One of my favourite memories as a child was weekly trips to the public library.  We came home with an armload of books and my sister and I would read and read. And read. I have to give the public library huge credit for its role in my love for books.

One of the things I missed most about Canada while overseas was public libraries. Books are expensive enough, but try buying them while overseas in non-English speaking countries! I think one of the biggest investments a developing country can make in their people is by creating a public library system. We are very very blessed in Canada!

There are 99 branches in Toronto, and a bookmobile which stops at apartment complexes, shopping centres and community centres around the city.

This is the largest one, and I just love it. I come here at least twice a week – usually to do tutoring. It’s a reference library, so most books cannot be borrowed. When I take the glass elevator up to the fifth floor, I never fail to be thrilled by the view. Millions of books, hundreds of students doing research or studying together, what’s not to love!

The main floor is where lots of tutoring sessions are held, because there’s no rule about quietness here. There’s a general hum of conversation and it’s such a positive environment for learning.  There are lots of language schools nearby, so it’s common to see students studying English. The top floor has dozens of private desks with audio visual equipment for ESL students who would like to use the audio-visual materials the library offers.

This branch has 220 computers (!) available with Internet for public use, as well as a Learning Centre with 40 computers where they hold the classes. There are printing stations and special computers reserved for people with disabilities.

This room has newspapers from all around the world. Next to this room is a huge room with special desks shaped like a big open book, for people to read newspapers.

Study rooms can be booked for free. These are for two people, but there are some for groups as well. That’s my student Olga on the right! We have access to internet, CD/DVD player, and a nice private area to talk. Isn’t it neat?

There are endless surprises in the library system. Here are my favourites:

1. Museum and Arts Pass – Most library branches give out free family passes to the museums and galleries in the city. One pass can be used for two adults and up to five children. This can be a savings of over $50, and is a program designed to make the arts accessible to everyone.

2. Shakespeare for kids – a free six-week program where children explore Shakespeare, learn to act, make puppets, work on costumes and sets, and do a play!

3. Free wireless at every branch.

4. You can borrow a pedometer from the library!

5. Lots of storytimes! Our local branch has ‘adult storytime’ one evening a week, where adults are read to. At Halloween there was ’scary storytime’ and there are also ‘pyjama storytimes’ for kids in addition to all the other baby, toddler and kids programs.

6. Ask a librarian – you can email, call, or even chat with a librarian on their virtual reference desk if you have a question about a specific book or need help with in-depth research.

7. Endless classes and workshops (all free!)

• Web basics, emailing, Microsoft word
• Computing for seniors
• Homework help for teens
• ESL classes
• Teen interest classes like hip-hop, arts and crafts, creative writing…
• Employment preparation classes (resumes, job search, etc)
• Housing help (accommodation search, tenants rights, etc)
• Nutrition classes
• Mad Science workshops
• Learn how to do geneology
• Financial planning
• Small business workshops
• Manga club
• Game nights
• Local history evenings
• Understanding classical music

Oh I have just scratched the surface. But wow, what great services!

Every month the library system provides a free catalogue with all the activities of the month. And there are always interesting new programs, some based on seasons, holidays, and other campaigns.

Now let me take you to my local branch, about a ten minute walk from our place. This library was renovated recently, and is a beautiful combination of old and new.

This is the second floor in the older part of the building. It’s bright and beautiful!

This is the Teen Zone, with young adult books, DVDs and of course computers.

Now we’re in the new part of the building. It’s bright too, and so beautiful. Along the window there are more of the comfy chairs (you can see them, they’re green) and it’s very easy to just fall asleep in the sun there!

It’s great that there’s a Tim Horton’s across the road too, because guess what! You’re allowed to drink coffee in libraries now! Yay! Books AND coffee? Hello.

Another view of the Teen Zone.

Here you can see the checkout desk below. It’s all computerized! You put your books/DVDs on a pad, and the computer screen immediately shows you the names of them all. You click through the prompts, a slip is printed, and you’re on your way!

This is the magazine area. The comfy chairs have little tables that slide up and across or tuck away. In the evenings these seats are all full of students with laptops!

Internet access is free with a library card (which is free also).

There are study room in this branch as well. This is one of my students ready for her lesson. Look, she bought me a coffee!

There’s a beautiful kids’ area downstairs, with big comfy chairs and cushions, thousands of books, and more. But I didn’t hang out there with my camera.

I go to this branch once or twice a week. When I first got my library card a year ago, I was amazed when they told me I could have ‘up to 50′ books/DVDs out at a time. Fifty!

I have never had that many out, but over the last year, I’ve taken out hundreds of resources. Teaching material, cookbooks, workout DVDs, novels, magazines, lots of stuff! If I am looking for something in particular, I can find it on the library’s internet search system, put in a request, and it’ll be sent to my local branch for pick-up a few days later.

I can’t imagine how much taxpayer money is put into this system, but I think it’s a wonderful investment. Every Toronto citizen has access to books, magazines, newspapers, classes, and all kinds of family programming.

Yay for libraries!