Ottawa Trans Library

WHEELCHAIR RAMP AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. (Putting this in all caps because there is another review claiming they are inaccessible which does not fully explain the situation.) If possible, likely a good idea to call ahead or let them know so they have a heads up; but you can also just knock on the window or give them a call when you get there and they will set up the ramp. Otherwise, there are a couple of steps to get up into the space. There is a sign in the window at the entrance that says the ramp is available upon request and to knock on the window. The ramp is very heavy duty, and when in place it takes up half of the sidewalk outside which is why they cannot leave it as a permanent fixture (plus technically it is two ramps.) Seems like it is not a very steep incline when installed which is nice. I spoke with Tara the founder and head librarian, and she said there have been folks in power chairs who have used the ramp with no issues, just needs a bit of patience to set up. The entrance door is approximately 30 inches wide and when you get in there is a turning radius of about 48 inches to maneuver into the main space. Once inside, it is all one level and from my understanding, relatively easy to navigate as they have made an effort to have things spaced enough for someone with accessibility aids to maneuver- and, my understanding is that if anything needs to be moved to better facilitate this, like a chair being relocated or a table being pushed out of the way, they will make the effort to do that. The bathroom, however, is very small and not able to fit a wheelchair. To my understanding, there would be enough space for someone with some mobility to have a second person acting as an aid help them into the bathroom and onto/off of the toilet and to close the door provided the aid had the physical capacity to do so. I am hoping to update this review at some point to include information about the nearest accessible public bathroom; as of this time I do not know for sure.

Friendly volunteer staff and good selection of hard to find books

I didn't know about the Ottawa Trans Library until I stumbled upon a fundraiser put on by Ottawa Queerly Sewcial Circle. I put in a bid and won a lovely package donated by Plant Curio. I had a wonderful opportunity to discovered parts of our community that offers a safe space for us to just be together or alone to read. I have been diagnosed with PTSD and places like this don't make me feel scared. It is really quite a lovely feeling so FIVE STARS <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Was freezing cold at the busstop and went to the library for help. Sophie was so very kind and lovely. I will forever be changed and would love to be part of anything I can do. Potluck!!

Lovely space run by lovely people! A great and growing collection of books, with a useful trigger warning system for books that use outdated language etc. They host events as well! Definitely worth checking out for trans people and allies!

I especially like that Sophie character! What a gal! 😸

Went in today for the first time after spotting the library with a friend, we wanted to see if there were any new lgbtq+ children’s books for her son, everyone there was very helpful and there was a great selection of books. My friend was from out of town so while we didn’t check any books out, she was able to take pics of some great books that she can then purchase. Great space and atmosphere with very kind people working! Thank you ❤️

amazing place!! the books are great, the albums too, theres board games and coffee. they even host clubs and let u host ur own and its awesome. i was really sad to hear about the Situation and i hope it gets better because it kind of ruins this place 4 me. my rpg club had to stop meeting and we are sad. shoutout to chloe (idk how u spell it) she is very friendly and helped me set up my club