What's On at the Library

With warmer temperatures on the forecast, many Torontonians are enjoying more time outdoors and in nature. Can you identify the birds by the songs they sing? Would you like to harvest fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumbers or herbs grown at home or in your local community garden? Are you looking for green spaces to explore and go forest bathing? We can help you with all those things! Get inspired to deepen your connection with nature and embrace the great outdoors through our programs, resources and more.

Birding

New to birding? Let us help you discover and learn more about  our fantastic, feathered friends:

• Borrow a birding kit to help you spot birds and other wildlife all year round! In partnership with Birds Canada, TPL has a limited number of birding kits, which include a pair of binoculars, a birding map and a backpack. Borrow a kit from Downsview Branch for up to 14 days
• Check out different events offered by the Toronto Bird Celebration
• Attend the Gardening for Birds, Butterflies and Beyond program at Goldhawk Park on June 22
• Watch a replay of Intro to Birding: With or Without Binoculars Part 1 and Part 2

Butterflies and Pollinators

Learn about the importance of butterflies and other pollinators by attending one of the many in-branch programs, including children’s programs:

• Befriending Bees and Butterflies
• Pollinators: Small But Mighty
• Wonder Workshop: Butterfly Challenge

Biking

June is Bike Month! Dust off your saddle, pump up your tires and head over to your local branch to pick up a free copy of the Toronto Cycling Map. 

And whether you’re a new, learning or experienced rider, we suggest checking out events offered by Bike Month 2023 for ways to celebrate cycling, meet new people and have fun.

Camping

Presenters from Parks Canada are hosting Learn to Camp workshops and pop-ups at branches across the city all summer! Learn how to plan your first camping trip, choose equipment and a location and stay safe.

Read about camping with books and e-books for different ages. Borrow materials on:

• Camping recipes and outdoor cooking ideas
• Camping by location, including Ontario, in other provinces and abroad
• Different types of camping like backcountry, bicycle touring, ultralight and winter
• Inspiring stories from women campers and Black adventurers

Forest Bathing

Developed in Japan, shinrin-yoku (Shinrin meaning “forest” and yoku meaning “bath”) is the practice of spending time in nature. Borrow materials on forest bathing and learn about its health benefits. Then visit a local park or borrow an Ontario Parks day pass with your library card to experience one of more than 100 provincial parks for free.

To help you build on the skills to fully appreciate nature when you get outside, attend the Exploring Nature Beyond Sight program at S. Walter Stewart Branch. A Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) presenter will take participants through a guided experience to enhance sensory awareness and nurture a sense of wonder in the natural environment.

Gardening

Looking to bring some life and plants on your balcony, in a yard, in a community garden or even indoors?  Presenters from Toronto Master Gardeners (TMG) and TRCA can help you start or expand your gardens during demonstrations at local branches:

• Grow a Salad
• Grow a Pollinator Container Garden
• Invasive Species to Avoid
• Miniature Gardens

Pick up seeds from select programs (while supplies last) or attend the Saving Seeds program, where you can share and trade seeds with participants and community members.

Looking for more inspiration? Visit the mini indoor gardens at Downsview and Flemingdon Park branches and the tower garden at Malvern Branch. Ask the branch staff how you can'take home a branch-grown vegetable or herbs and inquire about upcoming programs. These in-branch gardens and related programs are part of the Our Fragile Planet program series, supported by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

Outdoor activities & events

Looking to stay closer to home but still enjoy the fresh air outside? Attend outdoor programs at select branches:

• Sidewalk Chalk Colouring Bash
  Friday, June 23, 4-5 pm
  Eatonville Branch
• Fun in the Sun Outdoor Activities
  Saturday, June 24, 2-4 pm
  Malvern Branch

Some of our branches also have reading gardens, where you can hang out(side) with friends and family, read a book or play chess.

While you’re out and about enjoying the beautiful green (and blue) spaces in and around Toronto, don’t forget to also learn about the state of our climate and how you can'take action:

• Attend a Climate Justice Through Indigenous Solidarity panel at Toronto Reference Library on Monday, June 19, from 6:30-7:30 pm
• Gardening in a Changing Climate, various dates and locations

With so many way to connect with nature, how will you get outdoors this summer? Let us know in the comments.