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Calgary Public Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
616 MacLeod Trail South EastCalgary, AB T2G 2M2
(403) 260-2600
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9 am - 8 pm
Fri 9 am - 5 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
7 reviews for Calgary Public Library
7 reviews in English
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Review from Mia T.
5/9/2012 5 Check-ins Here
I can't believe I haven't reviewed any libraries!! I'm only at one, every week. Like other reviewers have mentioned, since this particular location is across the street from the LRT, there tend to be a lot of homeless people who hang out here. It's an old building, the bathrooms have needle drop off boxes, and it tends to be noisy on the lower levels but there is an immense collection of books, DVDs, videos and countless programs and talks that cater to new Canadians/ ESL, the elderly, children, gardeners, foodies. . . almost all of them are free.
There's always friendly staff around to help you out with whatever you need. I love how the people who work at libraries all really seem to enjoy their jobs, and who would't be, surrounded by endless sources of information all day?
The cost of a card is a measly $12 per year, $0.25 for a late book and $0.50 for a late video, but unlike our now defuct videos stores, your money goes back to buying more books for the library.
Im excited to see what the new location in the East Village will be like. Ground is to be broken this coming yeaR! -
Review from AJ P.
Calgary, AB
12/1/2011
One of the most unsung cultural venues in Calgary.... They have a CD/DVD Movies and Music Collection that is extensive eclectic and international ! They host often Singers/ Poets / Artist / Movies and Events frequently
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Review from Clara A.
5/18/2011
I've come here a couple times for school group projects since it was a fairly central place for my group members and I to meet.
The pros: This place is huge! It has a large selection and covers a number of categories. This may be the best place to look for what you need. As well, its downtown location means there are plenty of train stations near by and other attractions to visit while you are in the area.
The cons: This place is sketchy. In one day my friend and I saw two people escorted out because they were drunk or had alcohol (good thing this place has security!) and then my friend needed to use the bathroom. After seeing the used needle tubs in there we never returned.
I wouldn't refuse to go back here, but if I did it would be more so of a get what you need and go place, not really somewhere to stick around. -
Review from Angelo T.
2/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
The only downside I find in this library is that its too far for me to reach. I find myself having to take a train when I prefer to just drive.
That said, I'm an avid library fan. While I call the Fish Creek location as my main headquarters, Central Library is a great place to visit. They have floors of book selections, as well as unique reference materials handy in those pesky school papers.
The library holds a lot of their great programs here, I once stopped by to get advise from a children's book author on publishing, as well as had my resume critiqued, all for free!
You gotta respect the law of silence here, people get really cranky when others get too loud. Then again some old prudes tend to have their hearing aids jacked up way too loud these days.
As per Katie's review below, there are some sketch characters here, which to me is another plus since I love people watching. -
Review from AJ P.
Calgary, AB
1/10/2011
One of the most unsung cultural venues in Calgary.... They have a CD/DVD Movies and Music Collection that is extensive eclectic and international ! They host often Singers/ Poets / Artist / Movies and Events frequently
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Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
10/14/2009 1 photo
This is the biggest library in Calgary. It is also the sketchiest. Its convenient location downtown is close to transit and the city centre. It's also both warm and out of the elements, and is basically a refuge for many of the city's less fortunate.
There is nothing more disconcerting than popping into the bathroom and noticing the very clearly marked hazardous waste materials bin. Those ain't for diabetes sufferers, let me tell you. Often there is a slight boozey smell that I have yet to notice at any other library location. And signs warning you not to leave your valuables. I deal with it by popping in and out as fast as I can, or by using the library's convenient hold system where you can request books to any location in the city.
That said, this library is still very much worth visiting. In addition to four overstuffed floors of books (renovations are scheduled for the near future) they have a number of excellent programs. They offer services for new immigrants and ESL, which is great. And they offer career support services, writing workshops and basic computer skills workshops, in addition to the massive supply of books. -
Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
3/7/2010
This major library downtown is so central and so close to many of the train terminals that it tends to provide a refuge for the homeless at times in the winter, so expect this when you visit this location.
The library itself has many floors and is chock full of books, the staff here is consistently pleasant and helpful. There has never been one time where I felt that I wasn't supported by the staff here; they really go out of their way as resource people for you.
I love the magazine and newspaper selections here, and also the DVD and CD collection. They also offer free internet access to members and non members which is so convenient for people searching for jobs or needing to create a resume.
They are also very amenable to partnering with local non profit groups as well; they have offered their 400 seat theatre to our organization for free for two days in May. Renting a space like this can put a community organization back $500 or more so their generosity I felt should be acknowledged here.
I like this library it is a one stop resource center on so many level
