News Releases - Toronto Public Library

Note: the information on this page was updated on October 18, 2021 to reflect the new vaccine certificate with QR code now available. 

The Province of Ontario requires people to be fully vaccinated and show proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings. As of October 15, a new, enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code can be downloaded as an easier and more convenient way to have proof of vaccination verified. People can save the electronic version of their vaccine certificate to their phone or print a paper copy. 

To support those who would like a paper copy but do not have access to a printer, TPL is offering free printing of vaccination certificates at library branches across the city. People can also use computers and free wifi at library branches to access and download their documentation, or submit a print request from anywhere using TPL’s Print anywhere – Mobile Printing. 

Please note that while the vaccine receipt without a QR code remains valid and will continue to be accepted, the Province is encouraging individuals to download their enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code as an easier, more secure and convenient way to have their proof of vaccination verified.

What to do if you’re in a library branch: 

1. If you'd like a paper copy, tell library staff that you’re printing a vaccine certificate so they can waive the fee. Show your library card or tell us if you don’t have one. 

2. Download documentation onto a personal device or public computer at the library (remember, TPL offers free wifi if you’re using your own device).

3. Print from any public computer at the library. 

Or if you’re using TPL’s Print anywhere – Mobile Printing: 

1. Submit your print request from anywhere you have an internet connection (you’ll need a library card for this option - contact us if you don’t have one). 

2. Once you’ve submitted a request, head to a library branch. You can print your documentation at any printer in any library branch. 

3. Let library staff know that you’re printing a vaccine certificate and they will credit your account. 

TPL will not retain any information that is downloaded or printed at the library. All saved TPL information is deleted from TPL computers once a customer logs off, and records are purged from the print server and printer once a printing job has been completed. More information on TPL’s Online Privacy and Access to Information policy.

Public libraries are not currently included on the list of organizations in which proof of vaccination is required. Masks and physical distancing are required in all TPL branches, in-person services are modified and staff cannot offer the same extended support as they did prior to the pandemic. The health and safety of staff and customers remains our foremost priority. More information on TPL services and COVID-19 impacts.

Quotes

"Requiring proof of vaccination will help protect the progress we have made fighting COVID-19. I want to thank the Toronto Public Library for providing free printing of proof of vaccination receipts to people who need it. This free service is another example of how every aspect of the City of Toronto government is working together to help people and businesses get through this pandemic."
- Mayor John Tory

“We know not everyone has access to a printer, computer and wifi so we’re offering free printing for vaccine documentation and reminding everyone that wifi and computers are available at any open library branch. By offering these options, we hope as many people as possible will be prepared once the Province begins to require proof of vaccination to access certain businesses and settings.”
- Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library

About Toronto Public Library

TPL is the world's busiest urban public library system, with more than 46 million annual visits to our branches and online. We empower Torontonians to thrive in the digital age and knowledge economy through easy access to technology, lifelong learning, and diverse cultural and leisure experiences, where, when and how our customers need us. To learn more, visit tpl.ca, email Answerline at [email protected] or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to email updates.

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