1mo ago

Looking for places to sit and write in Ottawa

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!

9 comments

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.
- 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.
  
  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.
@sentientloom The view of the Experimental Farm, yesterday from 5th floor MacOdrum library. No one around. Beautiful. Silent.
- Oh that's nice. And they'll let the public sit there and read and write?
  
  @sentientloom 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.
- 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.
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.)

9 comments