About the Library

The public library is a catalyst for imagination, a conduit to information and a cornerstone of the local community. With 99 branches, Toronto Public Library is the largest public library system in Canada, and the world’s busiest urban library system. Every year, more than 16 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow almost 30 million items.

Toronto Public Library offers something for everyone by:

• helping you find information you can't get elsewhere
• encouraging children to love learning and become lifelong readers
• giving people a place to meet and for communities to grow
• offering classes, programs and readings on literature and literacy, travel and taxes, music and movies to name only a few
• enabling free Internet access in all our branches including free wireless at many

We know that Toronto residents love reading and of course your library but did you know that you can borrow for free our:

• diverse collections in more than 100 languages
• downloadable and online resources from the comfort of your living room
• information and materials to meet all your employment and educational needs
• learning and leisure publications in a variety of formats including DVDs, CDs, Large Print and cassette
• passes to many of Toronto’s top cultural venues through our popular Museum + Arts Program
• pedometers, laptops, language learning materials, book art and more

Jobs, Volunteering & Purchasing

• Jobs at the library
• Volunteering
• Purchasing: Requests for quotation (RFQ), Requests for proposal (RFP), Tender calls and Contract awards

Using the Library

• Getting a Library Card
• Overdue fees
• Finding your local branch
• Supporting the Library through the Toronto Public Library Foundation
• Get help, Ask a Librarian