Kingston Frontenac Public Library - Isabel Turner Branch
8 reviews 935 Gardiners Rd, Kingston, ON +1 613-549-8888 www.kfpl.ca suggest an edit
23 January 2024 0:18
My first in-person visit to the Isabel-Turner branch was incredibly disappointing.
I have a friend who is a librarian in a different city and they explained to me the importance of being apart of your local library. It inspired me to set up an account online and to go from there.
Yesterday was the day I would set out to get my physical card, but first I called Central to have a book transferred and to ask some questions. The staff member was lovely and knowledgeable, they truly have great customer service.
But then I went into the Isabel-Turner branch…
Aside from being a beautiful piece of architecture, it seems as though the staff doesn’t want to accommodate new library members and we are set to figure it out ourselves…
After being made to feel like a burden for interrupting the clerk, I went back to the front desk to ask if there were quiet rooms and what the policy was. I guess the clerk didn’t hear me because I received quite a dirty look and the clerk responded with “I can’t hear you” instead of simply asking me to speak up. Then when she figured out what I was talking about, her response was “you need to PAY for that! ”
Luckily this interaction was witnessed by my colleague who was honestly quite speechless at both conversations.
The most frustrating part is the fact the clerk put more emphasis into joking with librarian staff than bothering to make a new member with communication differences feel welcomed.
I was planning on starting a weekly library visit with my son, but that won’t be happening until we find a different branch apart from Isabel-Turner. It was made clear to me and my colleague that this branch isn’t in the market to make the library experience beneficial for all.
To whomever I was speaking to at Central over the phone, they were amazing and definitely made me feel like a valued member. It’s a shame that didn’t translate to the staff at the Isabel-Turner branch.
I have a book being transferred to this location for me, but I’m going to call Central this morning to cancel it because I definitely do not feel comfortable going back to this location after the ignorance I experienced.
I highly suggest the staff partake in an inclusivity workshop that also reminds them that people with communication disabilities exist.
I have a friend who is a librarian in a different city and they explained to me the importance of being apart of your local library. It inspired me to set up an account online and to go from there.
Yesterday was the day I would set out to get my physical card, but first I called Central to have a book transferred and to ask some questions. The staff member was lovely and knowledgeable, they truly have great customer service.
But then I went into the Isabel-Turner branch…
Aside from being a beautiful piece of architecture, it seems as though the staff doesn’t want to accommodate new library members and we are set to figure it out ourselves…
After being made to feel like a burden for interrupting the clerk, I went back to the front desk to ask if there were quiet rooms and what the policy was. I guess the clerk didn’t hear me because I received quite a dirty look and the clerk responded with “I can’t hear you” instead of simply asking me to speak up. Then when she figured out what I was talking about, her response was “you need to PAY for that! ”
Luckily this interaction was witnessed by my colleague who was honestly quite speechless at both conversations.
The most frustrating part is the fact the clerk put more emphasis into joking with librarian staff than bothering to make a new member with communication differences feel welcomed.
I was planning on starting a weekly library visit with my son, but that won’t be happening until we find a different branch apart from Isabel-Turner. It was made clear to me and my colleague that this branch isn’t in the market to make the library experience beneficial for all.
To whomever I was speaking to at Central over the phone, they were amazing and definitely made me feel like a valued member. It’s a shame that didn’t translate to the staff at the Isabel-Turner branch.
I have a book being transferred to this location for me, but I’m going to call Central this morning to cancel it because I definitely do not feel comfortable going back to this location after the ignorance I experienced.
I highly suggest the staff partake in an inclusivity workshop that also reminds them that people with communication disabilities exist.
14 January 2024 4:13
This is a really nice library. There's plenty of space and workspaces. I like that there's plenty of desks to do my work and they're nicely spaced out for some privacy.
The librarians here are very helpful. The downstairs part is great for doing quiet work. There's also plenty of free parking here. It's nice also to be just across the mall as it's then easy to get some food.
Overall, a fantastic place for quiet and thinking work.
The librarians here are very helpful. The downstairs part is great for doing quiet work. There's also plenty of free parking here. It's nice also to be just across the mall as it's then easy to get some food.
Overall, a fantastic place for quiet and thinking work.
26 September 2023 23:58
What a fantastic experience well run lots to see nice space well organized and Nora very helpful and friendly
27 March 2023 18:24
One of my favourite libraries to go to. Been visiting this location since 1999 when I was in college and still come here quite frequently. Location is nice, well maintained, clean, and staffs are great. Just a friendly atmosphere if you just want to visit to read a book or do some work. Just like old times.
08 March 2023 22:03
Architecturally wonderful building. Unbelievable use of space, angles and exposure to natural light. This building can be visited just to appreciate the architecture.
02 February 2023 9:41
Really good place. But need to get more books on computer science didn’t find any language book… Am not sure either public libraries are legalized to keep them or not… If it’s there it would be really helpful for lots of students…
Thank you
Thank you
26 December 2022 17:04
I really like this place. I am a student as well and this is one of my go to places for studying or doing some research. It is usually quiet and offers a really good wifi connection.
21 October 2022 23:26
I'm a student living off-campus and this library is my go to spot for studying away from home.
I usually arrive 10-15 minutes after the library opens on weekends and it is always quiet. I recommend sitting at the tables on the main floor as there are windows to look outside and the views are quite nice on sunny days. This is a very spacious library with plenty of tables around the perimeter of the building, as well as a whole designated study area with individual desks on the lower floor. I've never experienced wifi issues on any of my visits, so deciding where to sit in the library doesn't affect your connection.
The staff are friendly and helpful. I needed to print a document and I was given clear instructions where I needed to go and what I needed to do. The printing process is self serve which makes it convenient for anyone to just print and pay on the spot.
I highly recommend this library for everyone looking for a quiet place to study and get work done.
I usually arrive 10-15 minutes after the library opens on weekends and it is always quiet. I recommend sitting at the tables on the main floor as there are windows to look outside and the views are quite nice on sunny days. This is a very spacious library with plenty of tables around the perimeter of the building, as well as a whole designated study area with individual desks on the lower floor. I've never experienced wifi issues on any of my visits, so deciding where to sit in the library doesn't affect your connection.
The staff are friendly and helpful. I needed to print a document and I was given clear instructions where I needed to go and what I needed to do. The printing process is self serve which makes it convenient for anyone to just print and pay on the spot.
I highly recommend this library for everyone looking for a quiet place to study and get work done.