Toronto Public Library Website ** Services Restored
**Services restored as of 4:15 PM**
Great news: the website is back up! We apologize for the inconvenience which was triggered by the recent US snowstorm. Related to this problem, you will notice that book cover images and summaries are temporarily unavailable. Thanks for your patience.
Our main website is still unavailable. Technology staff are working to restore services as a top priority.
We know this is very inconvenient for you and we sincerely apologize for the prolonged outage. Here are a few links * you may find useful in the meantime.
- Check your account, renew items & place holds (fixed link: 5:09 PM)
The account system is overloaded and you may experience problems, keep trying (5:24 PM) - Check your ebook account, download eBooks from Overdrive
- Safari eBooks
- Mango Language Learning
- Archives for Globe and Mail and Toronto Star (Toronto Star Pages of the Past)
- Naxos Music Library
* Library card required
Looking for another database?
Comment below and we'll add more links.
Looking for a library branch or a branch phone number?
Google Map of Toronto Public Library Branches
Worried about getting fines?
You can renew items by telephone at 416-395-5505. For other information about your account contact or visit your local branch.
Information about contacting the Library
- If you are a member of the media and/or would like board reports or other information, please email media@torontopubliclibrary.ca
- For Information about events in branches call Answerline at 416-393-7131.
- For Information about Appel Salon events at the Toronto Reference Library, call 416-393-7001
We hope to have this resolved as soon as possible, thank you for your patience and understanding.
—
Updated Monday 5:45 PM with information about fines.
Updated Tues 11:50 AM with Naxos Music Library
Updated Tues 4:15 PM with services restored message
141 thoughts on “Toronto Public Library Website ** Services Restored”
The account link gives an error:
screen cap image: http://screencast.com/t/lpB3w7RCsI
The account link gives an error:
screen cap image: http://screencast.com/t/lpB3w7RCsI
The link for the account is also not working:
http://oldcatalogue.torontopubliclibrary.ca/uhtbin/cgisirsi/x/0/0/49
The link for the account is also not working:
http://oldcatalogue.torontopubliclibrary.ca/uhtbin/cgisirsi/x/0/0/49
oops, fixed the link – try again.
oops, fixed the link – try again.
Sorry Anita, it was the wrong link – try now.
Sorry Anita, it was the wrong link – try now.
Thanks!
Oh Dara, you won’t believe this….so the link works, but when I sign into my account I get that error page again :-p
At least the catalogue search is working!
Thanks!
Oh Dara, you won’t believe this….so the link works, but when I sign into my account I get that error page again :-p
At least the catalogue search is working!
Ugh, sorry Jen. I’ll update the post, I think we’re having an overload problem. I’ll keep you updated.
Ugh, sorry Jen. I’ll update the post, I think we’re having an overload problem. I’ll keep you updated.
if fail of renew, will be fined?
if fail of renew, will be fined?
Only the main page is redirecting to this post.
All other pages under that are going into an infinite redirect.
Only the main page is redirecting to this post.
All other pages under that are going into an infinite redirect.
not possible to place a hold, keeps asking for a pick up location
not possible to place a hold, keeps asking for a pick up location
Amy, no worries, your fines will be waived. Sorry, for your trouble.
Amy, no worries, your fines will be waived. Sorry, for your trouble.
Hi Bill keep trying.
Hi Bill keep trying.
Hi, the link for the account is not working, I need to return some items today. but how can I know which items. I am really worried.
Hi, the link for the account is not working, I need to return some items today. but how can I know which items. I am really worried.
I am also getting the infinite loop involving pick up location, particularly in chrome browser. Unable to log out or go to home screen or do anything. Opera is now resolving to the web blog; I went in and tried to delete cookies manually in opera but couldn’t figure out how to do this in chrome.
I am also getting the infinite loop involving pick up location, particularly in chrome browser. Unable to log out or go to home screen or do anything. Opera is now resolving to the web blog; I went in and tried to delete cookies manually in opera but couldn’t figure out how to do this in chrome.
I am worried to get fines, too. My family has three cards.What can I do please?
I am worried to get fines, too. My family has three cards.What can I do please?
Sandra – Chrome: Preferences: Under the Hood: Clear Browser Data.
Chris – maybe something cached – cookies, try and remove them,
Thanks for your comments.
Sandra – Chrome: Preferences: Under the Hood: Clear Browser Data.
Chris – maybe something cached – cookies, try and remove them,
Thanks for your comments.
Joan, Call Answerline 416-393-7131. or your local branch http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=207208657889467255363.0004b09d68d0e5b6f1a04
They should be able to tell you which ones to return. Given the circumstances, fines will be waived, sorry for your trouble.
Joan, Call Answerline 416-393-7131. or your local branch http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=207208657889467255363.0004b09d68d0e5b6f1a04
They should be able to tell you which ones to return. Given the circumstances, fines will be waived, sorry for your trouble.
Since there is a maintenance problem can we have a ‘grace period’ for books that are suppose to be due that we still want to renew during that period…coughs – don’t want to get charged.
Since there is a maintenance problem can we have a ‘grace period’ for books that are suppose to be due that we still want to renew during that period…coughs – don’t want to get charged.
when is the website going to be up working? and is there any way i could acces the online resources, pages from the past in particular?
when is the website going to be up working? and is there any way i could acces the online resources, pages from the past in particular?
you can call in your renewals using a telephone service at: 416-395-5505 or contact your local branch to find out what is coming due.
Here is a map with contact information for all our branches: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=207208657889467255363.0004b09d68d0e5b6f1a04
you can call in your renewals using a telephone service at: 416-395-5505 or contact your local branch to find out what is coming due.
Here is a map with contact information for all our branches: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=207208657889467255363.0004b09d68d0e5b6f1a04
Thank you very much, Dara. I have called my local branch and got the help from a staff.
Thank you very much, Dara. I have called my local branch and got the help from a staff.
Hi Sarah, i’m trying to find pages of the past.
It’s not elegant but login with your library card from the following page: http://ezproxy.torontopubliclibrary.ca
You will get access to ALL databases this way. I can’t see Pages of the Past so I’m trying to track that one down another way and I’ll get back to you as soon as I do.
Hi Sarah, i’m trying to find pages of the past.
It’s not elegant but login with your library card from the following page: http://ezproxy.torontopubliclibrary.ca
You will get access to ALL databases this way. I can’t see Pages of the Past so I’m trying to track that one down another way and I’ll get back to you as soon as I do.
Use this URL to get to Pages of the Past.
http://ezproxy.torontopubliclibrary.ca/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?ReqType=301&UserId=0D9PJ86F8K&Passwd=WELCOME&JSEnabled=1
Sorry for all the trouble, I hope you succeed with your research.
Use this URL to get to Pages of the Past.
http://ezproxy.torontopubliclibrary.ca/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?ReqType=301&UserId=0D9PJ86F8K&Passwd=WELCOME&JSEnabled=1
Sorry for all the trouble, I hope you succeed with your research.
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!
If you can get the online, searchable Toronto Star (“Pages of the Past”) and Globe and Mail (“Canada’s Heritage” or some such name) archive databases, that would be much appreciated.
If you can get the online, searchable Toronto Star (“Pages of the Past”) and Globe and Mail (“Canada’s Heritage” or some such name) archive databases, that would be much appreciated.
Hope you get the website up soon…we miss you.
Hope you get the website up soon…we miss you.
hope i’m not getting fined, either. i usually renew my items online…
hope i’m not getting fined, either. i usually renew my items online…
NYCL Contact info not displayed
Help please!!!!!
NYCL Contact info not displayed
Help please!!!!!
it’s on the map – sorry it’s difficult to find. here is the link to the details
http://maps.google.ca/maps/place?q=north+york+central+library&cid=14769329088592260034
it’s on the map – sorry it’s difficult to find. here is the link to the details
http://maps.google.ca/maps/place?q=north+york+central+library&cid=14769329088592260034
Hi Sara,
You can renew your items by telephone at 416-395-5505.
For more information about Your Account, contact your local branch.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=207208657889467255363.0004b09d68d0e5b6f1a04
Hi Sara,
You can renew your items by telephone at 416-395-5505.
For more information about Your Account, contact your local branch.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=207208657889467255363.0004b09d68d0e5b6f1a04
me too Glen, me too!
me too Glen, me too!
here’s the link.
http://ezproxy.torontopubliclibrary.ca/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?ReqType=301&UserId=0D9PJ86F8K&Passwd=WELCOME&JSEnabled=1
here’s the link.
http://ezproxy.torontopubliclibrary.ca/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?ReqType=301&UserId=0D9PJ86F8K&Passwd=WELCOME&JSEnabled=1
Best wishes tech team! You are the glue that holds us all together….
Best wishes tech team! You are the glue that holds us all together….
try now and see if things are working for you. let me know if you’re still having difficulties.
try now and see if things are working for you. let me know if you’re still having difficulties.
I totally disagree with Dani’s comment…
The TPL website is such an embarrassment!
The library is a business. Non profit. However, there is NO excuse, in todays age to have a constant difficulty with a website.
Surely there is a tech company who could volunteer some man hours to bring the TPL into this millenium?
The website is down,more than it is up.
Jayne
I totally disagree with Dani’s comment…
The TPL website is such an embarrassment!
The library is a business. Non profit. However, there is NO excuse, in todays age to have a constant difficulty with a website.
Surely there is a tech company who could volunteer some man hours to bring the TPL into this millenium?
The website is down,more than it is up.
Jayne
ha – airmiles is also a business and what do you know – their site has been down for two days now:
“The airmiles.ca Website is temporarily unavailable – please check back soon. We apologize for the inconvenience.’
Let’s keep things in perspective here …
🙂
ha – airmiles is also a business and what do you know – their site has been down for two days now:
“The airmiles.ca Website is temporarily unavailable – please check back soon. We apologize for the inconvenience.’
Let’s keep things in perspective here …
🙂
I don’t know what is going on with Toronto Public Library web site.Please ASAP restore the web site.
Thank you kindly for your consideration
I don’t know what is going on with Toronto Public Library web site.Please ASAP restore the web site.
Thank you kindly for your consideration
I have been trying since morning for my account but faied each time. I have a few items- I do’nt know when is the due date as I have not saved the sliips. I hope I do not get any charges for overdue.
Had no time to visit library.Now is Monday night 9.53. Still the website is not available.
Roshanali
I have been trying since morning for my account but faied each time. I have a few items- I do’nt know when is the due date as I have not saved the sliips. I hope I do not get any charges for overdue.
Had no time to visit library.Now is Monday night 9.53. Still the website is not available.
Roshanali
Hi Roshanali,
Sorry you’re having so much trouble. Please call your branch tomorrow.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=207208657889467255363.0004b09d68d0e5b6f1a04
They will look up your account and help you avoid fines.
Thanks,
Dara
Hi Roshanali,
Sorry you’re having so much trouble. Please call your branch tomorrow.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=207208657889467255363.0004b09d68d0e5b6f1a04
They will look up your account and help you avoid fines.
Thanks,
Dara
You should really update your audio link when people are looking for a particular book. If you go through the link on the homepage, it takes you to the new audio book site, yet if you look for the book in the library category, it tries to take you back to netlibrary, (if that’s what it was called.)
You should really update your audio link when people are looking for a particular book. If you go through the link on the homepage, it takes you to the new audio book site, yet if you look for the book in the library category, it tries to take you back to netlibrary, (if that’s what it was called.)
I appreciate that we can now access our account.
I appreciate that we can now access our account.
I’d like to renew my books. But website doesn’t work.
How can I do??
I’d like to renew my books. But website doesn’t work.
How can I do??
Can I pay fines? I am worried to get fines. My family has three cards. What can I do please tell me? ã… ã… ;
Still the website is not available(11:53 P.M)
Can I pay fines? I am worried to get fines. My family has three cards. What can I do please tell me? ã… ã… ;
Still the website is not available(11:53 P.M)
How do I search the library catalogue?
How do I search the library catalogue?
Hi Latoya,
Thanks for your comment. Yes that is a problem, we switched services but things didn’t go as smoothly as we had hoped. We’re working on it.
Thanks,
Dara
Hi Latoya,
Thanks for your comment. Yes that is a problem, we switched services but things didn’t go as smoothly as we had hoped. We’re working on it.
Thanks,
Dara
Hi Young,
You can login into your account with the link above. Failing that for some reason you can also renew items through the telephone or contact your local branch who can assist you with your account.
Login link: http://oldcatalogue9.torontopubliclibrary.ca/uhtbin/cgisirsi/x/0/0/49
Telephone renewals: 416-395-5505
Contact your local branch: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=207208657889467255363.0004b09d68d0e5b6f1a04
Hi Young,
You can login into your account with the link above. Failing that for some reason you can also renew items through the telephone or contact your local branch who can assist you with your account.
Login link: http://oldcatalogue9.torontopubliclibrary.ca/uhtbin/cgisirsi/x/0/0/49
Telephone renewals: 416-395-5505
Contact your local branch: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=207208657889467255363.0004b09d68d0e5b6f1a04
Hi,
to search the old catalogue and place holds, click here
http://oldcatalogue9.torontopubliclibrary.ca/uhtbin/cgisirsi/x/0/0/49
Hi,
to search the old catalogue and place holds, click here
http://oldcatalogue9.torontopubliclibrary.ca/uhtbin/cgisirsi/x/0/0/49
me too!
me too!
Good thing you weren’t ‘updating’ the software at a nuclear plant or a defense network.Just demonstrates how vulnerable Internet based systems are.I’m sure some terrorist network is planning their own ‘upgrade’on some system.I still prefer cracking a book open,never had one crash on me.In contrast your computer has screwed me a couple of times when I checked books in and they were still showing as not returned.
Good thing you weren’t ‘updating’ the software at a nuclear plant or a defense network.Just demonstrates how vulnerable Internet based systems are.I’m sure some terrorist network is planning their own ‘upgrade’on some system.I still prefer cracking a book open,never had one crash on me.In contrast your computer has screwed me a couple of times when I checked books in and they were still showing as not returned.
If the TPL main webpage is down, does this mean the TPL computers are down? Can we still sign items out of and into the library?
If the TPL main webpage is down, does this mean the TPL computers are down? Can we still sign items out of and into the library?
Hi Lindsay
TPL computers are not down. Yes you can still sign things out of the Library. You can also check your account through the oldcatalogue.
Check your account, renew items & place holds from this link
http://oldcatalogue9.torontopubliclibrary.ca/uhtbin/cgisirsi/x/0/0/49
Hi Lindsay
TPL computers are not down. Yes you can still sign things out of the Library. You can also check your account through the oldcatalogue.
Check your account, renew items & place holds from this link
http://oldcatalogue9.torontopubliclibrary.ca/uhtbin/cgisirsi/x/0/0/49
Thank you. I was able to use this link to check on books that I thought were due today, but are actually due tomorrow.
Thank you. I was able to use this link to check on books that I thought were due today, but are actually due tomorrow.
Hi,
Can you provide a link to the Naxos music catalogue?
Thanks.
Hi,
Can you provide a link to the Naxos music catalogue?
Thanks.
Here is the link for Naxos
http://ezproxy.torontopubliclibrary.ca/login?url=http://tpl.naxosmusiclibrary.com/
Here is the link for Naxos
http://ezproxy.torontopubliclibrary.ca/login?url=http://tpl.naxosmusiclibrary.com/
Thanks for keeping everyone updated about working services and responding to concerns!
It’s probably the worst possible time to ask, but I’m curious about what melted down and took the site with it.
Thanks for keeping everyone updated about working services and responding to concerns!
It’s probably the worst possible time to ask, but I’m curious about what melted down and took the site with it.
No, it has nothing to do with cookies.
Your main page is using an http meta tag to handle the redirect instead of a location header for one.
All other pages are using a location redirect to the 404_error.jsp page. Which itself is issuing the redirect to itself. That’s the problem.
What % of your users land on the youraccount page instead of the home page?
In what part of your pre-planning for this type of event was the setup of handling redirects to an off server site discussed and documented? Perhaps follow this instructions? Sorry… a tad facetious there.
No, it has nothing to do with cookies.
Your main page is using an http meta tag to handle the redirect instead of a location header for one.
All other pages are using a location redirect to the 404_error.jsp page. Which itself is issuing the redirect to itself. That’s the problem.
What % of your users land on the youraccount page instead of the home page?
In what part of your pre-planning for this type of event was the setup of handling redirects to an off server site discussed and documented? Perhaps follow this instructions? Sorry… a tad facetious there.
Hi Chris, you’re right, sorry for the difficulty, things are a bit crazy as you can imagine.
We’re going to look at how we handled this situation and discuss how to improve when things are back to normal.
Thanks for your feedback.
Hi Chris, you’re right, sorry for the difficulty, things are a bit crazy as you can imagine.
We’re going to look at how we handled this situation and discuss how to improve when things are back to normal.
Thanks for your feedback.
It was probably the hot air coming out of Rob Ford in every direction!
It was probably the hot air coming out of Rob Ford in every direction!
I was taking the C++ course from Mike McMillan this morning and I can’t find it anymore. Where is it?
Thanks
Alberto
I was taking the C++ course from Mike McMillan this morning and I can’t find it anymore. Where is it?
Thanks
Alberto
UMAD BRO?
UMAD BRO?
Hi Alberto –
Try finding that title through Safari ebooks.
Here is the link.
http://ezproxy.torontopubliclibrary.ca/login?url=http://proquest.safaribooksonline.com
Hi Alberto –
Try finding that title through Safari ebooks.
Here is the link.
http://ezproxy.torontopubliclibrary.ca/login?url=http://proquest.safaribooksonline.com
Somebody needs to get fired for this.
It’s been over 36 hours now. This is completely unacceptable.
Somebody needs to get fired for this.
It’s been over 36 hours now. This is completely unacceptable.
Unacceptable?! You don’t even know what the problem is, what caused it, or how long it takes other organizations to fix similar problems. The recent PlayStation Network outage lasted 23 days, something Sony figures cost them over $170 million, or $7.4 million per day! Just imagine the number of employees and money they threw at trying solving that problem quickly, and it still took them over three weeks!
As a daily library website user with dozens of items checked out at any one time I’m just as inconvenienced as the next guy, but I choose to believe the website team is doing their best to solve this problem as quickly as possible, under very stressful conditions. I pay very little (as a taxpayer) for this free-to-use service, and a little inconvenience from time to time is well worth the incredible value I get in return.
Let me take this moment to express my appreciation to the team, all their hard work, and the great new site they launched this year. Thank you and keep up the good work!
Unacceptable?! You don’t even know what the problem is, what caused it, or how long it takes other organizations to fix similar problems. The recent PlayStation Network outage lasted 23 days, something Sony figures cost them over $170 million, or $7.4 million per day! Just imagine the number of employees and money they threw at trying solving that problem quickly, and it still took them over three weeks!
As a daily library website user with dozens of items checked out at any one time I’m just as inconvenienced as the next guy, but I choose to believe the website team is doing their best to solve this problem as quickly as possible, under very stressful conditions. I pay very little (as a taxpayer) for this free-to-use service, and a little inconvenience from time to time is well worth the incredible value I get in return.
Let me take this moment to express my appreciation to the team, all their hard work, and the great new site they launched this year. Thank you and keep up the good work!
I cannot search nor put holds on the old catalogue I am constantly getting this message
“Error
Please choose a pickup location for this hold. OK”
I cannot search nor put holds on the old catalogue I am constantly getting this message
“Error
Please choose a pickup location for this hold. OK”
Hi AAA,
Sorry, the backup to our main service is overloaded.
Try this link:
http://oldcatalogue.torontopubliclibrary.ca
Hi AAA,
Sorry, the backup to our main service is overloaded.
Try this link:
http://oldcatalogue.torontopubliclibrary.ca
Well said, Sandy. I agree with you 100%!
Well said, Sandy. I agree with you 100%!
I agree that someone need to get fired for this.
Before the change to Beta, there were no problems.
I agree that someone need to get fired for this.
Before the change to Beta, there were no problems.
Well said Sandy. I totally agree with you. Every one needs to have a little patience. Not everything can be accomplished at the snap of a finger. Relax.
Well said Sandy. I totally agree with you. Every one needs to have a little patience. Not everything can be accomplished at the snap of a finger. Relax.
So in the end, what was the full extent of the problem? I know Seneca’s Libraries suffered some issues with (I believe it was) a major US company that holds catalogue data, but even I don’t more than that.
Hi Greg,
That was what impacted us too. Bowker, the company that provides TPL with book covers images, reviews and other catalogue data, went completely off the grid when their data centre lost all power in the snow storm on the east coast.
Thanks,
Dara
So in the end, what was the full extent of the problem? I know Seneca’s Libraries suffered some issues with (I believe it was) a major US company that holds catalogue data, but even I don’t more than that.
Hi Greg,
That was what impacted us too. Bowker, the company that provides TPL with book covers images, reviews and other catalogue data, went completely off the grid when their data centre lost all power in the snow storm on the east coast.
Thanks,
Dara
Thank God the site was able to be restored, I remember we had something similar happen to our database up in Wisconsin when we were doing some changes to our servers in the IT building and BAM everything went down. Luckily we were able to get back up and running by the next day and there were no major losses to our services….
Thank God the site was able to be restored, I remember we had something similar happen to our database up in Wisconsin when we were doing some changes to our servers in the IT building and BAM everything went down. Luckily we were able to get back up and running by the next day and there were no major losses to our services….
nice