Books & Audiobooks
Make Memories at the Main Library
The Main Library is the central hub of Waterloo Public Library. Located in the heart of Uptown Waterloo, the two-storey building features a separate children’s area, ample study space and WPL’s largest collection of browsable materials.
Two young boys play with magnet stacking toys in the Children's Department at the Main Library.
Children's Area
Enjoy a children's area with toys and activities to create a fun and educational space for young library visitors.
The book sale shelves at the Main Library full of books and magazines for purchase
Book Sale
Purchase used books and magazines. Proceeds of the book sale go toward library programs and services.
Close up of a table top photo scanner
Photo Scanner
Effortlessly digitize your documents and photos.
Close up of a light therapy lamp
Light Therapy Lamp
Boost your mood while you read or study in the library with a high-quality light therapy lamp.
Unique Items at the Main Library
In addition to a wide variety of books in English for readers of all ages, you can browse and borrow these unique collections at the Main Library. Please note that many of these items can be placed on hold to be picked up at a different location.
Daisy Books & Readers
Bike Locks
Cannot be placed on hold
DVDs for All Ages
CDs for All Ages
Books for Children in Other Languages
Chinese, French, Amharic, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, Ukrainian & Urdu
Books for Adults in Other Languages
Chinese & French
Graphic Novels for All Ages
A close up of ceramic flowers and leaves that make up BLOOM, an art instillation at the Main Library
BLOOM
Suzanne Del Rizzo (2025) | Main Library Art
In partnership with The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery
BLOOM captures and reflects both the wonder and universal interconnectedness of the natural world and humankind. As flower buds bloom, and leaves and shoots grow and unfurl, sending out new explorative tendrils, insects and birds depend on these blooms for shelter and food to thrive and grow, just as our children grow and explore our world and community. It is a shared human experience – through family, community and shared connections. This art piece not only reflects these themes but was co-created in this spirit, with community contribution though artist-led public engagement workshops.
Urban Pulse
Pamela Rojas (2025) | Main Library Art
In partnership with The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery
Together, we can shape a shared vision for our community. Through its presence, this public artwork serves as both a reflection of our city and a catalyst for action, encouraging us all to participate in creating the future we want to see. This mural is a vibrant, joyful visualization of our city, one that honors its past, embraces its present, and imagines its future.
Close up of colourful / abstract buildings that make up Urban Pulse, an art installation at the Main Library
Public art at the Main Library entitled Looking Outward & Inward
Looking Outward & Inward
Susan Low-Beer (1995) | Main Library Public Art
Intentionally open-ended, this sculpture doesn’t offer a conclusive narrative. It delves into the intricate dynamics between men and women, probing the aspects of both masculinity and femininity within each observer. Purposefully ambiguous, it mirrors a psychological complexity, encouraging viewers to interpret and construct their own narrative when engaging with the artwork.
Main Library FAQ
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Where can I park? Is parking free?
There is limited free street parking available on Albert Street just across from the library.
There are also two parking lots located at the Main Library: the Dupont Street Lot and the Albert Street Lot. These parking lots are controlled by the City of Waterloo and are pay-by-the hour via a Pay & Display machine. Paid parking is in effect Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm. The cost is $3.25 per hour.
Free parking is available in the Dupont Street Lot and Albert Street Lot, Monday to Friday after 5:00pm and all day on weekends.
Accessible parking is available free of charge at all times in both parking lots. Designated accessible parking spaces are located adjacent to each library’s entrance. Vehicles parking in these spaces must display a disabled person parking permit/shield as required by law.
IMPORTANT: Do not park in the “D” permit areas Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm. These are for permit holders only. All others will be ticketed.
To report a parking issue, use the help button located on each machine or contact the City of Waterloo by calling 519-747-8785 or submitting a complaint online.
Questions about parking tickets? Contact By-Law at the City of Waterloo.
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How can I pay for parking?
Paid parking is in effect in the Dupont Street Lot and Albert Street Lot from Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm. The cost is $3.25 per hour.
The Pay & Display machines in the parking lots accept cash (coins), debit and credit cards.
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How do I get to the library by bus or ION?
The following routes stop near the Main Library:
- Route 7 King
- Route 5 Erb
- Route 16 Strasburg-Belmont
- Route 301 ION Light Rail Transit (Waterloo Public Square & Willis Way stops)
Both the Waterloo Public Square and the Willis Way stations are a short walk (under 10 minutes) to the Main Library. Please cross at the traffic lights for your own safety. Learn more about the ION including the schedule and fares, on the Grand River Transit website.
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Where can I return my books?
During open hours, there are interior returns slots at Borrower Services (on the lower level) and at the Reception Desk (on the upper level). After hours, there is an exterior returns slot accessible via the Dupont Street Parking Lot.
You can return Waterloo Public Library books to ANY Waterloo Public Library location.
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Do you offer fax services?
No, we do not offer fax services. The nearest fax services are located at: The UPS Store (133 Weber St. N, Waterloo)
We do offer free scanning to email and paid printing services. Please visit our Wifi, Printing & Photocopying page for more details.
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Do you have a public pay phone?
Yes, we have a public pay phone located in the Albert Street entryway.
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Is there somewhere I can charge my phone?
Yes! There are two charging stations on the upper level of the building equipped with USB C, Micro B and Lightning (Apple) charging cables.
Need a library card?
Getting a library card is your passport to a world of learning and discovery. With just a simple online application process, you can access a treasure trove of books, digital resources, exciting services, and cool things to borrow.