Greater Victoria Public Library - Central Branch

Loved the library - small but functional.it’s also less busy than the one in vancouver, which is a lot less stress inducing honestly.

I always have a great experience at the library but today was exemplary, several staff members went out of their way to help me find a reserved title that I couldn't find myself. Such great helpful people who love a good mystery solving!

The kids reading area is awesome! I bring my kid there at least twice every month.the staffs there are friendly and helpful, and you can print out what you want for free.

This is a great place to study, work, read, or just hang out, but I really wish there were some improvements. For one, please add more comfortable seating and more tables with USB charging and outlets (there are quite few). Also, it would be great if the tables by the windows had some blinds because during the daytime the sunlight makes these tables almost unusable unless you like working under the blazing sun.

I think it is a really good library they have good selection and it is organised. But if you have kids try to find what they are looking for on your own bc the librarians are sometimes not good with that area (in the past it happened to me)

This library has an outstanding collection of board books and an even more outstanding collection of books in languages other than English. Good place to visit to explore community languages with your child of any age.

I did not take a photo, but there was also quite a decent array of children's books by First Nations authors. Keep it up, Victoria Public Libraries!

Other interesting features:

There are lots of creative toys available for tinkering, technological innovation, storybuilding, and elaborate artmaking in the kids' section.

There are engaging levelled readers for targeted literacy development sessions.

The staff are welcoming, helpful, and personable.

Masks are available if you choose at the front desk, and free menstrual products are available in the bathrooms.

They have Wi-Fi for the public and some accessible computer equipment. A good start.

I also notice that stinging nettles have been planted in the planters out front. Convenient for a spot of tea or a traditional weaving session, or perhaps a re-enactment of the swan brothers fairytale

Very small collection of actual physical books. And whenever I request a certain book for them to acquire, they always decline it.

Great library with nice people but some points:
-There’s not easy to find parking around
- because it’s a central location it’s kind of not a safe place. We saw someone using drug while he was blocking the emergency exit stairs. It’s easy to spot people using drugs around the building

Easy to access and spacious. Lots of books and other things. Just a bit noisy sometimes. But still good being in the downtown.

Been coming here since I was my kids age and it's still one of the best places in Victoria for families to spend a couple hours.

Good library with plenty of places to work or read in peace. Love the enclosed pods. Members are also able to print for free, which is a plus.

I love that I can visit and borrow my favorite books and I can also read international newspapers like New York times, USA today and many more. Greater Victoria library is on the top of my favorites places to spend time. One can also get any written material and the staff are friendly and will get you any material that's not available in this branch. Definitely 5star material

The library is great but the current situation is not. In 5 minutes of being there I saw one person passing out on the ground and another being asked to leave and another 2 grown men yelling at each other and challening each other to a fight while one poor palladin security person was trying to deal with it all. Not somewhere I would choose to go to feel safe in carrying out my library buisness anymore. Its really too bad.: (

Great library with everything you need including meeting rooms and printing services but there needs to be free library parking or at minimum the option to get your parking validated in the nearby paid lot for a free 2 or 3 hours. There are a few free 1hr spots at the entrance if the parade but, they are always taken. I don't find this location is very accessible for those that need to drive here.

Libraries are a public service and should come with a free parking option for it's visitors. Library are such an essential part of our community it's a shame the parking situation can cause a barrier for some to access this service.