Runnymede Public Library

This library looks fairly large from the outside as its located in a beautiful old historical building with a modern two story extension. For the average library user, families, getting you book, light reading or web surfing, this would be a GREAT library.
However, for more studious types who require larger spaces and more quiet, this library is limited in how helpful it can be. There is a large-​ish basic room upstairs on the second floor (elevator and stair access) that can be used for study time if there are no programs running, but there are programs running everyday so it is of limited utility (eg tuesday 330 – 5; no wed; thursday 9 – 8; it closes 30 mins before the branch). The study room is probably your best best bet for a quiet area since its far away from the kids section. It’s 2pm and I found the last seat in the corner by the window with a table I’m sharing w a guy on his Facebook page, I would say its about the same volume as a Starbucks minus the music from the children. I can imagine it would be worse in weekends and after school.

I live between this branch and Bloor-​Gladstone. I generally don’t use this branch much because it is usually over-​crowded and even though it has free WiFi, is not the most computer friendly place due to the lack of AC outlets. I also find this branch to be noisier than most, and not a great place to read.
Another reason I don’t go here often is that it is never open on Sundays. Overall, it’s not a bad neighbourhood library, but it’s not a great place to read or write in. Good for book pickups and drop offs.

Runnymede Public Library is such a charming little neighbourhood library.
Runnymede Library was opened on this present site on 1930 and listed on Toronto Historical Board’s Inventory of Heritage Properties adopted by City Council, 10 December, 1975. Yes it is as good as your grandmother!
Of course, it has went through a couple of renovations. The windows opening up to the park at the back do bring a lot of natural light and outdoor space inside the library.
Due to the it’s size, the library’s own collection is quite limited. but it is a nice place to relax and use their free Wifi!

Beautiful outside and inside. The front façade which looks a little worn is a pair of unique concrete totem poles hiding an untra-​modern glass and open interior that is absolutely gorgeous. Surf the web, read a book, gaze out onto the grassy area behind the library or catch up on local news and events.
This is a beautiful library and a hidden gem of a place to hang out in. Bloor West Village is not only happening from a retail point of view but the huge ultra-​modern library is a stunning beauty.

Runnymede library is my local library and I’m grateful. It’s small, but as all good Toronto library users know, through the power of the Internet one can easily order on any book from any branch in the city and your local branch will call you when it comes in.
The Runnymede branch is nice because it backs onto a park space and there is an entire back wall of windows where you can read or do work at tables.
There is also an upstairs reading/​work area that is well lit and often silent. I like to go up there to look out over Bloor street from above (pigeon view). The upstairs is kind of a secret. They don’t really advertise that there is even access to an upstairs space. It’s a great place to study, if you live in the area

Housed in a historic building (it was featured on a postage stamp many years ago), Runnymede Library visibly anchors the east end of Bloor West Village.
Not too long ago it reopened after a major renovation. It now has a slightly bigger collection, more spacious stacks, and an expanded rear area with large windows overlooking the neighbourhood behind Bloor. The front façade was preserved, so the building’s exterior still keeps its quaint feel.
However, there are a few minor flaws in the new design: the entrance is awkward, with only one big door, and the check-​out desk is positioned so that when people are lining up it’s hard to get in and out of the library.
Also, the second floor, which used to house the children’s books, is totally wasted with a pair of empty meeting rooms. The only time I was ever up there was when the library was used as a polling station.