Back at the Branch

Good night moon, goodnight stars, now how about reading a new book about Mars? Or anything new, for that matter…

Looking to expand your repertoire but frustrated that buying new books feels wasteful in these economic and environmentally strained times? Check out one of our old standbys, the Toronto Public Library. Dust off your backpack, because it’s time to return to the land of your youth (we’re sure you spent a lot of time there in your academic days), but be warned—the TPL has changed a lot since then.

Before you stroll down to your local branch be sure to visit the library online first because there is so much more for you to learn—and for the kids to learn too!

Why do we love the library? Let us count the ways…

Remembering Dewey
Time to ditch the index cards—the cool kids these days look for books online first and if what you are looking for is not in your local branch it can be ordered and delivered there within a week for you to pick up at your convenience. Now that’s the kind of efficiency that would make Dewey proud—and the kind of service that makes moms smile.

Take Out More for Less
Did you know libraries lend out music CDs and movie DVDs? That’s right, Friday movie nights just got a whole lot cheaper at your house (with no nagging from the kids to buy the oversized treats at check out). Remember to order ahead of time and reserve—you might need to get that number one choice from another branch and it takes a few days. There are also e-books and audio books for kids and adults. These can be downloaded from the website onto your ipod or MP3 player without even going to the library! 

Embrace the Space
Introductions to the library, called ‘Ready for Reading’, are available to caregivers and babies from birth to age five. It’s a great way to introduce the younger generation to the library, promote early literacy and instill a love of books and learning. Look for listings of other local branch events like puppet shows, children’s sing-songs, and ‘how to’ events like origami making.

Explore Online
As the kids get older they will definitely enjoy KidsSpace on the website. It’s filled with all kinds of educational fun things to do like: play a game, tell a story, hear a story, send an e-card, find a great book, do a word puzzle ... the list goes on. Our mom-fave in this section is the homework helper and the list of recommended websites that can help with homework (which means that mom is not the ‘homework helper’ this time).

MAP It
The SunLife Financial Museum Arts Pass is one of the best little secrets this city has to offer. Basically, if you have a library card you are eligible to receive a MAP card which will get you into one of the city’s many cultural institutions for free. Now that’s news you can use, as far as we’re concerned.

There are 99 library branches in the GTA and they all have their own set of events and opportunities depending on the needs of the community. Be sure to check what’s going on at your local branch.

Save time, money and the environment all while expanding your own (and your kids’) educational horizons…now that would make Dewey proud.

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