Toronto Public Library (TPL) is a public service that is mostly funded by the City of Toronto. If you are in Toronto or live on a First Nation reserve in Ontario, you can visit any of the 100 branches to sign up for a TPL card. Just remember to take your I.D.
The cards expire after one year and will have to be renewed in order to continue using their services. Renewals can be done online. You have a borrowing limit of 50 items with this card.
Anyone over 13 is able to access TPL’s Digital Access Card. You don’t need this if you have a physical library card. There are also corporate library cards for places like businesses and day cares. Having a physical TPL card gives you access to the TPL website where you can get more resources than what’s at the libraries.
Special cases
If you are a non-resident worker, student or property owner in Toronto, you can get a card if you meet the requirements. If you don’t meet the requirements, you have to pay a fee to get a card: $50 for three months and $150 for 12 months.
If you are experiencing homelessness, you can get a card for 12 months and can borrow up to five items. You’ll need to have something with your name on it. If you are disabled and have trouble getting and returning library materials, you can change your library card to “Persons with Disabilities Status” online or at a branch. If you have a print disability, you can change your card status to “Talking Books Status” online or at a branch.
Getting a TPL card gives you access to things you may not have known.
Books
You can borrow a variety of books from the library. You can see the borrowing time limit on TPL’s website. If something you want isn’t available, you can place a hold and get notified when it becomes available. You can also place a hold if something you want isn’t at a nearby library or isn’t in the library’s circulation as yet.
Digital
You get access to many online versions of books like eBooks and audiobooks through OverDrive, Libby and O’Reilly Learning. There is also a digital archive with books, photos, etc. that you can explore. Current and past newspapers are accessible through Digital Newspapers and three other resources.
K-12 students can get support with their homework through Brainfuse. They also provide resources for eLearning and research.
Entertainment
You can also access TPL’s Blogs, Podcasts & Publications and get DVDs. They also partner with Hoopla, Kanopy and BBC Library Adaptations for video, music, documentaries, etc. There’s also Naxos Music Library (original, Jazz and World), Medici.tv, Special Collections and Theatre and Concerts.
Select branches
- You can borrow an instrument
- You can book an Audio-Visual Studio
- Branches host programs and classes
Computer use
- You can use the computer to search the Web
- Print and photocopy (these are paid)
- Use Microsoft Office
- Scan
Technology
- Fabrication Studio at North York Central Library
All TPL branches have Wi-Fi hotspots you can use while visiting. They also lend out six-month hotspots to those who don’t have internet access at home.
tpl:map pass
Your adult TPL card gives you access to tpl:map passes for Torontonian attractions. The passes depend on availability. Some of the attractions are:
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- CN Tower
- Hot Docs Cinema
- Ontario Science Centre (Pop-up at CF Sherway Gardens)
- Orchestra events like Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra
- Ripley’s Aquarium
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Royal Conservatory of Music
- Toronto Zoo
Support
If you need help with something, you can ask a librarian at a branch or book one in advance. You can also contact Expert Staff. There are study spaces, Resources for Teachers & Parents, resources for those new to Canada and Indigenous Initiatives.
Toronto Reference Library
The Toronto Reference Library is the biggest TPL branch. A reference library is “a place for looking at a collection of books that must be read only where they are kept and not taken away.” This library has five floors, the TD Gallery (free admission), Special Collections & Rare Books and many other features. Pay it a visit, if you can.
A TPL card lets you access sites for free, connects you with programs and experts, gives you passes for attractions and so much more. Take your I.D. to your local branch and sign up for a card to gain the benefits it has to offer.