Leading to Reading

Reading Practice for Kids in Grades 1 to 6

Child and woman reading a book at a table in the library

What is Leading to Reading?

Leading to Reading is a free service for children who are reading and writing below their grade level. Children are encouraged to learn and practice their skills in a fun environment. It is open to children in Grades 1 to 6 who can communicate in English.

What happens at Leading to Reading?

Children meet volunteers at the library once a week for a maximum of an hour where they receive one-to-one help and encouragement with their reading and writing skills. They play literacy based games and activities. The sessions are fun, engaging and interactive and are an important part of your child’s learning. The service builds children’s confidence and motivation.

When is Leading To Reading?

Schedules vary from library to library but sessions are up to an hour per week and continuous throughout the year, with various holiday breaks.

How does a child join?

Parents or guardians need to complete the application form and submit it to the library. Applications can be picked up at any participating library listed below or it can be downloaded and emailed to the branch contact listed next to the participating library. A teacher assessment from your child’s teacher is required and is part of the application. Take the Teacher Assessment page and have your child’s teacher fill it in and return it to you, or have the teacher email the form to you.

Please note that enrollment is limited but not entirely based on first-come, first-served. Most parents apply in the fall but you may apply any time. There may be a waiting list.

Building confidence in Toronto’s children

Leading to Reading operates in the following branches within the Toronto Public Library System:
Library Days and Hours
Agincourt
416-396-8602
LTRagbrw@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Wednesdays
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. -12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Albert Campbell
416-396-3589
LTRacdke@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Albion
416-394-5018
LTRabyw@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Tuesdays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Barbara Frum
416-395-5440
LTRbfdo@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Mondays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Wednesdays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Bridlewood
416-396-8602
LTRagbrw@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Tuesdays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Cedarbrae
416-396-8884
LTRced@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Tuesdays & Thursdays
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Downsview
416-395-5720
LTRbfdo@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Eatonville
416-394-5016
LTReari@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Ethennonnhawahstihnen'
416-395-5486
LTRfv@tpl.ca
Child Application Form

Leading to Reading sessions are temporarily being offered at this location until Fairview reopens.

Tuesdays & Thursdays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Evelyn Gregory
416-394-5013
LTRmasmd@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Tuesdays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Fairview
416-395-5486
LTRfv@tpl.ca
Child Application Form

Temporarily relocated to Ethennonnhawahstihnen' until Spring of 2025 due to the branch closure.

Flemingdon Park
416-396-8600
LTRfpth@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Jane/Sheppard
416-395-5966
LTRjswe@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Tuesdays & Thursdays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Kennedy/Eglinton
416-396-8924
LTRacdke@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Mondays & Wednesdays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Lillian H. Smith
416-393-7781
LTRsals@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Thursdays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Malvern
416-396-8603
LTRmal@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Mondays & Tuesdays
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
7:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Maria A. Shchuka
416-394-5013
LTRmasmd@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Mondays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Mount Dennis
416-394-5013
LTRmasmd@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Parkdale
416-393-7401
LTRpk@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Wednesdays & Thursdays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Parliament
416-396-8604
LTRplsj@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Richview
416-394-5016
LTReari@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Tuesdays & Thursdays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Sanderson
416-393-7781
LTRsals@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Mondays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Scarborough Civic Centre
416-396-3599
LTRscws@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Tuesdays & Thursdays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
St. James Town
416-393-8187
LTRplsj@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Tuesdays & Thursdays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Thorncliffe
416-396-8600
LTRfpth@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Tuesdays & Wednesdays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.
Weston
416-394-1016
LTRjswe@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Woodside Square
416-396-3589
LTRscws@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
York Woods
416-394-5018
LTRabyw@tpl.ca
Child Application Form
Wednesdays
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m - 7:45 p.m.

Who volunteers?

Leading To Reading volunteers are Torontonians of all ages and from all walks of life who are fluent in English and like children. Toronto Public Library provides training for volunteers.

Volunteers are Needed!

Your commitment to Leading To Reading

Parents of students in the service must sign an agreement of enrollment and attendance. If your child doesn't meet the conditions, the service staff will have to excuse your child from Leading To Reading. Children may participate for a maximum of two school years, but participation may be shorter at the service co-ordinator's discretion.

How can parents help?

Additional resources


We are grateful to the many donors who are supporting this vital children’s literacy program at TPL. Special thanks to the following for their generosity: