Toronto Public Library

Jen K put it well with history of the library and who Barbara Frum is, so I wont really go into that. Her review is spot on but there have been a few changes to the branch since she probably visited
My first impression of the branch that if often remind me of Lillian Smith, between the look of the lobby, from the two areas, kids and the magizine on main floor as well where the check out systems are to big columns near the entrance and the stairs the back leading to other floors.
While Barbara Frum isnt as big as Lillian Smith, it nearly minic it, this libary is 3 floor vs Lillain’s 4 but the first two floor for both are your main resourse and study area. and well Lilian Smith’s basement serve as it program room area while this is the 3^rd floor for Barbara Frum.
Both have an adult area on it second floor, lots of books and study spaces. Barbara Frum has 3 indivual study rooms you can book for 2 hours at time plus a large community study room for larger group which you would also need to book so I give the head up on Barbara for that.
While the third floor of Barbara remain unchange for the most pair its the main floor and second floor that change
The main floor got its automatic check in system vs just a slot to drop off inside, which resulted in no more bathroom on main floor and holds got moved to magizine area as result
the second change would be the glass incase «Learning Center» which was just a computer room where the original reference desk was, now the reference desk is a smaller desk by the stairs,
All and all I do like Barbara Frum, decent room, great looking buidling, pretty quiet.

Toronto Public Library Barbara Frum which is located near Bathurst and Lawrence is named after Barbara Frum (1937 – 1992), the distinguished broadcaster and journalist.
The library is really spacious and have 3 floors all together. I like how there are areas set up just like a sun room with big windows and palm trees. Sofas and armchairs that you can lounge around…
Really laptop friendly as there are even electric outlets on top on communal tables for you to plug in… so finding somewhere to hook up your laptop to the internet for a couple of hours will be really easy.
Not on site parkings though. either you park at Lawrence Plaza across the street or at the side streets… which are free.
Yiddish collections can be found here… which are not really common in other libraries I been to.