Digital Inclusion Week 2023
Digital Inclusion Week is an annual campaign run by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) that promotes digital equity. It also raises awareness of barriers to digital inclusion, including access and accessibility, and offers solutions to address them.
Toronto Public Library (TPL) supports digital equity through a variety of free services and programs that are available to all Torontonians.
Digital Inclusion Week programs
Take part in Digital Inclusion Week free programs about artificial intelligence, digital privacy, digital content creation, publishing and more.
Unable to attend a program? Check out these new titles in computer and technology.
Wi-Fi Hotspots
TPL has been doing a tremendous work connecting Torontonians to the Internet for school, work and everyday life. Internet connectivity plays an essential role in career and personal development in our continuously advancing digital world. To support Toronto’s digital inclusion efforts, we continuously provide 1,000 Wi-Fi Hotspot devices through our Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending program. Individuals and families who do not have internet access at home can borrow one of 1,000 Wi-Fi hotspot devices equipped with an unlimited monthly data plan for up to six months. Wi-Fi hotspots are available to borrow at thirty participating branches with a valid library card.
Wireless Internet Access
Toronto Public Library provides free wireless internet access at all branches. Public is welcome to access internet using public workstations or personal devices. All public workstations are equipped with Microsoft Office software and can be reserved up to three days in advance.
Learning Centres
Learning Centres are equipped with high-performance hardware and photo, video, audio, and graphic design software, and offer free in-person computer classes — no library card required. When there are no classes in session, Learning Centres are available for anyone to use.
Digital Innovation Hubs
Our 10 Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH) provide access to free hardware, design software and free classes. In addition, DIHs offer 3D printing services, allowing you to bring your ideas to life.
Audio Visual Studios
Create a podcast, record a song, make a video for YouTube and more! Our seven Audio Visual Studios are equipped with software and technology for audio and video projects.
E-resources
With your library card, access a wide range of e-resources, including article databases, business directories, digital magazines, practice tests and more. Below are some various resources to consider:
- A - Z List of All Databases – All databases in alphabetical order
- Database & Research Tools by Topic – Vast variety of articles, databases, and research tools on various topics including arts, culture, health, and much more
- Digital Comics - More than 5,000 comic books for adults, teens, and children from top publishers
- Digital Magazines – Thousands of magazines from over 140 countries in over 60 languages
- Digital Newspapers – Current news and archived articles
- Digital Video & Music – Numerous music, movies, concerts, plays and TV shows.
- Digital Archive - Photos, maps, manuscripts, digitized books and more
- eBooks & eAudiobooks – Infinite eBook and eAudiobook collection
- eLearning – Online interactive, self-paced courses and streaming video collections
- Homework Help - Live tutoring for grades K-12, various databases to support with research, studies, and test preparation.
Digital accessibility and inclusion
Toronto Public Library is committed to providing accessible and inclusive spaces and services. We strive to ensure we provide the information and technology opportunities in a manner that meet individual needs and support lifelong learning. Here's how the Library supports digital accessibility and inclusion:
Accessibility at Library Branches – The Library has adaptive technology to support digital accessibility, such as computers with screen magnification software, screen reader software, large print keyboards, and large trackball mice. We also have assistive devices you can use in our branches, such as wheelchair accessible furniture, book stands, magnifiers, page turners, and natural spectrum lamps.
Accessible Collections - The Library offers many collections in accessible formats, including digital collections such as ebooks, digital magazines, and digital newspapers. Many of these resources have settings you can adjust, such as font size. We also have accessible physical collections, including Talking Books, Playaways, All-in-one readalongs, Described videos, Closed-captioned videos, and many more.
To learn more about accessibility at Toronto Public Library visit: Accessibility.
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