One fantastic feature of all four Preston Living buildings is that they are within walking distance of a branch of the Toronto Public Library (TPL). Our library system is one of the busiest ones in the world, and with good reason: in its collections, it has over 10.6 million items in 40 different languages, ranging from textbooks to novels, fantasy to local history, all of which can be delivered to your local branch. You can even rent musical instruments from select branches!
The fact that the library sources and provides all this knowledge for free (if you return your items on time, of course) is incredible enough, but the TPL does not stop there. Library cardholders can get free entrance to different cultural venues throughout the city, including the Science Centre, the Toronto Zoo, and the Royal Ontario Museum, through the library’s MAP scheme; access to online services such as language-learning programs, music collections, and Kanopy, a movie streaming website with a comprehensive and high-quality collection of films; and even have access to computers, printers, and scanning services if needed. Newcomers to Canada can access a range of free services through the library, including settlement workers to support their transition, ESL classes, and practice materials for their citizenship test.
Last, but certainly not least, the Toronto Public Library offers an extraordinary array of programming for its members. For example, the Flemingdon Park branch, located a 2-minute walk from our 25 St. Dennis building, focuses mainly on arts workshops and programs for school-age children, though it also holds tax clinics when tax season begins. In the Bridlewood Branch, which is a 10-minute walk from 20 Stonehill Court, kids’ and seniors’ programs are the norm. The Main Street branch is a bit further away from 2 Secord Avenue and 90 Eastdale – it’s about 15-20 minutes away on foot. However, when you arrive you will be rewarded with a variety of programming for adults – upcoming events include sessions on budgeting and eco-friendly living and writing workshops – as well as craft and drama activities for kids. As an added bonus, this branch is right across the road from Might and Main, one of the best coffee shops in the area! If all this has piqued your interest, take a look at the library’s website at https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/ or stroll over to your local branch to discover what knowledge and entertainment awaits on your doorstep!
