this post was submitted on 29 Jun 2025
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I'm unemployed, and my living situation doesn't give me much space or peace to get any kind of work done. So I either want to find co-working space to rent, or coffee shops that don't play music and will allow me to stay for hours. I don't want to use the public libraries anymore. And I don't want to insult them by explaining why, let's just take "public libraries" off the table. Co-working spaces are probably what I'll go for, but wow they're expensive. I'm glad to hear some recommendations of co-working spaces that will let me sit and write (code and prose) whenever I want. Bonus points if they have a kettle so I can make tea. Please share your ideas and experiences!

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I spent about 6 hours at Bridgehead Coffee last month when my apartment needed some maintenance work done.

It's not quiet but it's not loud either, no music, and I ended up reading an entire book while I was there. I also like their coffee and tea. (This was the location in Vanier, haven't been to the others.)

[–] sbv@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 day ago (1 children)

You took my faves off the list: libraries and coffee shops.

You could try university libraries or the Archives. I don't think either has public kettles.

[–] sentient_loom@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I'll forego the kettle happily enough. I can walk somewhere to get tea.

Also, I'll happily use a coffee shop if they're not playing music. Do you know some coffee shops that will let me sit there, that don't play music, with tables big enough for a laptop and some notes? (getting very specific now, please forgive me!)

Do university libraries allow non-students? I'd pay for access. That would be a very quiet place to work.

[–] sbv@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 day ago

I don't think university libraries check IDs until you take out a book, so you should be able to walk in. You might want to verify though.

[–] CalmPresence@mstdn.social 2 points 1 day ago (2 children)

@sentient_loom The view of the Experimental Farm, yesterday from 5th floor MacOdrum library. No one around. Beautiful. Silent.

[–] Cracks_InTheWalls@sh.itjust.works 1 points 17 hours ago* (last edited 16 hours ago)

Seconded - no one is going to bother you at MacOdrum unless you're being disruptive. If you're just chilling and quietly reading/writing you'll be fine.

There's some rooms you can only book as a student, but those are pretty obvious.

Edit: btw, if you want to check out a book for whatever reason, get a SmartLibrary card.

Edit edit: Some additional information about print services, and as a precursor to that Wifi access, as a guest here. Long story short, visit the ITS desk on the 4th floor if you want wifi access.

[–] sentient_loom@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Oh that's nice. And they'll let the public sit there and read and write?

[–] CalmPresence@mstdn.social 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

@sentient_loom No one asked me for ID.
However I was with one of my kids, who very much looks like a student. 🤷🏼‍♀️
Might be worth a try. Line 2 stops right on campus.

I'll give it a shot. Thanks!