Toronto Public Library: More Than Just Books
Your local library branch can be a great resource for you to do your schoolwork, enjoy some hobbies, or even find a new community.
Written by: Ivena, Human Resources Management student
Have you ever been to the Toronto Public Library (TPL)? Or maybe walked by a branch? If you haven’t, I highly recommend you visit: The public library has a lot of branches so you can always find one near you.
What's so special about it? It's a library, a quiet place with lots of books. It's true, but TPL offers you more than just books.
First things first: you need a library card. It's free but check the eligibility on their website (Your Library Card Toronto Public Library)
A Quiet Place
If you need a quiet place to study or do work, TPL is the best free place you can go. The branches are spacious, offer free Wi-Fi, and don’t worry, they have power plugs everywhere for you to charge your gadgets. Since my second semester, I have been going to TPL to sit and do my work there. Sometimes I wear my earphones for some music or sometimes I enjoy the quiet ambience there.
The surroundings will motivate you to focus and do your work because you will see at least one person doing their work. It helped me a lot to accomplish my homework when my environment provided the energy that I needed.
Off Campus Printing
You suddenly remember you need to print something, and you have already left Humber. What should you do?
You can always go to TPL. The library offers printing and photocopying at any library branch. It costs $0.15 per page. If you have questions about this service, you can always ask the librarian for some help. It really saves your life when you urgently need to print something.
Borrow Physical Books
If you like to read (like me), it’s pretty self-explanatory that you go to the library.
I always borrow novels or non-fiction books from TPL. It's free, it saves me money, unless I want to own a specific book. Really, Toronto Public Library can be a great resource for you when you discover what they offer. Sometimes people often borrow trending books, and you have to wait for a period of time to get that book in your hands.
Borrow E-books
I know I prefer physical books, but if I'm not patient enough, I will borrow the e-book version. For an e-book or audiobook, you can access Libby from your phone or computer/ laptop.
I have the app on my phone, and I can easily search for the e-book that I want. Go download Libby - Welcome (libbyapp.com) on your phone right now!
Is that all that TPL offers you? Certainly not!
LinkedIn Learning
I’m sure that most of us have LinkedIn either for making connections or job hunting.
PRO TIP! With your TPL card, you are able to access LinkedIn Learning which is something that you can’t access if you don’t subscribe to the platform's premium (paid) account.
To be honest, I have never tried LinkedIn Learning at all. To add, I just found out that having the library card gives you this privilege! I should be doing that after this!
Enjoying Hobbies and Building Community
Last but not least, you can also find community and new hobbies when you visit the library. What's a library without their own book club? If you’re an avid reader, joining this one would be perfect for you. You can discuss the book of the month with new people, and you make new friends as well! Besides a book club, make sure you check the website for their workshops or events as well! There are free concerts at Toronto Reference Library. I hope to make it to one soon!
Check the Branch's Bulletin Board!
Most libraries have bulletin boards and they have tons of local activities listed. I have seen numerous posters about neighborhood activities such as yoga classes, cooking classes around the area provided by the community neighborhood or looking for volunteers. This one does not require you to have the library card.
Final Thoughts
I can say Toronto Public Library is my go-to place most of the time. I’m bored, let me go to the library or "Oh, I see a library, let me check out some books".
I love the Toronto Public Library, they give you more than just books and I hope you take advantage (in a good way obviously) of the service as a part of your journey in Toronto.
Check your nearest TPL branch near you right now!