10 Best Public libraries in Canada
Best Public librarys in Canada
At a glance
Data updated: October 2026
- Places listed
- 36
- Average rating
- 4.0 / 5
- Reviews
- 14,148
- Rated 4.5 or higher
- 59%
- With a website
- 97%
10 best Public libraries in Canada compared
| Rank | Place | Score | Rating | Reviews | 5★ share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mississauga Valley Library | 4.64 | 4.8 | 108 | 81% |
| #2 | Haskell Free Library and Opera House | 4.64 | 4.8 | 103 | 87% |
| #3 | Bowness Library | 4.63 | 4.8 | 94 | 83% |
| #4 | Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library | 4.48 | 4.5 | 668 | 76% |
| #5 | Hazel McCallion Central Library | 4.46 | 4.5 | 305 | 71% |
| #6 | Toronto Public Library - Cedarbrae Branch | 4.45 | 4.5 | 254 | 72% |
| #7 | Octogone Public Library | 4.45 | 4.5 | 236 | 75% |
| #8 | Seton Library | 4.45 | 4.5 | 224 | 74% |
| #9 | Aaniin Library | 4.42 | 4.5 | 134 | 71% |
| #10 | Markham Village Library | 4.41 | 4.5 | 123 | 71% |
LocalGuideWorld score: the average rating weighted by the number of reviews, so a 4.8 from 2,000 reviews ranks above a 5.0 from 3 reviews.
Best for
How the places are rated
-
★ 4.5 – 5.019 places (59%)
-
★ 4.0 – 4.410 places (31%)
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★ 3.5 – 3.92 places (6%)
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★ < 3.51 places (3%)
What reviewers talk about
Share of 209 recent reviews that mention each topic.
-
Service & staff37%
-
Cleanliness9%
-
Location9%
-
Atmosphere7%
-
Waiting & crowds4%
-
View4%
Top Cities for Public library in Canada
Top Rated Public librarys
Haskell Free Library and Opera House
#1
Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library
#2
Hazel McCallion Central Library
#3
Toronto Public Library - Cedarbrae Branch
#4
Bibliothèque de Saint-Léonard
#5
Richmond Library and Cultural Centre
#6
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville Public Library
#7
Thornhill Library
#8
Lynn Valley Village
#9
Port Credit Library
#10
Parkway Mall
#11
Toronto Public Library - Bridlewood Branch
#12
Top Reviewed Public librarys
Parkway Mall
#1
Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library
#2
Hazel McCallion Central Library
#3
Toronto Public Library - Cedarbrae Branch
#4
Lynn Valley Village
#5
Bibliothèque de Saint-Léonard
#6
Thornhill Library
#7
Haskell Free Library and Opera House
#8
Toronto Public Library - Bridlewood Branch
#9
Richmond Library and Cultural Centre
#10
Port Credit Library
#11
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville Public Library
#12
View Place
Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library
View Place
Lynn Valley Village
View Place
Bibliothèque de Saint-Léonard
View Place
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville Public Library
View Place
Haskell Free Library and Opera House
View Place
Port Credit Library
View Place
Hazel McCallion Central Library
View Place
Thornhill Library
View Place
Toronto Public Library - Bridlewood Branch
View Place
Toronto Public Library - Cedarbrae Branch
View Place
Parkway Mall
View Place
Richmond Library and Cultural Centre
Quick facts
- How many places in the “Public library” category are listed in Canada?
- There are 36 places in the “Public library” category in Canada on LocalGuideWorld.
- What are the 10 best places in the “Public library” category in Canada?
- By LocalGuideWorld score: Mississauga Valley Library, Haskell Free Library and Opera House, Bowness Library, Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library, Hazel McCallion Central Library.
- Which place in the “Public library” category in Canada has the highest rating?
- Coaldale Public Library, rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 16 reviews.
- Which place in the “Public library” category in Canada has the most reviews?
- Parkway Mall, with 8,885 reviews.
- Which place in the “Public library” category in Canada is a hidden gem?
- Coaldale Public Library, rated 4.9 from only 16 reviews.
- What is the average rating of places in the “Public library” category in Canada?
- 4.4 out of 5 on average, based on 14,148 reviews.
Reviews
Community mall with a long history and "that" iconic domed roof over the Metro (formerly Dominion) and thus some "historic" value. There's a Dollarama, a surprisingly super modern Gabby's, and some decent boba spot. The Hakka No.1 Restaurant here is also worth visiting! Lots of parking, though nothing overly exciting in the mall as is.
I love it, all my favorite stores are available except value village and No frills
This library for environment perspective it deserved 5 star, however, front desk staff attitude is very very bad, even don’t know how to communicate with customer, whenever you ask some paper something for toddler, service is very bad, hope manager notice this issue seriously.
Computers were down when I went but staff was very rude. I went to another nearby library where staff was able to help me.
Library is great only suggestion is to update their books also would like them to have more current books on things such as AI , where there is no books .. about it . overall nothing much to say .. GOOD STANDARD ! keep it up
This library is a great place for everyone, it's a huge library for the surrounding area, and has tons of books. The staff are great overall, and I had no issues really. This library has a lot of computers compared to other neighbouring branches, which is nice, but at times it does get busy where most computers are taken. One thing I wished this library had was space for more silent rooms, since I notice, some of the same people daily hog the silent rooms right at 0900, like seriously I have seen people running to get the silent rooms. LOL. However, a great place for kids and families, and the library staff are helpful and knowledgeable too. They don't have color printers by the way, only the the Toronto Reference Library near Downtown Toronto has it. Also, the library has a lot of programs for kids (reading, singing, games), teens (school-related, games in the Teens Room), adults. I think they also have held Finanicial sessions, Real Estate (House, Mortgage), Microsoft Office, Languages sessions in the past. It's a great place for newcomers as well. Do attend this place if you are nearby :)
Beautiful small Stanstead village. The library is right on the boarder. Canadian is allowed to go to the main entrance of the library by walking through the pave way but not on the road. Few stones are stand there as the boarder….
Very poorly designed layout. Not a library conducive to quiet work or studying. Shame because its in such a beautiful location with the park and river just outside. Quiet study rooms are literally right beside the children's play area where kids are screaming. Not sure who thought this was a good idea. No group tables or even single tables either, just chairs shoved in the little spaces around the perimeter.
WAAAAY, WAAAAAY, WAY, COOL!!!! You will get a yelling at for horsing around at the border, however the yelling at is a must!!!
The location is good but the way how it is design does not allow a quiet studying. since you can hear children playing, reception staffs talking to each other and even to customers. Bottom line this is definitely not a quiet room for concentrating in your reading or studying.
Today I went to the Richmond Library to use the computer and print some documents.
I had problem to find the right website to get the record of my covid vaccines.
I am going to travel to Peru and I need to print that document.
I approached to the counter to ask for help. Miss Kelly was very helpful, she suggested different ways to access the right website. She appeared like an angel.
Thank you so much for the amaizing customer service.
I had problem to find the right website to get the record of my covid vaccines.
I am going to travel to Peru and I need to print that document.
I approached to the counter to ask for help. Miss Kelly was very helpful, she suggested different ways to access the right website. She appeared like an angel.
Thank you so much for the amaizing customer service.
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.
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.
I'm glad to learn that the mall has a library.
Being a local I was excited that the PC location was finally open again.
Unfortunately the Quiet study rooms are not quiet. They are next to the children's area.. I notified an employee that it was very loud and asked if there were quieter study rooms somewhere - like the meeting rooms just outside. But the meeting rooms are holding storage at the moment and nothing was done about the screaming kids, who were drumming couches and toys.
My partner and I had to leave, coffee shops are much more quiet then this library.
Sadly do not recommend for any afternoon visits, if concentration is the goal.
Unfortunately the Quiet study rooms are not quiet. They are next to the children's area.. I notified an employee that it was very loud and asked if there were quieter study rooms somewhere - like the meeting rooms just outside. But the meeting rooms are holding storage at the moment and nothing was done about the screaming kids, who were drumming couches and toys.
My partner and I had to leave, coffee shops are much more quiet then this library.
Sadly do not recommend for any afternoon visits, if concentration is the goal.
Good place for students and everyone
Unfortunately, some people who live in out of York Region can book study-rooms easily. I know a middle-aged man (over 50) who lives in North York (Yonge and Sheppard) that always books and occupies study-rooms and tries to intervene in the library’s regularity despite not having a library card. He does not have a card because he knows very well in case he shows his identity card, his ineligibility for membership will be revealed due to his home address. He in fact abuses the rights of the real members through this way.
Very nice space to work on school or work projects and it is very quiet so I feel that I can concentrate
Love the layout. This library is huge! Very clean and well organized. Nice quiet place for studying and to do work.
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.
I had bad experiences in this library. People talked loudly while the librarians didn't do their jobs, both of the parties love freedom, free to talk, free of responsibilities. What the librarians did is to put up notice on walls, which is good but not enough. They need to interrupt people who don't obey rules! Then who suffers? Book lovers, study lovers, and people who seek tranquility and peace to come to Thornhill Library. I haven't seen good management here. I am not satisfied with how those public services are managed.
This is a great place to pick up books and movies.
I love this library❤️ They have two levels and both are spacious. Lots of seatings, computers and their manga section is huge. A great place to study 📚
Sometime people speak with each other and they are loud and the washroom are not clean. But in general its good.
Very large parking lot.
Very large parking lot.
What is unique about this historical site resumes in two essential points:
1- This is the ONLY, yes. THE ONLY public place that is built on the borderline.
2- At the first sight, it may seem like a municipality’s library. But, on the other half of the building, you will discover a 400 people capacity theater.
Moreover, almost everything is original, which means that we got a chance to see furnitures, ceilings, scenery decorations that dated over 100 years!
The theater continues to be used, I would definitely love to come back to see a show in this vintage and beautiful theater.
(Fun fact: a rumor said the Beatles wanted to perform at this site back in the days. But, because of the borderline complications, they never did:(
Credit: I’ve learnt all the above information form the wonderful and passionate tour lady. Please let me know if there are any erroneous info :)
1- This is the ONLY, yes. THE ONLY public place that is built on the borderline.
2- At the first sight, it may seem like a municipality’s library. But, on the other half of the building, you will discover a 400 people capacity theater.
Moreover, almost everything is original, which means that we got a chance to see furnitures, ceilings, scenery decorations that dated over 100 years!
The theater continues to be used, I would definitely love to come back to see a show in this vintage and beautiful theater.
(Fun fact: a rumor said the Beatles wanted to perform at this site back in the days. But, because of the borderline complications, they never did:(
Credit: I’ve learnt all the above information form the wonderful and passionate tour lady. Please let me know if there are any erroneous info :)
The security office does not seem to be concerned if the traffic laws/rules are being followed in the parking lot behind the mall - regarding the one way and the all-way stop signs. The drivers that do not observe the signs, flip off those who question why they are blatantly committing the offense - I have experienced this many times and have seen this happen to other law abiding drivers. These 'classy' law-breakers continue to get away with these violations because the security office representatives are indifferent and disinterested in these grievances that the offended mall visitors have pointed out to them. In fact, they have basically said that they can't do much about it but "thank" us for the complaint and that we should "have a nice day". Such detached and callous attitude and consequently, their inactions will give these delinquents more freedom to continue breaking the traffic laws in that area, flipping off and swearing at the rule followers. Congratulations, security office representatives at the Lynn Valley Mall - I applaud your disregard for the concerns and safety of the legitimate patrons of your mall.
Staff is great, always willing to help. There is good selection of book for kids in English and French.
I wish we could offer book suggestions online instead of the paper request.
I wish we could offer book suggestions online instead of the paper request.
I have grown almost my whole life in Lynn Valley. I love our community in which we all live. I remember the sixties living on Church Street in Lynn Valley when the Lynn Valley Park had a big forested area of trees. We now have a lush green field on it where the trees once stood. May people who come to our community to live here, be as happy as the rest of in our own God's little acre!!
It is a biggest library in the Mississauga which is very close to square one mall and easily accessible through miway transit. Currently this library is going with renovation works. This library has many numbers of and vast variety of books to read and lend.
Has a great variety of food groceries and open space to relax. Very east going vibe and friendly folks. Parking lot is a bit busy and there is construction but itll be done eventually. One of or favorite spots just over the bridge from Vancouver east.
It is a small mall with limited variety of stores .
It is quite and full of high school students most of the time .
The ongoing construction and renovation has a negative impact on the customers and people want to visit and causing a lot of inconvenience for customers.
There is a lack of directions signage .
Access to bowling centre is only through one very slow lift . No direction was installed for that centre and it is confusing
Anyway, I don’t usually go there but it was one time off . Good for the people living near by . Close to metro and Tim Horton .
Toronto library there is small but it is ok .
It is quite and full of high school students most of the time .
The ongoing construction and renovation has a negative impact on the customers and people want to visit and causing a lot of inconvenience for customers.
There is a lack of directions signage .
Access to bowling centre is only through one very slow lift . No direction was installed for that centre and it is confusing
Anyway, I don’t usually go there but it was one time off . Good for the people living near by . Close to metro and Tim Horton .
Toronto library there is small but it is ok .
Always a good place to relax, read, study, get involved with the community and find programs of various types. There's a 3D printer and an area where they sell books as well. A cafe. Women's w.c. on each (?) Floor. Men's only on the first I think.
A great place and very helpful bubbly staffers.Good place for students and newcomers. Free WiFi is available and is great. Getting a library card is far too easy too to rent books and CDs.
The new interior is looking great. There's a decent selection of English books, which is surprising due to the location. I love the used books they sell at the entrance, I always find a gem or two to take home with me!
This place needs some major renovation.
Bright, cheerful, open plan layout. Great facilities on the children's floor. 3-D Printer available for use at very reasonable rates. Ample self study rooms. Helpful staff. Coffee shop downstairs. Free, covered parking after 6 and all day weekends.
Can get very loud, especially after school hours on weekdays. Staff do not intervene unless prompted. Bathrooms don't seem to be upkept throughout the day so I always have difficulty finding a clean stall. Nice space but not an ideal place to study for long hours.