New to Canada

Do you want to read books in Tamil? Maybe watch a Tamil movie? Or learn Tamil? Well you've come to the right place! Welcome to Tamil at your library! நூலகம் வரவேற்கிறது! The Toronto Public Library (டொராண்டோ பொது நூலகம்) has thousands of Tamil books, DVDs, CDs, newspapers and more. There are six branches with large Tamil collections, and many other branches that carry Tamil.  Visit Albion, Cedarbrae, Fairview, Malvern, Toronto Reference Library and Woodside Square for our largest Tamil collections.  

Today I am visiting the Cedarbrae branch, where they have a wide selection of Adult and Children's materials in Tamil. There are even dual language books in Tamil and English, such as this picture book by Debbie Harter called Walking Through the Jungle.

    
Dual language books are a great way for children to be able to experience a story in both languages. This title is available in eight different languages at the Toronto Public Library.

Getting a Card, Tamil Collections, Programs and More...

To borrow materials from the library, all you need to do is sign up for your free library card. Find out how easy it is to get a library card. Here are instructions on how to get a Library Card in Tamil. With your card, you can visit any of our 99 branches, with 24 branches that carry Tamil collections.

Library Branches with Tamil:

In addition to borrowing materials, there are other great ways to experience the library. Check out this video to find out more about getting a library card, the TD Summer Reading Club and storytimes at the library.
 
         

If you are a newcomer, there are many ways the the library can help you.

Did you know that the Toronto Public Library has Library Settlement Workers at branches throughout the city? Here is some information on the Toronto Public Library's Newcomer Services for Tamil Speakers.These staff can provide assistance on a variety of services for newcomers to Toronto such as citizenship, job searching, immigration, childcare and much more. 

This library user, named Vidhu, found help through a Settlement Worker when she first moved to Toronto. You can watch Vidhu's story here:

    

Some branches have programs especially for Tamil speakers. Did you know the York Woods branch has a Tamil Networking and Support Group?  Share your thoughts and experiences and get information from the Library Settlement worker Dilani Kronemberg. To register contact Dilani at 647-296-7358. This program is in partnership with Citizenship & Immigration Canada, North York Community House and Toronto Public Library.

The Toronto Public Library also offers free access to many Tamil language newspapers in print and digitally.  Find international news from sites like BBC News – South Asia, and local papers from Tamil Nadu (South India) and Sri Lanka.

Here are some exciting new titles available through our digital collections, Overdrive and Hoopla. 

Not a Tamil speaker but want to learn? The library can help you here as well! We have dictionaries, books and CDs to help you learn Tamil. Mango Languages is another great way to learn & practice Tamil.  It is also helpful for new English speakers as well.

How about Tamil stories for children? In addition to many books and DVDs, Dial-a-Story is a great resource for children to listen to stories in Tamil. There are stories for younger children (7 and under) and for older children (up to 12). You can listen anytime by calling (416) 395-5400. தமிழ் மொழியில் ஒரு நல்ல கதை கேட்க இந்த எண் (416) 395-5400 டயல்.

Finally, if you can't find what you're looking for – just ask! Our friendly staff are ready to help you find what you need. 

Welcome to your library!  நூலகம் வரவேற்கிறது!