Toronto Library Hours 2026
Editor's Note: Toronto Public Library is not just big -- it is the busiest urban public library system in the world, lending more items per year than New York, London, or Tokyo combined. With 100 branches spanning the entire GTA from Scarborough to Etobicoke, free museum passes, Digital Innovation Hubs with 3D printers and VR headsets, and the world's largest public Sherlock Holmes collection at the Toronto Reference Library, TPL offers extraordinary value to anyone with a free library card. For students, Robarts Library at U of T stays open until 11 PM daily (24/7 during finals).
-- Library Hours 24 Editorial Team | Verified March 2026
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About Toronto Libraries
The Toronto Public Library (TPL) is the largest public library system in Canada and one of the busiest urban public library systems in the world. With 100 branches serving 2.7 million residents, TPL offers more than just books - it's a vital community hub providing free WiFi, computer access, study spaces, programs, and digital resources 24/7.
New Extended Hours Starting This Month!
New Extended Hours Starting This Month! Following Mayor Olivia Chow's announcement, 15 additional branches now offer Sunday service, bringing the total to 37 branches open on Sundays. All 100 branches will have 7-day service by July 2026.
Branch Locations
- ๐ 100 branches across Toronto
- ๐ 12 million items in collection
- ๐ป 2,400+ computers for public use
- ๐ฑ 5.5 million digital downloads annually
- ๐ 120+ languages represented in collections
- ๐ซ Free museum passes available
- ๐จ๏ธ 3D printing at select locations
- ๐ฎ Video game collections at many branches
About Toronto Libraries
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time | Total Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 AM | 8:30 PM | 10.5 hours | Full service, all branches |
| Tuesday | 12:30 PM | 8:30 PM | 8 hours | Later opening for staff meetings |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM | 6:00 PM | 8 hours | Earlier closing |
| Thursday | 12:30 PM | 8:30 PM | 8 hours | Later opening for staff meetings |
| Friday | 10:00 AM | 6:00 PM | 8 hours | Earlier closing |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM | 8 hours | Weekend hours, all branches |
| Sunday | 1:30 PM | 5:00 PM | 3.5 hours | 37 branches only (expanding) |
About Toronto Libraries
These branches offer Sunday service from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM:
789 Yonge Street, M4W 2G8
๐ 789 Yonge Street, M4W 2G8
โ๏ธ (416) 395-5577
๐ Bloor-Yonge Station
๐ ฟ๏ธ Paid parking nearby
239 College Street, M5T 1R5
๐ 239 College Street, M5T 1R5
โ๏ธ (416) 393-7746
๐ College Streetcar
๐ ฟ๏ธ Street parking
Quick Fact
๐ 40 St. Clair Avenue East, M4T 1L9
โ๏ธ (416) 393-7657
๐ St. Clair Station
๐ ฟ๏ธ Underground parking
5120 Yonge Street, M2N 5N9
๐ 5120 Yonge Street, M2N 5N9
โ๏ธ (416) 395-5535
๐ North York Centre Station
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free 1-hour parking
35 Fairview Mall Drive, M2J 4S4
๐ 35 Fairview Mall Drive, M2J 4S4
โ๏ธ (416) 395-5630
๐ Don Mills Station + Bus
๐ ฟ๏ธ Mall parking free
888 Lawrence Avenue East, M3C 1P6
๐ 888 Lawrence Avenue East, M3C 1P6
โ๏ธ (416) 395-5710
๐ Don Mills Station
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free parking lot
496 Birchmount Road, M1K 1N8
๐ 496 Birchmount Road, M1K 1N8
โ๏ธ (416) 396-8890
๐ Scarborough Centre Station
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free parking
155 Bonis Avenue, M1T 3W6
๐ 155 Bonis Avenue, M1T 3W6
โ๏ธ (416) 396-8943
๐ Bus from Kennedy Station
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free parking
545 Markham Road, M1H 2A1
๐ 545 Markham Road, M1H 2A1
โ๏ธ (416) 396-8850
๐ Markham Road buses
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free mall parking
30 Sewells Road, M1B 3G5
๐ 30 Sewells Road, M1B 3G5
โ๏ธ (416) 396-8969
๐ Multiple bus routes
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free parking
1515 Albion Road, M9V 1B2
๐ 1515 Albion Road, M9V 1B2
โ๏ธ (416) 394-5170
๐ Albion Road buses
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free parking
1806 Islington Avenue, M9P 3N3
๐ 1806 Islington Avenue, M9P 3N3
โ๏ธ (416) 394-5120
๐ Islington Station + Bus
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free parking
36 Brentwood Road North, M8X 2B5
๐ 36 Brentwood Road North, M8X 2B5
โ๏ธ (416) 394-5210
๐ Multiple bus routes
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free parking
2161 Queen Street East, M4L 1J1
๐ 2161 Queen Street East, M4L 1J1
โ๏ธ (416) 393-7703
๐ Queen Streetcar
๐ ฟ๏ธ Street parking
701 Pape Avenue, M4K 3Y9
๐ 701 Pape Avenue, M4K 3Y9
โ๏ธ (416) 393-7727
๐ Pape Station
๐ ฟ๏ธ Limited street parking
370 Broadview Avenue, M4K 2M8
๐ 370 Broadview Avenue, M4K 2M8
โ๏ธ (416) 393-7720
๐ Broadview Streetcar
๐ ฟ๏ธ Street parking
170 Memorial Park Avenue, M4J 2K5
๐ 170 Memorial Park Avenue, M4J 2K5
โ๏ธ (416) 396-3975
๐ Coxwell buses
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free parking
1101 Bloor Street West, M6H 1M1
๐ 1101 Bloor Street West, M6H 1M1
โ๏ธ (416) 393-7674
๐ Dufferin Station
๐ ฟ๏ธ Street parking
228 Roncesvalles Avenue, M6R 2L7
๐ 228 Roncesvalles Avenue, M6R 2L7
โ๏ธ (416) 393-7671
๐ Roncesvalles Streetcar
๐ ฟ๏ธ Street parking
1303 Queen Street West, M6K 1L6
๐ 1303 Queen Street West, M6K 1L6
โ๏ธ (416) 393-7686
๐ Queen Streetcar
๐ ฟ๏ธ Street parking
1745 Eglinton Avenue West, M6E 2H5
๐ 1745 Eglinton Avenue West, M6E 2H5
โ๏ธ (416) 394-1000
๐ Eglinton West Station
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free parking
1785 Finch Avenue West, M3N 1M6
๐ 1785 Finch Avenue West, M3N 1M6
โ๏ธ (416) 395-5980
๐ Finch West Station + Bus
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free parking
20 Covington Road, M6A 1E8
๐ 20 Covington Road, M6A 1E8
โ๏ธ (416) 395-5440
๐ Lawrence West Station
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free parking
40 Orchard View Boulevard, M4R 1B9
๐ 40 Orchard View Boulevard, M4R 1B9
โ๏ธ (416) 393-7610
๐ Eglinton Station + Bus
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free parking
1571 Sandhurst Circle, M1V 1V2
๐ 1571 Sandhurst Circle, M1V 1V2
โ๏ธ (416) 396-8972
๐ McCowan buses
๐ ฟ๏ธ Free mall parking
About Toronto Libraries
The University of Toronto Libraries system is the third-largest academic library system in North America, with 44 libraries across three campuses holding over 12 million volumes.
Location & Contact
Address: 130 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1A5
Phone: (416) 978-8450
Email: ask.robarts@utoronto.ca
Hours Details
| Day | Hours | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 8:30 AM - 11:00 PM | Full services |
| Friday | 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM | Full services |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Limited services |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Limited services |
Quick Fact
- ๐ Robarts Common (2nd floor): 24/7 during fall and winter terms for U of T students
- ๐ Study Spaces: 5,000+ study spaces across 14 floors
- ๐ป Computer Access: 500+ computers available
- โ Food Services: Starbucks (7:30 AM - 10 PM), vending machines 24/7
- ๐จ๏ธ Printing: 24/7 self-serve printing stations
- ๐ถ WiFi: Eduroam and UofT networks
Parking Information
- โฟ Fully accessible building with elevators
- ๐ Accessible parking in garage
- ๐ Assistive technology room
- ๐ Adaptive technology and software
Location & Contact
Address: 9 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A5
Phone: (416) 978-2280
Quick Fact
- Monday-Thursday: 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Quick Fact
- Health sciences, life sciences, medicine
- Pharmacy, nursing, dentistry resources
- Anatomy models and specimens
Location & Contact
Address: 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6
Phone: (905) 569-4583
Quick Fact
- Monday-Thursday: 8:30 AM - 11:00 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
April 1-24: Library open 24 hours during final exams
April 1-24: Library open 24 hours during final exams
Parking Information
- ๐ Free shuttle from St. George campus
- ๐ Free parking after 4 PM and weekends
- ๐ MiWay buses from Islington Station
Location & Contact
Address: 1265 Military Trail, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4
Phone: (416) 287-7056
Quick Fact
- Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - 11:45 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:45 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Digital Resources
- 600+ study spaces
- Group study rooms (bookable online)
- Silent study zones
- Digital Media Creation Lab
Current Status
Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 5 PM
Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 5 PM
Rare books, manuscripts, archives
Mon-Thu: 9 AM - 9 PM
Mon-Thu: 9 AM - 9 PM
Technical resources, 3D printing
Quick Fact
Mon-Thu: 8 AM - 10 PM
Legal databases, case law
Mon-Thu: 9 AM - 8 PM
Mon-Thu: 9 AM - 8 PM
Scores, recordings, practice rooms
About Toronto Libraries
Address: 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3
Phone: (416) 979-5055
Email: refdesk@torontomu.ca
Weekly Hours
| Period | Monday-Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Term | 7:30 AM - 12:00 AM | 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM | 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Reading Week | 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM | 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Finals Week | 24 Hours | 24 Hours | 24 Hours | 24 Hours |
Digital Resources
- ๐ 11 floors of study space
- ๐ป 400+ computers
- ๐ฎ Digital Media Experience Lab
- ๐น Audio/video editing suites
- ๐จ๏ธ 3D printing services
- โ Tim Hortons on main floor
- ๐ข Group study rooms (floors 4-10)
- ๐คซ Silent study (floor 10)
About Toronto Libraries
Branch Location
Address: 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
Phone: (416) 736-5181
Quick Fact
- Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Access & Membership
24-hour access during April and December exam periods
Parking Information
- ๐ York University Station (Line 1 Extension)
- ๐ Multiple TTC and YRT buses
- ๐ Paid parking ($7-20/day)
- ๐ฒ Bike racks available
Current Status
Mon-Thu: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Mon-Thu: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Business databases, Bloomberg terminals
Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Legal resources, case law
Mon-Thu: 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Mon-Thu: 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM
STEM resources, research support
About Toronto Libraries
Current Status
200 King Street East
๐ 200 King Street East
Mon-Thu: 7:45 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri: 7:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
160 Kendal Avenue
๐ 160 Kendal Avenue
Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
51 Dockside Drive
๐ 51 Dockside Drive
Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Closed weekends
Current Status
1750 Finch Avenue East
๐ 1750 Finch Avenue East
Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
70 The Pond Road
๐ 70 The Pond Road
Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed weekends
Current Status
205 Humber College Blvd
๐ 205 Humber College Blvd
Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat-Sun: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
3199 Lake Shore Blvd West
๐ 3199 Lake Shore Blvd West
Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About Toronto Libraries
255 Spadina Road
๐ 255 Spadina Road
Mon-Fri: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Historical records, photographs
111 Wellesley Street West
๐ 111 Wellesley Street West
Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Government documents, legislation
777 Lawrence Avenue East
๐ 777 Lawrence Avenue East
Tue-Fri: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Horticultural resources
Quick Fact
๐ 20 St. Joseph Street
Mon-Fri: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Canadian compositions, scores
While no Toronto Public Library branches
While no Toronto Public Library branches offer 24-hour service, these locations provide overnight study options:
Finals Period Hours
- ๐ Robarts Library Common (U of T): 24/7 during fall/winter terms
- ๐ UTM Library: 24/7 April 1-24 during exams
- ๐ TMU Library: 24/7 during finals week (April & December)
- ๐ York Scott Library: 24/7 during exam periods
- ๐ Victoria College Library: Extended hours during exams
- ๐ Trinity College Library: 24-hour reading room for students
- ๐ New College Library: Late night access during exams
Hours & Schedule
- โ 7 West Cafe: 24/7 at Charles Street
- โ The Coffee House: 24 hours on weekends
- ๐ข Staples Business Centre: 24-hour printing/workspace
- ๐ McDonald's (select locations): 24-hour seating areas
- โ๏ธ Pearson Airport: Terminal seating areas Weekly Hours
Hours & Schedule
Weekly Hours
| Library | Subway Station | Streetcar/Bus | Walk Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Reference Library | Bloor-Yonge | - | 2 min |
| North York Central | North York Centre | - | Direct |
| Lillian H. Smith | Queen's Park | 506 Carlton | 5 min |
| City Hall Library | Queen | - | 3 min |
| Fort York | Bathurst | 511 Bathurst | 10 min |
Getting There
- ๐ ฟ๏ธ Free Parking Libraries: Most suburban branches offer free parking
- ๐ฐ Downtown Libraries: Street parking $3-4/hour, Green P lots nearby
- ๐ Time Limits: Many branches have 2-hour free parking
- โฟ Accessible Parking: Available at all library locations
- ๐ฒ Bike Parking: Bike racks at all branches, Bike Share stations at major locations
Toronto Library System Overview
About Toronto Libraries
- ๐ฑ OverDrive/Libby: eBooks and audiobooks
- ๐ฌ Hoopla: Movies, music, eBooks
- ๐ฐ PressReader: 7,000+ newspapers and magazines
- ๐ LinkedIn Learning: Online courses
- ๐ฃ๏ธ Mango Languages: 70+ language courses
- ๐ต Naxos Music Library: Classical music streaming
- ๐ Tumblebooks: Children's eBooks
- ๐๏ธ Museum Pass: Free admission booking
Free Library Cards
- ๐ป Computer Access: 2 hours/day free with library card
- ๐ถ WiFi: Free, no password required
- ๐จ๏ธ Printing: $0.15/page B&W, $0.50/page color
- ๐ Scanning: Free self-serve scanners
- ๐ฎ Gaming: Xbox, PlayStation at select branches
- ๐ ๏ธ Digital Innovation Hubs: 3D printing, laser cutting
- ๐จ Maker Spaces: Recording studios, creative tools
- ๐ Book Clubs: Various genres and age groups
About Toronto Libraries
- ๐ถ Baby Time: Songs and rhymes for 0-18 months
- ๐ฆ Toddler Time: Stories for 18-35 months
- ๐ Family Storytime: All ages welcome
- ๐ญ Teen Programs: Gaming, coding, creative writing
- ๐ผ Career Services: Resume help, job search
- ๐๏ธ Citizenship Classes: Test preparation
- ๐ต Senior Programs: Tech help, social activities
- ๐ฃ๏ธ ESL Conversation Circles: Practice English
Weekly Hours
All Toronto Public Library branches are CLOSED on:
| Holiday | Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Digital services available |
| Family Day | February 17 | Monday | Ontario holiday |
| Good Friday | April 18 | Friday | Closed all day |
| Easter Sunday | April 20 | Sunday | Sunday branches closed |
| Victoria Day | May 19 | Monday | Closed all day |
| Canada Day | July 1 | Tuesday | Closed all day |
| Civic Holiday | August 4 | Monday | Simcoe Day in Toronto |
| Labour Day | September 1 | Monday | Closed all day |
| Thanksgiving | October 13 | Monday | Closed all day |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Closed all day |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Friday | Closed all day |
Note: Libraries typically close early (5 PM) on December 24 and 31.
About Toronto Libraries
Getting a Library Card
Quick Fact
"Amazing resource! The architecture is stunning and the collection is vast. Free WiFi is super fast. Love the Sunday hours - perfect for weekend research."
Reviewed January 2025Quick Fact
"24-hour access during exams is a lifesaver! Plenty of study spaces, good lighting, and the Starbucks keeps me going. Wish it was 24/7 year-round."
Reviewed December 2024Parking Information
"Great library with lots of programs for kids. Only complaint is parking can be tricky during busy times. Staff is always helpful!"
Reviewed January 2025Extended Hours
"Best university library in Toronto! Open late, great tech resources, and the Digital Media Lab is incredible. 24/7 during finals is clutch."
Reviewed December 2024About
Unlock the full potential of Canada's largest library system with these local secrets and expert recommendations from longtime Torontonians.
Free Library Cards
TPL cardholders can borrow Sun Life Museum + Arts Passes for FREE admission to AGO, ROM, Aga Khan Museum, Bata Shoe Museum, and 15+ other attractions. These are EXTREMELY popular - log into your account at exactly 9:00 AM on release day (2 weeks before) to secure passes. Each pass admits 2-4 people and saves $80-150 per family visit. Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder and have your login ready!
Most visitors only see the main floor, but TRL's 5th fl...
Most visitors only see the main floor, but TRL's 5th floor Marilyn & Charles Baillie Special Collections is home to rare Arthur Conan Doyle manuscripts and a Sherlock Holmes collection. The 2nd floor Urban Affairs section has original Toronto planning documents dating to 1834. The rooftop terrace on the 5th floor offers one of the best secret city views in Toronto - completely free and rarely crowded even on weekends.
TPL's Digital Innovation Hubs at Toronto Reference Libr...
TPL's Digital Innovation Hubs at Toronto Reference Library, Fort York, and Scarborough Civic Centre offer FREE access to 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, sewing machines, recording studios, and green screens. You only pay for materials (3D printing filament costs about $1-3 per project). Book your 2-hour session online - it's like having a $1,000 makerspace for free. Staff provide free orientation sessions every Saturday.
Semester Hours
Can't find a book at TPL? Use the free inter-library loan service to borrow from any library in Ontario - even academic libraries. Request through your TPL account and it arrives at your preferred branch within 1-2 weeks. This unlocks millions of additional titles including rare academic texts, out-of-print books, and specialized research materials. Each request is free (some libraries charge $5-15 for this service elsewhere).
Finals Period Hours
During December and April exams, Robarts Library at U of T opens 24/7 to students - but public visitors can access the first two floors (including Starbucks) until 2 AM even without student ID. The building's brutalist architecture makes it one of the most iconic study spots in Canada. TMU Library also goes 24/7 during finals with Tim Hortons open late. Check university websites for exact dates each semester.
Most suburban TPL branches offer free 2-hour parking th...
Most suburban TPL branches offer free 2-hour parking that's rarely enforced. North York Central connects directly to the subway so you can park free and TTC downtown. For downtown branches, use the Green P app for $2-4/hour vs. $8+ street meters. Best times to visit: Tuesday/Thursday mornings (late 12:30 PM opening means less crowding when doors open) and Saturday mornings before 11 AM. Avoid the 3-6 PM after-school rush at all branches.
History & Key Facts
Founded in 1884, the Toronto Public Library serves the community with 100 branches and welcomes approximately 18 million annually. The system has grown into one of the most important library networks in the region.
Notable Fact
The Toronto Reference Library's five-storey atrium contains the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection - the world's largest public collection of Sherlock Holmes and Doyle-related materials.
Good to Know
Local Tip: TPL's Digital Innovation Hubs offer free Adobe Creative Suite workstations, Oculus VR headsets, electronic music production equipment, and coding boot camps at no charge.
Best time to visit: Toronto Reference Library's upper floors are reliably quiet for deep work. Lillian H. Smith branch on College Street has a calm children's literature research collection open to all.
Getting there: Toronto Reference Library is at 789 Yonge Street, steps from Bloor-Yonge subway station (Lines 1 and 2), the busiest transit hub in Canada.
Settlement Workers in branches at 15
Settlement Workers in branches at 15 locations provide free immigration advice, credential recognition guidance, and job search support in over 20 languages.
Did you know? TPL is the world's busiest urban public library system by both visits and circulation, lending over 30 million items per year across its 100 branches.
What Makes Toronto Libraries Special
World's Busiest Library System
Toronto Public Library is the busiest urban public library system on the planet, lending over 30 million items per year across 100 branches. That is more than New York, London, or Tokyo. The system serves the most culturally diverse city in the world, with materials available in over 40 languages.
Sherlock Holmes Collection
The Toronto Reference Library houses the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection -- the world's largest public collection of Sherlock Holmes and Doyle-related materials, including first editions, manuscripts, and memorabilia. It is located in the library's stunning 5-story atrium and open to all visitors.
Digital Innovation Hubs
TPL's Digital Innovation Hubs offer free access to Adobe Creative Suite workstations, Oculus VR headsets, electronic music production equipment, 3D printers, laser cutters, and coding bootcamps. Available at multiple branches at no charge -- resources that would cost thousands per year elsewhere.
Local Insider Tips for Toronto Libraries
- Toronto Reference Library's upper floors are reliably quiet for deep work all day. The ground-floor cafe area gets noisy by noon, but floors 3-5 stay peaceful.
- Free museum passes are available through TPL. Reserve online to get free family admission to the ROM, AGO, Ontario Science Centre, and more -- a $50+ value per visit.
- Most suburban TPL branches have free 2-hour parking that is rarely enforced. North York Central connects directly to the subway -- park free and TTC downtown.
- Avoid the 3-6 PM after-school rush at all branches. Tuesday and Thursday mornings are the quietest times because many branches open at 12:30 PM (meaning the early-opening branches are less crowded).
- Free inter-library loans across all of Ontario -- if TPL does not have a book, request it through your account and it arrives at your branch in 1-2 weeks. This unlocks millions of additional titles including academic texts.
Related Guides You Might Find Helpful
Frequently Asked Questions
Location & Contact
Proof of identity and Toronto address. Options include driver's license, utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. Cards are free and provide instant access to digital resources.
Access & Membership
Most university libraries allow public access during regular hours for reference use only. You cannot borrow materials or use computers without student ID. 24-hour access is restricted to students/faculty.
Standard loan period is 21 days for most items
Standard loan period is 21 days for most items. DVDs are 7 days. Express items are 7 days. You can renew online up to 10 times if no one is waiting.
Toronto Public Library eliminated late fees for most items in 2022
Toronto Public Library eliminated late fees for most items in 2022. Fees still apply for Library Museum Passes and items from other library systems.
Overview
Yes! Return items to any TPL branch during open hours or use outdoor drops when closed. Items are checked in the next business day from drops.
50 items total, including maximum 50 DVDs, 50 CDs, and unlimited books. Digit...
50 items total, including maximum 50 DVDs, 50 CDs, and unlimited books. Digital borrowing limits vary by platform.
Covered drinks allowed
Covered drinks allowed. No food in most areas. Some branches have designated eating areas or cafes. University libraries often have more relaxed policies.
Most branches have quiet zones
Most branches have quiet zones. Toronto Reference Library has entire silent floors. University libraries have designated silent study areas.
About Toronto Libraries
Answerline: (416) 393-7131
๐ Answerline: (416) 393-7131
๐ Reference Library: (416) 395-5577
๐ง Email: answerline@tpl.ca
๐ Website: torontopubliclibrary.ca
๐ฌ Chat: Available on website
U of T Robarts: (416) 978-8450
๐ U of T Robarts: (416) 978-8450
๐ TMU Library: (416) 979-5055
๐ York Scott: (416) 736-5181
๐ OCAD Library: (416) 977-6000
Security Issues: 911
๐จ Security Issues: 911
๐ Lost Library Card: (416) 393-7131
๐ณ Account Issues: Visit any branch
๐ Damaged Items: Report at checkout