With a staggering 100 branches and extensive electronic resources, the Toronto Public Library has something to offer everyone seeking to learn, relax and have a mental workout: from Lego to 3D printing to writing club to finding jobs to navigating through life in Canada for newcomers.

Programs, classes and exhibitions for children, families, individuals, senior and newcomers help make this city inclusive and welcoming.  Materials are available in more than 100 languages; card holders can get free passes to local museums and cultural attractions, borrow pedometers and laptops, and check out e-resources, CDs, DVDs and large print materials.  A world of ideas, inspiration and fun just a click or library visit away.

Listed below are special events, classes, workshops, activities and clubs that offered free to all library card holders.

Author Talks and Lectures

Architecture, fiction, science, music, art, history, war, history, poetry and so many more areas and topics are yours for the listening and learning.  Some events require advance registration.  Check the link for events’ schedule and locations.

Book Clubs and Writers’ Groups

Join fiction and non-fiction book clubs (some for adults and some for children and writers clubs (some in other languages), go to a reading, Check the link for events’ schedule and locations.

Career and Job Search

Get one-on-one job search on line help from a librarian, learn to use social media including LinkedIn, get occupation specific employment advice, meet people from employment services, explore careers,  have your resume critiqued, take a babysitting course, look for a summer job, develop youth leadership skills, discover volunteer and mentorship  opportunities and much more to get you on track with career and employment. Check the link for events’ schedule and locations.

Computer and Library Training

Basic computer skills, digital design, email and social networking, internet and library research, downloads and ebooks; and PowerPoint, Excel and Word- everything you need to get the basics and beyond for computer skills. Some training requires advance registration.  Check the link for events’ schedule and locations.

Culture, Arts and Entertainment

Watch movies and short films, knit with friends, practice ASL, participate in camera club, learn and do crafts, play chess, join after school club, children learn additional languages, see poetry slams, see live music and play readings, develop and practice conversation skills, play music, paint, join teacher professional day activities, watch a puppet show or play, make music, take cultural events and jump into the joy of life that library offers. Some events require advance registration.  Check the link for events’ schedule and locations.

Digital Innovation Hubs

Learn how to design and print a 3D object, reserve a digital design workstations for audio/video editing, document/photo (flatbed) and 3D scanning, analog video conversion, web/graphic/3D design, or coding/programming; use  Chromebooks, iPads, MacBooks, Microsoft Surface, Samsung Galaxy Note, HD digital cameras, audio & video production tools, Arduinos, or Raspberry Pis; and attend open houses, digital design classes, monthly meetups, children and teen activities. Check the link for events’ schedule and locations, and locations with these devices (available at select locations only).  Some require advance reservation and training requires advance registration.

Early Literacy

Children 5 years old and under can ready to read with programs, services, resources and spaces in Ready for Reading. Story time, hands on book activities and guidance for home introduction to reading are available at branches throughout Toronto.  Check the link for events’ schedule and locations.

ESL and Newcomer Programs

Get referral to services and supports for settlement in Canada, attend ESL classes, practice conversation skills, get citizenship mentoring, improve reading skills, get help with IELTS and TOEFL preparation,  get one-on-one research help from librarian,  youth newcomer homework help, understand tax return preparation; get job search help, and get support in Tamil and Mandarin. Check the link for events’ schedule and locations.

Exhibits and Displays

Take in the amazing painting, photography and mixed media in library galleries. Check the link for events’ schedule and locations.

Health and Wellness

Senior exercise and wellness (some in Mandarin), family resources, mental wellness, manage stress through meditation,  disease prevention,  home safety, babysitting course for youth, home alone safety for children and so many more programs health and vitality for people of all ages. Borrow a pedometer and know what steps you are taking towards being healthy. Check the link for events’ schedule and locations.

History and Genealogy

Take courses to learn how to trace your family roots,  attend historical society presentations, tour special collections, and learn about historical figures and events.  Check the link for events’ schedule and locations.

Hobbies, Crafts and Games

Knit, crochet, game, cartoon, zen tangle, cartoon,  chess, history books, craft clubs, after school clubs, Lego, art, puzzles, adult coloring, knit for the needy, quilt, scrabble, rugs, gardens and every expanding range of creative stimulating activities are on offer. Check the link for events’ schedule and locations.

Homework Help Leadership and After School

Plenty of growth and development activities for children and youth including: homework help, study zone, after school clubs, making and invention and gaming, lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning.  Check the link for events’ schedule and locations.

KidsSpace

Space for kids to tell and hear stories, play a game, send ecards, read picture books, do puzzles, get help with homework, ask questions and find books. Check the link for fun kid focused events’ schedule and locations.

Reading Programs and Storytimes

Leading to reading, story time (some in Cantonese, French), pyjama time, baby time, toddler time, pre-school time, music and movement. creative play, math fun, puppet show and more activities for infants and their caregivers to enjoy. Check the link for events’ schedule and locations.

Science and Technology

Lego club, laptop and smartphone, after school club, germ club, basic HTML and CSS, apps, biotechnology, germs, astronomy, 3D printing, environment and caring for the planet, nature, plants, living creatures, energy conservation are among the incredible range of science and technology offerings.  Check the link for events schedule and locations.

Small Business Programs

Social media, networking, technology, Facebook, taxes, market research, incubation, digital marketing, intellectual property, record keeping and mentorship for aspiring and current entrepreneurs cover some the basics for business. Check the link for events schedule and locations.

Teens

There is a whomping 500+ programs and classes suitable for teens including: play reading, tutoring, afternoon movies, volunteer opportunities, 3D design, 3D printing, robot jousting, HTML an CSS for beginners,  arts, crafts, drumming, author readings, youth advisory groups, meditation, photography and many, many programs are available to help teens discover and develop their talents, enjoy life, and build and participate in community. Check the link for events schedule and locations.