Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library

687 reviews

5120 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5N9, Canada

www.torontopubliclibrary.ca

+14163955535

About

Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library is a Public library located at 5120 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5N9, Canada. It has received 687 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday9AM-8:30PM
Tuesday9AM-5PM
Wednesday1:30-5PM
Thursday9AM-8:30PM
Friday9AM-8:30PM
Saturday9AM-8:30PM
Sunday9AM-8:30PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library: 5120 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5N9, Canada

  • Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library has 4.5 stars from 687 reviews

  • Public library

  • "I deserve to express my strong dissatisfaction with the treatment I received at the North York Central Library on May 8th at 8:15pm on the first floor"

    "A rather large library that has 5 floors within the North York Centre mall"

    "This is definitely one of the best TPL locations in Toronto"

    "I live walking distance from this branch and visit couple of times a month, usually during weekdays"

    "One of the most peaceful place for book lovers in North York, biggets collection, latest books available"

Reviews

  • Meredith K

I deserve to express my strong dissatisfaction with the treatment I received at the North York Central Library on May 8th at 8:15pm on the first floor. As a loyal patron of the library, I have consistently appreciated the services provided and the friendly atmosphere maintained by your staff. However, my recent experience with one of your librarians and another library patron has left me feeling deeply disrespected and unfairly treated. The incident took place while I was waiting to use the printer. I courteously waited 20 minutes, then allowed a middle-aged lady, who claimed to have only one page to print, to go ahead of me. When it was finally my turn, I discovered that I needed to add funds to my account, which would require mere seconds to complete on my phone because I was familiar with the online top-up procedure. At this juncture, the same lady I had previously accommodated insisted on using the printer again, and a librarian intervened, inappropriately asking me to step aside. I already explained to this librarian that I had patiently waited a long time for others, and courteously gave this lady a turn before me. But the librarian insisted that I move, and said, (verbatim) "what is wrong with you?!", while waving me aside using very disrespectful hand gestures. This blatant disregard for fairness and common courtesy was both upsetting and disappointing. Moreover, the librarian exhibited a clear bias in favor of the other patron, addressing her as "madam" while offering me no such respect. Such behavior from a staff member in a public institution is unacceptable and unprofessional. The staff should strive to maintain an efficient workflow and accommodate the needs of library patrons without compromising on fair and respectful treatment. I demand that you address this issue with your staff to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future. As a dedicated patron of the North York Central Library, I find it disheartening to encounter such a disappointing experience. I expect that this issue will be taken seriously and that appropriate action will be taken to rectify the situation. The library worked on the first floor at 8:20 this Monday. She was a woman of 25~35 years, with long dark hair, brown skin, and wore a green dress shirt and jeans.

  • TheArchitect

A rather large library that has 5 floors within the North York Centre mall. There are many floors of just books and I assume there's other materials that you can borrow as well. There are what seems to be multiple computer labs/areas. There is a chill and study areas. There is a eLearning lab, a Fabrication Studio (lots of sewing machines in the room), and an Digital Innovation Hub. There are rooms that I think you can book to use for things like meetings or group projects etc. There is also a kid play area. This library is pretty busy. Lots of people going on and about. Working on things, napping, chilling, studying. This library has a lot going on for it. Recommend you visit this library if your nearby.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Marla

This is definitely one of the best TPL locations in Toronto. I think maybe only the Bloor Reference library is better. This place is absolutely massive with around 4 floors of books and interesting spaces. The main floor has a dedicated teen area with load of books, manga, and computers/gaming systems. On the other side of the main floor, there is a kids area with all sorts of fun activities. The second floor has some unique spaces including a digit innovation lab with 3D printers, a green room for filming and a sound editing room. There is also a sewing studio on the floor. The higher levels have books and study rooms. The whole library was recently renovated, so it looks really clean and updated. Honestly, this place is amazing. I just wish it was open 24/7.

  • Ramesh Kanthaswami

I live walking distance from this branch and visit couple of times a month, usually during weekdays. During summer it is quite not many people, during school season, can see many kids utilizing the facility. I used to get DVDS of movies, how-to instructional videos as well as books and magazines. They have good collections in this branch, with five floors. Lately I have been exploring Eastern spirituality, but the selection is not quite limited, unless you are interested in Zen or Buddhism. This location has been renovated recently with dedicated private rooms, crafting and 3D printing facilities etc. The ground floor has nice area for toddlers/kids to explore and play.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

  • Arun

One of the most peaceful place for book lovers in North York, biggets collection, latest books available. Staffs are very friendly, childrens section staff are the best. You need to come early morning to get room allocations. Washrooms are neat and clean. Lifts available. I generally go for medical books and you have a good collection of medical books including Mccqe 1&2 books. Toronto notes etc. available. Staffs are very friendly here. Starbucks is just attached to the library. And this is located at Mel Lastman square. There is North York station subway just opposite . TTC available. paid parking is available in the road and its very limited and usually busy. One of the best library in GTA

  • Jason Gafar

I very much like the library itself, however I have often found the majority of the staff here to be entirely of no use. I was just rudely declined scrap paper. I merely asked for a bigger one than the ones they provided, and was told no. The rep who told me so spoke to me with such contempt. I was taken aback at his complete disregard. Customer service doesn't seem to be his strength which is ironic considering his job is customer service based. There have been other representatives who were in fact very helpful, specially an older gentleman who is bald and wears glasses, however other than him, I have found the majority of the staff here to offer a very low level of customer service.

  • Okbah Abdulkarim

The place looks great after the renovation ( except the entrance corridor at level 1, I don’t understand on why they have not changed the ugly green floor tiles and kept the old one. ) . The place is always crowded and noisy . There should be more control on some annoying people. It will be also nice if they change the trollers used by staff or at least put some grease to them so they become quite . It will be a good idea if they stop people from eating and causing mess to the desks and computers . I am on daily basis there and I can say it is very good place for research and have good resources .

  • M J

Another noisy library. You can hear kids talking on ground floor from upstairs. Disrespectful teenagers and young adults treating here as party room and space. I don’t understand the purpose of Toronto city to build LIBRARY but there is no noise control. Even staff is talking pretty loud that I can hear her from 4 meters away. The only good thing better than the other one is you can book study room ahead (still can hear noise outside and next door). It would be a nice library if you come here not for quiet space.

  • K W

2022 September 4.5★ For a library in Toronto, this place is amazing. Comfortable, quiet and spacious. There's a decent size kids area with books and hands on science center type activities in addition to books. On other levels (6 in total), you'll find a catalog of other books. On the second floor, there's a digital 3D printing area, a sewing area and even a training room. Beautifully architectured. It's everything you want in a library and more. Parking limited and it's best to take the subway as it's connected.

  • Cindy Wang

We visit on an almost daily basis. Large play area for the kids with lots to do. Friendly staff and well maintained given there’s so many kids there everyday. I would recommend adding more security as there was a big man carrying a gun around last week. The library had to close down due to the incident and it would be more reassuring for a regular visitor like myself to see added security to ensure safety.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Bankai

Noisy and crowded. Library staffs are not doing anything to reduce the noise. Difficult to study without headphones. Today two girls were loudly talking and when I asked them politely to lower their voice, they responded with violence and told me to find another place for study. Even when I told library staffs about it, they couldn’t help much. Those girls were disrespectful and rude. Come on. Make it a better place you moronic noisy ppl. Library is there for quiet study, not gossiping .

  • Nafis Parvin

I really liked the atmosphere but I expect more quite zone space for people who need to work in silent. The small quite zone was also full of people who talked to each other. The other disadvantage was opening and close hour which was from 9 to 20:30 and no night shifts so many people who work during the day can't use this place chairs were not that comfortable to sit the whole day
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • DANGRA QUEEN

Newly revamped, this library lookin' fresh they practically have a children's playground inside on the first floor (I had fun there too lol). A security guard and many staff who is always happy to help me. There's many study area/rooms and laptop ports and gaming area. They have many features films, Hollywood movies, and classics. I recently borrowed Steel Magnolias movie...fav line from the movie "...here, take a wack at Weeza..." lol

  • Narges Haji

This place is perfect to study/work in. You might need private room, you can find here. There are several piano in the music room that you can use. You can find many facilities such as 3D printer in here - apart from a little bit of noise from people and children wandering around, everything is perfect to come here and use free public facilities. Oh, there is a very interesting case part for children to play in!

  • Sahar Mirzaie

I worked remotely for a few days in Toronto and spent a lot of time in this library, which I absolutely love! The staff are friendly and helpful. The building is stunning, with a spacious and relaxed design. The private rooms are perfect for when I had meetings. I couldn't attend but there are some interesting classes as well.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

  • Nafis

Level one is more suitable for kids and it is very noisy. If you want quit place to study, go to level three. There are 9 study rooms in this level which are first come first serve. Also, there are 4 group study rooms that you can book in advance for 2 or more persons for 2 hours per day. In addition there are 3 group study rooms in teens zone.

  • Kaan Bektas

At the digital innovation hub there was a white young woman around the age of 24 (light brown glasses, blonde hair) that acted like an absolute karen. She refused to eject me USB at the 3d printers, and had a meltdown and made me say sorry that I didnt bribg my library card but I had the number memorized. Worst customer service, just fire her.

  • Noushin

This place is so huge and perfect for bringing your kids here. There is a kids section and some play sets and it even has a room for studying. It also has incredible staff and events that you sign up your kids for! Really recommond! This place is also really organized and HAS A BUNCH of books. You can win prizes and get free bookmarks!

  • Rom Hb

Spacious enough to find your cozy spot to work (has free WiFi), study or read your favourite books. Registering is done in 10 minutes at customer service (enter then turn left). Staffs are super nice. You can also use MAP (Museum and Art galleries Pass) plan to vizit toronto museums and galleries free of charge. Extremely recommended.

  • Ali Baranpourian

I love my neighborhood library. It's where I go when I want to spend a while in peace and quiet surrounded by a thousand magical books & It's where I go when I want to borrow a book or two. I appreciate the fact that such a jewel exists near where I live and I'm grateful to the people who run the place and keep it going.

  • Anita Windisman

A beautiful library since the renovation. Pretty quiet considering how large it is. Has amazing features such as the Fabrication Studio, eLearning Lab, and Digital Innovation Hub. It also has a green room where you can do filming, and a recording studio. I'm also blown away by the helpful staff.

  • RO Ran

The North York Central Library is an outstanding resource with a diverse collection of books, DVDs, and even has events, including film screenings and lectures. It offers various study areas, making it an excellent community resource.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • chloe bue

My favourite library by far. There are many seats, and the architecture is phenomenal. While it is louder than my local library, I found that the ambiance helped me stay focused foe long periods of times. If you prefer absolute silence, I’d go straight to the study rooms though.

  • Azin Azad

One of my favorite libraries to study in. Staff are so kind and helpful in booking the study rooms and other services. They are also strict with covid-19 protocols. One thing that I absolutely love about this library is its piano room! Not every library has one.

  • Carmen Sampaleanu

Such a great library! It is huge, plus the renovation made a few years back seems to be paying off. Every time I go, I see it's full of people that are reading, researching, using the computers and specialty rooms. Teenagers too, which is very heart warming ❤️

  • Jonathan Lin

Very grand and well-designed facility. It is a great place to study after school because there are many seats with plugs near them. There is an elevator available if you are too lazy to climb up 5 flights of stairs to reach the top floor. More

  • J S

Huge, clean, welcoming library. Really nice space to come study, grab a book, and there’s like 1000 other services and things you can borrow or use that you wouldn’t think of. Having fun isn’t hard, when you have a library card. Safe as well!

  • Anastasiia Rekun

The library is wonderful! There is enough space for everyone. You can sit on a comfortable couch to read a book, you can sit on a bar chair to work or use a zone for studying. And in this library you can find almost everything what you need.

  • Wendy H

I love taking classes here! I’ve taken Serger sewing and intro to knitting. The instructors have been very knowledgeable and friendly. The hardest part is trying to get a seat for these classes, because they do go by FAST! I’m talking sold

  • Areez Remtulla

I love living near this library, it's beautiful, huge, and there's lots of different places to work. It's never too busy. I can always find a table. If the first couple floors are busy, you can always go to a higher floor where less people

  • Victoria

This library is absolutely beautiful after their recent renovations. My favourite part of the space are the maker spaces on the second floor. They have 3D printers, sewing machines, vinyl sticker makers, embroidery machines, and computers

  • Xie Pei

Honestly the coolest Toronto public Library I been in. A lot of room has piano room but it requires to be booked in advance. Overall nice vibe and chill.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Guilherme Cavalcante

This might be the best library in Toronto. Much quieter than the Reference Library while being as huge. Six floors, plenty of seats and places to study
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • EelamRose Canada

It’s not only beautiful it’s so beautiful. Again for students who visit this library if they are driving they should also get a break from parking fees
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Polina Kornyukhina

Nice spacious place on multiple floors with lots of room to study. However, main stairs were blocked off for the public and you could only use an elevator cramped with people to move between floors. Also, the library could use a staff

  • Roxy Wong

Newly renovated, big, etc.. The environment looks nice. There are many rooms and facilities, including a video game room and a piano room.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Christine Karundeng

Been my go-to library for a while now. Good service, booked my study room through phone call and they're very prompt in responding. Study rooms are spacious and accessible. Charging ports available …

  • Matt Li

Great place for adults as well as kids, with an entire separate kid section. In addition to books, there are two play vehicles (bus and car), as well as blocks. There are 3D printers that can be booked as well.

  • g r o a k y D o r /\/\ o u s e

Love the layout. This library is huge! Very clean and well organized. Nice quiet place for studying and to do work.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Mahsa AMR

My all time favorite spot for studying, online or in-person meetings and team works. Friendly and helpful staff, clean area, TTC access, many awesome facilities like Piano room and study rooms.

  • Adetola Oladimeji

Did you know that your library card gives you free access to all of LinkedIn Learning? And a wonderful view of the Square? Now you know! As if I couldn’t love the library better

  • mahshid elahi

I found the library very cozy and roomy. The staff are really nice and considerate. The library is divided into nice useable sections that can be utilized for different activities.

  • Aman Patel

Best Library I have ever seen. Staff is very friendly and facilities are amazing. The location is very convenient to reach. Must visit if you're living in North-York or nearby.

  • Poorya Rahmati

Such a wonderful place to work and study; you can find various books you might need and it is actually so big that you can find your comfort zone to focus.

  • Johnny Hsu

There are so many books in this library, and there are also Chinese, Korean, Japanese multiple language version books on the racks. It’s a nice library

  • Cam Hua

Spacious library with lot of space to sit down and enjoy and book. It's the first time I've been there. Hopefully I can come back. Highly recommend

  • Radiografi Imagem Digital

Nice place! But full of crazy people and homeless sleeping at the tables. Even people using drugs in the bathroom. Very sad situation. More

  • Lourdes soto niño

Pleasant and comfortable place to work, you can book a room for video conferences. All services are free, it's a very clean place.

  • Introverts Academy

Love the atmosphere and modern look after the renovation! So many great books and resources, and a quick place to study or work.

  • Harsh Patel

Recently came across several cleanliness / hygiene issues. Not just sitting areas but washrooms etc.

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