A very disappointing experience at this library. In most cities I travel to, I enjoy visiting and working in public libraries. I love welcoming community spaces, but unfortunately the Ottawa Public Library is not such a space. While in most cities (e.g. Montreal), anyone can connect to the free wifi, at this library, a library card is required, which is quite discriminatory toward people from outside the city, as well as to homeless people or undocumented immigrants who will not have the required documentation for a library card. It's sad to see the fences erected around some of the few remaining public spaces that can be found in the city. The security guard at the entrance was very kind (though it's disheartening that such a figure is needed). I ended up working at the local Farm Boy.

An essential part of my life and my 12 year old sons'. He practically grew up here. My only wish is that Ottawa being the nation's capital had a main library that reflected that status. While the LRT may be important in getting stinky buses off our streets, I'd like to think that city council would be more proud in really supporting and pushing for a library,say like the Bibleotheque Nationale that was built in Montreal a couple of years ago. Funny,there never seems to be any money for a community oriented library offering loads of great services.

you can easily kill some boring time here, of course! Other than that, if you need WiFi and internet, here is the place to go. you will get a temporary card, which is good for a year, bring your notebook, tablet, even "work" on library's computer for minimum one hour with the extension time adding by "hour"(I was on for 2 1/2 hrs).I kinda of believe that library's free WiFi is "saver"than a random restaurant, and the best of all, I don't have to buy anything to use WiFi, don't I

I was really surprised to see that the library is not super big, with not so many references. The look is super old and not inviting at all(that awfull green and lights). Moreover the shelves are presently quite empty with some super old books which should be sold and renewed. However the staff is super nice and helpful! But I'm so disappointed by the offer. Was expecting more choice and New Books. You definitly don't feel you are in the capital of Canada once in there.

Public libraries in some cities - Calgary for example - serve both as excellent public library resources as well as beautiful architectural highlights and public spaces in the city core. This library - in terms of both of these purposes - is almost adequate. Certainly not something for Ottawa to proudly advertise itself with. The old maps and such in the Ottawa Room are definitely worth a browse. I look forward to enjoying the new Lebreton Flats central library.

Decent library with a good collection and lots of space. Staff is very pleasant and helpful, but you'll find lots of shifty characters in there too. It can feel a bit unsafe at times, but obviously the staff can't just throw people out for being strange. Bathrooms are surprisingly clean and the wi-fi only works if you have a library card. I doubt I'll be returning to this location. (Heads up: It'll be closed from June to September 2nd.)

I love the selection of books at the library and the staff is super nice and helpful. However, a lot of people are loud (ei: talking on the phone) or act out in tamper tantrums and it's extremely disruptive to people who come here to study and work. I understand they can't just easily throw people out but I think there should be a tighter control on who can access the library and a zero tolerance policy on disruptive behaviours.

I love this library, the old building and aesthetic of it. There are spots where you can talk, and others where it's strictly silent. It's true that it's a home for many homeless people, but most of them are very nice and they just need a shelter and a place to read. Sometimes, staff can be rude and impatient, but nothing that ever bothered me. And finally, the Wi-Fi has been upgraded, just last year it was so much worse.

Library? More like an open air madhouse. It's truly sad what this place has become. This is the kind of place where you are not allowed to speak to other people if you are studying but it's okay to inject drugs in the washroom. We live in an upside down world. I have nothing but respect to the workers of the library who have to put up with the decline of civilization.

Best library ever. Used to write my papers in university here. Did a lot of writing for my professional career here too. Took my son here as a little boy to while away summer days and now his little brother my youngest. Very very friendly and helpful staff, still to this day. Libraries are a culture. Sad to see things so quiet post COVID, but understandable.

The actual physical location gets 1 star for its fluorescent lighting, 1970’s look and its permeating odour of urine and B.O. The online aspect would get 4 stars for the collection of audiobooks and digital content. The bottom line? If you can, it’s best to access the library virtually rather than physically.

Wow - it feels covid safe here. Isn't it weird that we don't put librarians on the same pedestal as teachers? If they had described a librarians job to me in the same way they did teachers - my little introverted heart would have been set! Anyway - its clean, there are books - it's what you expect.

Great place for public access I visited on Tuesday, it was not very busy I was allowed with my service dog You’re allowed to take pictures It’s very large and sectioned there are multiple floors I dint have time to visit the other floors. First floor was very big too No tickets needed!

I really like this library for how big it is. There is 3 floors that are well organized and staff on hand to assist with questions. It can be really busy and still be really quiet to reflect. There is computers, scanners and printers. You can also find courses here and story telling.

Although not an attractive location or building it's a great library. Extensive collection and lovely staff. Sandra in the children's library is Uber helpful and the lady with glasses and long black hair at the customer service desk we t above and beyond. Top notch both of them.

Make sure to return all items to the desks and have the librarians check them back in, I put a movie in the drop box and they lost it and charged me for it $24. I know for a fact I returned it because I didn't like it and kept it for only a day!

Great section for children! Kids enjoyed, there are tons of children books to choose from. There is space for playing, reading, sitting, coloring, and lots to do. Fun scavenger hunt and several activity pages to do on on offer!

An outstanding public library in dire need of an Andrew Carnegie today. Thankfully, with so many branches and an excellent inter-library loan system, users are well served. Everyone should have a library card and use it.

Almost 3 times a work-week I consult the library for the great reference books they have there. The chairs are comfy and the librarians are very assisting in my work. Great job. Anthony Thompson, Ph.D. in Criminal Law

I wish to say HUGE THANKS to Magali Desjardins Potvin. Me and my Son were so lucky few weeks ago when she has helped us in searching some specific books and publications. Thank you so much again! 7+ stars at least

A few days ago on the third floor, a man was violent at people. The security came quickly and handled without any further problems. Even if it was inconvenient, I wanted say Thank you to the security guard.

The central library for all of Ottawa, so it features the best of everything you can find at the other locations. Parking a bit of an issue but very short walk from Parliament Otrain Station.

Huge location, lots of material, good areas to study and work. Silent, clean and the staff is very helpful. Impressive! They also have a nice book store in the basement with affordable books.

Lovely place. Perfect for studying, working, relaxing or reading books. It's a quiet library. Very respectful. You can eat and have soft drinks while you work. The staff is incredibly nice.

Lots of sketchy characters. Its where most of the homeless people come to assemble. ALWAYS keep an eye on your personal items. The quiet corner of the third floor smells strongly of urine.

this library is really good! they have a huge selection, free wifi and lots of areas to study! staff are welcoming and sweet! although it can be loud for a library depending on the day.

It's a great library - staff really keep up with the changing trends in how and what people read. And such a convenient location, right downtown, and on the Laurier St. bicycle lane.

There is no rule on "maintaining silence" sometimes it gets very noisy on the second floor and the staff occasionally laugh and talk very loudly as if they are not in a library

Great selection of books and the staff are very friendly. The place will probably deserve a 5 star rating once the eventual new building will have been completely renovated.

Great location in the downtown Ottawa area. The selection is surprisingly good for its location. Access to computers and quiet sitting areas are aplenty. Highly recommended.

Well connected through public transit. Lots of books and reference material. Large number of computers to use for a maximum period of 2 hours per day. Open during weekends.

It's an amazing library that has reopened since July of this pandemic year, 2020. Sanitizing, and quarantine practices in place for library items and library visitors.

Ugly building on the outside and on the inside. Wanted to study here but there were really no comfortable spaces. And getting access to the internet is a major hassle.

It's a fact that we are in a pandemic but that doesn't mean that we have to be rude to people. The two women in the front desk in the main floor were extremely rude.

They hired a goddamn collections agency to go after me. I was 14 years old, and I returned everything, but they sent a collections agency after me to collect $200.

Staff are great. Bring can of Fabreeze before you sit in the chairs. Strange people frequent the place. Really smelly people..wear a Gaz mask!! Bed bugs???

A great library system with an extensive collection of everything from fiction/non-fiction books, to graphic novels, movies, music, and even video games.

This location was quiet, with pleasant staff. No problems with holds and I was able to check out museum passes a few times, which was a wonderful bonus!

Library is great. Only one guy who had a confused phone conversation on speaker. Many a "What?" was had. More amusing than annoying. Would recommend.

I am always benefiting from using computers and printers. All is an excellent opportunity and service. I give a big thanks to all the staff members.

lots of books, you can print there. pretty goated. free internet. fun puzzles and also some good microfilm stuff in the archives. awesome!!

Nice selection. Too many computers ;) maybe in the future other facilities will offer wifi and we can get back to the novelty of novels.

Conveniently located. Has reliable computer service and large book selection. Visitors are sometimes questionable, overall good place.

The best service with very good staff offering excellent advice for all your research materials and of course just a great book.

Lots of books,I was really happy when I found some Ukrainian books,some interesting and fantastic or motivating books.

Love this library. Very clean place, a big selection of books, movies and magazines. Very friendly and helpful staff.

Right now suffering from Covid-19 restrictions but still working hard to get readers the books they have put on hold.

It's always a fun experience picking up my Holds and browsing the library. The staff is always friendly and helpful.

Big library, multiple levels and lots of seating. It isn't hard to find a cozy corner to work on something or read!

Computers with Internet are available. Wi-fi is also available, but you need a Library card to have access to it.

My husband and I go to the library regularly. The librarians are very helpful and it is a very welcoming place.

The Staff are friendly and the area is nice but its one of the LOUDEST libraries ive ever been too.

Nice laid out. Impressive COVID procedures are in place for both the public and staff . Well done!

good collection of books and helpful staff. some patrons act weird on the third floor sometimes

Love this library - lots of great selection and space and free French conversational classes.

Stopped going to this branch because of all the homeless drunk and passed out people there.

Went to a great lecture on the Vimy memorial site put on by Heritage Ottawa. It was great!

The employees are such a nice and kind persons. The library system is very useful. …

Wi-Fi is insanely slow now. You can't get anything done if you need to use the internet

An amazing library! So much more than books. A great resource for everyone in Ottawa.

There is a lot of great stuff here but all of the books come in English and Spanish.

Great location, great setting and wonderful staff! Very friendly and very helpful!

The best place to find books and sit and read. There is also a used books store.

Very nice and ideal for concentration work and a wide nice collection of books

Staff were rude. But it's a pandemic and maybe they don't want to be there.

Great location always has what im looking for and staff very knowledgeable

Lots of seating, free wifi, quiet place to read and write, decent hours!

Everyone should have a library card. Great benefits and excellent staff.

Great location, I'm going to miss it when they move to Lebreton Flats.

One of the biggest libraries in the city. Massive selection of books.

A good and serene place where my creative juices flow to write poetry

The staff is very helpful. Since it is in downtown, it is very busy.

I've been impressed with how this library has handled the pandemic!

You can now download 3 free mp3's per month with your library card.

Very kind staff. You can borrow musical instruments it is great.

5 stars are not enough tbh... no one can do their job better.

Good location but exterior is boring. Lots of books inside

Good library just watch out for some of the people inside.

Large selection and reasonably quiet for reading/working.

I am eagerly awaiting the new Main branch facility!!!!!!

I liked the brutalist architecture of the building.

Wow you can rent movies and series! Recent one too!

Love my local library! Tons of selection for books

Great book selection and peaceful place for work

My favorite library. Very big, very nice people.

The security Staff is so amazing! i love them!

Sonja Irving - Would give 0 stars if I could.

Beautiful library with free Wi-Fi

Spacious, beautiful architecture

Very good. Very respectful