Toronto Public Library Reviews 34

TrustScore 3 out of 5

3.2

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Company details

  1. Book Store

Information provided by various external sources

Toronto Public Library is a public library system in Toronto, Ontario.


Contact info

3.2

Average

TrustScore 3 out of 5

34 reviews

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Indifferent & NO HELP Toronto Public Library & Toronto Police Service

One time I was walking to Yorkwoods Library. I saw a small group of teens wearing school uniforms fooling around outside the Yorkwoods Theater. I passed amongst them when they sort of surrounding me. I looked down & ignored them when I heard some racial slurs targeting me. Out of the blue, I felt that some of these teenagers were throwing rocks at me. I walked faster into the Library when they continued throwing rocks at me.

When inside, I immediately told this Yorkwoods staff at the front counter what just happened. This staff named ''Jay'' did not care much & simply told me to report the incident to another staff. She refused to call the police as I requested.

I called the police using a payphone. Of course, our Toronto Police Service also acting quite indifferent & routine & they would not say how long they could send in police officers on site. I said I would wait as long as I could.

Going back inside Yorkwoods Library, found the staff person eventually to file the incident report. Then nothing as if this was something they experience multiple times EVERY DAY & THIS WAS NORMAL!! I was not even given a copy of this ''incident report'' even after I asked for it multiple times.

After about 90 minutes doing what I needed to do, the police still no where in sight. I left.

Then I somehow found out later that the police finally showed up many hours later (THEY EXPECT WE WOULD WAIT FOR THEM FOR HALF A DAY TO TELL THEM THE SAME THING I DID TO 911!) Apparently they left because I was not there AND NO YORKWOODS STAFF BOTHERED TO TELL THESE POLICE TO CONTACT ME AT HOME AS I REQUESTED WHEN I FILED THE INCIDENT REPORT WITH THIS LIBRARY & WHEN I LEFT!!!!!)

WHAT AN INDIFFERENT & NO HELP ATTITUDE WITH OUR TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY STAFF & THE TORONTO POLICE SERVICE ( MY CONCLUSION IS BASED ON NOT A SINGLE OR EVEN A FEW INCIDENTS BUT ON SO MANY OUT OF MY PERSONAL EXPERENCE FOR DECADES)

December 27, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Working, Studying, and Homeschooling at TPL

I have only been to three branches so far: Fairview, Yorkville, and the Toronto Reference Library; yet each one has its own personality and vibe.

Fairview Library:
It is a perfect spot for working remotely. The place is quiet and comfortable, and there is a nice energy since there are always a few other people working or studying. The second floor has vending machines (a big plus if you are there for a while), and there are plenty of couches and tables. They also have a higher table with bar stools or if you want a standing desk-type (if you are tall enough).
The staff are friendly and warm, and even the visitors seem to reflect that energy. Also, bonus points; they always seem to have a good stock of the $3 tpl tote bags.

Yorkville Library:
It is much smaller than Fairview; but it is really well set up. There is a large children’s area with a mat, toys, and books; and it is separated from the quiet reading area by a wall, which is great for everyone. The staff did not feel as warm here, possibly because it is downtown and they have more to manage. There is a security guard by the entrance and near the book aisles, which gives it a slightly stricter atmosphere.

Toronto Reference Library:
This one is huge and impressive; it has everything you could need for studying, research, working remotely. It is a great space for adults. Not ideal if you have children, since there is no dedicated children’s section or books for younger readers.

October 22, 2025
Unprompted review

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