Fort York Library

Only opened in May of 2014, Fort York is the second newest branch and #99 in the system. The newest and the 100 branch was Scarborough Town but Fort York is much bigger with two floor, ample room on second floor as an adult space, the large open window bring alot of lighting in branch which could hurt if you take a seat at one chairs near the window, the sun could be an issue
Sitting in branch now, I will admit, it’s one of nicer looking branch i have been to. Thou i think space could been used better, I do like feature of 3d printer and the art that is fixture but i feel they could have use some of space better too many empty spots but a well. Still a nice linrary

Brand new library in the area to expand the Library District /​Fort York Garrison Park. I like every library, but I like this one more because it is brand new and not dusty. It is true that it is difficult to have a good study spot — so keeping that in mind, it’s a good idea to go early. The staff is relatively friendly and helpful — I feel at times one of the older gentlemen has been a little grumpy — but meh, nothing to loose a star over. I don’t fully understand their magazine section. There are so many brand new magazines — I would feel ridiculous for actually paying a subscription. But they are for the library use only. In that section there is a huge TV playing CP24 with no sound. This area is always busy but the use of space seems not exactly typical of a library. The computer room is small with not enough computers and yet they have a second room upstairs full of computers and high end software for training purposes. There’s also a media room with a green screen and 3D printer.
I think this neighbourhood really needed a library — but I also think they could of easily doubled it’s size and repurposed it’s layout.

This is the worst library in Toronto; it is essentially a very noisy, open concept daycare. They should really reserve the lower level for children and the upper level for people who want to study. Soundproof the lower level, or have rooms that dampen the noise from the toddlers.
It is a state of the art facility that happens to be built around a daycare centre.

Good:
3D printer that is very inexpensive to use
Close to home if you live in the Fort York or Cityplace neighbourhood
Bad:
Can be very loud inside. There are hard surfaces everywhere (floor, ceiling, and windows) that reflect and amplify and carry sounds from one side to the other. This place badly needs some sound-​absorbing panels and carpet.
Atmosphere is more like Indigo than a real library.
Very limited private/​quiet space.

Great architecture and interior design of these brand new opened library. However, sparse study space, extremely annoying librarian (this guy talks like if he’s on a crowded street), and the kids area on the main floor can easily turn to a chaotic public playground full of kids screaming and parents ignoring them.
Oh, and they don’t have 5 of the 6 popular books I was looking for. What a useful library.

not a huge library, but a good use of space with lots of different things to do. open and bright with great sightlines. a few things still seem unfinished — a panel on the stairwell, the elevator, etc. staff are helpful and very friendly. the children’s area can be crowded, but i guess that’s a good thing.

Love they have a 3D printer and a bookable media studio. Near a row of condos. The crowd seems to skew young and hip.

It’s a beautiful, modern library, but that’s probably a given since it’s brand new. It’s a lot smaller than I thought it would be, but it does have the books I like (true crime), so no complaints there. I think it’s pretty cool that they have a 3d printer and I can’t wait to take their class on it so that I can try the machine out. There was a fair amount of seating, but it was all taken when I stopped by, so maybe there could have been even more? Either way, I got a library card, and I’m sure I’ll be back sooner than later.

If I wanted this atmosphere, I’d go to Chapters or the Mall.
It’s a library. Apparently that doesn’t mean what is once had.
There are cool things about it like a media lab and cool-​looking, hip design etc…
But…
This library is far too loud.
I’ve been waiting for months to enjoy a library-​like environment in which to study. I don’t think it’s too much to ask as the word «Library» is posted on the front of the building.
I’m not the sort to complain. I truly am not, so it behooves me to give suggestions to rectify the problem. (Though your staff doesn’t seem to think the noise is a problem. See below.)
Please consider the following suggestions:
— Post signs regarding acceptable noise levels
— Enforce these rules (the security guard sits and plays on his cell phone for 60 mins, walks around and then takes his spot, head down once more to play on his cellphone for another hour. Repeat. I watched it happen.)
— Stop the precident of noise being acceptable by enforcing the standard etiquette of libraries everywhere.
— There are sound treatments out there (treatments the architech/​designer should have thought of) to keep the sound of conversational levels from travelling all the way to every corner of the space. Install them.
I was alarmed to hear from another commiserating library customer who was trying to study that her complaints got her responses such as, «The days of quiet libraries are over.»
If this is the case, then please post signs reading something to the effect of: «Be advised, quiet space unavailable here.» or, «Library Etiquette not observed here. For quiet, earplugs are available (for a nominal fee) at the counter.)
I understand that children’s programs are traditionally (and rightfully so!) put on at community llilbraries but how can the staff and security stand (or sit, playing on their electronic devices) while kids are playing hide and seek in the stacks and people are carrying on loud, obnoxious conversations? I would not comment whatsoever if other library customers hadn’t voiced their strong dissatisfaction themselves (quietly voiced, of course. This is a library after all.)
Regarding the childrens programs: It was great to hear a dozen kids singing along to «Skimmery Dinky Dink» this morning. Really. But wow. It was like they were singing right next to the spot at which I was trying to study (a spot one floor away and on the other side of the building). I find it hard to imagine an architect/​designer making this space with apparently total disregard to the idea that the space will be shared with the other library customers, many of whom require quiet.
Unacceptable and very, very disappointing.
A member of the community, a would-​be dedicated lilbrary customer and vocal advocate,
Al

If you’re wondering what the future of public libraries are, look no further because the future is here.
When you walk in you can see that the library is being built to serve the new condos still going up in the area. The building itself fits in very well with glass and concrete all around.
The book selection is very good, with new books that look clean and easy to browse, almost bookstore like. There is also ample seating all around to read some of your titles and relax, as well as a dedicated study area with an enclosed quieter area, and a place to plug in a laptop.
What is most interesting about the facility are the digital innovation labs. They have a 3D printer ready to use, charging a nominal fee with a 2 hour limit on use. They also have a music studio inside along with a green screen and video cameras for music and video production. There are also Macs available with Final Cut Pro and all the requisite Mac software.
If you’re wondering where your taxpayer dollars are going then come take a look to see the good work that’s been put into this library. I intend to break in some of these titles and equipment!