Free* Things to do...
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The Toronto Public Library provides a lot of free* (if not at a small fee) value to the Toronto public worth checking out.
Contrary to some countries we've visited where you need to register in order to gain entrance, the Toronto Public Library has free* entrance.
If you'd like to reserve a computer, borrow books, dvds, access a free* course and / or many of the other services provided, you'll need a library card.
To get a library card, head on over to a branch near you or contact your local Toronto Public Library.
As always, *transportation to events is not included, other charges may apply, conditions are subject to change, and specifics are outlined on the Toronto Public Library's website. Also a valid/in good standing library card is necessary.
Photo Credit @_el_chicho
MAP Passes are available to Toronto Public Library card holders and allow up to 2 adults and 3 children per pass.
This means up to 2 adults and 3 children per pass can receive free* tickets to the museums and cultural sites below.
Starting June 14, accessing MAP passes is available virtually, which means no more needing to line up in person.
Specific rules and conditions apply.
Double check the library's website for details.
According to their website, the MAP Pass gives general admission access to one of the following:
- Aga Khan Museum
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- Bata Shoe Museum
- Black Creek Pioneer Village
- Gardiner Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Ontario Science Centre
- Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Textile Museum of Canada
- Toronto Railway Museum
- Toronto Zoo
Access website for details on the MAP Pass or in case the website is down, we suggest visiting your local library or giving them a call.
For more free* things to do in Toronto check out our Ongoing Free* Things to Do in Toronto article or our Free* for a Limited Time article.
The Toronto Public Library is handing them out while quantities last at participating branches. This was
made possible
with the sponsorship of the TTC.
Access website for details on the free* Presto Card or in case the website is down, we suggest visiting your local library or giving them a call.
Photo Credit @szvinsta
Skill and level up with topics such as 3D printing and design, Coding, Audio, Video, and Image Recording Editing, Robotics, Sewing, Music, Finances, Skills Building, eLearning (LinkedIn, Tech Online, and more), etc. Each course is organized by audience (i.e. adults, teens, children) and can either be in-person or online. The library also has an adult literacy program where volunteers help community members learn basic reading, writing, and math skills for anyone who is 16 years old or older.
Access their eventbrite.ca page for the full list
From time to time, we add their most popular free* classes to our Free* Things to Do in Toronto This Week article, so be sure to check it out for options on what to do for weekly entertainment.
Photo Credit @BetterThenBlog
You can make anything you want or need, as long as it follows the Toronto Public Library's code of conduct
There are designs availalbe to choose from: thingiverse.com
The Toronto Public Library provides classes on how to use the 3D printer:
Access their eventbrite.ca page for the full list
If you're interested in learning about 3D Design, there's also classes for that, too!
Now that you have your design, you can head on over to any of the following 9 locations
- Agincourt
- Albert Campbell
- Albion
- Downsview
- Fort York
- North York Central Library
- Richview
- Scarborough Civic Centre
- Toronto Reference Library
Book in advance by calling the above library of your choice and have your library card ready.
There is a small fee that is associated with 3D printing.
At the time of writing this article, the Toronto Public Library's website states, "A fee of $0.15
per one gram of filament (printing material) is charged for each print job. An average print job
is about ten grams and costs $1.50. Minimum charge of $0.15 per print job."
Prices and locations may vary over time, so it's always a good idea to double check the Toronto Public Library's website or in case the website is down, we suggest visiting your local library or giving them a call.
Photo Credit @BetterThenBlog
Did you know that you can embroider, sew, or heat press unique designs on your favourite piece of clothing?
This service is only available at the North York Central Library.
The maker space also includes a vinyl printer / cutter which can make posters, stickets, labels, transfers for clothing, etc.
For the vinyl printer, materials purchased from the library are the only ones that can be used.
Clear, opaque, and coloured vinyl is generally available but double check about stock levels by contacting the library.
The minimum cut-out is 0.5cm and the maximum is 19 inches x 36 inches.
Prices also vary, so you'll want to inquire about that, as well.
You can bring your own fabric and thread except denim, leather, and fabric with glitter cannot be used on the sewing machines, Serger, and embroidery machines.
Embroidery backing and thread are also available for purchase from the library.
Book equipment by calling the library with your library card ready.
An introductory class is required to be completed before booking serger and embroidery machines.
For a list of embroidery, serger, fabrication studio programs and classes: Access their eventbrite.ca page or website for the full list
Other conditions also apply, so best practice is to contact the library and have a discussion with staff for any additional required steps.
The Toronto Public Library also provides sewing tutorials on their website.
- The class takes roughly two hours to complete
- It is lead by one of the knowledgeable Library Fabrication Studio Staff
- There is a maximum of 5 participants plus the instructor
- Cost of fabric backing (plus types), thread, how to create your own designs and sample designs available are explained
- (When we went cost of the fabric backing was $0.75, and thread was $2.50 per 10,000 stitches - if your project is less than 10,000 stitches, it'll still cost $2.50. If your project is 16,000 stitches, it'll be rounded up to the nearest 10,000, so it'll cost $5.00 - do double check prices with the library in case of any changes from our last visit.)
- Safety tips are of utmost importance, as well, and are explained
- A handout with the information is given, but we encourage you to take notes
- Hands on learning of how to place fabric into an embroidery hoop
- Hands on learning on how to thread the machine (this part is a little tricky - but totally doable in the end)
- What do to if you run out of time for your project and how to pick up where you left off for the next time
- Practice run of an example piece
Then, you're welcome to book the embroidery machine for up to two hours at a time for your projects.
Library Fabrication Studio Staff are always happy to help with any questions you may have.
Photo Credit: Unlimited Motion Ltd
Image for illustration purposes only. Recording studio at the Toronto Public Library locations may look different and have different equipment.
Work on audio and video projects by borrowing equipment from the Toronto Public Library.
Things you can create: podcasts, songs, or video project.
Libraries with a recording studio:
- Agincourt
- Albion
- Fort York
- North York Central Library
- Richview
- Toronto Reference Library
Depending on the location (call the library in advance to double check availability), the following equipment is available to use to make your project:
- iMac with Adobe CC, Final Cut Pro X, Logic Pro X and Ableton Live
- Studio speakers
- Microphones
- Microphone Stands and Cables
- USB Audio Interface
- North York Central Library
- MIDI Interfaces
- Video Camera (including tripods, cables)
- DSLR Camera (including tripods, cables)
- LED Studio Lighting
- Headphones
- Green screen/Green wall
Studios are not sound proof and other conditions apply.
Best practice is to contact the library and have a discussion with staff for any additional required steps.
Once you're done recording your project, take it to the next level with editing.
The Toronto Public Library offers audio and video editing classes:
For a list of audio and video editing classes: Access their eventbrite.ca page for the full list
Photo Credit: Ron Sinda
Image for illustration purposes only. Ingredients may be different according to availability and the way
the sushi roll will be made differs from person to person.
This workshop is available for teen audiences and takes place at various libraries across the city.
Individuals assemble sushi rolls with already prepared ingredients.
The ingredients are prepared by the chef.
Participants also learn the history of sushi and eating etiquette.
There isn't a clear calendar of events but if you search for "sushi making" on the Toronto Public Library website and scroll, you'll find the next workshop being held.
Accessing their eventbrite.ca page can also prove useful
If you're vegan / plant-based foodies like us, you might want to check out our Best Vegan Restaurants / Bakeries / Cafes in Toronto article.
The pass covers a one day entrance fee to parks like Algonquin, Mono Cliffs, Silent Lake, Wasaga Beach, and many more. For a complete listing of parks, conditions, etc. refer to the Toronto Public Library's website. Access website for details on the Ontario Parks Pass program or in case the website is down, we suggest visiting your local library or giving them a call.
Fellow park friends, you're not going to want to miss out on our Hike and Bike page where we highlight many of our favourite hiking / biking paths across the city with plenty of fun things to do along the way.
Photo Credit @christianchr1s
You can borrow eBooks and audiobooks with the Toronto Public Library's Overdrive app without having to set foot in the library. Pretty convenient if you ask us! Other apps include features to learn another language, listen to music, read and consume newspaper and magazine subscriptions, access law and JSTOR (academic) articles, even watch TV and movies. Access website for details on free* access to apps provided by the Toronto Public Library or in case the website is down, we suggest visiting your local library or giving them a call.
It is always nice to attend these get togethers to listen and network with like-minded people. Who knows, maybe you'll get to see one of your favourite authors and have them sign your favourite book. Access website for details on upcoming author and public speaker events. You can also check their eventbrite.ca page in case the website is down, we suggest visiting your local library or giving them a call.
Photo Credit @anniespratt
Special exhibits that only last for a specific amount of time. Fun fact, the permanent Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books on the fourth floor of the Lillian H. Smith library located on College St. just east of Spadina is where you can find the world's smallest book (you'll have to see it through a microscope)! Access website for details on the Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books or in case the website is down, we suggest visiting your local library or giving them a call.
If you like art, you'll definitely like The Art Gallery of Ontario or if you prefer contemporary art, Museum of Contemporary Art.
Talking about museums, definitely check out The Aga Khan Museum which showcases Iranian heritage and culture.
Make it a date with your person or people.
For more great date ideas, check out our Date Ideas page.
For those with lower mobility, the library has a van that transports books around the city to areas that do not have a library branch. There are 28 permanent stops on the Bookmobile schedule at the time of writing this article. For Toronto residents who have been homebound of three months or longer, the library comes straight to your home. It's always a good idea to double check Toronto Public Library's website for any changes. Access website for details on the Home Library and / or Bookmobile Service or in case the website is down, we suggest visiting your local library or giving them a call.
Photo Credit @dspillere
Image for illustration purposes only. The Arduino boards available to borrow from the Toronto Public Library may differ.
Apart from books, you can borrow other items from the library such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Monitors so you can test the air quality in your home. Musical instruments can also be borrowed thanks to Sun Life and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra sponsors or you can book a piano practice room. Digital devices have been made accessible, as well, including laptops, Arduino kits, audio recording kits, Raspberry Pi kits, light therapy lamps (for the dark winter months), sewing and embroidery machines, etc.
This small, portable, low cost, computer operates on Debian Linux and was at first designed by the charital organization to teach computer science and make it more accessible.
Kits include: a Raspberry Pi 3, 7" monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
To borrow them, you'll need a library card and to sign an equipment loan.
These kits are available at 9 library locations.
The kit cannot be renewed or reserved and must be returned to the same library they were picked up at.
Fees applicable in case anything is lost or damaged.
The Toronto Public Library also provides regular programs and classes on Raspberry Pi and Python.
You'll need to register for the classes on their website. Access programs and classes on their eventbrite.ca page
Build digital devices and interactive objects with this microcontroller.
Kits include: Arduino and all of the components needed to complete the projects available in the instructional booklet.
There are 3 skill level kits available: basic, intermediate, and advanced.
These kits are available at 9 library locations.
The kit cannot be renewed or reserved and must be returned to the same library they were picked up at.
The kit cannot be renewed or reserved.
Fees applicable in case anything is lost or damaged.
The Toronto Public Library also provides regular programs and classes on the Arduino.
You'll need to register for the classes on their website. Access programs and classes on their eventbrite.ca page.
Access website for details on other tech kits and musical instruments available to borrow or in case the website is down, we suggest visiting your local library or giving them a call.
So, essentially, you don't need to go to a printing press. Access website for details on book printing or in case the website is down, we suggest visiting your local library or giving them a call.
Photo Credit: M. Monk
Image for illustration purposes. Meeting rooms in libraries may look different and can be equipped with
different items.
You can book a room for a meeting, to grow your business, or host a community event at the Toronto Public Library. Conditions do apply, double check with the Toronto Public Library. Access website for details on venues and entrepreneurs suites or in case the website is down, we suggest visiting your local library or giving them a call.
If the above mentioned classes and programming weren't enough, the Toronto Public Library also provides access to free* online homework help on Brainfuse for students in kindergarten to grade 12. The service is available seven days a week from 2pm to 11pm. Brainfuse is not only for children. The online service also includes practice tests, writing labs for adults, as well. Access website for details or in case the website is down, we suggest visiting your local library or giving them a call.
Photo Credit: Charles Deluvio
For parents, there are many scheduled programming. In addition to the free* classes mentioned above, there are story circles and daily call in stories. The call in service is named Dial-a-Story. A person can call the phone number for the service and listen to the day's story in 16 languages. There are stories for children who are up to 7 years old and there are stories for children up to 12 years old. Access website for details or in case the website is down, we suggest visiting your local library or giving them a call.
Photo Credit @mehndi_training_center
The Toronto Public Library offers many daily programming from the already mentioned lessons to book clubs, to cultural heritage celebrations. For example, this month is Asian heritage month and in celebration, the Toronto Public Library is hosting henna workshops, origami, Chinese storytelling and dragon craft, etc. Access website for details or in case the website is down, we suggest visiting your local library or giving them a call.
Events might also be listed on their eventbrite.ca page.
The Toronto Public Library has got you covered. You can print a lot of your items including posters at the library at pretty much almost the same price as your local printing centre (sometimes it's even cheaper), which is a great alternative to have in some cases.
Photo Credit @nick.smith_photography
Did you know the Weeknd filmed one of his music videos at the Toronto Reference Public Library?
All classes can be accessed on the Toronto Public Library website or in case the website is down, we suggest visiting their eventbrite.ca page for full list.
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