This blog post has been updated to include more details on the resources available at KPL.

Downtown Kitchener – I have very mixed reviews. On one hand, there are some extremely yummy restaurants and cute stores down there. If you drive around the neighbourhoods there are some really nice houses with neat features (I’ve seen a house that actually appears to be subterranean, and other house with the wraparound porch and personal fire escape). I’d say that the crown jewel of DTK would be the library and before anyone starts screaming the Arthur song, please remember that this is a library and patrons shouldn’t be screaming the Arthur song.

How can you not want to study here? Yes, granted, it is a bit of a trek from Waterloo but if a nice study atmosphere is key in your ability to focus (like mine) then it might be worth it. It’s all giant airy windows and natural lighting, especially on the main floor. Not to mention, wifi and plugs – everywhere. You can also borrow tablets for use (but I think you have to set up a card with them first).

They also put in Hacienda Coffee in the main library area so you don’t even need to venture out for food! Their butter tarts are to die for. I don’t know where they get them but I can only assume it’s from somewhere where crack is packaged because it’s so good. (Note: I have since found out that they source their tarts from City Cafe.) They also have other snacks and salads in case you get hungry. I have spent entire days here. I’m talking ‘queued up waiting for the staff to unlock the front doors’ early and ‘oh god why didn’t I leave during daylight hours’ late.

There are tons of study spots on the upper floor as well as study rooms available for anyone – no library card needed. One of their rooms is bookable, just talk to a librarian at the desk, and the others are all first come first serve which makes it a great place to have a study session with your friends.

Other than the classic library amenities, I love KPL because they’re doing a lot to make this space a community hub. If you pop over to their site you can see their calendar of events, including their 85 Queen series. I went to one in October when Scaachi Koul came in and it was a really fun time (but likely that is because she is an excellent human who I aspire to be).

“Oh my god, look at all you nerds with nothing else to do on a Friday night.” #ODWABDANOTWM pic.twitter.com/8ZDGDqQR1X

— Kitchener Public Library (@KitchLibrary) October 20, 2017

You can borrow instruments, borrow Internet hotspots, and even 3D print things (custom emojis for my letterboard, here I come!).

Trust me guys, having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card. (Okay now you can start shouting it.)

LOCATION

85 Queen Street North
Kitchener, ON
N2H 2H1

HOURS

Note: it’s a library so they tend to have different hours, check out their site to see the special closures.

Monday – Thursday: 9am – 9pm
Friday + Saturday: 9am – 5:30pm
Sunday: 1pm – 5pm