#VicCommuterHacks: Top 8 UofT Libraries
Need a new place to study? Want to avoid crowds during exam season? UofT is home to 40+ libraries, and these are some of our favourites! You can find a map with all of these spaces at the end of this post.
1. Knox College Library (Caven)
Karen: “This is the perfect place for some peaceful studying on the St. George side of campus! This and Graham are in my opinion the top two prettiest libraries on campus. It’s a smaller library, not too often frequented, great for those of you who like complete but cozy silence when studying. In the warmer months, however, it can get quite hot but if you manage to snag a spot near the windows, the heat is manageable and you get a nice view! With high ceilings, shelves of books surrounding you, and beautiful old architecture, this library just MOTIVATES you to study.”
2. Hart House Library
Victoria: “Hart House Library is one of my favourite spots on campus — not only is it a beautiful, traditional library with wooden shelves, high ceilings, and a (decorative) fireplace, but it is a great place to do late-night studying since it’s open daily until 11pm. Furthermore, there is a charging station, plenty of outlets, and window-facing couches that are perfect for naps. Hart House has everything you could possibly need: for food, you can visit Sammy’s Student Exchange or heat up your lunch with one of the building’s microwaves, and you can even burn off steam at the Hart House Fitness Centre if you need a study break.”
3. Earth Sciences Library (Noranda)
Liam: “This library is located on the second floor of the Earth Science building near Spadina. It has a cozy feel when you first walk in, and its main area opens up into a giant circular room with two floors. If you prefer open desk studying, you can nab one of the tables in the centre floor. If you prefer more private study areas, the second floor has individual booths lining the circular walls. There is a lot of natural light coming from the windows, and it’s a very calm and quiet study space with not many people.”
4. Victoria University Library (E. J. Pratt)
Samantha: “This library is right at Vic! Pop by for a study session after coming from a Vic event. The library is simplistically beautiful, which can be really calming and may help you focus. There are lounge spaces downstairs, where you can eat and chat while you study, and also cubicles along both the east and west ends for when you need to hunker down and get things done! The library was built to let in natural light from anywhere inside of it, which makes for an energizing space to study.
5. Centre for Reformation and Renaissance Studies
Victoria: “A little-known spot within the E.J. Pratt library is the Centre for Reformation and Renaissance Studies (CRRS), located on the third floor. Although you can’t take books out of this library and need to store your bags in a closet at the front, this is a peaceful, hidden study space with plenty of natural light that overlooks the Vic Quad.”
6. Empty Classrooms in Old Vic
Saambavi: “Library space? In this economy? It can be hard to find a spot in the library — especially during midterm season — and finding a spacious study spot is even more difficult. Empty classrooms in the Old Vic building are a great option: they lack the distraction and bustle of libraries, and the blackboards are useful if you are a visual learner.”
7. Trinity College Library (John W. Graham)
Jane: “This cozy library has several secret study rooms that are perfect for when you want to escape the crowded Robarts stacks during midterm season! The interior is super beautiful, and you have the option of doing your readings in a big soft armchair next to a snug fireplace. It’s also a GREAT napping spot! I’m someone who gets cold really easily, so it’s nice to study in a library that doesn’t crank its AC all the way up. However, one downside is that there is only one set of bathrooms and they’re located in the basement so it can sometimes be inconvenient to leave your studying and trek downstairs.”
8. Emmanuel College Library
Sam: “If you’ve been searching for Hogwarts at UofT, Emmanuel College is your long lost home. Channel your inner Harry Potter in this gorgeous library — the image speaks for itself. While there’s a lack of group study rooms, there’s a guarantee of silence and peace in this small library. As a bonus, this library is right at Vic and right in front of Museum Station, so it’s TTC-accessible as well!”
Did we miss your favourite library? Leave a comment on our Facebook post!
