Troubleshooting Tips
Having technical problems with the Toronto Public Library website? Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try.
- Check the time of day
- Check your bookmarks
- Check your browser
- Reset your browser
- Check your browser's privacy settings
- Clear your browser's history
- Check your add-ons
- Are you having problems in more than one browser?
- Do you want your browser to remember your library card and PIN numbers for future visits?
- Are you connecting using the Z39.50 protocol?
- How to get more help
- Check the time of day
At approximately 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time daily, some library website functions (account access, placing holds, location/status of materials) are not available for about 15 minutes due to website maintenance.
- Check your bookmarks
Make sure you're using the correct address to access the Toronto Public Library website.
- For the library homepage, the address is www.torontopubliclibrary.ca.
- If you prefer to go directly to your account, bookmark the address www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/account.
- Check your browser
Our website supports the following browsers:
- Chrome
- Safari
- Microsoft Edge
- Firefox
We recommend using the latest version of your browser.
If you're having problems with the library website, try using it in a different browser. This will help identify whether or not the problem is browser-specific.
- Reset your browser
One quick troubleshooting option is to reset your browser to its default state. Resetting the browser removes custom settings and add-ons that could be causing problems with library website access.
- Chrome: Reset Chrome settings to default
- Firefox: reset add-ons and settings
- Internet Explorer: Change or reset Internet Explorer settings
If you don't want to reset your browser, try some of the following steps.
- Clear your browser's history
Clearing your browsing history/cache can sometimes resolve problems.
- Check your browser's privacy settings
The library website uses cookies to manage your session when you are logged in. If your browser is set to block cookies, you will have problems when trying to place holds or access your account.
In Internet Explorer, we recommend using the Medium privacy setting when accessing the library website. See these instructions on managing privacy settings for more help.
- Check your add-ons
Some types of browser add-ons can interfere with website access. One way to test for possible issues is to try using the library website in private browsing mode.
If the library website works in private browsing mode, you may need to disable one or more add-ons to get it to work in regular (non-private) mode - or you can reset your browser to get rid of add-ons.
- Are you having problems in more than one browser?
If you're having the same problem in more than one browser, some other software on your computer/device may be affecting library website access.
If you are using an anti-virus/security program, you may need to create an exception for the Toronto Public Library website to ensure that no functionality or content is blocked. Check your program's help information to find out how to set up an exception.
Malware (malicious programs) can interfere with library website access. Symptoms of a malware infection may include popup windows advertising surveys and contests. If you think you may have malware on your computer/device, you should scan it using a security program or ask a knowledgeable person for help.
- Do you want your browser to remember your library card and PIN numbers for future visits?
You will need to set your browser's Autocomplete or Password Manager to remember your library card and PIN numbers.
- Are you connecting using the Z39.50 protocol?
Toronto Public Library Z39.50 Server Settings:
Host name: symphony.tpl.ca
Port: 2200
Database Name: unicorn
Search Map Name: unicorn_bth
Unicode Server: yes- How to get more help
Contact us if the above suggestions don't help.
Please include details about the browser and operating system you're using. If you're not sure, check WhatIsMyBrowser.com.