No longer have room for old books? Why not donate them to the library?

The Toronto Public Library accepts donations of used books, with drop boxes located at two convenient locations. The books are then sold at the library's bookstores: Book Ends and Book Ends South; run entirely by Friends of Toronto Public Library volunteers. All of the proceeds from both bookstores go towards supporting literacy programs.

Drop boxes are located inside the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street) or inside North York Central Library (5120 Yonge Street) and are accessible during library hours.

Click here to view the Library's Material Selection Policy.  For additional information on how to donate your books, please call 416-393-7123.

Have new (or almost new), rare, historical or sgnificant books or materials? Why not make them available to all of Toronto and beyond?

The Toronto Public Library welcomes gifts of materials from individuals or groups. Where possible the Library will attempt to add the materials into our collections as per our materials selections policy. The same criteria and guidelines that apply to the selection of all library materials are used to evaluate gifts. It is understood that gifts are freely given without conditions attached, unless specifically negotiated beforehand.

If the Library is unable to add the donated items into the collections, the materials will then be sold at branch book sales or given to the Friends of Toronto Public Library to sell at their bookstore and sales. All proceeds of these sales benefit the Library. All materials not sold or deemed unfit for sale will be given to other charities or recycled.

Gifts of rare, historical and/or significant material for the Library's Special Collections follow the Donations of Gifts-In-Kind to Special Collections Policy.
 

Tax receipts are issued by the Toronto Public Library Foundation only for items that meet the selection guidelines and are accepted into the collection.

For information on gifts of material to the Library please call 416-393-7076
 

The Peter Bassnett Memorial Fund for Staff Development

To support this Fund, click here.

At the Toronto Public Library

For more information on volunteer opportunities with the library and various library programs, please visit the Toronto Public Library’s website.

At the Toronto Public Library Foundation

If you are interested in supporting the Toronto Public Library Foundation as a volunteer, please call 416-393-7123 to find out about our current opportunities.

With Friends of the Library

Friends of the Library volunteers promote Toronto Public Library, raise funds for library services and support special collections. Click here for more information about the Friends of the Library

To find out how you can help, or if you're interested in volunteering at Book Ends or Book Ends South,  please email friendssouthchapter@torontopubliclibrary.ca or friendsnorthchapter@torontopubliclibrary.ca or click here.

Do you like to plan parties? Mobilize people for a good cause? Pool your resources and introduce allies to the library you love? If so, consider hosting a third-party event on the Toronto Public Library Foundation's behalf.

Use your creativity to develop a literary or community event that raises revenue and interest in the library.

There are a myriad of creative ways to host a third party event, including:

• Literary dinners/luncheons/BBQs/brunches
• Book clubs
• Book Sales, Bake Sales, Garage Sales, Swap meets
• Read, run, walk, bike, or bowl events
• Corporate Product or Service Sale

Use your imagination, your resources, and your networks to bring community together in support of your Library.

Please call to let us know if you are planning an event on our behalf and how we can help support it.  Contact Liana Colacci, Development Assistant at 416.393.7123 or email lcolacci@torontopubliclibrary.ca

On Tuesday, March 26th Toronto Public Library launched its new research-supported early literacy resource, Let's get Ready for Reading, a fun and easy guide to help kids become readers. Toronto Public Library is please to offer this unique resource to help parents, caregivers and children get started on their reading adventures together. The Library has gathered together a selection of activities, books and more to show you how fun and easy it can be to help children build the important skills they need to get ready for reading and success in school.

This guide has been made possible through funding from the Toronto Public Library Foundation, thanks to a generous donation by an anonymous donor. The Foundation is also grateful for the support provided by the J.P. Bickell Foundation and the Rotary Club of Toronto.

Toronto Public Library will be distributing free copies to thousands of families in Toronto giving them access to high quality research-based activities, resources, tips and librarian-recommended reading lists that help build reading readiness in children birth to five years old.

Check out this new resources at your local library or place a hold on the book through the Library's website.

Copies are also available for purchase, for $3, at Toronto Public Library branches across the city. The proceeds of the books will to used to print additional copies for distribution.
 

Book Bags: $3.00

You can now purchase three different styles of book bags in support of the Foundation.

The Foundation offers the Library’s classic canvas book bag as well as two contemporary versions of dynamic Toronto Public Library/Toronto Public Library Foundation book bags – they come in both an adult’s and a kid’s style design for $3.00 each.

Proceeds from the sales of these bags help the Foundation support the vital work of the Toronto Public Library. They make excellent book bags, tote bags, grocery bags and gift bags!

Due to popular demand, and for a limited time, the Foundation is pleased to announce the return of the classic canvas vintage Library book bags. These sturdy bags come in off-white with an over-the-shoulder length strap and the Toronto Public Library logo. They are durable and washable.

NOTE:  Due to limited quantities, these bags are no longer available at all branches.  Please check with your local branch for availability.