Burnaby Public Library, McGill Branch — Attraction in Burnaby

I am writing to express my concern and disappointment regarding my experience at McGill Library yesterday. Despite using earplugs to block out noise, I was still disturbed by the janitorial staff, who began cleaning two hours before the library’s scheduled closing time. The noise made it difficult to concentrate, which was particularly frustrating in a space meant for quiet study.

What was even more upsetting was being told by a librarian to use a washroom outside of the library, as the one inside had been locked prematurely. This was highly inconvenient and not in line with what patrons should expect. The library should be a place where students can focus on their work without unnecessary disruptions, and having access to basic facilities like a washroom until the library officially closes is essential.

I am deeply frustrated with the current cleaning schedule and urge you to take immediate action. Janitorial duties must begin only after the library closes for the day, and the washroom should remain accessible to patrons until closing time. These changes are essential to preserving the library's environment and reputation as a quiet, welcoming space for study. It's crucial that we prioritize our patrons' needs and ensure...

Very nice library. It's clean and the books are well organized. it's one of the few libraries in Burnaby that seems to have a limited amount of carpet...as such, it looks clean. When you're at the Metrotown library, the carpet looks dirty and makes you feel like the place could do with a big clean.

Lots of places to sit. Washrooms were clean. the water in the drinking fountain is ice cold (nice!). Definitely in a nicer /safer neighbourhood, you just return your books by putting it on the counter, there is no return slot. At other libraries, you feel like someone dodgy is just around the corner and would probably take your books if you just left it there.

One thing, noise does travel in this library. every conversation somehow feels louder and right next to you. I can only imagine when the seating area is full of kids studying, the chitter chatter would fill...

Beautiful Library and location. Unfortunately the rude, (and honestly god awful staff and other patrons) ruin the entire experience. If you are there to study in a quiet environment. You WON'T find it. You will find that the staff and other library patrons actively discourage certain people from being there and studying by talking loudly around them. Making all sorts of noise around the person including but not limited to banging hard cover books against metal book shelves while "working" and putting away books. (If you move to a new location they all of a sudden will bring their cart full of hard cover books closer to you and start banging away again.) Spying on your computer and monitoring what you are doing is also...