Getting Started with Online Services & Databases

• Your Library Card
• Books, DVDs & Music
• eResources & Research
• eLearning
• Programs and Events
• Library Services

Toronto Public Library (TPL) is the biggest and busiest public library system in North America, with more than 46 million annual visits to our branches and online. TPL has 100 branches and two bookmobiles that serve neighourhoods across the city; we also provide 24/7 access to collections and services through tpl.ca.

Our collections include 10.5 million items, such as books, CDs, DVDs and eBooks, with over 40 languages represented. You can access online magazines, newspapers, or comics.

Check out what we have to offer.

Your Library Card

Your Toronto Public Library card is FREE. The following is what you can do with your library card.

• Borrow books, music, movies, magazines, newspapers, comics, and more
• Place holds through the website to reserve materials and have them sent to your nearest branch
• Download eBooks, digital magazines, movies and music
• Use research databases to access magazine and newspaper archives, business directories, and other specialized content
• Reserve computer time at any branch
• Reserve a tpl:map pass for free access to Toronto museums and other venues
• Access cutting-edge technology and workshops at the Digital Innovation Hubs
• Renew a checked-out item (online or in-branch)
• Change email address, telephone number, password/PIN, preferred name, home branch
• Access electronic/eLearning resources (eBooks, eMagazines, databases, etc.) and online homework help.
• Recommend a title for purchase

For more information, go to Using the Library and Your Library Card.

Books, DVDs, & Music

The Books, DVDs, & Music page has links to what’s coming soon to the library. It is your gateway to finding what’s new in Adult Fiction or Non-Fiction or other formats (Large Print, Talking Books).

• Adult Books – browse staff picks, explore recommendations for different genres or take part in our Reading Challenge. 
• Teen Books – find recommended reads, check out The List or browse the latest teen fiction and graphic novels. Visit also the Teens page.
• Children’s Books – find the right books for your child’s age and reading level. Visit also the Kids page. 
• eBooks and Online Content – stream or download books, movies, music and magazines with your library card.
• Audiobooks – find the latest audiobooks, including those available in digital formats and on CD.
• Movies and TV – find movies and TV shows to borrow on DVD or stream online.
• Music – borrow CDs, stream music, find sheet music, or learn about the Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library.
• En français – découvrez les collections en français de la Bibliothèque publique de Toronto.
• Material in Your Language – get books, movies and music in over 40 languages.

Borrow or stream for free with your Toronto Public Library card. In addition, with your library card, you can recommend a title for purchase.

Our Books page feature staff curated shared list of titles (e.g. Humourous Fiction, Indigenous, Mysteries, etc.) as well as Best Sellers and Award Winners. 

The Read Indigenous page features titles written by Indigenous authors, writers, illustrators and Knowledge Keepers for all ages and have been selected with Toronto Public Library’s Indigenous Advisory Council.

We have the Native Peoples Collections at three locations: Spadina Road Library; North York Central Library; and Toronto Reference Library. This collection includes books, CDs and DVDs, as well as language-learning kits, by and about the Native Peoples of North America with special emphasis on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada.

eResources & Research

The Articles & Online Research page has information on a wide range of online services, including article databases, business directories, and practice tests. Access free with your Toronto Public Library card:

• Resources for Students
• Resources for Business and Careers

Check out our A-Z List of Databases, accompanying Getting Started Guides, and selected Video Tutorials to learn more. 

Browse online magazines and newspapers by title or subject or review our databases and research tools by topics.

For help searching for a job, researching a paper or homework assignment, tech help, and more, Book a Librarian by making a free 30-60 minute appointment with a librarian at one of the TPL branches or fill out the Book a Librarian Form.

eLearning

Our eLearning page provides links to free access to online services that can help you learn new skills via online courses thorough eResouces such as: 

• Gale Courses – instructor-led courses on accounting, college readiness, business, creative writing, and much more.
• HSTalks – lectures with slide presentations by leading experts on business, management, and biomedical and life sciences.
• LinkedIn Learning – video courses on software development, business, design, photography and more.
• Mango Languages – interactive courses in 71 different languages, including Cherokee, and Potawatomi.
• O’Reilly Learning – video courses and eBooks on technology and business topics.
• Sage Video – streaming video collections in the fields of business, management, counseling and psychotherapy, leadership and nursing. Developed with leading academics and practitioners.

Find a Guided Learning Pathway or Discover the Learning Pathway for you.

Programs and Events

We offer a variety of programs – storytime, computer classes, author events and more to all audience levels both online or in-person.

Some programs include: Author Talks & Lectures; Book Clubs & Writers’ Groups; Career & Job Search; Computer & Library Training; Health & Wellness; Hobbies, Crafts & Games; Newcomer & ESL; Personal Finance; Small Business and the Program Series (Salon Series; On Civil Society; Our Fragile Planet) as well as Exhibits & Displays (TD Gallery)

Sign Up for Our eNewsletter for information on upcoming programs and events.

Library Services

Check out the A-Z listing of our services that includes:

• Dial-a-Story where Kids and their families can listen to a story by phone any time of day for FREE by calling the library’s Dial-A-Story service at 416-395-5400.
• Job and Career Help where you can find tools and support you need to develop your skills and achieve your career goals.
• Ontario Parks Pass – Borrow a free day use pass with your library card and plan a visit to one of over 100 provincial parks.
• tpl:map Passes – Book your free pass with your adult library card and discover, explore and enjoy Toronto’s arts, cultural experiences, and attractions. 
• Your Health Matters – library programs, recommended collections and services including Live eChat online with a Public Health Nurse.

Questions? Need Assistance? Visit our Contact us page or call Answerline, 416-397-5981.

Revised: December 7, 2024