I'm giving this library an average rating due to my recent experiences here in what would be an otherwise 5 star rating... I'll start with what ruined the experience for me, then move on to the positives. The library has now hired an overzealous security guard. I understand why, but it is still unwarranted. There used to be a guy that came in here who would run around. While this was annoying, he was sick and didn't have the intentions of bothering anyone. The library staff had to ask him to sit down several times, but when asked politely by the kind staff, he did. There was a snorer at the library. While this didn't bother me, it did bother another nit-picking patron. After she complained to staff, he was kindly asked by staff not to fall asleep and he apologized. I was smoking a cigarette in the lawn next to the library. There was a patron who was also smoking closer to the library, but out of the purview of anyone. The overzealous security guard asked him to move, quite rudely, "9 meters away from the building." I also observed as the security guard kicked the ill person out. I am a writer and come to the library read, write and relax - away from the stresses of living in a big city like Toronto. ill people, snorers and such in the library don't bother me. What does bother me is having to be on guard and having the feeling of being scrutinized by a security guard who thinks it is their job to decide what is best for the library. I used to visit this library quite often, but my visits have come to a dwindle for this reason. They should have just stuck with the kind staff to politely deal with annoyances. What I have loved about this library is the friendly and helpful staff who have good taste in books, movies and other library material. At the entrance, you will find two displays of books, both relevant to the times and goings-on of the city. For example, after the Raptors won, they had an excellent display of basketball related books. Next, as summer approached, they had a selection of books about things-to-do about the city. They also have a stand of DVDs with an excellent selection. They also display the most relevant books in their respective aisles. The library is well layed out with a computer room, digital innovation hub, separate room for teens and a kids area. The chairs are comfy with USB plugins for devices. All in all, it is the best Toronto Public library with the exception of the reference branch downtown. It does deserve 5 stars, but the new security hinders what would otherwise be a very pleasant experience.

I had an interesting experience to spend pretty much a whole day at this branch. It felt like i am at a kindergarten or prison being watched by the principal or security time and again. I asked the security casually if I can go to the open lobby to get some fresh air, she said, she does't know and i should go to ask someone from front desk.I didn't find it worth of approaching someone all the way to the main entrance and I decided to look outside by just staying where I was. Later, she came specially looking for me to ask if I asked the front desk personnel or not. Was I a VIP ? Nop,just a regular person visiting library. Another memory: the staff in the 'digital innovation hub' was talkative. Although it was a separate room reserved for specialized software users only, however I still consider the place to be a part of library, not a chat or conference room. Later in the evening, i head out to grab a quick cup of coffee(tim Horton's is right infront) and guess what?,,,, they removed my stuff assuming it's lost by someone. Who does that?Had the table been reserved by someone else, my stuff would not be thrown out rather slided over to the corner of the table.Just suggesting! I think they all were "overly" concerned performing their normal jobs. O ya, i was told to use a desktop chosen by the staff upon my request and on my arrival they realized it was out of order. (Happened two times on two different systems). PS. By all means, this post is sent to provide a constructive criticism for the improvement in both public and govt services. :) Cheers! Thanks.

April. 2019. Temp: 12c Newly renovated, This is my old and now new library, I have spent many hours reading, Lord, what a great collection of magazines, especially car stuff. I still drop in even if I moved away , just to read, and moreover use the internet, this building was among the first in this great country of mine to offer free internet, all you needed was your card#and your home phone# And with good heating, if you are from Trinidad you will appreciate this, and great AC, in the summer, Lord it get hotter than maracas Beach. Bring your kids, they have a children's section, and park yourself while they do some homework and you can do some serious reading. Ok, think for a moment, you left Guyana, that fleabag country with no library, so make yourself useful and go now to my library, and bring the bloody wife and kids, and don't complain because you never got an education, and you work in a factory, come and read, read, read. Don't let your kids fall behind like what happened to you. Go everyday, say everyday. Acha? New building. Wi-Fi for a hundred. With plugs and desks for students to complete homework. Live computer courses, hand on, with a pretty teacher, if you are an old fogey and don't know squat, come and join us. Or go next door and have a swim, or next door again and skate, don't just sit there and scratch your family jewels, do something. Desks for studying. Internet courses. Washrooms. Security. Just a lovely place to spend some time. Did I mention we have books?

Used to visit the old library frequently and loved it. But this new one is very disappointing and a total waste of tax payer' money. Smallest district library ever. Instead of making it multiple stories and accommodating more people with more books, they chose it to be a single story. And to the worse, the glass wall increased the cost for cooling and heating several folds. It's very unecnomic. And the worst, no quiet study area at all and all cubicles were removed. Kids horsing around and yelling everywhere. It's impossible to do any serious reading and studying, and library staff doesn't seem to care about it at all. Parking lot is so tiny (smaller than 1/4 the size of the old one) with only one small exit for traffic from both bound. The layout of the parking lot is the worst ever, difficult to maneuver vehicle because most of the spaces were occupied by plants, trees and curbs.

I definitely love the numerous upgrades that the Albion branch has included, including the automatic book return mechanism... extremely useful, and modern. No hassle. The library is bright, large and spacious. On any given day, there could be a large amount of children there, and sometimes it can get a bit noisy, but it won't make you want to leave the library in a hurry. There a bunch of quiet study spaces for those who need to concentrate. I love the location of the library, being adjacent to the Albion Centre, which is great if I want to grab a bite to eat, and then head to the library for some quiet time before heading home. Conveniently located with the TTC. Easy to access. The staff are also helpful and accommodating. I highly recommend this library.

Went there as our wifi broke down due to the storm. The staff were super friendly and warmly greeted me. As I didn't have an ID proof on that day, they patiently guided me on what else could be done. If you have a laptop and can find an empty seating, you can use the wifi for free the entire day! Proper social distancing measures were observed and sanitizer placed at the entrance. It's a big library with good crowd. There is a food court right opposite the building, so if you want a break, you can cross the road and grab a snacks. Food is not permitted inside the library but can bring in a drink. Ample space and desks set aside for group study. Highly recommended for students , family and wfh professionals

Couple of years ago I would have given Albion good ratings but my recent experience left me very disappointed. I have kids who visit this library and that’s why I am a little upset about the environment after my last few visits. There’s a a girl harassing little boys. She was touching their faces and luring those minors into the washrooms. They were clearly uncomfortable and tried to get away. Went back 3 days ago and saw the same thing. I guess library isn’t safe for my KIDS anymore. .It used to be a beautiful place, a community hub.l with lots of programs. A lot of programs used to be held for kids. PARENTS, BE WARNED, Don’t send your kids alone.

I have personally never experienced anything negative and have been ordering books from here for over a year now (I don't stay for computers or studying). That being said when it's busy, usually after 3 pm it can be noisy in the kid area though it's usually quiet, especially before 3 pm and it's always super clean. Only thing that I can bring up is twice already the same man likes to sleep in one of the aisles in the young adult section where I get most of my books and can't get to any books (and no one wakes him up or makes him move even after staff walk past him). It's very odd to say the least.

I recently visited the Toronto Public Library - Albion Branch and had a wonderful experience! The staff was friendly and welcoming, and they were more than happy to help me with any questions I had. The library itself is clean, organized, and well-stocked with an impressive selection of books and other materials. I was especially impressed by the diverse range of resources and programs available to the community. The Albion Branch is truly a valuable asset to the neighborhood, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great library experience. I will definitely be coming back!

Due to their keen to making the library look spaces, they stupidly chose to sacrifice the number of books they can hold and the comforting for the patrons by make all the shelves the height of a kid. The aisles are so narrow that when one is couching or bending down to look for books the others cannot pass by. And remember you even have to bend for half of the top shelves because they are only at the height of a kid. I have visited most of the libraries in Toronto and this is definitely the worst one ever.

One of the Best Place for all Age people because you get all reading and video material as per your choice, Hobbies and interest. They have marvellous infrastructure with Group discussion or study Room. They have separate wing for Digital innovation like 3D Printing, Animation and Graphics. Child play area is also great place so that you can do your work while your children playing. Computers easily available for internet surfing, Printing and scanning. All the Best

Great library in the area. Well maintained, friendly staff, security present on the premises whole time as well as cleaners maintaining the library. Huge sitting area, collection of books is vast. Architecture is mind blowing. Quite place, I didn’t found any disturbances. Area for kids, to play, read and have fun. Inside and outside both are well maintained. Have self study rooms here. Area for snacks and has everything you need. Great place to spend time in peace.

Toronto public library, on Albion road, is the new large building with exterior designs, interior designs, staffs offices, people quiet rooms, children rooms, equipped technology rooms. The new library is new urban building with color exterior designs and colorless interior designs. Low shelves of public books, local magazines, local newspapers, movie dvds are available. Some computers available. The parking lot is new under the construction. Ptr (2017 September).

This library has a huge floor area and practically all types of book CDs are offered there. The staff is kind and helpful. The ambiance is calm and soothing. Students can come here to study for examinations. They also offer a separate meeting room. Rooms for group study and discussion. There are several public computers accessible for usage. The interior is neat and clean. they also have facility of drinking water , washroom & vending machine of snacks.

By far the worst public library I have visited. They don't have any quiet areas. People do as they please. You'll hear phone conversations everywhere. They should have designated quiet areas but they don't. I think this is something that they should consider. I don't like this library at all. I even mentioned to staff in the past that the areas were noisy and they didn't do anything about it. This was just so frustrating. They need to make improvements

Amazing Library, I would says the best in Toronto. Brand new facility just Inaugurated. Very well designed. All the areas, sitting arrangement, quite area for reading, sitting area outside for summer. They have all books for almost language, they also have children playing area and their new Reception is far better than the old one. Washroom is double the size of older Library. The cleanliness is amazing. Games, DVD's And books are in good condition.

I called them before going there and they said we are open up to 8 PM and I clearly asked for printing service. When I went there it was 7:15 PM and they told me you cannot use either printing or computers even using my own laptop to print, what an unprofessional service and horrible customer service. I even explained the situation, they have not even appologized for this contradiction. Why it is so difficult for some human to appologize.

From my point of view the Library is Ok. the baby programs are great and the reading corner for toddlers are amazing. On another note the library can get quite noisy especially if one is trying to concentrate. teenagers are always talking loudly, people on their phones and kids running around. The play corner for kids should have been enclosed and sound proof. and more nooks for quiet study areas should have been implemented.

Wonderful library. Recently they've added many programs to enrich the experiences of the youth! My only issue with the library is how crowded it has become but they can't help it when many people are attracted to the newly renovated building! You may have to plan your visit in advance to really benefit. Advice: see what's happening there before you go, try to visit in low-traffic times so you can book study rooms, etc.

I love going to this Library. I go there whenever I'm off fr. Work. They offer a lot of activities for kids of all ages on a daily basis. There are reading cubes/room if you want to be in a quieter area. Technologies are very modern (checking out books made easier). It's more spacious than the old library and I love how they have an outside area where you can enjoy reading quietly in summer days. It's a total upgrade.

The library has good resources but other than that the environment is lousy!. The library is extremely noisy especially in the evenings after 4 pm. There are unruly teens who hang out in the young children section. They are disrespectful, loud and they run around as if the library is a play ground. The security has asked them many times to keep quiet but the teens ignore staff and security ...I have witnessed it. It

its newly renovated, very nice and helpful staff. but i will never come here to study ever again. This place is a daycare centre where toodlers are screaming, crying, throwing things, running around. unless u book a study room (2/hr max). my advice come during the week between 9am-3p. forget evenings or weekends. They need to bring back the old time librarys where u had to be quiet or they kick ur ass out.

Currently, there's no quiet study area! Aren't library supposed to be for silent study? It's ALWAYS CROWDED, and never silent, so I can't study here. Not the richest neighborhood. Lots of young teenagers hang out here all day, to use the computers, since they don't have one at home. BUT new construction is happening. Soon they'll get a shiny new wing. They said it would have silent study area.

Wow. What a great community library! Well designed space that is open and inviting. Lots of natural light and space that is uniquely divided into quadrants for teens and kids/toddlers. This library also has two innovation rooms that is perfect for the makers in the family or those who like to be creative with video. Just a great space for those who want to learn.

Newly developed library has very pleasing architecture. There are no separate areas for quite study as there are in other large libraries. You have to book a room to study in peace. Kids always have the rooms booked to hang out and they leave a mess. Impossible to work here on weekends with children running around and screaming. Staff are less than friendly.

Not even quiet at all. It sounds more like a mall in here than anything. People were on their phone. One guy was even yelling on his phone multiple times. There were a bunch of older tweens being loud. Where was any staff to control this? There's also no quiet space to do study work. There's only a couple shared tables. will not be going back.

Very good library opposite the Albion mall. The staff is super helpful and nice. Great selection of books. Good quality printers, 3D printer also there. They have interesting activities for all ages from time to time. Parking is almost never an issue. Private rooms for studying/meetings. Outdoor space is also available. Excellent library.

I’ve been coming here for over 10 years. The new building is phenomenal! The ergonomics, design! Just everything about makes it amazing. It is fully upgraded with many places for people to, study, play, read and relax! One of my favourite little features is the filtered water fountain which is used to fill up water bottles! Amazing place!

If you want to see the most undisciplined people in the country, it is the place for you. Most of them are psychologically challanged and don't know how to behave in a library. Screaming and shouting out loudly is as common as breathing. The staff would never ever stop them even though you point that out. They are Absolutely helpless.

It is a new renovated library. But it is the worst and the loudest library I ever been. It seems to be a day care for high school students. They walk around the library and talk loudly. On the day I was there, there are 2 groups of high school student try to fight IN the library. The staffs and the one security can’t even stop them...

Very noise and rude staff. Every where there is food and drinks lying around. Never have empy space in quite room and occupied by some children just to do some gossipe . Some staff dont know what to do when you ask them for quite room and always say its first come first serve but unfortunatly it is booked for whole day .

One of the newest branches of the Toronto Public Library, as evidenced by the striking contemporary architecture and nearly all tables having charging stations. Features enclosed open-air reading areas. Patrons are noisy. Can get cold in winter due to poor insulation of glass walls. Also means glare during sunny days.

I got exquisite customer service from one of the librarians I believe her name was Angela. I had a hard time 3d printing something for my little brother and she went ahead and stopped eating her lunch to help us with the entire process and gave me an in depth introduction and I'm forever grateful.

Very loud. As loud as the mall cross the street. I might as well of not wasted my time crossing the street to come to the library and should of went to the mall instead to study. The librarian didn't even know where to return the books. I made the biggest mistake coming here. ☹

I've been coming here for years! I remember when it was the old building and though, it had some charm, the new and improved Albion Branch is amazing! Faster service to take out books, a wider range of materials, awesome outdoor/indoor seats and great weekly activity programs.

It's amazing. You can get variety of books and can use internet free of cost. Also, they have variety of cd cassette which you can use. Its best place to explore and you can learn so many things. Last but not the least, the staff at the centre is very friendly and cooperative.

EXCELLENT SERVICEAMAZING PERSON This employee Margaret is really the definition of a gentlewoman as well as professional. This is the best customer service I have ever had the pleasure to meet. She was a totally professional in every way. Best of the best. Many thanks. …

It's ok, it's consistently loud for a library. There's always someone on their phone and teens hanging around in groups talking loud. Librarians do little to tell people to shut up. Not a great space for studying. But if you are going to, bring noise cancelling headphones.

It is so calm and clean, provides a great reading experience, and also encourages children and youth to join the library at early life stages by inviting them for numerous activities, the staff is so helpful and lovely, and I love to spend more and more time in it.

Whether you're seeking a quiet space for research or simply looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a book, the library offers a welcoming haven for all.Good place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse in the world of books and knowledge.

The building is designed in a way that is attractive to the readers and it creates a pleasant ambience for the readers to concentrate and read their favorite books. Recently, this library has been my favorite place to spend my leisure time.

Lovely place and design of the library! Been at the old one since I was a child and glad to see such changes! Cannot wait for them to finish the parking lot sooner, would be nice to park and really take in on what this library has to offer!

Spacious and clean library. Beautiful design and architecture. Friendly staff. Great toddler area with engaging, busy board 'market vehicle' and kid sized chairs. Apparently, gets busy with kids in the afternoons.

NOISE NOISE NOISE don't come if u want to truly read or seriously work. better to be in Starbucks. children are playing hide and sick and ppl talking like restaurant. other than NOISE everything is perfect :)

Wonderful place for kids. For those concerned about noise for adult reading and studying, book one of the many Group Study Rooms (by yourself if you want) and close the door. I've done this myself many times.

It is pretty on the outside but there were teens who were screaming and swearing in the children's section! Where children were trying to actually read, security should have taken more security precautions.

Good environment but a question. Why don’t you guys operate after 08:30? I mean thats the time when university or college students actually study after whole day of classes and work?

Its probably the coolest library in the area after its renovation. Tbh I do miss the coziness of the old one before they renovated it but nonetheless its still an awesome location!

It's very clean and we'll-managed and pleasant place. Only one thing I wish is the site parking lot. However it's all right and you can park at the shopping mall across the street.

It is a great place for learning. Forexampl, the private room for studying makes amazing. It is wide and quite to read. The most important the program they have for childr

The staff is so supportive and helpful. Everything is very well organized. The system of sending an Email for books on hold and notifying the customers is really helpful.

The new building looks amazing from the outside. Inside is well lit and offers many areas to read or study. Staff were nice and helped me renew my library card easily.

Staff were all very kind they were very helpful very quick especially Dominic who had a lot of patience with me and I do appreciate it awesome guy thank you very much

Very loud. No one made any effort to remind people about keeping down the noise level, like most libraries do. Messy, food everywhere and children throwing things.

Great place to visit. If u require help on travelling or things u may not know this is the place to go neat clean bright and a warn friendly atmosphere. …

Very nice location! Super bright with natural sunlight! Also the innovation room with it's 3D printers and computers is a great space for creative minds.

One of the best libraries in Toronto. Has it's study rooms, computer access, a lot of books, kids section and more. Definitely recommend it to everyone.

New structure is quite good than the old one. Children will like the most. Printing, scanning, internet access, personal teaching rooms, neat and tidy.

This place is clean n quiet for reading books. The staff are friendly and kind; they kindly introduce about their systems. I love this place.

Great place... So many facilities are made available to public by government for totally free of charge... Seeing is believing...

I spoke a bit too loud so they shattered my collarbone, other than that I think that this liberary is awesome sauce! …

Clean, spacious. It is one of my favorite libraries. There is chess club if you are interested Saturdays at 2 O'clock.

Library cards are free now! They used to cost $2 to get/replace. It takes quite a while to get popular books.

Its not only a library but a community center too with great ice rink … The staff is very nice and helpful

Great design for the Parking lot. Nice modern layout inside. I wish it had a second story design as well.

Newly renovate Clean inside and lots of Parking Kids Play Area and More Staff or Helpful and Friendly

Good reading area, professional as well as helpful staff. The service of study room is very good.

Bright, airy, quiet, and a wonderful library to visit. This is my favourite location in the area.

State of the art library. They have alot of sections including a children activit y section

Good collection of books and very helpful staff, good place for to get some studying done.

Study rooms great for productivity; media room is quite useful; staff generally welcoming.

Love this library so big bright and beautiful and so much fun for my daughters!

Good place to sit and read in a silent place. Lots of books on everything.

Amazing place for book lovers. For public who love peace and tranquility

Large selection, lots of areas to study and some staff are nice.

"Staff continuously need to check for noise management."

Great service and atmosphere. Staff are wonderful!!

Great staff, great place to study.

Best place to study in relax mode

It's a wonderful place to be