Did you know that in addition to a plethora of great books, your library card can also get you amazing perks like free tickets to Ripley’s and access to 3D printers? If you didn’t know, you’ll definitely want to keep reading so that you can make the most out of these amazing deals. 

‍

Related Posts:

Here is How You Can Get Free Admission to Some of Toronto’s Most Popular Attractions

PRESTO Card Perks in 2024

‍

1. tpl:map Passes

If you didn’t know, the Toronto Public Library offers tpl:map passes, where library card owners can get free admission to popular attractions in the city. To access the pass, you’ll need to log into the tpl:map reservation site with your library card, choose the available attractions, pick your date and print or download the pass. Please note that there are limited passes and they are made available online on the first day of every month for the following month.

See below for the full list of participating attractions:

• Aga Khan Museum
• Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
• Bata Shoe Museum
• Black Creek Pioneer Village
• Canadian Stage
• CN Tower
• Hot Docs Festival
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
• Royal Conservatory of Music
• Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
• Tafelmusik
• Textile Museum of Canada
• Toronto Railway Museum
• Toronto Symphony Orchestra
• Toronto Zoo

Click here for more information.

2. Digital Innovation Hubs

Digital Innovation Hubs are spaces that have professional software, computers, and a wide variety of specialized equipment. They can be found at ten branches in the city, and all ages and skill levels are welcome to use them.

These hubs feature specialized equipment and computer software including 3D printers, professional grade audio recording, coding kits, sewing machines, embroidery machines, vinyl printer/cutters, photography/film equipment, Adobe Creative Cloud and more. 

If you’re interested in using some of this equipment but you don’t know how to, they also offer free programs and classes to help you increase your knowledge. You can check their website to see which workshops the different branches are currently offering. 

Digital Innovation Hubs are at the following library branches:

• Agincourt 
• Albert Campbell
• Albion
• Downsview
• Fort York
• North York Central Library
• Richview
• Scarborough Civic Centre
• Toronto Reference Library
• York Woods

Click here for more information.

3. Borrow a Musical Instrument

Three library branches have a Musical Instrument Lending Library that allows you to borrow instruments for free with a valid library card. There are a variety of instruments available including guitars, bongos, violins, accordions, theremins, and more! 

You can only borrow one instrument at a time and the loan period is 3 weeks. You are allowed 2 renewals, which means you can keep the instrument for up to 9 weeks in total. 

The library also offers instrument tutorial videos, brought to you by musicians from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. 

This service is available at the following library branches:

• Parkdale
• Downsview
• York Woods

Click here for more information.

4. eLearning 

Your library card gets you access to a variety of online services that can help you learn new skills. This includes things like LinkedIn Learning, SAGE Video, Mango Languages, and many more. 

They can also help you with test preparation. If you’re studying for the LSAT, MCAT, SAT, GMAT, or other standardized tests, visit a library branch for practice questions and tests. 

If you’re trying to improve your computer skills or just starting out, they have PDF guides that will teach you basic computer skills and iPad skills. 

For a full list of learning resources available, check out the link below.

Click here for more information.

5. Piano Practice Rooms

Did you know that some Toronto libraries have pianos? If you’re looking for somewhere to practice, four library branches have piano practice rooms available free of charge. These rooms can be booked in advance of their website and depending on the branch, they might have a digital piano.

Piano Practice Rooms are at the following library branches:

• North York Central Library
• Oakwood Village Library and Arts Centre
• Parkdale
• Toronto Reference Library

Click here for more information.

6. Printing Services

If you don’t have your own printer or photocopy machine, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of this perk. All Toronto Public Library branches offer free printing and photocopying. All you have to do is visit your nearest branch, log into the designated printing station, and send your file to the printer. 

Click here for more information.

Scroll down to sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest best things to do in Toronto. Do you want your business featured on our page? Fill out the Contact us form.