Library 2.0 (Courtesy of Toronto Star)

In Toronto, the city that is home, libraries are our living room.

Forget Starbucks, Second Cup, Tim Hortons, the whole irritating landscape of phony hospitality, those walk-in ads where comfort, cookies and coffee are doled out at $5 a serving.

Forget Chapters and Indigo, with their overstuffed couches and department store lighting.

And if you happen to live, as do many Torontonians, in 800 square feet on the fourth floor facing a similar condo next door, forget your own place.

Your local library is where you want to be. Bring your own drink – no problem – and find a seat. There are some comfortable chairs over there by the fireplace. If you prefer more light, try something closer to the window.

Kids might want to check out the play area; it has child-size furniture and special computers.

Older students, those who travel in packs, might rather plunk themselves down at one of the long work tables where they can find strength in numbers.

These days, some branches even offer evening concerts. Starting with musical experiments in 2006, the program of decidedly unlibrary-like events continues with a concert by Grand Analog at the College Shaw branch Thursday. The mix artists will also host a deejay workshop at the College St. library on Tuesday. Other "Make Some Noise" concerts this month include a double bill from folkies Bruce Peninsula and Timbre Timbre at the North York Central Library on Saturday night. Indie artist Katie Stelmanis graces the shiny new Bloor-Gladstone branch Nov. 20.

Read More