11/27/2025
We often see clients who start feeling down as the weather changes and are more inclined to take a trip to the couch, than venture outside their front door.
Before we dive into a post about “free resources,” we’ll focus in on the most underrated free resource in Toronto. It isn’t a park, a museum, or a festival. It’s the Toronto Public Library, and most people have no idea how much they’re leaving on the table.
We’re so comfortable paying for five different subscriptions every month, but you can get more, and often better services, at zero cost. Quiet spaces, creative outlets, structured programs and a sense of community all matter. And you don’t need kids to justify walking back into a library. Go now. Use it for yourself. It’s one of the simplest, most accessible ways to feel better, learn more and spend less.
If you think TPL is “just books,” you’re gravely missing out. Here are some of the best kept secrets people don’t use but absolutely should:
Free museum and attraction passes:
Yes, really. Through the Museum + Arts Pass program you can access places like the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto Zoo, historic sites and more for free.
Musical instrument rentals:
Guitars, keyboards, ukuleles, violins and even recording equipment. Free. At a public library.
Makerspaces and creative studios:
3D printers, vinyl cutters, sewing machines, photography gear, green screens. Perfect for side hustles, school projects or trying something new without spending money.
Workshops that would normally cost real money:
Coding classes, business basics, job search coaching, financial literacy, genealogy, digital art, podcasting. All included with your library card.
eBooks, audiobooks and magazines:
The Libby app turns your phone into a portable library stocked with thousands of titles. No subscription and no monthly fee.
Movies, video games and streaming:
Borrow films, documentaries, consoles or stream curated collections through TPL’s digital partners.
Community resources:
Quiet study rooms, homework help for kids, newcomer programs, resume reviews, career support and access to academic level databases.
Toronto has its challenges, but access to learning, creativity and community support isn’t one of them, not when one of the world’s best public library systems is sitting right in front of us, free.
If you haven’t walked into your local branch recently, go!
If you haven’t downloaded Libby, do it today.
And if you’re supporting clients, kids or families, send them there. It’s one of the smartest moves you can make.