10+ Best Public Libraries in Toronto (Ontario)
Are you feeling that post-scroll slump and need a mental refresh that doesn’t involve staring at another influencer’s avocado toast? Toronto has you covered! Forget expensive co-working spaces and hit up one of the city’s many public libraries. We’re talking free Wi-Fi, endless books (hello, borrowing instead of buying!), and a chill atmosphere perfect for catching up on emails, getting lost in a good read, or even brainstorming your next side hustle. The best public libraries in Toronto are seriously underrated gems; we’re here to show you why they should be your new go-to spot.
1. Toronto Public Library – Bloor/Gladstone Branch
This Toronto library offers a cool mix of old and new – think historic building vibes with a modern twist, perfect for a study session with a vintage aesthetic.
- https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
- 1101 Bloor Street West, Toronto
- 416-393-7674
- answerline@tpl.caÂ
2. Toronto Public Library – Toronto Reference Library
This Toronto library’s got your research covered, with a massive collection and enough space to feel like you’re in a Hogwarts library (minus the magic, but with plenty of brainpower).
- https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
- 789 Yonge St, Toronto
- +1 416-395-5577
- answerline@tpl.caÂ
3. Bathurst Clark Resource Library
This suburban Toronto library’s got all the essentials: tons of books, comfy study spaces, and even a high-tech lab – perfect for fueling your next creative project or homework grind.
- https://www.vaughanpl.info
- 900 Clark Avenue W Thornhill
- (905) 653-7323
4. The Great Library in Osgood Hall
Unlike your typical library, this one’s straight out of an old movie – think high ceilings, grand architecture, and a collection of legal books that’ll make you feel like a total boss (even if you’re just browsing).
- https://www.lso.ca
- 130 Queen Street W Toronto
- (416) 947-3300
5. Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
Bookworms, this Toronto library is your heaven! Think first-edition classics, ancient manuscripts, and an atmosphere so quiet you can practically hear the pages turning themselves.
- https://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca
- 120 St George Street Toronto
- 416-978-5285
- fisher.library@utoronto.caÂ
6. Gerstein Science Information Centre
Calling all science nerds! This Toronto library’s got your back, with a massive collection of science materials and a super modern vibe – perfect for your next deep dive into the latest discoveries (or hiding from a Netflix documentary that got too real).
- https://gerstein.library.utoronto.ca
- 9 King’s College Circle Toronto
- 416-978-2280
- ask.gerstein@utoronto.caÂ
7. Pierre Berton Resource Library
History buffs, this Toronto library’s your jam! Packed with resources on everything from local history to world events, it’s the perfect spot to get lost in the past (and maybe even learn a thing or two for trivia night).
- https://www.vaughanpl.info
- 4921 Rutherford Road Woodbridge
- (905) 653-7323
8. OISE Library
This Toronto library’s got the education vibes on lock. Super quiet study spaces, tons of resources, and a scholarly atmosphere – perfect for acing that next exam or fueling an all-nighter research bender (minus the pizza).
- https://oise.library.utoronto.ca
- 252 Bloor St. W. Toronto
- 416-978-1850
- oise.library@utoronto.caÂ
9. Toronto Public Library – Wychwood Branch
This Toronto library is a total gem – historic building vibes meet modern amenities, creating a cozy spot to curl up with a book or brainstorm your next project. (Think vintage charm meets free Wi-Fi!)
- https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
- 1431 Bathurst Street, Toronto
- 416-393-7683
- answerline@tpl.caÂ
10. EJ Pratt Library
Tucked into Victoria University, this Toronto library caters to the humanities crowd. Think comfy study spaces, a collection strong in lit and history, and an academic atmosphere that’s perfect for getting lost in a good book (or powering through an essay crisis).
- https://library.vicu.utoronto.ca
- 71 Queen’s Park Cres E Toronto
- (416) 585-4470
- victoria.library@utoronto.caÂ
11. John M Kelly Library
Divinity students and history buffs rejoice! This Toronto library boasts a massive collection on theology, European literature, and the Middle Ages, all wrapped up in a studious atmosphere that’s perfect for diving deep into a forgotten era (or catching up on some religious studies).
- https://library.stmikes.utoronto.ca
- 113 St. Joseph Street Toronto
- +1 (416) 926-7114
- kelly.library@utoronto.caÂ
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