Shawnessy Library

156 reviews

333 Shawville Blvd SE, Calgary, AB T2Y 4H3, Canada

calgarylibrary.ca

+14032602600

About

Shawnessy Library is a Public library located at 333 Shawville Blvd SE, Calgary, AB T2Y 4H3, Canada. It has received 156 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday9AM-9PM
Tuesday9AM-9PM
Wednesday9AM-9PM
Thursday9AM-6PM
Friday9AM-5PM
Saturday12-5PM
Sunday9AM-9PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Shawnessy Library: 333 Shawville Blvd SE, Calgary, AB T2Y 4H3, Canada

  • Shawnessy Library has 4.5 stars from 156 reviews

  • Public library

  • "We moved recently and started using Shawnessy location after absolutely loving Fish Creek location for years"

    "Many free programs offered through the library that many Calgary residents do not know about"

    "I love this location"

    "A great library for the community"

    "I wish this library had an external entrance so you didn’t have to walk through the entire recreation centre to get to it"

Reviews

  • Andrea Cheng

We moved recently and started using Shawnessy location after absolutely loving Fish Creek location for years. We support the library because we have first hand experienced its value. The multiple books, programs, and enriching environment have been incredible while raising a family. Having weakened immune systems in our household, the curbside pick up option was a true gift. At Fish Creek the staff had always been super friendly, never hinting annoyance. Shawnessy staff have sounded irritated numerous times. One unfortunate time our phone got disconnected so I stepped inside to explain what happened and walked in on the ladies complaining about curbside and how they feel they shouldn't have to do it. Even going inside this library, I have had a couple of friendly staff but mostly I feel like an inconvenience. My kids love reading, but this past time of going in my daughter panicked and wanted to leave immediately because she felt like the staff were angry with us. We had just asked for help checking out holds. I'm disappointed and seriously missing our old Fish Creek location.

  • Charlie Quebelle

Many free programs offered through the library that many Calgary residents do not know about. Starting with LinkedIn Learning, Solaro, Gale Courses, Libby, and much more. It is crowded and noisy at times due to young children or loud teenagers but it is accessible and accommodating. The staff are friendly and the city's library system tries their best to not incur late fees in order to eliminate financial barriers or burdens. While this might motivate some patrons to not return their loaned items on time, I appreciate the thoughtfulness of the approach. This is what I highly appreciate Calgary (and many other Canadian cities) for, by offering helpful programs to residents and trying to be forward-minded in their policies.

  • Kat Eleanor

I love this location. There’s lots of parking, but the parking lot can be busy during school, or if there’s hockey happening. There’s a parking lane right out front, for quick access to the outdoor book return. I don’t browse too deeply here, as I can usually find something on the staff-curated shelves at the front. Book holds shelves are organized, and it’s super easy to find the items you’ve requested. The kids’ area is great...for kids. It can get pretty loud if you’re trying to read in the seating area, and there’s kids playing. Use the quiet study room if you need absolute silence. I’ll be back within the week... I’m almost done my books! Support your local library!

  • Brian McAsey

A great library for the community. My only complaint are whining patrons who seem to think kids are a problem and libraries are meant to be study halls. Some even use Google reviews in a passive aggressive manner. If you want to study without kids go to Mount Royal or U of C. City libraries are meant to be vibrant and family friendly places. That crying baby unnerving you? Perhaps it is a cue to check out a book on sexuality to ensure you don't get one before you are ready to change your views. Don't be a hater and I look forward to seeing you at the library.

  • Mallorie

I wish this library had an external entrance so you didn’t have to walk through the entire recreation centre to get to it. It’s difficult when you have lots of kids and they see all the activities that you’re not currently participating in. The library itself is really nice and well organized, the children’s section can get quite loud and there seems to be a lot of unsupervised kids, but that’s pretty par for the course when it comes to these library play zones.

  • herpa derpa

This library is more like a daycare then a library. Children are always running around and screaming. If you want a quiet study area, you have to go into a small closed off room that always smells like body odor because the ventilation in the room is poor. I believe you should only come to this library if your goal is to take out or return books because the conditions are very poor for studying and not to be expected of a library.

  • Izzy Gax

The staff are so helpful and polite, they are able to help you with any trouble you could find while you’re using the computer or when you’re trying to print any documents. Free membership and also $5 into your account every month (for printing).I could not ask for more, the place it’s clean and the staff are knowledgeable. Thank you for everything you do!!

  • Justine Ho

This is a great place I like to go to to read my books. I know that there are sometimes screaming kids, but that only happens once or twice a day. I would advise you to go when there are less people there. Great, friendly staff and I love that we can use the computers and also print stuff! Good place to study if I have nowhere else to go!

  • Seun O

Very well built and organized library, and very well equipped. Staff are great, kind and friendly, the internet is stable and fast. Lot of places for children to play and study. It will be great to have more of these facilities close to us in neighbouring communities of Wolf Willow, chaparral, Legacy and Walden in South East Calgary.

  • Igésia RBC

This library was recently renovated, and the structure looks better now. I can't say enough how I like the staff who works here. They helped me hundreds of times in many ways. Washrooms are always clean. The kids' area is well maintained and organized. There is always a different activity for children to play with.

  • Anna Z

I just wonder why they put the tables for kids in the library? I had very hard time to keep an attention of my 6 years old off the tablets . We came to read books and play with other kids (that I thought a library is for) but instead he just wanted to play with tables, alone, no interaction with others.

  • Omid Samadian

Its too loud, like you are sitting in kindergarten ,some mothers are also sitting in early learning area and talking loudly , I think the early learning area should be separated !! You really dont feel you are in library but it seems they consider it as meeting place and thats their policy !!

  • Martha BC

Librarians are very friendly and helpful❤️ no doubt about that, they love to help and have passion to work with people. Sometimes I feel stupid to ask questions but they do their best to make sure you are being helped. My kids love to barrow book Thank you guys for your unending help.

  • Martha Macario

I don't know where to write my comment to LIBRARY or to YMCA. There should be a sign to the parking area so that people will park properly and unselfish because i always noticed people just take two parking . You have to go to the homedepot to park and walk to the Ymca or Library.

  • Bimbibenny

Great location. Has many materials to be borrowed. However, this one lady was spending 30 min at the colour copier. Was she making copies of a dictionary!? I left the place to go grab lunch and purchase bread at the local Safeway while I was waiting for the colour copier.

  • Daddy G

Having emigrated here from the UK, I was so very impressed with the diversity and quality of public services offered by Calgary Librairies. A truly amazing public resource that should be treasured AND protected for the benefit of all. Conservative Politicians Keep Off!

  • Jesse Corbel

I always have a good time at the library. It's in a family friendly rec centre with food vendors, so you could spend all day there. The library has many self checkout machines and even a self return machine to make your experience nice and easy.

  • Arslan Verk

I had an amazing experience here! The printers weren’t working today, but Christine A went out of her way to print out some important documents for me. She and the rest of the team are amazing, and they all deserve their recognition!

  • Luyao W

Last time I visited, I was having trouble with printing. All the staff who helped me were incredibly polite and accommodating. I felt welcome despite having to ask for help multiple times and they reassured me when I felt burdensome.

  • Moe Toghraei

It is a good place as long as it is not break time for the adjacent school. Students from the school come to the library and consider it as a "food court". It means it will be very noisy (shouting), bunch of romantic(!!) touches etc.

  • Jerard Po

I really like the library staff in this location. They know exactly what it means to be prompt, helpful and fair to everyone even it may be uncomfortable. If you are reading this, thank you Shawnessy Library staff I appreciate you.

  • Peter H

I come here all the time to use the computer and print off documents. It’s always very fast, never have to wait for a computer no matter what time of day, or what day of the week it is. Also, I’ve never had to wait for a printer!

  • Petre Ene

Very good place to study. The stuff was friendly and I got access to the internet right away. Despite being a bit busy on a Sunday afternoon the staff was maintaining the level of notice and cleaning at a docent level. Great job.

  • Aileen Alfonso

I went in today to do some printing. I was struggling trying to figure out how to print coloured copies from my phone. One of the librarians went above and beyond to help me out. I really appreciated all his help. Thanks!

  • Adam Domenic Pacione

Decently safe for coronavirus hand sanitizeris at the front. Some staff talk behind your back and gossip about you while you look for books. Good selection, some good staff and some impolite, not proffesional.

  • Justin R.

It's accessible and located conveniently, but oftentimes it is very loud and noisy with the kids running or screaming. I hope the staff can implement a way to actually have an atmosphere of a library.

  • Spiritheal

Good library unfortunately I m not really happy happened a few times I have to paid fine for DVD my son forget to bring back in time. $3 for old dvd I can buy for $1.00 that's a robbery!!

  • ddoza sweetness

Need more tables for studying, especially when school is back on. Quiet room fills up pretty quick. Otherwise, if you can grab a table or study spot, not bad for a place to do homework.

  • Adrian Dayrit

Usually pretty quiet, but there's always quite a bit of selection and new books being added. The DVD and electronic media section is actually pretty diverse as well.

  • DouDou Zhang

Every time I’m there, I always get much more then bc ai expected, the staffs there are very helpful, they always try their best to help around the library!

  • Stephen Dios

Good selection of books. Friendly staff. Decent amount of tables. 1 star off because sound levels aren't really enforced and screaming kids arent uncommon

  • Cheryl Solis

The staff have been amazing and so helpful. Answered any questions i had. Helped me copy and scan documents. Very helpful everytime i have gone there.

  • Busola Abolarin (Abusco)

Nice place to study. I make use of the silent study area all the time and I really like it. Library employees are very friendly and willing to help.

  • Lena Galitsyna

Надо скорее открывать полностью и англ классы Чтоб у людей депрессия прошла Я лично рада что попала в библиотеку Дай Бог всем здоровья и разума

  • Summa Lai

Friendly stuff, Saturday afternoon chess club. This is my son's favorite library. The only thing could make it best is lack of programs here.

  • Елена Olena Ипатьева Ipatieva

Очень милое, уютное,красивое место как для детей так и для взрослых. Всем будет чем заняться. Тихо. Есть все необходимое для занятий и дел.

  • David MacDonnell

Good selection of books. It's got a great kids area for families. They host workshops of many kinds and have a quit study room too.

  • James Milner

The selection for non fiction is rather small. It seems this library is mostly focused on fiction, as well as a large kids section.

  • David Fisher

Excellently organized for social distancing, remember to wear your mask. Clean well, well organized & the staff are very helpful.

  • Grace O'Neil

It's a nice place to go that's got lots of selection for everybody. Good for just taking a break and relaxing with a book.

  • The Travel Playbook

One of the best library in Calgary. Quite spacious, clean and well maintained place. Staff are friendly and spontaneous.

  • Hameed akhtar

This Library is an excellent place for study and research work, outstanding arrangements and peaceful environment.

  • Victor Olorunda

New renovation brings new space and the staff are Friendly as ever. Great location close to LRT!

  • Jose Perera

It’s really nice. Went with my daughter and we had a great time reading books, hanging out.

  • Pilkky ツ

I had a review of the place in my school.One of the person in the staff reviewed everything

  • Michael Beresford

Usually pretty loud and the French guy that is behind the counter there is rude as hell.

  • Roman Polovnikov

Отличное место. Очень много посетителей. Принтер часто не работает. Персонал отличный :)

  • Vanessa

Very friendly place with well service, a nice clean and organized area through my eyes.

  • Jennifer Anaekwe

A very relaxing place to study . Great ambience and staff are also very helpful too .

  • Gemily Lubosan

This place is realy accessible it's near in ctrain station and tim Horton and ymca

  • Melina Neron

Hours are currently 9 to 9 on weekdays, 9 to 5 on Saturday and 12 to 5 on Sunday.

  • SHAILESH PATEL

Good library good staff give a beautiful advice and information l like so much

  • Shivsankar R.

Good setup for working, fast internet. Great printing facility available.

  • Kieran Wood (Descent)

Not bad I like the set up, and it has most of the books I look for.

  • Kc Slater

Super easy to find what you need staff is help full but short hours

  • Jeffrey K

Nice library and lots of other awesome stuff at this facility.

  • Rosemary Orji

Great ambience for study. Very courteous and helpful staff.

  • Kitty Orozco

Veronica was super kind!! Nice place with good programs ☺️

  • anonymous astronaut

Warm environment and really nice place to contemplate life

  • Domingo Romero

Excellent location and facilities. Very polite staff.

  • Ian Weldon

Pleasant staff lots of books to read or borrow. Ian

  • John Erk

Great library, just wish opening hours were longer

  • Tosin Lawal

A great place, with friendly, and helpful staff.

  • Jhade Ragmac

Hot and loud currently undergoing construction

  • JayJay- tripz

Got kicked out in 2003 for the clothing i wore

  • Ana Lara

It's a great place with lots of nice books!

  • Anna Taranova

Best customer service experience in my life

  • racing gamer

I went here many times and it's fantastic!

  • Abdulrahman Sadik

Very polite staff and friendly environment

  • Al Zhang

pretty nice library with good selections

  • Martina Mikulin

Would be nice if their printers worked…

  • Vincent CM

Good selection of books, not too used.

  • Azusa Hirota

Closest CPL. free print out is nice:)

  • Dan Morrissey

Great library and staff are excellent

  • Matthew Wright

Super friendly, great meeting rooms!

  • Greg Mooney

It's a good library, simply stated.

  • James Lerner

More of a daycare than a library.

  • Ahmed Bawazir

The staff there are helpful

  • Elfphy

The staffs pretty cool B)

  • suku Jo

Nice people nice library

  • Jose Polanco

The staff…. The best!

  • Chad C

No parking ever!!!!

  • Mark Mazur

Excellent library

  • Kirty KB

Great selection!

  • S K

Love the vibes

  • CHUCK (CHUCK)

Amazing …

  • Wei Hu

It's re opened

  • Charles Ng

Good library,

  • Yonas Woldemariam

Great

  • Frozen Donut

Great

  • felix abiodun
  • Mark Stroud
  • Agnes Akinwale
  • Bryce Hughes
  • Arijita Paul
  • Shweta Parulekar
  • Mandy Patchin
  • Pavlo Slavinskyi
  • Sandeep Nerati
  • Bev Baraniuk

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