New to Canada

As Toronto Public Library (TPL) moves into the next phase of re-opening, we continue to offer service to newcomers through Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP). TPL and seven local settlement agencies work together to offer free one-on-one information and referral, as well as relevant programs for newcomers. LSP is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Settlement workers continue to be reachable by email or phone. Please visit the Settling in Toronto page to connect directly with settlement workers. Reach out to an LSP Worker to keep informed what’s happening in the City of Toronto in response to COVID-19. You can also sign up for an upcoming online LSP program. These are taking place via Zoom, which is a third party online platform. The settlement workers can help walk you through the steps of using this platform carefully. 

Library Settlement Partnerships logo.

Here are some upcoming LSP programs.

Language Support

LSP: Canada My New Home - Steps to Fluency! & Discover Canada, hosted by LSP partner YMCA Newcomer Information Centre

• Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4 - 5:30 pm
• For full details or to register, visit newcomersincanada.ca

English Conversation Circle, hosted by LSP partner CICS

• July 14, 21, 28 and August 4, 11. 1 - 2 pm (Advanced) and 3 - 4 pm (Beginner)
• For full details or to register, contact Heng-fei at Heng-fei.Kuo@cicscanada.com

Health & Wellness

An Introduction to Parks Canada & Ontario Parks, hosted by LSP partner CultureLink

• July 15, 3 - 5 pm
• For full details or to register, contact Stanley at steo@culturelink.ca

Let's Mask It Together, hosted by LSP partner CICS

• July 16, 11 am - 12 pm
• For full details or to register, contact Zarmeena at zarmeena.khan@cicscanada.com

Job Skills & Small Business

Customer Service and Cashier Training, hosted by LSP partner CCS

• July 16 and 30, 2 - 4 pm
• For full details or to register, contact Wen at wchen@ccscan.ca

Small Business for Newcomers, hosted by LSP partner CCS

• August 20, 6 - 7:30 pm
• For full details or to register, contact Renee at rxu@ccscan.ca

Ways to Use the Library this Summer

Toronto Public Library has now extended its library service to provide in-branch computer access in select branches and will expand the service to other locations over the summer. Changes to our services will be added to our webpage at tpl.ca/reopening.

You can place holds and schedule a time to pick up them up at most of our library branches, through TPL’s scheduled pick-up service. Book drops are open to accept book, CD, DVD and magazine returns at most branches. Visit the full list of library branches for the most up-to-date information on which branches offer which services.

The library is offering many live and online programs for all ages. Check out our storytimes, computer classes, author events, and more.

Children can join the TD Summer Reading Club, which will take place online this year. Read books and get badges, read and write jokes, participate in weekly trivia, print out colouring sheets, and so much more! Learn more about the TD Summer Reading Club in this teaser video.

Looking for more ways to use the library over the summer? Check out this blog post on 38 Ways to Use the Library From Home.

Be sure to keep informed on what TPL and the City of Toronto are doing to help you stay healthy by reading our COVID-19 Information Guide.

Check out our homepage at tpl.ca for other online resources and programs at your fingertips. Stay home and stay safe. We look forward to seeing you online!