Regular hours resume on September 7 2021

03/09/2021

Ottawa Public Library will return to regular pre-pandemic hours at most branches starting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 — including Sunday hours at 10 branches and InfoService as of Sunday, September 12.  

Hours are posted at branch entrances and on the Hours and location page of the OPL website.   

Fitzroy Harbour and Vernon branches are reopening after being closed since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.  

Notice - Carlingwood branch

17/09/2021

The elevator at the Carlingwood branch is currently unavailable.

Rideau branch-Elevator out of service

15/09/2021

The elevator at Rideau is currently out of service for maintenance and repairs. Service will be restored on Monday, September 27th.

Holiday Closure: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

20/09/2021

All Ottawa Public Library branches will be closed on Thursday, September 30. Access our online services 24/7 on the Ottawa Public Library website.

You are here

Home » Find a branch » Main

Main

Hours for the week of Sep 20, 2021
Day of weekOpening times
Monday10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Tuesday10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wednesday10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thursday10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Next system-wide closure: Sep 30, 2021

Upgrades to public computers, printers and photocopiers require those systems to be temporarily offline at Main on August 23 and 24, 2021. Thank you for your patience as we install new systems to better serve you.

Browsing, public computers, newspapers and magazines are available inside most open branches, with capacity limits for two-metre distancing. Up to 200 items can also be put on hold.

  • Holds can be picked up on shelves and borrowed items can be returned via book drops anytime.
  • Access to PCs, Chromebooks, and printing is allowed, where these are available.
  • Check out passes to museums and parks.
  • Donate used books at open branches.
  • And more!

Masks are required to be worn in line outside of Ottawa Public Library branches, as per the Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law.

For more details, go to Current Branch Services or contact us by phone, email or chat.

  • 120 Metcalfe
    Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5M2
    613-580-2940 (Infoservice)
    Public transit routes:
    6,7,14,15,16,19
Contact us
Main / Centrale Branch - Metcalfe and Laurier

Nearest branches

Rideau Branch
Rideau
377 Rideau
Sunnyside Branch
Sunnyside
1049 Bank
Exterior of Rosemount branch
Rosemount
18 Rosemount
Transit next stop time
QUEEN / METCALFE ( 1228 )
Bus number Time Direction
Route number7
21:22
21:52
 Carleton
Route number15
20:55
21:10
 Parliament
Route number16
22:11
 Tunney's Pasture
Route number19
21:00
 Parliament
SLATER / METCALFE ( 3008 )
Bus number Time Direction
Route number19
22:00
22:29
 St-Laurent / Hurdman

 

List of meeting rooms, capacities and links to reserve.
Title Capacity Rates Note
Room B125 35 Regular Room Rates Includes a whiteboard (no markers). Does not include cords, laptop, or technical assistance. There is no screen in the room , but it is possible to project onto the wall.
Auditorium 189 Auditorium Rates Includes a podium and microphone. If you require a table in the lobby please add to the note field. Does not include cords, a laptop or technical assistance. There is no screen in the auditorium, but it is possible to project onto the wall. Please note that no food or beverages can be consumed in the Auditorium. Light refreshments are allowed only outside of the Auditorium.

Branch features

The hub of the 33-branch OPL system, the Main branch the largest library in the system, with the greatest selection of material of all kinds and the most public access Internet stations in the city. Located downtown in the heart of the business and government communities, the Main branch is the place for reference services, including the Ottawa Room, which holds an extensive collection of local historical documents.

The Main branch received these improvements in 2014.

  • Renovated children’s area including a new floor plan with improved sight lines
  • Furniture upgrades
  • Increased public space on the 3rd floor
  • Consolidation of all bookable public internet computers for adults, on the 3rd floor
  • RFID technology installation
  • New point of service