Calgary Public Library – Central Library

The staff and librarians are excellent and posses great customer service skills and have an extensive knowledge on literature, and city events. The DVD section carries a large, large variety of films, tv series, instructional videos, fitness videos etc. However, similar to a previous review, the scent of booze is prevalent in the air as the atmosphere can be dodgy. Many of the users of this branch are «regulars» (especially as the weather gets colder) so they will jostle for a computer or their favorite table & plunk down for the entire day. Thank goodness that security has been beefed up at this location as some of the patrons are downright nasty and aggressive.

Looking for a nice place to study quietly? You’d be better off under the 8^th ave bridge. This place is disgusting, the bathroom are filthy and stink… and have needle drop boxes. The computers are over run with strange/​drunk/​loud/​asleep (??) people watching youtube– sometimes without earphones– sometimes laughing to themselves. There is not one designated quiet area– in a library this confuses me. Downtown calgary is in desperate need of a nice, clean, safe, quiet and accessible place for students to work without driving all the way to UofC. Annnd library computers should be reserved for those without access to laptop who wish to work on resumes, job searching, school work etc. Cut off access to Youtube, Facebook and the like and I believe they would come close to solving their security issues.

This library saved my life during a spring class I was taking a few months ago in University. I ended up having to sign out about 30 books from them and I was happy to find that almost every book I looked up was there for me. I also had a bit of a heart attack when I had requested to put a transfer on books from this library to one closer to my house, only realizing that I needed the books within that day and I couldn’t wait for a transfer. In a panic I called the library hoping that they hadn’t loaded my books up on a truck somewhere. The lady working was so nice and helpful and we ended up sorting out my problem. I was able to come down that day and someone helped me find out where all my books had been placed.
The one thing that stops me from giving this place 5 stars is just the location. While it is nice and central to everybody, the type of people that hang around in that area aren’t exactly the people I’d like to meet in a dark alley… so I would suggest sending your children here alone. Also, I hate downtown parking with a passion and this library doesn’t have any free parking near it (although there is a free 10 or 15 minute parking right outfront, so if you just need to run in and grab something you can always park there I believe).

Now, ironically enough I love this library because of its central location but I have to give it only three stars because of the crowd it attracts. I visit this library on a weekly basis and every week without fail; there is at least one drunk, several loud-​mouths and uncontrolled children. But, I have been well acquainted with my favourite zones of the library: The first floor fashion/​design in the far back and the third floor cooking/​style section. I have come to learn that these areas tend to go untouched by the somewhat sketchy patrons due to the material in the aisles. Besides the questionable patrons, the security guards and the staff are all friendly and helpful. As well, the library is actually moving shortly to a new location – obviously because of the complaints received about the security for the consequences of being central downtown. I honestly think that this will improve the library greatly as it will provide visitors with a more friendly atmosphere that will encourage them to stay longer – not run out the door at the sight of a drunk being escorted from the premises. There is also a small book store in the basement at extremely low prices (around a $ 1.00!) for old library books. This library boasts great organization and many levels to provide all book lovers and book worms with everything their hearts desire.

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!

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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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.

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.

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

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.