6 Toronto Public Library Perks Most Students Don’t Know About

If you ever thought of the library as dead, think again. With this year’s funding increase, the branches at the Toronto Public Library (TPL) don’t only carry books of the past or the odd 2000s DVD. You can borrow or use more than what you ever thought was possible, all without spending a dime. 

Here are six things you didn’t know about the Toronto Public Library:

1. They’ll Bring It To You

Unsure if trekking to Etobicoke for those two books that just so happen to only be at that location is worth it? You can have TPL deliver a book or other material to a branch of your choosing. Though, make sure to place a hold if you really want something. Popular materials have a lot of holds, so be patient.

2. Borrow More Than Books

Printing, photocopying, and scanning is available at any branch, and you can also borrow a musical instrument from Parkdale, Downsview, and York Woods branches. They lend everything from an acoustic guitar, violin, and bongo drums to the banjo, theremin, and autoharp. You can also get sheet music, textbooks (musical or otherwise), and other related materials at various locations. Additionally, North York Central, Oakwood Village, Parkdale, and Toronto Reference branches have piano practice rooms available for reservation.

3. Rent Recent Movies & TV Shows on DVD/Blu-ray

Blockbuster is gone and physical media is expensive. You couldn’t bother to see the big movie in theatres or the small one in that one independent in East York. When you’re broke, go to the library. They have anything from Wicked, Weapons, Hoppers, Abbott Elementary, SPY x FAMILY, and Demon Slayer. Be sure to search for material availability on their website by “publication date” not the “acquired date”.

4. Tap Into Tech at a Digital Innovation Hub

Hard to book tech at school? At thirteen different branches throughout the city, you can work on 3D design/printing, audio recording, coding, fabrication, graphic design, video recording, and/or scanning/digitization. You can utilize their many Mac or Windows computers for Adobe Creative Cloud, Fusion 360, Final Cut Pro, etc. They also have specialized equipment and rooms for use: fabrication studio (North York Central), audio visual studios, sewing machines, Arduino kits, and more. You can even borrow a CO2 monitor.

5. Access eResources, Online Databases, & Digital Archives

We’ve all been there. You’re doing research. You like the introduction of the paper you’re reading but it’s only on some weird website. Don’t compromise your computer for academia. Access the eResources, online databases, and digital archives TPL offers when you can’t use your school’s own resources.

At TPL, there are eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, music, and videos. As well as digitized photos, maps, manuscripts, books, etc. Not only can you access recordings of the National Theatre in England, but delve further into TPL’s robust local history and genealogy digital archives.

Into recent publications? They have digital comics and graphic novels available, such as Heartstopper, Blue Lock, and The Way of the Househusband. Print books more up your alley? A diverse collection of physical copies from myriad authors can be found at various branches.

6. Program(s) You’re Missing Out On

Looking for a job? Don’t know where to start? TPL offers Job & Career Help online and in-person. Utilize eLearning resources for upskilling or talk to their Career Coaches in Residence to help you with your job search, with general career advice, resume help, interview prep, and more.

TPL regularly runs programming like this, from one-on-one career consultations to job search tool workshops at branches like Toronto Reference. For a current, up to date list of what’s on offer, visit the Job & Career Help page and click through to Career & Job Search.

The Bottom Line

So next time you think the library is just for cramming before finals, remember it’s also your local instrument rental, your free tech studio, your movie night backup plan, and your supportive career coach, all wrapped into one membership you probably already have. TPL isn’t hiding in the past. It’s just waiting for you to use your card for more than the one thing you think it’s for. Go poke around, you might just find your new favourite study break.