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October 28, 2023, Toronto Public Library was the victim of a cybersecurity attack. While library branches have remained open, some library services are unavailable.
Over the past several weeks, TPL staff, along with third-party experts, have been working around the clock to restore our systems and enhance network security. This work involves ensuring the security and integrity of each system before bringing it back online
Given the complexity and magnitude of this task involving TPL’s data centre and computers across 100 library branches, and the interconnectivity of our systems, we anticipate the restoration of library services will take several more weeks. Access to services will be restored gradually beginning in January, with priority given to the reinstatement of tpl.ca and public computing services.
We recognize that this is a long period of time without full library services, but this is considered an aggressive timeframe within the context of such an attack and the experience of other institutions in similar circumstances.
We also understand the frustration and disruption caused by this prolonged delay and are grateful for the support we’ve received. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we do everything we can'to restore our services as quickly as possible.
To help you navigate services while our website is unavailable, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions.
Additionally, you can contact us at answerline@tpl.ca or 416-397-5981 for further assistance.
What’s available
- Library branches are open as scheduled
- Wi-Fi
- Materials can be borrowed, returned or renewed
- Online services (list below)
- Most in-branch programs (check with your branch to confirm); plus, discover these ongoing program series:
What’s At Stake?
Looking for tpl.ca/atstake? Learn more about TPL’s intellectual freedom series.
What’s not available
- tpl.ca and online personal accounts
- Public computers
- Printing
- tpl:map passes
- Some digital collections, including Cantook Station, LinkedIn Learning and O’Reilly Learning
- Placing, suspending or managing holds
- Renewing library cards (but library cards won’t expire during this time)
- Self-service hours at Swansea and Todmorden Room branches
To help you navigate services while our website is unavailable, we’ve compiled a list of Library Services FAQ. You can also contact us at answerline@tpl.ca or 416-397-5981.
Access available online services
TPL Websites
Books, Movies, Magazines, Music and Newspapers
- Audio Drama: The L.A. Theatre Works Collection
- BBC Literary Adaptations in Video
- BiblioBoard
- Flipster
- Hoopla
- Kanopy
- Medici.tv
- National Theatre Collection
- Naxos Music Library (Classical)
- Naxos Music Library (Jazz)
- Naxos Music Library (World)
- New York Times (temporarily available through PressReader)
- OverDrive eBooks and Audiobooks
- PressReader
- Includes the Toronto Star, Toronto Sun and the Wall Street Journal.
- The Royal Shakespeare Company Collection
- Theatre in Video
Databases, Research and eLearning
- Academic OneFile
- Biography in Context
- Brainfuse
- Britannica Library Edition
- Business Source Complete
- Canada in Context
- Canadiana Héritage
- Canadiana Online
- Canadian Business and Current Affairs (CBCA)
- Canadian Newsstream
- Canadian Periodical Index (CPI.Q)
- CBC Corner
- ChiltonLibrary
- Consumer Reports
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Encyclopaedia Universalis (French)
- Fold3 Library Edition
- Gale Courses
- Gale Directory Library
- Gale eBooks
- Gale Literature
- Gale OneFile: News
- Globe and Mail Historical Newspaper Archive
- HeritageQuest Online
- LawDepot
- Mango Languages
- New users should choose Use Mango as a Guest.
- NoveList Plus
- NoveList K-8 Plus
- Oxford English Dictionary
- Select the profile icon, then “Sign in with library card.”
- Enter ‘Toronto Public Library’ and your card number.
- Performance Design Archive Online
- Road to IELTS Academic
- Road to IELTS General Training
- Sage Video
- Search for “Toronto Public Library (Canada)” then select “Barcode/Library card#”.
- Enter your library card number.
- Scott’s Business Directories Online
- Tense Buster
- Theatre in Context Collection
- Toronto Star Historical Newspaper Archive
- Value Line
Register for upcoming Live & Online programs and watch past TPL events on demand:
- TPL Culture on Crowdcast
- TPL Programs on Crowdcast
- TPL Teens on Crowdcast
- TPL Kids on Crowdcast
- TPL Innovation on Crowdcast
- TPL on YouTube
- TPL Teens on YouTube
Listen to TPL podcasts:
Contact Us:
- For questions about library services:
answerline@tpl.ca or 416-397-5981 - For questions about cybersecurity incident:
Current and former employees: employee.support@tpl.ca
Customers: cyberincident.support@tpl.ca
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