On Civil Society
Join the conversation.
With a new lineup of programs and new ways to get involved, our On Civil Society series pushes boundaries, explores our differences, and takes you deeper into the issues affecting our world today.
Conversations this season focus on local, national and international issues and perspectives featuring leading experts and thinkers from all over the world on the most critical topics of our time.
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Letter from City Librarian Vickery Bowles
Upcoming On Civil Society Programs
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Alaa Al Aswany: The Republic of False Truths
Wed Oct 27, 2021 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
One of Egypt's most famed and best selling authors, Alaa Al Aswany discusses his newest novel, The Republic of False Truths, and reflects on the ten year anniversary of the Arab Spring. In conversation with Nahlah Ayed.
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Steven Johnson: Extra Life
Mon Nov 01, 2021 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Award winning author, Steven Johnson, talks about his newest book, Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer, and the enduring power of common goals. In conversation with journalist Melissa Gismondi.
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Elaine Dewar: On the Origins of the Deadliest Pandemic in 100 Years
Mon Nov 08, 2021 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Journalist Elaine Dewar talks about her newest book, On the Origin of the Deadliest Pandemic in 100 Years, and the importance of asking tough questions during tough times. In conversation with Saba Eitizaz.
NEW for this year
We’re casting a spotlight on two new On Civil Society streams that invite you to learn more, get involved and take action.
On Civil Society: Climate
Our Climate series focuses on the issues our planet is facing and explores what these changes mean for humans and our natural environment. Featuring programs, discussions and topics that delve deep into the environment and climate change.
Upcoming Climate Programs
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Climate - The Plastic Lake: Fighting Plastic Pollution in Lake Ontario
Sat Oct 30, 2021 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
A panel conversation featuring experts working along the shores of Lake Ontario to monitor the impacts of plastic on our great lake, to discuss the massive work ahead of us to clean up this mess.
On Civil Society: Democracy
Our Democracy series features a wide variety of programs which explore how democracy is changing. Conversations include leading experts and thinkers from around the world, and local perspectives and organizations fighting to make our democracy transparent and fair. These programs, discussions and topics range from how democracy functions at the neighbourhood level to the changing role of democracy across entire continents.
Upcoming Democracy Programs
Stay tuned for more Democracy-themed programs coming soon.
How to Get Involved
Built into many of our events are opportunities for you to engage with our guests, topics, each other and organizations around the world.
Learn from some of Toronto’s most important organizations who are working to protect our water, air, land and animals. Check out events with linked Field Trips that will give you the opportunity to participate and engage with other Torontonians who want to get involved in issues that matter.
Civil Forum
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TPL’s Civil Forums take place before or after select events, providing the audience with a virtual space and voice to participate in the discussion.
Audience members are invited to share opinions and personal stories related to our event topics, to listen and learn, and to provide experience, education or expertise on the topic. Guest moderators field your questions, share your comments and stories, and open up the floor to your insights and opinions in the hopes of sparking further engagement and conversations. All are welcome.
Past Civil Forums
- Civil Forum: Drug Use for Grownups
- Civil Forum: A Complex Exile - Homelessness in Canada
- Civil Forum: Basic Income
Reading List
On-Demand
Enjoy conversations that explore democracy, civic engagement and the exchange of ideas.
Videos
Check out Live & Online events from our On Civil Society series and watch replays of past events you may have missed on the TPL Culture channel on Crowdcast, including these featured programs you can enjoy on-demand:
- Tom Nichols: Our Own Worst Enemy
- Revolutionizing the Rural
- Fulfillment and the Future of Work
- Jonathan Manthorpe: Restoring Democracy
- Big Tech, Monopolies and Imagining Alternatives
- Watching, Listening, and Learning: Feeding the Marketing Algorithms
You can also explore our On Civil Society YouTube playlist.
Podcasts
Listen to these featured episodes, and discover more captivating conversations and archived recordings on our Live Mic and Writers Off the Page podcast series.