Rodrigues

Such a wonderful library, with tons of books, as well as nice study space, numerous courses, 3D printers, services, computer lab, films, study rooms, selling of bargain used books...

Lisa Sutt

This is an amazing resource, and a great place to go and learn. I’ve been going here since I was in Junior High to find hard to locate information. Definitely check it out.

Mustafa Kemal Ecevit

This was one of the biggest libraries I've ever been to. You can find everything you look for but staff can be a bit rude sometimes.

Ferdaous K

They harass you to wear your mask even if you're drinking, they will stand there and watch you drink. You better suffocate your self while you study at the Reference Library. Very uncomfortable experience. Security is just bored and looking for a fight.

Robert Throop

Rosedale, my branch, closed. It was great to have the staff at Metro Research fill the Gap. Patience required, but well rewarded.

Kavita Dyal

Internet connection is very slow. It's a great place to study though.

Jessica Godin

Beautiful library. Great for studying or reading. There are lots of interesting events and conventions that go on here. You can even rent out the convention room for weddings! (In fact I got married here! :D) There are some books on the first floor that are for check out but otherwise it’s mostly a reference library which means you can’t check the books out. There is a used bookstore tucked away in the back of the main floor as well, behind the art exhibit. The gift shop Pages and Panels is also incredibly cute and has a lot of great stuff for gifts. This is my favourite library in the city and I’ve been to a bunch.

Lucy Zhao

This library is one of my top two public libraries to work at! A large collection of books and an amazing, quiet place to work. The only thing is that I don't like close to it; otherwise I will probably be visiting at least once a week!

Arun

This place is gigantic! The staff is very friendly and helpful. There is always something going on in the library. I was there for a book sale and they were giving away 3 books for a loonie. There library has a lot of computers and huge reading spaces spread across many floors. There is a cafe inside as well and the library houses some rare collections too. If you are a book person this place is a must visit as it is a book lover’s heaven

Sophia Wang

This is a great library. It has five floors and lots of space to study. There are many sketchy people who would occupy the computers all day and not do anything productive. However this is a public library so it is what it is.

Tarannum Tasnuva

One of the prettiest and diverse libraries out there. I love studying and just relaxing here.

TYRTlive

Their Engineering&Science section is HUGE. One of my favorite places in Toronto.The inside view and atmosphere is astounding and terrific.

Matthew Watson

TRL is really a great library. Has a great collection of books. It has a special thing which most other libraries don't have. You won't feel boring here anymore. It's location will amazed you. Wow! what a wonderful location. It is really a great place to study. I just love it free internet access and adult fiction. Waiting for come back again.

Shari Kasman

This is a very good library with very good resources! There's a vinyl collection on the top floor!

Lucy Chai

Really great place to study - lots of space and outlets and light.

Paola García

The place is absolutely amazing, there are so many books and places to study and read comfortably. Not to mention the online library system, it's magnificent.

Fred Pereira

Wow! Amazing! It is a great place to go a do research projects or read a book that is hard to find. I wish they had longer hours on weekends and Friday evenings, but guess that is a function of funding.

Harsha

Wifi is horrible. It keeps on getting disconnected from the devices. It’s the most important thing that needs to maintained by library. Fixing this issue would be very helpful and better place to study and work.

Aline Mehedin

I just feel I could live inside that library! The architecture is just amazing and inviting. ! wish I could live in Toronto so that I could use this library every time I needed it.

William Pitcher

If you haven't been to a library in a long time, you owe to yourself to check out the Toronto Reference Library. It's not just branch in the Toronto system. It serves as the flagship location for non-fiction resources for all of Toronto. The huge facility is beautiful, an award-winning design by fame architect Raymond Moriyama. There is so much more than books here. This can be a great place to meet or work. There are also significant event facilities in the building with many great free presentations. Relatively recent renovations and expansion have only made the facilities better.

夏Mint

This place has been around for a long time and it's still one of the most beautiful libraries in Toronto. Large variety of resources and services. It's a place of tranquility for everyone

Al Khan

This reference library is HUGE. I usually go there when I want to do some intense research on a topic for my post-secondary studies. They all the books that a university or college might have, but at times in those intstuion you can not get a hold of it because someone else toke it. In this place, all those books are there. It is a great place to go a do research projects or read a book that is hard to find. Enjoy....

Javier Zambrano

Big and spacious with study rooms and quiet spaces. Sometimes there just that smells. Check the Toronto library web for activities

N P

Love this place! Location is superb too.

Gadget

I love this library. Great location and easily accessible. Ladies' washroom is tired looking and frankly quite disgusting at times. A shout out to the cleaning crew; you have a tough gig. Thank you for having to pick up after our mess. The evidence of our general apathy and sense of entitlement that has people littering all over our streets is undeniable. People, let's each do our part to take care of our public spaces within and without so that all can enjoy and benefit.

Alb Vas

My all time favorite library in the entire city. It's the place where there's always seating, lots of floors, and always a very relaxing environment.

Todd Tyrtle

One of my favourite spots in the city. Some people go to church. I go here.

Mark Dunne

Great library. Lots of seating. Bathrooms could be cleaner.

Jeremy Sale

To be honest with you, there are too many books here. There is just no way any human could read them all. I don’t entirely understand the appeal, but there are so many happy people there, you just can’t argue with it. Clearly they are doing a really good job.

Brendan Daw

Favourite place to get some work done in peace. The higher up you go in levels, the quieter it is. Can get crowded/loud on the 1st floor.

Viktor Luiz Stembrock Nascimento

The building is beautiful inside, quite spacious and an excellent place to study. Staff is really friendly.

Janet Rose Nguyen

My favourite place to sit, read and write. Great selection of books and free events.

Roman Mbwasi

Took free Blender 3D modelling course here, The innovation lab is great you can use all sort of equipment for free iMacs with Adobe Creative software, Surface tabs, Wacom drawing tablets, 3d printers($), there is an audio/video recording studio with a green screen. Free courses on everything from video editing to programming. Has a homeless/mentally ill problem because its pretty much the only place for them to go, guy was running around with a knife a week ago and got tazed by police.

James Snelgrove

Even during Covid-19 I felt safe and comfortable using the library facilities. Love having access to the Digital Innovation Hub.

Cam Hua

The library is spacious, beautiful and modern. There are so many seats for people to read. Many washrooms. Highly recommend

Ciao

A great place for book hunters. If you are wonderring what book to buy on some certain subject, or whether some certain book is worth buying, do come here to make a check first. …

OUT LOUD

This is absolutely the most beautiful library I have ever had the pleasure of visiting, it's grand design is fantastic. The facilities within it are even better and are unmatched by any other library within the GTA. For practically anything to do with books, services and much more I recommend giving it a tour and signing up for a card!

Treffyn Koreshoff

I worked here for weeks. This place is amazing. You get such a great view of the place from some of the desks.

Lisa Kim

Love the building. Nice and quiet library.

Gojiong Yue

Beside the great amount of books, the environment there is excellent. Beautiful Library.

Melissa-Dawn Bessey

The Toronto Reference Library is a great place to study or work independently with free access to wifi and reasonable hours. There are private study pods located on the 2nd floor that can be booked for a couple of hours at a time and are …

io media

Beautiful Modern Information Space Spacious and modern, this branch has various equipment and rooms to provide information: from computers with Internet and printing, digital hub for 3d design and print, green screen and video recording and editing room, self published printing of books, televisions, and private spaces for group study and meetings. Toronto has hundreds of branches and this is one of the best. Library cards are free with proof of address including usage of all the above. Upstairs are shelves of books and more study and reading spaces. There are also various events and talks hosted in this branch that are free to attend and participate in.

Stacy DuBois

My favourite library in the city! I used to love studying here while I was in university.

Eri Maeda

It's a beautiful building on very convenient location, great collection of books and audio, plenty of desks and computers and there is a little cafe attached. Staff are very helpful and friendly. Great place to read a book and clam for exams.

Whimsical Grizzly Bear

It was hard to understand the librarians and they didn't seem to communicate very well, and get frustrated easily. Other than that, decent library with huge selection of books (non-fiction) and very quiet.

Robbie MacMillan

The central hub for all your reference and literary needs in Toronto! The facilities are great too, as they have good study spaces, private rooms, and places to read and/or work.

Hossain M Iqbal

Toronto Public library is so reach I find most books I need. Very good for students and professionals. The online access is awesome!

Chuan Chee

This is the reference library. It is the biggest in Toronto. There are material here that cannot be removed from the library. There are a few unique things: a wall of TVs, study rooms and nice architecture.

Biswas Shrestha

The computers are slow and the print anywhere was also not working.

Rami Choullami

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Mohamed Mahdi

what a great library its. Its like 5 stories library, with plenty areas to study in group or individually. There is glass study rooms on every floor i guess.

A Kwan

Toronto biggest library... All collection of books, unfortunately they don't have kids book.

Emily L

This is by far the coolest and biggest Toronto Public Library. They have multiple floors and friendly staff. It's also super 'Instagramable' ;)

samuel wondyifraw

I had a project on SWOT analysis in Timmins General Hospital. As a result I have encountered difficulties to get material for the project. Finally I got important books in this Toronto public reference library at younge and bloor Toronto.

Omid Shirvani

Five star in prime location, sure thing. It is true that security needs to be effective; however, it is perhaps due for re-tuning: we’re dealing with humans from all walks of life after all.

Rebecca L. Holder

A lady named Heather, who works here and answers phones is a gem. She went above and beyond to provide information about an event they were hosting here.

Zambeta Nikas

Great place to study or get work done. Loved exploring the building and finding somewhere new to sit every time I go!

Ajinkya Phatak

Best place for all your reading with all the modern facilities

Emily Ratko

Huge library, helpful staffs

Janny Lee

I like how there is a lot of study spaces available. There's quiet areas, and areas for group work.

Ash vincent

Amazing place to go and spend some relax quite time. I love going here on occasion.

Sandy

Good for special books.Not what it once was and I avoid it just because of the location and the traffic going there.

Laís Spósito

A great place to keep silence, calm and read or study.

Swapnil Iqbal

I love going here more than I like going to my university's libraries. The atmosphere is very welcoming, there are lots of study spaces (huge tables that sit 4 people). The place is nice and bright (bad for people using iPads for their work as it will be hard to see the screen), and it isn't dead quiet (which I don't like). There is always a distant sound of slight chatter, but nothing that is distracting. I've been going here since grade 11, I am now in 2nd year uni.

NadIeeh

The place is good, but you're currently not allowed to stay here for study or work fyi

Silvia Oshiro

It was love at the first sight. I could have never imagined a library that good. Last summer I spend whole afternoons studying there. When I wanted to take a break of studying, I used to go to the magazines of the whole world to read them. They have everything! Computers, free workshops, a silent room to practice music, book all around the world and comfortable chairs and couches. If I live closer, probably I would spend all my free time there.

Roberto Machado Noa

Excellent place to visit. Amazing architecture. The place has a room in the Sherlock Holmes style which I enjoyed visiting. Recommended~

zhipeng lin

awesome place to go， very good atmosphere here nice staff super helpful. I went there to print because I don’t have printer home. Very happy and satisfied to been there print also good place to study

Mandy Wong

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.

Rick Story

An amazing library with massive amounts of archival books, you can easily find anything you're looking for in here! Its also perfect for getting away from toronto's chaotic city life! If i was living closeby, I'd definitely come here to study pretty much every day. I hope the management stays the same and they keep this quality!

Nick Passakas

The best library in the city with a huge amount of resources available to the residents and workers of Toronto. See their website for everything you can do here. For visitors it is worth coming for its unique architecture or to have a cup of coffee and buy some city souvenirs.

julian Baker

Best library in the city. open, bright and lot's of space to work or study.

Kevin M

Beautiful interior design. Definitely worth a stroll inside. Lots of work spaces. Highly recommend for doing work/studying

Juan Casado

This library is a fantastic open space where you can study for hours

Andrés Peñaloza

Pretty nice building! Must see if you come to Toronto

majeed raheem

Most of the books there you can't borrow 90% of the books, you can't get you own private booth u need to be early morning there to have ur own , usually the have workshops on the ground floor

Justin van Lieshout

I LOVE the reference library. It’s huge, full of work spaces and makes for an awesome office (for the day). Only downside is that the bathrooms aren’t always the cleanest - but you can easily go to one of the higher floors where there’s less traffic. Overall - stunning space, right downtown, with all the books and plugs (for laptops) you could ever need!

Christopher Neblett

Great place to study and work from in the downtown core. Free WiFi and good furniture can't be beat.

Andrea Petrut

Now THIS is the place to go and feel whimsical, if one can say that. Have you ever heard of the Sherlock Holmes room? Me neither... until I had the urge to find what can we find special of Sherlock Holmes around us. And... there is a special room for that! Say whaaaat? Imagine that I come from a country and capital where we have HUGE libraries of all kinds, where you are lost in books. And then I come to a country where there are MANY HUGE libraries where you find a special room dedicated to a single character... You got to be kidding me! We found ourselves lost in that room and it made me long for the student days where I would find peace and quiet going to the library (I'm a busy mom now) :) Not only the Toronto Public Library is the best in the world - for me, at least - but also one can learn many things from the same building. For instance, we saw and exhibition of how special covers are made for books. My children didn't have the patience to stay there. I would have arrived in the morning and left at the last second. It has so much of what I always love - KNOWLEDGE.

Cabir TOPO

Best place to study in huge library. You can have a cup of coffee too and don't forget watching to The Weeknd - Secrets Official Video on YouTube!

Anastasia Sh

The best library which I have ever seen

Shana Rose

The library is great! However, if you want to take out books this isn't the place. It is a reference library. There is another public library nearby for that.

Angel Rondon

quiet and warm, you really get on focus when you come here, perfect working space to get things done

Amrit Pal Singh

Amazing staff. So many facilities. Paradise for bibliophiles. Come here for great concentration work and casual reading. Specifically love the water sound coming from the mini waterfall setup near the entrance and the end. I always come out happier out of this building than I was before. For non readers, still an amazing spot of Toronto.

Adnan Robyn

A heaven for book lovers. Excellent atmosphere and friendly staff. I spend a lot of time there :)

Franklin Hatch

Great library but Lots of homeless people.

GinS

i love this place! it’s really a good choice whenever u need to focus!

Kebrit Films

Great library. They have the biggest filmmaking & cinema books, maybe thousands of them, but the problem is you can't borrow them. You have to study in the library.

hectorkingjr

Asquith Press? I had five test prints and a book is still not mirrored.

Connor McBrine-Ellis

Just one of the coolest things in Toronto. Our library system is such a fixture of life in the city.. Man! What would my childhood have been like without the TPL!?!

Philippe Rivet

Probably my favourite TPL location in the entire city (and I've visited quite a few over the years) - the expansiveness seems to enable a unqiue kind of creative curiosity which is difficult to describe. Make an effort to come in early otherwise you'll have no choice but to wander around the 4th and 5th floors looking for an unsecured seat + power outlet. Overall 10/10 especially recommended

A Ko

super big library with a lot of selections, including music scores. near a lot of places to grab food or anything else

Ian McKenzie

Huge library that also hosts events over the course of the year such as the annual Toronto Maker Festival - Definitely worth checking out!

Nat Ouellet

Well located, spacious with natural light, a great place to attend activities, and conferences.

Lyanne Korona

The best place for quiet study. Beautiful, comfortable, and quiet.

Cameron Chappel

My favourite place in the universe. Tons and tons of space to study or work quietly. Many locations to sit and work have amazing views of the city or the library itself.

Matt Mernagh

Continues to evolve - more than just books and computer stations. There's multiple televisions broadcasting news from around the world. 3D printer is very cool and the book printing service too. The art gallery has monthly shows. Truly a gem.

Charlotte Dawson

Has anyone seen the birds?? They are so funny on the 5th floor just walking around, anyone know why they let them just chill in the library?? Overall also a great place to study, huge selection of books, and honestly the homeless people are not aggressive at all, the security presence is insane and quite intimidating, I feel like I'm committing a crime even though I'm just studying.

Liz Martin

Love this library. Just wish it were open more — just an extra half hour earlier and later on weekdays and on Sunday mornings would make a big difference.

Dan L

Beautiful library! Can't wait for them to reopen!!

Hossein Reza Shafiekhani

They are open to the public now!

Michael Gfroerer

The Toronto Public (Reference) Library is a great Toronto resource. There is everything related to reading under the Sun available here: Rare Books/Collections; hundreds of Computers-Macs with audio and visual design Softwares, a 3D Printer; Readings by Authors; and a Newcomer Information Service. Also available: Adobe Photoshop Courses; a Canadian Literature Collection and various Writers' Groups.

Robert Reyes Ong

Clean facility and nice staff! Its almost impossible for you to not find the book that you are looking for in this library. Only downside is parking; however, a ttc station is only a block away.

Aryan Yaghoubian

Toronto Public Library is just awesome! During the first hour of investigation of its online service I found many useful online resources that are all free! Including: - Lynda courses from LinkedIn (photography courses, programming courses, etc) (The basic Lynda plan costs $25/month) - 350+ criterion selection of movies which you can stream online - Classical, jazz, modern, etc. music that you can stream online - Free audio books and e-books - Free latest magazines from popular selection - Free Access to research journals and articles Hope you enjoy the reading, listening and watching!

Thomas Deadman

Lots of study space, even with the COVID restrictions, and security guards are walking around reminding people to keep there mask covering their mouth nose and chin.

Mike N

I’ve found books very easy. 3D printer also available! ????

Walter Schwager

Best customer service ever! This library has numerous branches throughout the city where it does not just lend books, but it has wifi service, you can borrow CDs and DVDs, you can have access to ebooks, audiobooks, online magazines, …

Cameron Chappel

My favourite place in the universe. Tons and tons of space to study or work quietly. Many locations to sit and work have amazing views of the city or the library itself.

Alexander Khvatov

While I have never actually studied or worked here, I always enjoyed the space when I went here for events (notably the annual tea festival). The library looked bright and spacious and I would definitely hope to spend some time here some day. One of the more impressive libraries I know in Toronto.

Patrick Hewan

This library is amazing. Spacious, quiet, and a design that is a nice balance between modern and old-fashioned.

Nicolas Matos

The Toronto Reference Library has a wonderful distribution of space. There are a lot of different working areas to choose from. The lower levels tend to be crowded if you prefer to work or study in tranquility go to the upper levels of the building. Also, there are study pods if you want to work with another person for about 2 hours in complete privacy. You can reserve the pods with a week of anticipation.

Leo Kleemann

Nice architecture, you can find book about everything. Best place to studies :D

P

Nice spot for studying and working with beautiful architecture.

Simon Mee

I wonder if the majority of people imagine that public libraries serve a larger purpose than providing the opening scene of the 2nd greatest movie of all time (Ghostbusters, after Top Gun) or the home of some of the sexiest librarians on TV (Rupert Giles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Do they even know that you get to read books for free (and you don't get in trouble if you sneeze on them)? That you don't have to buy a coffee to get on the wireless (and no one minds if you download the M*A*S*H ominbus)? That you can play Candy Crush Saga at any of the 2 dozen plus workstations (and no one minds - well, actually, they mind a little)? Sure, you might be sitting opposite a guy that belches loudly every 5 minutes, find that someone used their psychotic dream diary as a bookmark, or lose your half drunken Starbucks Frap to a lightfingered thief. Now I'm sorry for doing all of those things, but your life at the library is richer for it. In conclusion, Top Gun is the greatest movie of all time and you should go to this library.

Brandon Fowler

They have everything from maps of old Toronto to beautiful architecture. Remember you can't sign anything out to bring home.

Johnson Lai

I love doing work here. Lots of tables with power outlets, some even with great views for when you need to look away from your computer screen.

Rishi Raj Singh

Great heavenly place. A music learner's paradise. Wide range of books and activities around. 5 levels of academic excellence with added feature of lifts.

Madhuran Thiagarajah

Excellent hold service, you can get any book from any library in the system sent to the library closest to you. I am a frequent library user and have been able to enjoy reading and learn so much thanks to the library. Toronto Reference Library always has anything most other libraries don't have, such as the hard copies of several science journals, my favourites of which are Nature and Science. I wish they had longer hours on weekends and Friday evenings, but guess that is a function of funding. Also, I really wish there was a Toronto Public Library app to check hours, check your account holds, due dates etc. but sadly there isn't on yet.

Andrew McDonald

Was here for the Maker Festival and it was a great space!! The building is open concept and full of natural light, also with lots of work space for people and groups. Hope to visit it again soon!!

Fire Boy

I've haven't went there before but it looks amazing on the inside from the pictures i wish i can go there

Alex Anderton

with 5 floors to choose from, free wi-fi access and many many reference materials for public use, I give this venue five stars as a place for self-directed learning

nilesh nicholas

Very beautiful and massive library. A convenient place to study or read a book in.

Ozoz Sokoh

Nice library on Yonge Street with some architectural flair from the layout of the floors to the ceiling. Staff were friendly and helpful in explaining how to do various things from logging on to the computers, printing etc We went on a Sunday afternoon and it was packed. Still, we got to do what we came for - print, and all before they closed at 5pm. Some interesting book challenges, a cafe within the grounds, a book and gift store as well as a second hand bookstore. Worth a visit.

Marcus A T F Small

KEFSGYS pleasee xxoo

Jennie Bear

Beautiful location, 5 levels of seating to choose from. Very quiet and respectful atmosphere for studying or to relax. Very helpful staff when new to the area.

Cadee Qiu

amazing lbrary with tons of resources order something and it'll appear in the stacks section in minutes, like magic! librarians are super helpful and all specialists in their fields the library itself is really pretty and spacious, right in the center of yorkville where food tastes like magic :)

Cassia Finkelstein

The Reference Library branch has excellent customer service, friendly staff, and ample seating for when you need space to quietly work or study. Not to mention the books!

Roxanne Correia

Awesome place to research/read. Quiet, free wifi, coffee downstairs.

Samantha Loaiza

Such a beautiful library. By far one of my favourite places in Toronto. Its ample open centre really complements the crowded shelves around it. I love the sound of the water next to the staircase and the futuristic elevators! Always a good place to read, work or study. The only thing I wish is they stayed open a bit later!

Ashok Tak

The best TPL library in the city. This is so beautiful and resourceful. You can do anything here.

Mike B

This is a great library with a number of things going. They have a 3D printer, they have a self-publishing press, they have a huge amount of computers and quiet study areas people can use. The elevator is worth going to just to ride up and down if you have kids. And there's a great comic shop inside.

Carol Chang

Clean and neat library.

Tanya Chohan

The best library with a lot of computers. Very spacious and has a little stationary shop within the library. One can find a lot of books for research.

Currie Cheung

Used to love this spacious and well designed library ... whether you wanted to relax and unwind with a great book or to prepared for your exam , you could always count on it.. but it doesn't give me the same feeling nowadays!!!! Too many strange people hang around, washrooms are dirty, most of all, I don't feel safe there !

Rondie Li

Nice place. Noticed many people eating/drinking. Also many smokers outside during after school hours

Dani Espinoza

This place is Huge. I absolutely love it. Check TCAF, festival if you love comics and illustration.

Dean Wilson

It would be unfair to leave this library a 4 star rating simply due to the fact that sometimes disruptive marginalized visitors are not dealt in a timely manner... I have visited this building probably more than any other since moving to Toronto and the grandeur of it never grows old. It must have the most available books and computers of any library in the city! And the architecture is almost breathtaking...

Gail Murphy

This is a great library. They seem to have EVERY book. Great place to study or just read. I love coming here in the winter and sitting by the window and reading. The washrooms could use some cleaning though

Erdal Atagul

Great place to read, study or just stay somewhere quiet and think. Large collection of books bring the world to one place

Vinciane Licari

The weeknd ????

Carl weng

Nicely designed library with friendly stuff. A lot of reference books that you can borrow, read inside or snap a couple of pictures.

Tasha Bandy

Cant say anything bad about this library really a 5 star library!

Marcus Small

KEFSGYS pleasee xxoo

Mariam Maamoun

Nice public workspace and some places have reliable internet.

Lena

Amazing! It has 3d printer, digital center, 5 floors of different books, lectures in the evening. My favorite library

daniela bianchi

I am waiting to use the 3-d printer !! I've heard it is amazing !

Farazi Ahmed

A good place to study and work and at a very convenient location. The timing could be better.

Barbara Shinton

the Toronto Reference Library serves me well. internet use and a great selection of books.

melanie sakowski

Big, good lighting, a mini waterfall, whoa tingzforallthefolks. Great place to lose or find yourself for sometime????

Okyanus Aşkın

An amazing library with massive amounts of archival books, you can easily find anything you're looking for in here! Its also perfect for getting away from toronto's chaotic city life! If i was living closeby, I'd definitely come here to study pretty much every day. I hope the management stays the same and they keep this quality!

Ban Nsabin

Poor Wi-Fi not stable at all and it gets very cold if you seat near the floor to ceiling glass windows

Corin Payie

Stellar Customer Service. Wonderful, quietly inspiring architecture. The rare collection is awe inspiring, and the Cheif LadyBird & Aura exhibit at the TD gallery was grounding, thoughtful and a brilliant contemporary collection.

Haley (haley)

Super cool place to visit I love how many floors there is . As someone from a small island this library amazed me .

A Nar

The library is amazing, but the staff is rude, they have poor costumer service.

Heather Li Sheman

Could use a bit of a refresher but it's still great. Cool free events happening all the time; love the TD gallery and the Toronto Star archives in the basement. The ground-floor restrooms are disgusting.

Luxsan N

Out of all the libraries I've studied in this is probably the best library that I found that works for me. It has a focusing atmosphere.

Nick S

This library should be the pride and joy of our city. Instead, it's an embarrassment. Where shall we start? How about that the washrooms have not been cleaned for over a week. Or with the homeless people sleeping on all the chairs, preventing me from accessing a computer. You also have homeless people that just use the library to charge their phones. The last time I visited this library was 20 years ago. Now that I have kids, I will definitely work hard to provide them with the computer and resources that they need to be successful, so they will never have to come to this place. It is extremely unsafe and filthy.

Anthony T

Love this library, it's huge, plenty of seats. I usually go here to study.

Yuri Yarin

The best library in Toronto with the largest selection. The staff of the library are also exceptional as they will always help you find what you need. During a survey I made a suggestion, they asked me to write more detail and several months later I saw the suggestion implemented. Very satisfying.

Preriit Ahuja

Biggest public library in Toronto, its a big building with 5 floor and 100's of computer with internet and free Wi-Fi, If someone really want to study, they don't need to spend money on books or internet they can come here anytime for free and use library services, they also offer e-books and e-courses for students and professionals.

Robyn Kelly

Website is always down and its hard to find the titles you need searching online

Gerb Ding

Great place, The the toronto comic arts festival is always a great time!

Sahar Pasha

Great space for studying and the staff are nice

Yandy Zuo

This library is MASSIVE! There’s even a koi pond in the lobby- yes this library has a lobby. The study rooms are clean and spacious. Although, the whiteboard in the room didn’t have any markers for me to write with. All in all, amazing space to really focus and study!

Frank Quinto

Best of the best for books and other reference materials and the best cafe: Balzac's coffee!

Florence McCambridge

If you're looking for a book, you'll find it here. And because it's a reference library, you'll have to sit down and look through the book instead of taking it home with you. I find it comforting that this place hasn't changed much in the many years I've been coming here. There is a ton of seating and despite the number of people making use of the space, it's still a quiet spot where you can get your work done.

Matthew Donko

I went primarily for the massive 5,000+ record collection, and in the context of the record collection, it's great. A ton of 10/10 stuff, all in amazing shape of course, mofis available for usage in the library! The listening stations use AT-LP60s, however the unit they use for the headphones has a low level of bass, but just about gets loud enough all the way turned up. Fix the listening stations and it's perfect. Even with the listening station issue, I'd still highly recommend this to any record enthusiast who wants to try a ton of different records. Unfortunately at the moment no free browsing is available, so you have to ask someone to get what you want. You also may want to bring your own pair of headphones if you want to experience the records in as good quality as you can.

Rachel Nguyễn

Hi, Can I use table and chair in library? Last week when I came they closed all sitting places except computer .

Cinthia Olveda

I loved the book selection and architecture.

Can Iyigungor

If you have a Library close to where you live like this it means that you will never need to buy a book again. You can pretty much find whatever you are looking for. Also the interior design was amazing. I mean if you are a tourist like us you should definitely go there and check it once. If you live in Toronto you are very lucky to have a Library like this in your town. Only problem with the library is the homeless people. Homelesses are welcome to public places in Canada. It is very good, but there has to be a limitation for that. They sleep in boots, snore loud, all the desks can be full of homeless guys. This i believe gonna be a very big, real problem of toronto in the coming years.

j1choi

I don't know if security guards are necessary. They don't do any works except to chat. And I wish there is a designated area for homeless people, so people who actually use the library won't be bothered.

Joe Tam

One of the best library I've been to, too sad it's an hour from home

Naz M.

So grateful for Toronto Public Library! The number of books and magazines I have used on Overdrive this past year easily would add up to 50% of property tax I pay! <3

Kayleigh Ethier

Great library! To Ashley comment you live in a native country! Canada is a native country! Your a rude women

Aj M

Appalled at the behaviour here at the reference library. I have been coming here for years and never have I ever been so astonished at the rude behaviour from the security and staff. While in the private study room that mind you is only meant for one person, I was constantly harassed by the security to put on a mask while taking a sip out of my water. The mask was always put right back on I don't understand why they need to do that.

Ces Ramirez

One of the best libraries I've ever been to...

Prachy Mohan

Great place to work! Lots of space for everybody. Pro tip: the half moon tables get good wifi.

Grace Mark

Library needs to get back to normal use of computer workstation. Staff is limited to other areas of technology help to

Mr. T.

Very good library. Huge building. Good staff and overall good customers. Reliable computers and great selection of books. Must see.

Andrea H

Excellent and spacious resource facility with helpful staff, an eclectic book store, and quality café (Balzac's Coffee Roasters) on-site.

Eliza Beckett

Too dirty and so many criminals and sketchy people are there. I was caught by a scam. Do not trust tutors there. Also, please keep your eyes on your belongings! Some people were stolen their bags.

James Chiahan Lee

Massive place, lots of amenities around, helpful staff. Awesome design inside.

Prince Fontanilla

I love this library so much specially the special collections section. ????

Cam R

Loving the 3D printers at their Digital Innovation Hub!

Jace Holliss

The best and biggest library in Toronto!

Tyler Luyben

Beautiful library, friendly staff.

Nick Chia Liang

Internet is slow. Washroom is stinky. Also, people don’t understand it’s a library. It’s not a coffee shop!!! Chatting out loud as home.

Douglas Romero

Great.

Allen666 Afshar

i would give ZERO if i could...i used to come to this library very often for about 1 year. one day the cleaning guy who works in this library, when i was in the bathroom, knocked on the washroom door and told me to get out cause he wants to clean the bathroom, i told him to give a minute. and he was standing by the washroom and talking Russian and yelling ( probably swearing at me) when i came out of the washroom, he grabbed me and threw me out of the bathroom.. i was so shocked and did not know what to do, i just left the library and did not say anything. one week later, after i was done studying, i went to use the washroom and as soon as i got to the washroom, the same guy started knocking on the door and swearing at me in english saying F*** you and.... i was shocked and tried to leave the bathroom quickly but as soon as i got out this guy grabbed me and threw me out of the bathroom and pushed me all the way to the elevator which is 20 m away from the washroom and then was trying to punch me when another guy walked in between us and this was done... i came to the reception and complained twice but since then, no one has done anything and i saw the same guy still working in the library...i complained again but no one cares.. i even talked to the head of the library, he did not do anything either.. i am so disappointed with this library and not coming to this library ever again

M Leafs

The staff and services are great! But the library stinks. Dear Management, Tables and keyboards are sticky, bathrooms are always dirty, and the whole library smells. Thank you.

Jlouis 20

Pretty great library. Seats are not comfortable at all so only 4 star

J J

Unique library in Canada. Located in Bloor and Yonge.It has many amenities and great collections. You can book private boots if you need to study in a quite place.There are many useful workshops and activities.

Sarangan Vikneswaran

Beautiful space. Amazing place to get work done.

Andrew Au

Lacks seating space. Often full of loud kids. Go to Spadina road library for a better working environment.

indigoattila

A wonderful place! Amazing architecture, tons of facilities. Recommended!

Sammy Dada

A lot of garbage smelly people in and out that needs to be kicked out from Toronto. Hopefully the Canadian authority will do something about them. Other than than its a very beautiful library as per location and public service.

Monica Kuo

I really like this place. Its vibe is nice, very quite and with free wifi.

Shawn Deagan

Garbage library! Never go here! I felt like fighting some of disruptive and disrespectful people here! The staff don't want to help people find books! The security guards are no where to be found when they are needed! Fights accur on a regular. Bums with bags, computers abd carts steal things and shout at people quietly reading. I AM TIRED OF IT! The coffee shop is stinking up the place, minus the dirty and smelly infested washrooms, dirty desks, dirty computers and food waste lying around. Your things abd valuables are more likely to be stolen here than anywhere else. Worse there are people having sex in the book walls! GROSS! The homeless sitting doing nothing but annoying other people are not being delt with! They do illegal drugs, try to smoke and drink rum. I was shouted at by a racist one then almost attacked! They spew garbage everywhere and drink Alcohol all day! Something needs to be done about them!!!!! People here are vicious and animalistic! I am tired of complaining about bad behavior and nothing is done to stop it! What are the security abd staff doing? People are on illegal sites buying drugs, weapons and watching porn! I have even caught the fools masturbating to it! The reason I am complaining about this is because of the noise abd the sound! If the library was louder then it would be unnoticeable. But it is suprisingly big and somehow low volume or quiet! Racist bums with nothing to do all day but feed on tax money to buy drugs and beer should banned permently! If anyone wants to ask me questions or hate my review I can address them. I assure if you visited this library after reading what I said you will wish you never came here. Zero stats would be more appropriate and accurate for this library. I would not recommend this to anyone. Especially not a student! I hope my review passes to somebody. If not I assure you someone will just post every problem and more that I just said. Thank you Toronto filthy library. Smelliest library in Toronto. I take nothing I said back. Once anybody visits this library that never seams to change you will know the truth. I honestly have nothing against the criminals, drunks, homeless and thieves I this library but I really had to suppress my anger just to not fight some one or one of them in this library. I do not care about the homeless abd understand their situations and reasons but if they had stopped attacking people people and minding their own businesses maybe they would get bad comments from every in this library about them. Tear down this monstrosity! Please.

patrick C

Great public library with plenty of space to study or read.

Sabia Mokeddem

Great library, little unconfortable for afternoon of studying but it has a large collection for neurosciences, neuroeconomics and applied sciences of finance, brain and economics. That's really great for working.

Tanguero Jay

Such a nicely organized library with a lot of services. It is lucky to be Canadian

TechZoo

This public library is pretty amazing. They’ve got lots of study space and charger. I tested their Internet speed-about 6 Mbps, so steaming YouTube was fine, but 4K video won't do. I don’t need to study at Starbucks no more. I finally know where my taxes went.

Sally Gaikezheyongai

Great variety of materials, tutoring space, and classes.

Mohammad Amin Nezami

I found it very great for good customer service, as almost this is the only reference library in Toronto you can book a librarian for the information or market research, however parking spot would be pretty costy appx 20$ per day, so if you have time; much better to use street car and subway.

Manny P

Beautiful space I just wish they would improve their hours 130-5 on a Sunday ?

Aaron Kimball

The library is open from 1:30pm on Sunday. Not sure why the hell it says closed on Sunday on google. Seems like google needs to do some improving!

Esra Guler

Excellent selection of books and very helpful staff

Hugo R

Great place. Lots of places to eat around it minus all the construction

Carson Lau

Close for deep cleaning when someone caught COvID.

Misha Mykitiuk

Beautiful space. Great selection.

Anon Tablet

TPL flagship branch with the most special collections. Most items are for in-library use only. Note significant homeless presence, which can make using the relatively isolated bathrooms a challenge. Security doesn't care about the latter. Occasional dead spots in WiFi coverage.

Raymond Chow

Big airy space. One of my favorite public libraries.

lin xav

Love this library. Beautiful place to come study and read literature. TLDR: NO KISSING IN THE LIBRARY.

Racquel G

It was ok. I am glad that the computer was free to use.

Benny Ying

One of the best places you can enjoy quiet reading and free wifi

CT Ashenden

Just an incredible resource for nearly every interest. Also, a gorgeous, quiet interior. So happy that it exists!

Javier

An oasis of quietness and silence, and great, panoramic city views, not to mention millions of books and research materials. When it's fully functional it also hosts guest writer's talks, films, performances, étc. On the very top of my favourite Toronto places. Highest recommendation.

Deepthi Pullode

Good place. Quite and comfortable to check around

Simon Lee

Great location, staff was very friendly. I often come by to work on day off and grab starbucks nearby. Not to crowded

Kehan Liu

Printing made very confusing. Website is down, thought it’s my problem so I tried to access their computer and their computers are not working. Who knows it has time slots for that…now waiting for that time slot to arrive… welcome to the 21st century. Update: waited all that time to find out from a staff the whole system is down all day and no receptionist know.

Ian Mulholland

One of the most beautiful places in the city, architecturally speaking. If you are visiting the city and want some eye candy, take a walk through this library.

Sarthak Vashistha

Staff is very helpful and is a quiet place yk study and do your stuff

Miss Peeved

Loved exploring this lovely open space. One of the nicest public libraries I've been to. Excellent fluid lines and interesting furniture too.

Alvin Yuhalogarasan

One of the best libraries in the city. Lots of space to read and study. The staff friendly and they're helpful. There is Balzac's onsite so you won't have to leave the building for coffee.

Vivien Slezak

I love this library. The librarians are polite and knowledgeable. There are great resources and great finds in the stacks too!

Terry Fronda

Came here today for the first time.. amazing and huge! The only drawback was the slow service desk

Maria Cristina Plastina

I love this library... it has everything! Space, classes and endless resources. It is vert busy during exams periods.

gupta guse

I come here to study a lot..... great place to study and its quiet too

Simon Hare

A massive beehive of students and academics. It's a place to go - to see it and take in the atmosphere, find a book and sit in one of the many, many quiet spots and learn. But there is always the feeling of potential here; like if you aren't there on a research project digging into something, it makes you wish you were.

Randolph Ouimet

Not a disability friendly branch. Several staff consistently quite rude and not at all friendly to customers. Have a disability? Do not expect the automatic doors to be in good working condition. Who designed this branch? Numerous stairs leading to benches. How are disabled patrons supposed to access seating before library doors open? Security guards, most of them are lazy and rude and discriminatory. For example: one female guard ( looks like she never washes her hair) tells persons with disabilities they cant sit on a bench on floor level before the library opens. Very surprised that Toronto Reference Library employs these type of security guards.

Hifaz Hamza

Good atmosphere, great collection of books. But if you want to surf internet this is not the place. Internet is too slow and the connection breaks time to time. So frustrating.

Celena Liu

The internet doesn't even work, literally slower than dial up internet from 2006, been like this for hours and the people that work there are so uptight and annoying. Would not recommend.

Robert Vincent

Really neat building and a massive collection of books some of which are for in library use only. Only downside is its sometimes hard to find a table and sometimes too many homeless people hanging around.

Bruce Stodart

They say the the Toronto Public library system is Toronto's jewel and in my opinion the Reference Library is its diamond. If I cannot locate a book I need for my university History courses I can frequently find what I need at the Reference Library. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and go out of their way to meet the needs of their patrons.

Nusrat Shabnam Nessa

Everything is great except the lighting. Migraine inducing.

Faramarz Bahreinian

Amazing place to study with drinking coffee and free internet.

Matt Li

A large space to read or get some work done.

breux dyi

A really good place to study relax and enjoy a good book free wifi available and free electricity to charge all your electronic devices also available

shivam mishra

The staff is really helpful and patient always ready to help. The only problem i had is the use of this place by drug addicts. Saw the guy injecting a needle outside the library and later saw him using the computer in one of the floor. Mostly security is on the ground floor but usually walk around on all the floor( will make sense if one security guard is on each floor) NEVER LEAVE YOUR STUFF UNATTENDED and ignore the homeless people as they will try to argue with you.

Irina Culic

Friendly, useful, accomodating place. Offers great services, and a space to feel included. It organises wonderful events. It is very helpful for new immigrants, children and young people, lonely, elderly or shy people. The collection of books is excellent, for scholars in the social sciences and humanities. It is one of the most needed and treasured public services.

Mel P

Very dirty place, the tables and chairs are old, there are hardy no couches to just read, there was lots before, but now just wooden bench near windows? Make sure you remember your purell cause the keyboards are just NASTY!! Washrooms are extremely small for a big building and who knows if they ever clean them.

Elaine Shang

Huge space, but I think I've been there on the wrong day. It was entirely PACKED and really hard to breath (as shown on the pictures). There is a gift shop though! It has really cute and trendy reactionaries, just a little pricey. Good place to go for public libraries and resources. But if you do have access to private university libraries, it is better off going there just for the vibes. But for certain types of books, the reference library has a greater selection.

adam thom

Solid library. Lots of reference! Also good non-traditional library things going on there. Well worth using.

Hearing Eyes

Huge, clean and has everything. It has a lot of services. They have this book store here and seasonal book sales.

Samina K

It is 5 storeys and has a wealth of information and across media. Lots of seating area and different facilities. 4 stars for the breadth of books. As grand as it is though, not giving 5 stars because it somehow lacks the warmth of a library. It is kind of clinical in its ambience. Has a cafe and multi-tv wall.

T Led

It feels luxurious to have a space to walk into with all the potential that is there in this room. You can't help but find a book, a table, and be there for hours!

M B

really peaceful but some workers are rude when it comes to new timers here... old man yelled at us literally for having food and getting "too comfortable"

Paul Teron

A lovely, bright and quiet library with friendly staff and a great selection of books

Eve Tn

Their architecture looks lovely. I went in during rush hours and thought there were no more seat but i was still able to find a seat to use a computer. The front desk lady was very helpful about printing.

M T

Having fun isn't hard if you have a library card! This place is cool

B K Review

Welcoming environment with great resources and staff make this a researcher's heaven.

Kherbz Lasala

Great place to study. Not crowded during the time of visit. Feeling safe going to the library during pandemic. Very friendly staff

Attila Imecs

This place has so much knowledge and history. They have the best collection in Toronto including an Arthur Conan Doyle collection (Sherlock Holmes) at the top floor. Such a cool place and very quiet. Even has 3d printers and lecture rooms. No better place to enrich the mind.

Ian McMullen

The staff are nice and the homesless are not too agreesive. There are normally police around to keep things chill.

Ernestina Lorca Borges

Big and nice library with different type of tables and chairs. Stay where is written "quiet study areas" if you want to study with quietness. Don't leave your belongs as anyone can enter without control.

duane B. kutinsky

Huge library, we can spent a day to enjoy it.

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Good service and very comfortable!

Marko Leonard

one of the best libraries I have ever been to

Astrid Felipe

Love going to the library and spending time reading all the magazines. What a great service in this awesome city.