St. Catharines Public Library - Dr. Huq Family Library Branch

I personally love it. The selection. The Availability. The Public service. The Works. They have every type of physical media that you can put your hands on today and super freshly updated. The Dr. Huq has it all. Oh don't forget they gotta big ol' pool in the same building. Tax dollars well spent.

Friendly & helpful staff! Well-maintained.
Lots of fun activities for all ages! Great location!

The lady that was helping me went above and beyond to help me with my image so that it would print the size that I wanted. She had to alter my image and she did it all for me in just a few minutes. That's not even part of her job I'm sure yet she went ahead and did it for me. Exceeded expectations today

The teen I mentor through Big Brothers, Big Sisters and I used the meeting/activity room to engage in a crafting evening yesterday. We followed all rules as we have in the past. A new staff whose privacy I will respect, was very aggressive towards us. They demanded to know our names, said we used the space for too long, we should not have used the space for crafts since studying is the preferred activity, stated that they would look into reporting us, and said something about a charge. The interaction was short, quick, and abrupt. My mentee (unnecessarily) apologized to the staff member and was ignored. I tried to interject and ask for something to be repeated since I am deaf & hard-of-hearing, and was talked over. We both left feeling anxious and uncomfortable. I gave our names, my contact info, and provided proof of our involvement with Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

A library should be a safe community space. Many use resources beyond books at a library. Those experiencing homelessness can use the computers to apply for housing, those without technology or internet can access important services, adults and youth alike have a place to work or simply take space to relax, community programs (like BBBS) can facilitate low-cost or no-cost activities, and so much more. My little sister and I did not feel welcome or supported. This staff may have just been having a bad day, but I do feel that they should take extra care to be aware that patrons coming into the library may come from all walks of life, may be vulnerable and impressionable, or may have invisible disabilities. Libraries are publicly funded and anyone visiting deserves a friendly and respectful experience.

While improved EDI training for all public employees won't happen overnight, we can all take initiative as individuals to learn more and open our minds. Kindness goes a long way. On the chance the employee in question sees this, I highly encourage they take the time to reflect on their behaviour. As someone serving the public, and at times very marginalized members of the public, I do hope they learn to be more mindful and considerate of their actions.

Sincerely,
A disappointed Big Sister

This place is wonderful: clean, bright, and quiet. There are so many activities for families and all age groups. It offers a place for children to play while you look for books for them. Lots of cozy seating, friendly staff, you can borrow helpful and interesting things like fishing poles and knitting supplies, a great selection of books and always new books. Probably my favourite place in the city.

Love this place! Small and cozy. Can get books from other locations sent here. Friendly knowledgeable staff.

Nice clean, spacious place to go to get books, movies, use computers. There is an indoor swimming pool for everyone adults and kids. It is whhelchair accesible. And the staff very friendly. Hjghly recomended

Nice facility, lots of parking, library is great, pool is great for lessons but leisure swims are way below expectations. If you do lessons, make sure you register on time as demand is higher than supply and the wait list doesn’t get in.

Amazing classes, lots of variety of items to borrow (books, CDs, video games, instruments, boardgames, tools etc). Even a little kiddos area for them to play while you browse.

Dr Huq and his staff were extremely knowledgable and efficient.
Dr Huq removed a Stage 0 Melanoma from my back and is providing me with confidence that with cancer screening, I have a wonderful support team to take care of any cancer I have.

My brother and I stopped in to the branch to renew my library card and to sign my brother up for one as well. The gentleman that looked after us was super friendly and helpful. Thanks for everything, library staff!