Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library image

Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library

Public library Library

👍👍 Such a beautiful place to actually do some work and be productive .It's so calm, like libraries are supposed to be lol. It's probably one of the biggest Toronto public libraries. It's pretty hard to find a seat if you don't go early, you need to take the steps to go to the top, the seats are pretty... People often mention library, study, books, Toronto, space, great, floor, beautiful, work, staff,


Address

789 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2G8, Canada

Website

www.torontopubliclibrary.ca

Contact

+1 416-395-5577

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working 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
  • Sunday: 1:30 to 5 pm
  • Monday: 9 am to 8:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: library (36) study (16) books (16) Toronto (12) space (11) great (10) floor (9) beautiful (8) work (8) staff (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Glen 1 year ago on Google • 131 reviews
    Such a beautiful place to actually do some work and be productive .It's so calm, like libraries are supposed to be lol. It's probably one of the biggest Toronto public libraries. It's pretty hard to find a seat if you don't go early, you need to take the steps to go to the top, the seats are pretty comfort, a bit disappointing part is the lack of working power plugs when you go to the top floor. Regardless of that, definitely worth a visit.
    19 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sharine P. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a great place for study and work. The wifi is fast and working so well for work. But unfortunately, lately there are many of homeless and crazy people walking into the space which is make a bit uncomfortable.
    19 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 TechZoo 2 years ago on Google
    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.
    18 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarthak T. 6 months ago on Google • 185 reviews
    The Toronto Reference Library is an invaluable resource for anyone in the city. It's a spacious and well-maintained facility with a vast collection of books, periodicals, and digital resources. The staff is knowledgeable and always ready to assist with research or finding the right materials. The reading spaces are comfortable and conducive to studying or working. Whether you're a student, researcher, or just looking for a quiet place to read, this library is a true gem in Toronto.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Binita A. 2 months ago on Google • 217 reviews New
    Spacious, well catalogued. Just fyi this is a reference library so we can’t borrow items the same day however we can pick hp borrowed items that’ll come from other public libraries.

  • 5/5 Kristina C. 1 year ago on Google • 68 reviews
    This is absolutely my most favorite library in Toronto. Here are my reasons: Space: the architecture is undeniably gorgeous. The inside is well lit and I appreciate the greenery that’s implemented in the building. Plenty of places to sit. The washrooms are also extremely clean every time I go! Notes of improvement are functioning outlets and wifi though. Otherwise, I’m content. Book selection: as you can tell, this library has a PLETHORA of books, films, CDs, and more to browse. I promise you, there is something for everyone here! The library also has sales and I was able to get a wonderful vegetarian cookbook for just a dollar. Staff: I’ve only had pleasant experiences with the staff here. They have all been very kind to me and were able to answer all of my questions. This library is a must-visit spot for book lovers or those that love to marvel at architecture!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 guy fieri f. 1 year ago on Google
    I LOVE the reference library. I am partial to the filing cabinets on the fifth floor (I think). They are always fun to flip through. The motorized bookshelves can be scary at times but you'll get used to them (or you won't. They still haunt me at night). So much of our city's history is stored here— you can find old census reports and even City Hall meeting minutes, which are so interesting to read. They also have weddings here sometimes! It's always fun to see people dressed up to go to the library. To be honest, I've never gone here to actually do work or study. It's just too fun to look through all the books and records. What a pleasant place.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nammi N. 1 year ago on Google
    So so so unique and beautiful I could just sit and admire the building for hours. Tons of space to study, wifi was cutting out a bit though but a must visit if you're in the city! This is architectural masterpiece!
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna M. 6 months ago on Google • 133 reviews
    They did a great job at renovating the library, well not that new by now. It feels spacious, light and quite conducive to reading, working and studying, unlike before. There are many facilities available for free. There are tables near the windows, glass pods, learning areas, reading rooms (yes, a different space), innovation rooms, enough computers for anyone to use. The interior architecture is beautifully done. There are 2 circular glass elevators giving riders a panoramic view of the well designed interiors. The lines of the curving stairwell, the way the centre of the building was left open for space and light, the shapes of the furniture pieces and how they are arranged are all done so well. Eye candy bonus for all who walk in. It’s a pleasure to go to this library. On top of all this, the information staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, always with a smile.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mohammad Reza B. 6 months ago on Google • 76 reviews
    It is a five-storey building with many outstanding services available for free to members. These services include computer systems, printing and copying equipment, reference books and dictionaries, newspapers and journals, study areas, individual study chambers, exhibitions of paintings and handcrafted objects, an amphitheatre, and many others. There is also a café on the ground floor next to the reception desk. Eating food or bringing it to other floors is not allowed. Additionally, they offer internal tours for student groups. All in all, it is a unique building that everyone should see!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nischay M. 3 years ago on Google
    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.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kunal S. 5 months ago on Google • 133 reviews
    one of best libraries I have seen so far .. it has a huge space .. feels like a mall by itself ..

  • 5/5 C3l D. 7 months ago on Google • 51 reviews
    Best library ever in Toronto. Nice ambiance with different spaces for writing, reading, work or just relax yourself. They are a big variety of books so you can find whatever you need. The staff is really kind and friendly and we can attend different free clubs. I highly recommend this library.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dachi 1 year ago on Google
    The biggest library that I have ever seen. Big and beautiful, I didn’t touch books, but I think you can find everything that you need. A lot of tablets and space where you can work with comfort. I really like this place.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashok T. 2 years ago on Google
    The best TPL library in the city! This is so beautiful and resourceful. You can find anything here, really ANYTHING you can imagine be it movie, shows, maps or obviously any books. 📚
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roberto Machado N. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent place to visit. Amazing architecture. The place has a room in the Sherlock Holmes style which I enjoyed visiting. Recommended~
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa K. 2 years ago on Google
    Love the building. Nice and quiet library.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maggie L. 1 year ago on Google
    I especially love the second floor! Staff here was very helpful, and they provide a lot of charging places! Wifi is really stable, and the coffee shop was nice to have.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yonden D. 2 months ago on Google • 51 reviews New
    Spacious and beautiful, this library is a great place alike to study, complete your work irrespective or socialize with friends. The interior contains numerous books for anyone to search for. Opening hours are typical here with it mostly offering longer hours in opening than other branches.

  • 5/5 Andy Jiang (. 1 year ago on Google
    Best and biggest library in all of Toronto! This library also has exhibits, meeting rooms and an amazing and quiet environment perfect for studying! P.S. Definitely check out their book fair, they sell a whole variety of books of many genres for a dollar at most!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kherbz L. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to study. Not crowded during the time of visit. Feeling safe going to the library during pandemic. Very friendly staff
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Matthew D. 2 years ago on Google
    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.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 k h. 1 year ago on Google
    This library has my heart! It is such a beautiful library and amazing resources. The staff was beyond helpful and were always willing to help. There a multiple levels with lots of study spaces for everyone! It also has a Balzac’s Coffee on the first floor! Perfect for when you want to grab a a drink and start studying.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 小河马 little H. 1 year ago on Google
    The Toronto Public Library is really awesome; First of all, the library has a collection of 12 million books, with a total of 5 floors, of which there are many foreign books on the 4th floor. Secondly, there are many desks for study and reading, as well as a special study room; there are also many chargers for mobile phones; Finally, it is convenient to enter and exit, and no special library card is required; but on the other hand, I heard that there are many homeless.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marc S. 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful. I am in awe of the size and content of the library. Silent, with just enough ambience to remind you that you're still alive. Helpful and knowledgeable staff, helpful and knowledgeable reading.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Life of W. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a Great library and one of the best experiences you can have. The building itself is beautiful inside with great natural and artificial lighting that enhances your studying unlike the brutalist architecture of other libraries that just depress you. This library will ENERGIZE you and make you WANT to learn with its atmosphere! Besides that it has free internet, open study spaces and all the materials you will ever need right in downtown Toronto! What more could you ask for?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 F K. 2 years ago on Google
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Viktor Luiz Stembrock N. 2 years ago on Google
    The building is beautiful inside, quite spacious and an excellent place to study. Staff is really friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Armon P. 2 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    So this library is pretty cool and it is a great place to learn about the history of the world and the history of the universe and the history of the planet and the history of the earth and the history of the world and the world and all the things that we have to do to make it better and better for the world and the world is a great resource. I let autocorrect say all that also can you say my post was helpful I need likes. People who want more games in the game room 👇
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mary M. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow what an architectural masterpiece, It’s massive. Attended an event in one of their rooms and it was great venue. Walked around the different floors afterwards. There is something for everyone here. Secuirty at the main floor, ample amount of seating and pods space for private booking available.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vansh B. 1 year ago on Google
    A fantastic place to get some work done or genuinely wind down. The space has good spots and abundant power sockets to sit anywhere and however you please. Only downside is the cafe downstairs and the Wi-Fi speed. The cafe is overpriced but it’s the only one there and the Wi-Fi is sub par and loses internet access often.

  • 5/5 Valérie 1 year ago on Google
    After years of upgrades and refurbishing, the 1977 vibe still remains. Have you visited the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection on the 5th floor?

  • 4/5 Nina K. 9 months ago on Google
    Free entrance, 5 floors, easy system and information on every floor and there is also a cafeteria

  • 5/5 Your M. 8 months ago on Google
    Best library in Toronto , cozy and amazing for studying and the best part is the view inside . It feels like you are in a museum .

  • 4/5 Elaine S. 4 years ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Bruce S. 2 years ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Steven F. 5 months ago on Google
    Libraries are the lifeblood of any community and needed to strive. Toronto’s Reference Library crowns this 5 star review as the 5 accessible floors of richness in culture proving what a world class city strives to be. I hope and expect the future to be great. With functions designed towards excelling us further forward or reengaging with our history and it’s never ending wagers now informing us in our lifetime ahead. Many offerings past book and media lending. Technology courses and learnings for furthering education of all sorts, from practical through to inspiring creation by stimulating imagination at all age and skill levels. Tactile, hands on, screen off sometimes absorption is still needed and being forgotten in an overt push towards the digital age. Not in my meta. This Importance is imperative for our future prosperity.

  • 5/5 Mathieu B. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow, an huge library well built and completely dedicated to books. I simply just loved.


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