Toronto Public Library - Lillian H. Smith Branch

Great Library!

It's good that they have security as well. There was an irate young man in the library, and they were able to calm him down and control the situation.

One of the chillest libraries in Toronto! Have many good times making beats on laptop here with headphones! There is a backyard garden if u need inspiration also.

This branch is a treasure - Toronto has a great network of public libraries, this one has really unique architecture, polite staff and is a tucked away place to get some work/study done - but also has historical/reference collections upstairs that are beautifully kept and staffed - not something typical. I see some comments about homeless people, which I’ve seen in this library - they were quietly using the computers and not disturbing anyone at all, just using a safe public space and they bothered no one.

A very small and tall library, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Staff were quite friendly and there are two collections running at all times which are extremely interesting. Do note that there is a very limited amount of seating and computers you can borrow so you might have to come in earlier if you plan to study or use the computers here.

The library has enough space for studying, but there are lots of homless people, what make studying uncomfortable.

Stopped by for the event Women in Speculative Fiction. Very organized and friendly staff. The conference room was spacious and well-lit, and the event was a nice time for all.

This place is a heaven for book lovers! It's 2 floors of pure love! The staff is extremely courteous and they have a perfect balance of the digital and physical space.
Must visit!

Nice place to read. The office staf at archive section (3rd floor) is so humble and willing to explain.

I've been going to this place since I was a teen when I first moved to Canada. I love it very much.

Attended Repair Cafe event. Thanks them for fixing my kettle and pants. Thumb up for the seniors who volunteered their talents. Little things like these if taken to shop for repair will cost more than buying new. Most will throw and buy new. With Repair Cafe's efforts, the items' useable life is extended. Great environmental friendly efforts! Thank you!

I love going to libraries. The few times I walked into the Lilian H. Smith Library on College, I wondered if I was indeed in a library or a homeless shelter.
I realized that many homeless people in Toronto come into this library and spent time there. When I sat down to read, I was interrupted by people who appeared to be homeless.

Homelessness is a problem and I heard that this particular library caters to homeless people, to bring them out of the cold which is commendable BUT I do not think that the general public and students who want to go there to study are aware of this particular feature of this library. It is always humane to help the poor and the homeless and I feel that a special area on the ground floor should be available for them. This would allow students and other people to study, read and research without being distracted. The library is situated close to the St. Georges campus.however, I would advise students who want to do any serious studying to utilize UofT libraries such as Robarts. The Lillian H. Smith Library is welcoming to one and all.the homeless, the poor, students and the general public so Big Props to the Library but there is always room for improvement.

I like studying at the library and haven’t checked out books, talked or interacted with the staff at the front. Every time I’m here they sound like they don’t want to be here and usually just give a lot of passive aggressive attitude to the people that come by the front. They are pretty loud too considering it’s a library. The library is pretty mid too; half the building is just a void area and there aren’t much places to sit down and study. Does the job ykwims, you can still check out books, read them, study, rate 2/5.

Small size library which is understandable in downtown Toronto. However, lots of homeless people walking around in the building and staffs never stop them or at least tell them don’t speak too loud in the library; instead they like to pay extra attention to real visitors and tell them don’t do this or that.

The library seems to be back to its full capacity. Particularly, in the Merril Collection for quiet study, each table has 2 chairs now, although no food or drink are allowed.

A quaint, small, public library in the university district. Top two floors are special collections. Generous seating, seems to always have available computer terminals. A great place to spend an afternoon catching up on newspapers or finding a new favorite author.

Iconic location of TPL with amazing collection! Even though it’s a small library but at a prime location adjacent to UofT St George campus, I loved my visits here.

Nice library but could use more study space. However, the older lady librarian with glasses is extremely rude. I was unpacking stuff from my bag in the science collection and she proceeded to lecture me about the rules and how bags are not allowed. I just arrived to a table and I was taking out the stuff I needed before I put my bag in the locker. There is no need to lecture in rude manner which is unwelcoming to visitors.

Today I went to pick-up Orientalism by Edward Said. John from the reception helped me out and shared his story with the twin towers. This branch is a historic one and the staffs are friendly.

This library branch houses the Merrill special collection of sci-fi and fantasy books. The librarians are very helpful as well.

One of my favorite places! I love the new renovations the library used to look so grungy but now it's gorge. Also they have the best children's sections of the TPL's.

Great library with large selection of books and study space. The problem is that it's too cold in there. It feels like winter in there. Bring a jacket or a hoodie if you need to study in there. T-shirt is definitely not enough.

I heard the second floor staff (lady with glasses) directing a racial slur towards someone who was using one of the computers, not sure if there was any sort of argument between the two.but still a very inappropriate behaviour

Lotsa homeless people in and outa the library.
Parked my bike for 5 minutes and upon return, a few of its accessories were gone. 5 more minutes and the whole thing would have probably been gone as well. #PiranhaAttack

The Lillian H. Smith public library is a large library with 2 floors. It is especially great for children's books, on the ground floor. One side has fiction and DVDs and the other side has non-fiction (including academic books). They have books that other libraries don't have. There ar plenty of seats for reading books on sight.

They have self-serve terminals for checkout. They are more sophisticated that other branches in that you can actually login and make reservations and pay over-due fines (there is a credit card terminal along side each station).

The entrance doors are self-opening. In front of the entrance are two impressive dragon statues. Just inside the entrance is an information plaque explaining the history of Lillian H. Smith.

There is a large Chinese section as well.

The librarians are courteous.

There is free WiFi.

Helpful staff at this smallish library. Be sure to check out the science fiction, children's, and steam punk collections. Trivia: This library makes an appearance in the Netflix film, "The Umbrella Academy".

Super slow service and they kept sending me up and down instead of giving me all the correct info at one time.

This library is so beautiful. I love the architecture and I love their Osborne collection of children’s books. Is an beautiful place for study, research and feel like you are in anther year decades ago.

Staff were great and helped me use the combined printer/copier scanner to scan a picture which initially refused my PIN but they fixed it.
The problem is with the scanner itself it produces very low quality scans pictures come out looking like impressionist paintings almost, Toronto Libraries should really consider keeping the old school flatbed scanners not these multi-function Xerox machines.

This is an excellent library with a beautiful façade. If you need a place to relax or read a book, I would highly recommend coming here for a few hours. They have a great selection of resources and the librarians are very nice.

Super pretty library. Not a huge selection but you can always get titles sent to it by selecting it as your pickup location. Very kind staff.