Public libraries in Ontario

A library is a powerhouse of knowledge and plays a very important role in shaping an entire society.

There is a famous quote by H.W. Beecher - "A library is not a luxury, but one of the necessities of life". True to that, Canada houses more than 600 public libraries. Out of these, more than 250 are in Ontario. Moreover, Ontario houses one of the largest public library systems in Canada - The Toronto Public Library. It has 100 branches and is acclaimed as the largest neighbourhood-based library system in the world.

The first free public libraries in Ontario were set up in the year 1883 in Toronto and Guelph. Ontario's public libraries are governed by Ontario's Public Library Act (PLA). Its objective is to provide equal and universal access to information and establish free public library services in Ontario through governance and regulations.

Almost every city in Ontario has a public library system. These library services aren't just limited to providing free access to books but diversified.

With a library membership, one can access thousands of books (hard copy, ebooks, audiobooks) covering all genres, not just educational, cultural and historical titles, newspapers and magazines
Few libraries lend movie DVDs, music CDs, video games, musical instruments like guitars, drums, keyboards, xylophones, etc.
Certain libraries have toys, board games, sports items like basketballs, croquet sets, hockey skates, snowshoes, trekking poles, etc. too for public usage
These libraries also provide free passes to selected local museums and parks
One can use the free wireless internet, printers and scanners available at the libraries
With an advanced reservation, computers, laptops and tablets can also be used
Members can access multiple learning courses available on the libraries' website

The public libraries conduct lots of programs and events around the year that are absolutely free of cost, for all, and don't even require a membership.

Some of those include virtual or in-person classes for people of all ages, starting from 0 years to high school kids, teenagers, college-goers and senior citizens. Baby time for just born babies to 1-year-olds, Storytime, Math learning for toddlers, English and French learning, craft learning for school children and tweens, Tech help for senior citizens are a few programs organized by the library in our community. The online courses organized by them were of great help to engage my toddler during the lockdown, last year. It served as a great chance to connect with other kids and parents online. The efforts staff put in, in planning and conducting the classes are remarkable.
If you are new to your city or the country, the first place you could visit is the nearest library. They provide newbies and immigrants with all the necessary information about the community and enable them to connect with new people, learn new skills and resources.
The libraries also assist the public in seeking employment opportunities. They conduct special programs on effective resume writing, improving interview skills, employment services orientation, etc. for enabling the unemployed and those trying to switch jobs.
For bibliophiles (book lovers), libraries in Ontario are not only the treasure-trove of books, but offer a great chance to connect with fellow bibliophiles through their book clubs. They serve as a fantastic means to know and read new titles and connect with like-minded book lovers.
Libraries also conduct various contests (art, photography, poetry, song writing, etc.), again open to all. In an attempt to promote and encourage local skills and talent, they conduct a Writer-in-Residence contest, where local unpublished authors are provided an opportunity to discuss their writing with an acclaimed author
They also provide space and organize corporate events, wedding ceremonies, birthday parties, etc.
Interested ones can take part in the volunteer programs and campaigns that the libraries conduct regularly

These are just a few services public libraries offer in Ontario. If you are new to Canada or on a short stay or a long-timer, do visit your local library, enroll yourself and enjoy the benefits they offer. Introduce library and reading to your kids as well. Kids who develop reading habits from a young age not only broaden their knowledge but also improve their vocabulary, communication skills, confidence and focus.

Happy Learning!!!

Follow me on my Youtube handle to get notified about my latest articles!!

Comments

Did Kate Williams Read My Mind? My Review of How to Stop Trying

I am sure we all would have heard this statement more than once in our lives from our parents, teachers, siblings, friends, spouse or even a boss: “Try and try till you achieve your dream or target.” It could be finding the job of your liking, marrying the person you desire, or earning that long-awaited promotion. For many of us, these words become the script of our lives - pushing us to always chase the next milestone, to measure our worth by achievements. But what happens when the constant “trying” becomes exhausting? That's the side of the story untold. What is this book about? This is what Kate Williams’ "How to Stop Trying: An Overachiever's Guide to Self-Acceptance, Letting Go, and Other Impossible Things" talks about. The book isn’t about throwing away ambitions or giving up on our dreams. Instead, it’s about recognizing the hidden cost of endless striving - the burn out, the inability to rest without guilt, the constant sense of “not enough” and learning how t...

Review: Anex Monkey Smart Watch

Hello Readers, Welcome back. While browsing through a weekly flyer by Canadian Tire, my eyes got hold of a smart watch, primarily for its name - Monkey Smart Watch. It's original price was $89.99. On account of Father's Day, the price was slashed 70% and offered for just $24.99 (from June 9th to June 16th). As it was listed on Canadian Tire website, I thought the product should be genuine and googled to know more about the product. But there weren't sufficient reviews online. So I decided to try it myself and booked it online. This smart watch was launched in the last quarter of 2021 as Anex Monkey Smart Watch. Last year, it had been sold for just $19.99 as part of Black Friday deal. Even after 5 days of waiting, Canadian Tire didn't process my order. On the other hand, the stock was vanishing real quick and only 80 watches were available in our near by store. When checked with their customer service executive, I was told to cancel my online order or wait until they p...

Rutabaga: An Underrated Superfood & A Delicious Indian Recipe To Try!

Trying something new can feel uncertain, whether it is a new routine or new job or new city or even a new vegetable, as we often find comfort in the familiar. I had reservations about this particular vegetable until I cooked and tasted it. Let me introduce you Rutabaga, a lesser known vegetable (at least for a person from tropical region like me). It is nutrient-rich, flavourful and incredibly easy to prepare. When I first saw Rutabaga in the grocery stores here, I thought it would be from the yam family and ignored it, primarily because of its starch content. In addition, Rutabaga's sheer size always made me think twice to try it. In India, grocery stores sell small portions of vegetables like yam, cabbage or pumpkin, allowing customers purchase only what they need, which is...

Book: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

After reading a lot of positive recommendations about this title, I wanted to read it last year. However more than 100 people in our community library, eager like me have blocked this book, making it certain to move this book to my TBR 2022. Though I had a soft copy, I waited for the hardcover. The joy of holding the book in hands is incomparable. Don't you agree? Finally, its my turn at the library!! The Silent Patient is authored by Alex Michaelides who is an author and screenwriter. He is half Cyrian-half British. Alex is an M.A. in English Literature, M.A. in screenwriting and holds a degree in psychotherapy. He has worked as a therapist in a psychiatric unit for teenagers and has been the inspiration for writing this book. The Silent Patient is his debut novel with more than million copies sold world over and is rated as the New York Times and Sunday Times best seller. This work has fetched him the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Mystery & Thriller of 2019 and has been sho...

Gearing up for First day of School

The day you first held your little one, the first time he smiled at you, those first steps, first tears, first words, first bike ride... You would have experienced countless firsts with your child so far. Before you knew it, your kid is just few days away from a very important milestone - his first day of school. If your kid is starting kindergarten this academic year, I totally feel you. I was in the same state of mind, exactly an year ago. After tending to my son for more than 3 years, that too as a stay at home mom, he is very attached to me. I was with him literally 24 x 7, except for those very few minutes I sneak into the washroom. The thought of how he would survive those 7 hours of school without me, haunted me for days. Next his preparedness to face the whole new world (without us) was dreadful. I had infinite questions/ doubts in my head. It is quite natural if you have an endless loop going on in your head. In this post, I sum up my experience of preparing my child and ...

Manu's Medley

Search This Blog