- Published: August 17, 2022
- Updated: August 17, 2022
- University / College: La Trobe University
- Language: English
- Downloads: 19
There are a lot of public libraries in Toronto. Among these libraries, the Toronto Reference Library, which is located at 789 Yonge Street in Toronto, is one of the biggest. It is a Toronto landmark and a very popular library.
Even though this library has many advantages, there are some disadvantages as well, but there are also some ways it can be improved. It was completed in 1997 and designed by Raymond Moriyama Architects. The hours of operation are 9 am to 8: 30 pm on weekdays, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sunday from 1: 30 pm to 5 pm. In addition, many people of all ages from students to seniors visit the library every day. The Toronto Reference Library has become an important public space for the larger Toronto community. It has a very unique design compare to other libraries in Toronto. A curving atrium in the middle of the library creates site lines across the floors and provides natural ventilation. Natural light comes in from its sophisticated skylights.
Although there are many advantages to this library, there are some disadvantages as well. One of the advantages is its location. The library is accessible by subway because it is in the centre of downtown at Yonge and Bloor Street.
It takes five minutes by foot from the Bloor subway station. Although free wireless internet is offered, as well as computers that can be used free of charge, since a lot of people use them at the same time, the Wi-Fi speed is slow. Sometimes it takes thirty seconds to a minute to be connected to the Wi-Fi.
Also the library hours are too short for students need to study long hours and complete many assignments. Since the library closes at 8: 30 pm on weekdays and 5 pm on weekends, there is just not enough time for students to complete their work. In addition, there are very few places to sit and study on your own.
Most of the seats are at large tables that are for four to six people. Even though there are disadvantages, there are ways to solve these problems, which will improve the library. Firstly, to solve the Wi-Fi problem, more Wi-Fi connections need to be installed in order to make the internet speed faster. Secondly, the Wi-Fi hours need to be increased. When compared to libraries in other countries, the Toronto Reference Library’s hours are very short. For example, in Korea, public libraries are often open from 9 am to midnight.
Therefore, if the Reference Library increases its hours, more students and others will be able to use the library. Lastly, many people prefer to sit alone. However, there are not many places in the Reference Library where people can sit alone. Therefore, some of the large desks should be replaced by single seats and desks. The Toronto Reference Library is one of the Canada’s largest libraries, and a popular Toronto working and meeting space. Even though it has many advantages, it also has some disadvantages which can be easily fixed. For example, more connections will be improved the slow Wi-Fi.
The short hours can be increased, and more single seats and desks can be added.