• Current In-Person Services

    19/10/2020

    22 of our branches and the Bookmobile are open for modified services at this time. For details on our current in-person services, visit: https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/current-branch-services.

    Visit our Hours and Locations page for our current branch hours and our Bookmobile page for the current Bookmobile schedule.

    MANDATORY:  Masks are required to be worn inside Ottawa Public Library branches, as per the Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law. Customers who are not wearing masks will not be allowed inside branches. Exceptions apply for people with medical exemptions.

NOTICE: Main Branch

Due to COVID-19 health and safety measures, the 3rd floor of the Main branch is closed.

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Main

Hours for the week of Oct 26, 2020
Day of weekOpening times
Monday10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday10:00 am - 4:00 pm
SundayClosed

Next system-wide closure: Nov 11, 2020

Main

In-person services, such as browsing and use of public computer by appointment, are currently offered at this branch.  

Returns of library items will only be accepted during hours of operations. No appointments are required to drop off library items or to pick up holds.   

Holds can be picked up during opening hours. No appointment is required to pick up holds.  

MANDATORY: Masks are required to be worn inside Ottawa Public Library branches, as per the Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law. Customers who are not wearing masks will not be allowed inside branches. Exceptions apply for people with medical exemptions.

Click here for more information. 

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

Nearest branches

Rideau photo
Rideau
377 Rideau
Sunnyside photo
Sunnyside
1049 Bank
Transit next stop time
QUEEN / METCALFE ( 1228 )
Bus number Time Direction

16
15:43
16:13
 Tunney's Pasture

19
15:11
15:26
 Parliament ~ Parlement

57
 Bells Corners

6
15:19
15:34
 Greenboro

61
 Stittsville

7
14:56
15:10
 Carleton

75
 Barrhaven Centre
SLATER / METCALFE ( 3008 )
Bus number Time Direction

15
15:16
15:32
 Blair

16
15:04
15:34
 Main

17
16:03
16:34
 Wateridge

18
15:39
15:55
 St-Laurent

19
15:37
15:53
 St-Laurent

57
 Tunney's Pasture & N Rideau

61
 Tunney's Pasture & N Rideau & Gatineau

75
 Tunney's Pasture & Gatineau & Rideau

Please note that the 3rd floor of the Main branch is not currently accessible to the public due to COVID-19 health and safety measures. The following collections are not available: Reference collection, Ottawa Room collection, microfilm, microfilm readers, and computers on the 3rd floor.

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
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