I Found a 7-Floor Library Hidden Inside a Mall in Toronto

Discovering the North York Central Library: A Hidden Gem for Studying, Working & Exploring in North York

5120 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5N9 · North York Centre Station

It had been my intention to find a place to do my work in Toronto, which would be peaceful and accessible. Naturally, libraries were the way to go for such a task, and I began looking into this matter. However, I certainly did not expect to happen upon a library which could surprise me as much since most public libraries in the GTA run one or two floors. North York Central Library has seven floors and is located in a mall which connects directly with a subway station. This library is among the most beautiful, modern, and useful in Toronto, and should definitely be known to anyone seeking a good environment for either working, studying, or just relaxing.

In Toronto, when it comes to multi-story libraries, the first thing that comes to mind is the Toronto Reference Library located on the intersection of Yonge and Bloor. The reason why it is the first one is very simple: it is known, beloved, and magnificent. Thus, I never really considered looking for anything else. Yet, within the mall in North York, there is a library which has surprised me in the same manner: the North York Central Library, which boasts seven floors.

Seven floors. Inside a mall. I genuinely did not see that coming.

First Impressions

Walking in, the first thing I noticed was the space. It feels open and modern in a way that not every library does – more comfortable to settle into for a long stretch, and easier on the eyes than some of the older, more cramped branches around the GTA. Most public libraries here tend to run one or two floors at most, so seeing level after level of stacks, reading areas, and dedicated spaces felt like a genuinely unexpected find.

If you have ever been to the Angus Glen Community Centre in Markham, which packs a library, an ice rink, gymnastics facilities, and more all under one roof – this is a different kind of experience. North York Central Library is not trying to be everything to everyone. It is a library through and through, and that focus shows in how well it is set up for the people who come here to read, study, and work.

📌 I wrote about the Angus Glen Community Centre in Markham if you are curious about that kind of multi-use space, link here: Angus Glen Community Centre.

📌 A note on staff: much like Angus Glen, the experience can vary depending on who you happen to interact with. Little to no questions? That is totally fine since the library is easy to explore on your own and the space itself more than delivers.

What is Inside

Seven floors gives a library a lot of room to work with, and North York Central makes good use of every level. At a glance, here is some of what the building offers:

• Study areas: Quiet spaces ideal for work or studying, which is precisely why I came here in the first place.
• Digital Innovation Hub: This area is made specifically for tech-oriented learning.
• Fabrication Studio: A more practical and hands-on space that one doesn’t see in a regular library branch.
• Children’s Section: Thoughtfully designed space for children.

This is one of those places that requires some exploring because there is always something happening here beyond what is apparent at first glance.

A Tip Worth Knowing Before You Go: The Study Booths

One thing I noticed while I was there was a line forming near the entrance, and being the curious person I am, I asked around. It turns out this library has 14 dedicated individual study booths available on a first come, first served basis, and people line up early to secure one for the day.

I confirmed the details with a librarian as well, so here is exactly how it works (As of July 2026):

The study booths are located on two floors: the 3rd floor with 9 booths, while the 4th floor covers the other 5 booths. Each booth fits up to 2 people, and here is the part that makes them genuinely worth lining up for: there is no time limit. Once you have your booth, it is yours for the whole day.

To get one, you need to head to the security desk on the main floor first thing and pick up a ticket. Tickets are distributed at 9:00 AM on weekdays and 12:00 PM on Sundays, one ticket per person. From there, you have until 9:10 AM on weekdays (or 12:10 PM on Sundays) to physically occupy your booth, otherwise it gets released back into the pool. A booth is also considered unoccupied if there are no personal belongings in it, or if you have been away for more than 15 minutes after staff have been notified.

📌 Lining up before opening is strongly recommended if you are serious about securing a booth - especially on busy weekend mornings. Getting there early is the move.

Location & Getting There

The library sits inside North York Centre, which turns out to be a genuinely convenient setup. You have the library itself, a food court in the mall for a quick bite before or after, and North York Centre subway station all connected, meaning on a rainy or snowy day, you can get here and back without stepping outside once. For a city that gets the winters Toronto gets, that is not a small thing.

The surrounding area is also worth knowing about. The area of Yonge and Sheppard has a good combination of restaurants, and if Korean food is something that you love, then you would have landed yourself at the right place. There are many options available around to eat from.

A Small Bonus: The Library Tote Bag

This one is a small but fun find. Some Toronto Public Library branches carry tote bags for $3 CAD, and North York Central is one of them. While supplies last, of course. For three dollars, the quality is genuinely decent. It is a practical little thing to pick up if you need something to carry your books in.

My only take is no zipper. Which, in a city with a chance of rain and snow for a good chunk of the year, feels like a missed opportunity. A zipper would make it so much more practical. But for the price point, it is hard to complain too much, and it makes for a nice little souvenir from the visit.

📌 Tote bag price: $3 CAD as of July 2026. Available while supplies last, not every branch carries them, so worth checking when you visit.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a quiet, comfortable place to work or study in North York, or just want to explore a library that is a little more impressive than what you might expect – North York Central is well worth the visit. Seven floors, modern spaces, a food court downstairs, and subway access right there. It checked every box I was looking for, and then some.