Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library image

Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library

Public library Library

👍👍 Spacious enough to find your cozy spot to work (has free WiFi), study or read your favourite books. Registering is done in 10 minutes at customer service (enter then turn left). Staffs are super nice. You can also use MAP (Museum and Art galleries Pass) plan to vizit toronto museums and galleries... People often mention library, books, study, room, people, nice, staff, floor, find, work,


Address

5120 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5N9, Canada

Website

www.torontopubliclibrary.ca

Contact

+1 416-395-5535

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (697 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 1:30 to 5 pm
  • Monday: (Family Day Canada), Closed, Holiday hours
  • Tuesday: 9 am to 8:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 8:30 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am to 8:30 pm
  • Friday: 9 am to 8:30 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: library (52) books (27) study (24) room (18) people (13) nice (12) staff (12) floor (12) find (11) work (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Rom H. 1 year ago on Google
    Spacious enough to find your cozy spot to work (has free WiFi), study or read your favourite books. Registering is done in 10 minutes at customer service (enter then turn left). Staffs are super nice. You can also use MAP (Museum and Art galleries Pass) plan to vizit toronto museums and galleries free of charge. Extremely recommended.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Azin A. 2 years ago on Google
    One of my favorite libraries to study in. Staff are so kind and helpful in booking the study rooms and other services. They are also strict with covid-19 protocols. One thing that I absolutely love about this library is its piano room! Not every library has one.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arun 2 years ago on Google
    One of the most peaceful place for book lovers in North York, biggets collection, latest books available. Staffs are very friendly, childrens section staff are the best. You need to come early morning to get room allocations. Washrooms are neat and clean. Lifts available. I generally go for medical books and you have a good collection of medical books including Mccqe 1&2 books. Toronto notes etc. available. Staffs are very friendly here. Starbucks is just attached to the library. And this is located at Mel Lastman square. There is North York station subway just opposite . TTC available. paid parking is available in the road and its very limited and usually busy. One of the best library in GTA
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karen alves g. 3 months ago on Google • 854 reviews New
    It's so incredible to be able to have spaces like these for everyone to settle in, socialize and for children to develop their imagination and creativity! York's Toronto Public library is incredible! The unit has several floors, with each floor specifically for children, adults, academic books and others. The space for children is located on the first floor, and in the stepdaughter's area there are some convenience stores. There is entertainment for all ages, including lots of interaction to develop children's logical reasoning and their sense of division and teamwork. The place also has a family bathroom and bathrooms adapted for use by children, and use by people with physical disabilities: having support bars, doors with automatic openings, security alarms, automatic sinks and trash cans and changing tables at the appropriate height for wheelchair users and people without disability. The other floors are accessible by both stairs and elevators. The library has some copies in Braille to serve people with visual impairments, in addition to the assistance of librarians. The library is located on the same premises as the York activity center and is close to the subway and several bus stops. For those who use a car, there is private parking in the building, and paid spaces on the street. It's very worth knowing. For those who don't yet have a library card, it's very simple to do and the website has all the necessary documents, and the card comes out on the same day: you need the card to borrow books.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan L. 9 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Very grand and well-designed facility. It is a great place to study after school because there are many seats with plugs near them. There is an elevator available if you are too lazy to climb up 5 flights of stairs to reach the top floor.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Okbah A. 5 years ago on Google
    The place looks great after the renovation ( except the entrance corridor at level 1, I don’t understand on why they have not changed the ugly green floor tiles and kept the old one. ) . The place is always crowded and noisy . There should be more control on some annoying people. It will be also nice if they change the trollers used by staff or at least put some grease to them so they become quite . It will be a good idea if they stop people from eating and causing mess to the desks and computers . I am on daily basis there and I can say it is very good place for research and have good resources .
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anita W. 5 years ago on Google
    A beautiful library since the renovation. Pretty quiet considering how large it is. Has amazing features such as the Fabrication Studio, eLearning Lab, and Digital Innovation Hub. It also has a green room where you can do filming, and a recording studio. I'm also blown away by the helpful staff.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Narges H. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is perfect to study/work in. You might need private room, you can find here. There are several piano in the music room that you can use. You can find many facilities such as 3D printer in here - apart from a little bit of noise from people and children wandering around, everything is perfect to come here and use free public facilities. Oh, there is a very interesting case part for children to play in!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 mahshid e. 1 year ago on Google
    I found the library very cozy and roomy. The staff are really nice and considerate. The library is divided into nice useable sections that can be utilized for different activities.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Johnny H. 1 year ago on Google
    There are so many books in this library, and there are also Chinese, Korean, Japanese multiple language version books on the racks. It’s a nice library
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adetola O. 1 year ago on Google
    Did you know that your library card gives you free access to all of LinkedIn Learning? And a wonderful view of the Square? Now you know! As if I couldn’t love the library better 😍
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Norman U. 2 years ago on Google
    Great library! Why close all Sunday? It’s 50% of the weekend and a prime study day. Wishing I had access to one of the very nice study rooms, a table, resources. It’s very antiquated to be closed on a Sunday, could be jobs for more staff/students, and there are Covid protocols other days!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Raymond M. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely huge library, very professional and helpful. The only better Library is at Bloor and Yonge, definitely worth the travel.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J S. 11 months ago on Google
    Huge, clean, welcoming library. Really nice space to come study, grab a book, and there’s like 1000 other services and things you can borrow or use that you wouldn’t think of. Having fun isn’t hard, when you have a library card. Safe as well!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ishika S. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a casual interior design , open , airy , spacious ❤️ extremely helpful and caring staff ! Must recommend
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ZARA A. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place for kids and adults alike! One can spend an entire day here!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lin W. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a good library . It’s been remodelled since the pandemic and I’m happy that this location and others are open again. I do however think that the security guards should proceed more carefully when accusing someone of eating (now prohibited due to covid). I watched a girl across from me get accused of eating when she was simply blowing her nose with a tissue. Still happy that you are open again!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 TheArchitect 5 months ago on Google • 105 reviews
    A rather large library that has 5 floors within the North York Centre mall. There are many floors of just books and I assume there's other materials that you can borrow as well. There are what seems to be multiple computer labs/areas. There is a chill and study areas. There is a eLearning lab, a Fabrication Studio (lots of sewing machines in the room), and an Digital Innovation Hub. There are rooms that I think you can book to use for things like meetings or group projects etc. There is also a kid play area. This library is pretty busy. Lots of people going on and about. Working on things, napping, chilling, studying. This library has a lot going on for it. Recommend you visit this library if your nearby.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Levitt P. 9 months ago on Google
    Honestly the coolest Toronto public Library I been in. A lot of room has piano room but it requires to be booked in advance. Overall nice vibe and chill.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K W. 1 year ago on Google
    2022 September 4.5★ For a library in Toronto, this place is amazing. Comfortable, quiet and spacious. There's a decent size kids area with books and hands on science center type activities in addition to books. On other levels (6 in total), you'll find a catalog of other books. On the second floor, there's a digital 3D printing area, a sewing area and even a training room. Beautifully architectured. It's everything you want in a library and more. Parking limited and it's best to take the subway as it's connected.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christine K. 1 year ago on Google
    Been my go-to library for a while now. Good service, booked my study room through phone call and they're very prompt in responding. Study rooms are spacious and accessible. Charging ports available👍🏻👍🏻
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marla 4 years ago on Google
    This is definitely one of the best TPL locations in Toronto. I think maybe only the Bloor Reference library is better. This place is absolutely massive with around 4 floors of books and interesting spaces. The main floor has a dedicated teen area with load of books, manga, and computers/gaming systems. On the other side of the main floor, there is a kids area with all sorts of fun activities. The second floor has some unique spaces including a digit innovation lab with 3D printers, a green room for filming and a sound editing room. There is also a sewing studio on the floor. The higher levels have books and study rooms. The whole library was recently renovated, so it looks really clean and updated. Honestly, this place is amazing. I just wish it was open 24/7.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Sogand S. 2 years ago on Google
    The library is great and new but the worker was extremely rude, entered the study room without knocking, behaved so rude almost like yelling. Never seen such a terrible attitude before. He was on 3rd floor, almost bald, medium height and weight. My friend has a heart disease and the way he entered the room like crazy scared her and her heart rate went high. I was seating on a chair and he screamed At us I need that chair now. Never gonna come back at this library again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Frank Z. 1 month ago on Google • 269 reviews New
    People who work there are very nice and helpful. Found the books. I was told that it’s the largest library in Toronto.

  • 2/5 Saikiran a. 3 months ago on Google • 38 reviews New
    The library often becomes excessively noisy, and I attribute this to a lack of noise-proof structures, casting doubts on its suitability for exam studies. Libraries should be serene spaces, and this one falls short of fulfilling that crucial purpose. I hope they consider feedback and adapt to new rules.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Passion D. 1 month ago on Google • 29 reviews New
    I recently had the pleasure of attending an Autism Expo at the Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library in October, and I must express my admiration for the exceptional experience provided by this well-established institution. From the moment I entered the library, I was impressed by the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff at the North York Central Library were not only courteous but also demonstrated a genuine commitment to making the event inclusive and accessible for everyone, including those with autism. Their proactive approach in ensuring a comfortable environment truly set the tone for a positive experience. The library's facilities were impeccable, with ample space and thoughtfully designed layouts that catered to the diverse needs of attendees. The accessibility features, such as ramps and elevators, made navigating the space effortless for individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, the availability of quiet zones provided a sanctuary for those who needed a break from the bustling activities, highlighting the library's dedication to inclusivity. The event itself was a testament to the library's commitment to community engagement and education. The carefully curated Autism Expo featured a wealth of information, resources, and expert speakers. It was evident that the library had collaborated with reputable organizations to ensure that the content was not only informative but also relevant and beneficial to individuals and families affected by autism. One of the standout aspects was the library's effort to foster a sense of community through various interactive activities. These activities not only encouraged networking but also provided a platform for individuals to share their experiences and insights. The inclusive nature of these initiatives contributed significantly to creating an environment where everyone felt valued and understood. Furthermore, the Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library's commitment to diversity and inclusion was reflected in the diverse range of exhibitors present at the expo. This diverse representation showcased a holistic approach to supporting individuals with autism, covering a broad spectrum of services and resources. In conclusion, my experience at the Autism Expo hosted by the Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library was nothing short of amazing. The library's commitment to creating an inclusive, accessible, and informative space for individuals with autism and their families is truly commendable. I applaud the library's efforts in fostering a sense of community and providing valuable resources, making it a beacon of support for those navigating the challenges associated with autism
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mahsa A. 7 months ago on Google • 18 reviews
    My all time favorite spot for studying, online or in-person meetings and team works. Friendly and helpful staff, clean area, TTC access, many awesome facilities like Piano room and study rooms.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Poorya R. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a wonderful place to work and study; you can find various books you might need and it is actually so big that you can find your comfort zone to focus.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Areez R. 1 year ago on Google
    I love living near this library, it's beautiful, huge, and there's lots of different places to work. It's never too busy. I can always find a table. If the first couple floors are busy, you can always go to a higher floor where less people are sitting. I've never actually taken a book out in this library but it seem like they'll have a huge selection, I usually just come here when I need to work.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert V. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best Toronto libraries. Tons of work space spread across several levels. Very wide selection of books especially business related books. Has undergone many renovations over the past number of years and is quite nice.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mahdi A. 2 years ago on Google
    I love this library. Good stuff here. Very versatile books in all languages. Even Farsi.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nafis P. 10 months ago on Google
    🥉I really liked the atmosphere but I expect more quite zone space for people who need to work in silent. The small quite zone was also full of people who talked to each other. 🥉 The other disadvantage was opening and close hour which was from 9 to 20:30 and no night shifts so many people who work during the day can't use this place 🥉 chairs were not that comfortable to sit the whole day
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wendy H. 1 year ago on Google
    I love taking classes here! I’ve taken Serger sewing and intro to knitting. The instructors have been very knowledgeable and friendly. The hardest part is trying to get a seat for these classes, because they do go by FAST! I’m talking sold out in two minutes!! I look forward to miniature painting this weekend. I love the array of activities and the fact that they are free!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carlos D. 3 months ago on Google • 128 reviews New
    The North York center is incredible this time if year. The library is located near the back. Wonderful library with tons of great books.

  • 4/5 Cindy W. 6 months ago on Google • 25 reviews
    We visit on an almost daily basis. Large play area for the kids with lots to do. Friendly staff and well maintained given there’s so many kids there everyday. I would recommend adding more security as there was a big man carrying a gun around last week. The library had to close down due to the incident and it would be more reassuring for a regular visitor like myself to see added security to ensure safety.

  • 5/5 Aprendiendo a V. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a very nice place to study and concéntrate. It's well conditioned. Beautiful structure. Ive seen people from all ages. It is very probable that you find what you need or something of your interest enjoy. I personally love it!!

  • 5/5 Rida A. 2 years ago on Google
    Very large space! Easy to find spots and has a large variety of books. You can find every book here. The best part is it’s accessibility. And it’s beautifully built and maintained.

  • 4/5 faezeh 1 month ago on Google • 17 reviews New
    Good place for studying, private study rooms in each level. The problem with the study rooms is that when you get in you can’t come out otherwise you have to ask to open the door again but if they make it like lockers and you could get out while inside, it would be great. It opens 9 am which I wish it opened earlier in the morning and be more quiet! You really can’t concentrate outside of the study room!

  • 5/5 Katelyn L. 2 years ago on Google
    This library is the best place to borrow books and movies. You can book a study room online so that it can be reserved for you in future time. It is best if you book a room a few days before you go. To borrow books or movies, you will need to have a library card. Which you can get at the front desk. You’ll need to have a form of ID to create one. For adults, driver’s license is preferred. For students, a report card is preferred. You don’t need to do anything if you want to use a computer there, you can just use it.

  • 2/5 Somayeh A. 2 years ago on Google
    I feel bad to write this review but if you are looking for somewhere quiet to study, i don't recommend this place. I have been in so many libraries, but this is my first time in this library and probably the last time! People are laughing loud, speaking loud, etc.! It is unbelievable. I do not see any problem with the staff members as they are trying to keep the area quiet , but some people are very inconsiderate!

  • 5/5 Pawnshop G. 2 years ago on Google
    Staff are generally friendly and helpful. Underwent renovation not too long ago, so it is a clean, nice facility. Definitely a great library.

  • 4/5 Bethany L. 1 year ago on Google
    I enjoy coming to the north York TPL. It is large and spacious with a very comfortable modern design. The oval-ish design is very visually intriguing. The placement of this library in the North York Civic Centre was ingenious. There are a variety of recognizable restaurants to eat from that are in walking distance and the subway is directly below the centre 👍. The expansive amount of books/movies/audiobooks/games to borrow is just phenomenal. I really appreciate the fact that there are 2 3D printers with full-time staff to help guide you. There is also a fabrication studio that I have not personally used, but I've heard it is very useful. I like the fact that you can lounge on basically every part of the library (even the stairs). Study rooms are almost always available, which is great for students. Wifi speed is mediocre and it is very quiet- it is a great working environment. The children's area is probably one of the best aspects of this library if you have very young children. It's not all rainbows and sunshine- unfortunately, the staff are not always in the best of moods, the bathrooms are unsanitary and the free-to-use computer peripherals could be cleaner/newer. I'd suggest bringing your own computer or wipes so you don't have to touch the unsanitary computers. As for the bathroom situation, I'd suggest going to the food court's bathroom because it is way cleaner. Although this library could improve on some minor things, it is a great workspace placed in an ideal location.

  • 4/5 Ss 1 year ago on Google
    My go to library. Has pretty great collection of novels and resources. Have meeting rooms for study and also computer areas. Fool-proof if you want a quiet place to sit and study/work

  • 5/5 Andrew Patrick “Andy” L. 1 year ago on Google
    This location is one of the flagships of the biggest library system in Canada and hosts services that are often not found in other branches, all in one place! It is conveniently reachable by public transit but quite a walk from residential areas. Ah, and it is quite a bit to explore with five levels of materials, hundreds of computers, and plenty of study spaces. If only it was easier to find rather than being set back from the main street!

  • 1/5 Harsh P. 1 year ago on Google
    Recently came across several cleanliness / hygiene issues. Not just sitting areas but washrooms etc. Many washrooms are out of order since year / months

  • 5/5 Aman P. 1 year ago on Google
    Best Library I have ever seen. Staff is very friendly and facilities are amazing. The location is very convenient to reach. Must visit if you're living in North-York or nearby.

  • 5/5 JOHN T. 1 year ago on Google
    Huge library. Lots of floors and space. One floor dedicated to kids only very impressive. They have a ton of computer work stations as we as little private rooms for study or meetings. Very impressed with the location. Staff are friendly!

  • 5/5 Matt L. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place for adults as well as kids, with an entire separate kid section. In addition to books, there are two play vehicles (bus and car), as well as blocks.


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