Hello, good morning,

I hope you are in good spirits and good health.

Autumn has arrived gently, the leaves are starting to change color, and the days are growing shorter. And it is precisely now, when you crave a good book and a warm corner, that I come to talk to you about libraries.

I confess: for a long time, I too thought a library was a quiet place, filled with bookshelves and someone telling us to “shh!”. Well, think again. Today’s municipal libraries are anything but that.

Right around us, you can check out a ukulele, a telescope, an electric cooker, or a museum pass. You can record a podcast, 3D print an object, learn how to cook, digitize old VHS wedding tapes, or even get free legal advice. In Hamilton, there is a seed library; in Alliston, they keep the letters and eyeglasses of Sir Frederick Banting, the “father” of insulin.

And what about technology? Libraries didn’t run away from Artificial Intelligence; they embraced it. They teach how to use it wisely, lend laptops and internet access to those who don’t have it at home, and help older generations overcome their fear of smartphones. In Mississauga, more than half of those using these services say the library is the only place where they have access to this technology. In Toronto, 83% of those who used them improved their employability. Now that is a true public service.

For families, it is a real treasure. And at a time when everything costs an arm and a leg, a free treasure! Storytime for babies, coding and robotics clubs, youth spaces with snacks included, games, movies, and streaming platforms—all with a simple card. In Brampton, just living in Ontario is enough to get one without paying a single cent.

But perhaps the most important thing isn’t what you take home. It’s what you find inside: a place where no one forces you to buy anything, where a grandfather, a granddaughter, and a neighbor who just arrived in Canada sit at the same table. In times of screens, loneliness, and misinformation, that is no small thing.

So, I leave you with a challenge: if you haven’t stepped into a library in a few years, pay one a visit. Take the kids, take your parents, take your curiosity. I guarantee you’ll leave surprised—and, who knows, maybe with a ukulele under your arm.

It is what it is, and it will always be worth what it’s worth.

Take care and have a wonderful weekend,

See you soon,

Cristina DaCosta/MS

 

Today, the traditional image of a library with thousands of books, high shelves filled with history and stories, is far removed from reality. In fact, this is a reductive view, because the function of this type of public space is now far more comprehensive. Especially in a multicultural and fast-growing city like Toronto, where free public spaces are increasingly rare, the Toronto Public Library (TPL) has become a true meeting point filled with past, present, and future. Indeed, any regular user can attest that, today, a library is essentially bursting with life.

The numbers speak for themselves. With 100 branches spread across the city, TPL is the largest and busiest public library system in North America. In the last year alone, it welcomed over 14 million in-person visits, and eight in ten Toronto residents use the library—whether to study, work, look for a job, learn something new, or simply have a welcoming place to be.

But what can actually be found in a library today? Far more than one might imagine. Beyond books—both physical and digital—TPL offers free internet access and computers, training in digital skills and Artificial Intelligence, 3D printers, recording studios, and even a musical instrument lending library. There are dedicated spaces for children and teenagers, support for job seekers and small businesses, and initiatives that help residents participate in an informed way in the city’s democratic life.

In an era marked by loneliness, polarization, and misinformation, the library also assumes an essential civic role: bringing people together, promoting access to trusted information, and building bridges between different perspectives.

We spoke with Toronto’s City Librarian, Moe Hosseini-Ara, to understand how the library has reinvented itself, what impact it has on the lives of those who visit, and what might surprise those who haven’t been back in a while.

Milénio Stadium: For those who don’t know, how would you describe the Toronto Public Library and the role it plays in city life today?

Moe Hosseini-Ara: Eight in ten Toronto residents use their library as a place to work or study, borrow a book, attend a program, look for a job, develop skills, or simply to have somewhere to go.

As the city grows, so does the need for shared spaces, trusted information, and human connection. The Toronto Public Library (TPL) has become essential civic infrastructure.

TPL connects people to resources and opportunities through a trusted network of 100 branches, expert staff, and an extensive offering of online services. We are the largest and busiest public library system in North America.

MS: What role do TPL branches play as community gathering spaces?

MHA: TPL offers something increasingly rare: a free, welcoming public space where no purchase is required.

Our 100 branches across the city are vital community hubs that support individual and community resilience.

In the last year alone, TPL branches recorded over 14 million in-person visits, and our website (tpl.ca) had more than 32 million visits.

MS: In a fast-changing world, especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, how does TPL help residents keep up with these changes?

MHA: From early literacy to Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills, TPL offers free lifelong learning opportunities for every stage of life, helping Toronto residents build the knowledge, digital skills, and confidence needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world, while helping close the digital divide.

The impact is real: 83% of users who accessed TPL’s technology services reported improving their employable skills or achieving career goals.

MS: We live in times marked by loneliness, polarization, and misinformation. What contribution can a public library make to bring people closer together and strengthen democratic life?

MHA: In an era of rising isolation, loneliness, and polarization, TPL is the gathering spot where Toronto residents come together, connect with one another, learn to combat misinformation, and engage with perspectives beyond their own.

This is a role valued by the public: 93% of Toronto residents agree that public libraries are an important resource for the community.

MS: Many people still associate libraries solely with books. Which TPL services tend to surprise those who discover them for the first time?

MHA: There are services people might not realize we offer… while books, both physical and digital, remain our core foundation, our free services go far beyond that. Many people may not know that we offer:

• Free internet access, computers, and printers;
• Help with tech and digital literacy, including AI upskilling (note: we have an AI policy that guides our staff toward the safe, responsible, ethical, and effective use of AI tools);
• Virtual interview rooms for job seekers, 3D printers, Adobe Creative Suite, and recording studios;
• Musical Instrument Lending Library;
• Programs for children, English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, job seekers, and small businesses;
• After-school clubs for children, featuring free activities like hands-on projects, coding, and robotics workshops;
• Youth Hubs—welcoming spaces for teenagers after school and during the summer, always staffed with support teams. Free, nutritious daily snacks are provided;
• We are also gearing up for the municipal election with our Celebrate Democracy initiative, which provides reliable, accessible resources to help residents understand key issues, learn about candidates, and actively participate in the process;
• Our popular tpl:map passes, which offer free access to Toronto’s arts, cultural experiences, and attractions.

The services mentioned here are just a small sample. Anyone who hasn’t visited the library in a while might be surprised by everything they will discover!

Madalena Balça/MS

 

With 18 libraries spread across the city, including the renovated Hazel McCallion Central Library, Mississauga offers its residents multiple free services that are essential in building a better-informed community. Beyond providing traditional access to reading material, today’s libraries allow visitors to borrow musical instruments, sports kits, carbon dioxide detectors, or museum passes. It is also possible to 3D print an object, record a song, cook in a community kitchen, or take home a laptop and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

In a diverse and fast-growing city like Mississauga, the public library has transformed into a true community hub: a place where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to study, learn, create, and socialize without having to pay a dime. In a climate where the cost of living weighs heavily on so many family budgets, the library provides free services that would otherwise be inaccessible to many—from streaming platforms and online courses to digital newspapers and creative software tools.

Technology has been a major priority. According to a recent survey, more than half of the users of the library’s tech services state that this is their only way to access these tools, highlighting the vital role the institution plays in bridging the digital divide.

However, the library does not stop at offering resources. It also provides guidance, family programs, partnerships with community organizations, and social spaces that help combat social isolation.

To better understand how the library has reinvented itself and what it has to offer families and the broader community, we spoke with Irene McCutcheon, Senior Communications Advisor for the City of Mississauga.

Milénio Stadium: Beyond borrowing books, what services does the library currently offer that the public might not be aware of? Which of these services has grown the most in recent years?

Irene McCutcheon: Many residents might be surprised to discover the variety of items they can borrow from the Mississauga Library of Things, such as game and sports kits, carbon dioxide detectors, musical instruments, park passes, and museum passes. One of the areas of largest growth in recent years has been the technology available to patrons—such as portable Wi-Fi hotspots, printers, photocopiers, and makerspaces equipped with 3D printers and music recording equipment. And for those looking to save money, residents can check out movies and video games, as well as access free streaming services with their library card.

MS: If you had to describe the public library to someone who only associates it with “a place for books,” how would you describe it?

IM: A public library is so much more than books on shelves. It is a community hub where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to socialize, study, and explore. It is a welcoming space where residents can participate in programs for all ages, study, meet up, and discover new interests. It is one of the few spaces where everyone is welcome, regardless of age, background, or abilities, at no cost at all.

MS: What concrete changes have you made recently to keep up with technological evolution (such as Artificial Intelligence)? Are there concerns or red lines in this process?

IM: The library has made significant investments in technology to support how residents learn, create, and access information. We provide free Wi-Fi access, laptop and tablet loans, self-service checkout and return systems, and makerspaces equipped with various technologies, like 3D printing and sewing machines. These services give residents access to the technology they need at a low cost. In fact, a recent user survey revealed that 56% of respondents who use these library services say it is their only way to access this technology. As technology evolves, the library’s focus remains on providing access to learning and skill development so that patrons can use these tools effectively.

MS: In an era when information is just a click away, what do you do to ensure people still have reasons to visit the library, either in person or online? What recent initiative do you consider to have been most successful in attracting new audiences?

IM: Libraries offer much more than access to information. The Mississauga Library offers experiences, guidance, and a sense of social connection that help residents develop skills, connect with the community, and explore their interests. Patrons can participate in in-person programs and events, as well as access services that would otherwise be expensive, such as creative software, 3D printers, and sound and video recording equipment. The Hazel McCallion Central Library features a kitchen for cooking and nutrition programs, as well as a games room and other facilities that can be booked for free.

Library staff are also available to help residents navigate existing services, find materials, and build their skills. As for the online experience, the library provides free access to learning and entertainment services that would otherwise require a paid subscription. This includes LinkedIn Learning, The New York Times, PressReader, Ancestry, e-books, and streaming platforms for music and movies.

MS: What concrete benefits can a family with children get from the library today that they couldn’t ten or twenty years ago? Are there programs specifically designed to reduce costs or social isolation for families?

IM: The modern library is a center for community development, outreach, and programming for people of all ages and backgrounds. Families can participate in free programs, access community services, and engage in activities that help them learn, grow, and build connections. For budget-conscious families, the library offers free access to a wide variety of activities and materials, such as streaming services and games, children’s activities, passes to local attractions, drop-in social gatherings, book clubs, safety equipment, and language learning programs.

Through partnerships with local non-profit organizations, the library also provides outreach services, community development, and educational programs. These programs help reduce social isolation by giving residents a space to meet others, learn new skills, and build community. One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the expansion of technology available at the library—such as laptop loans, makerspaces, Wi-Fi hotspots, and other services that support skill development and help lower the cost of access.

Madalena Balça/MS

Xi Jinping alla Casa Bianca: «La trappola di Tucidide può essere superata». Mentre Washington e Pechino trattano su dazi, chip e Taiwan, Mosca esce dal voto per la Duma con la maggioranza più ampia della sua storia e l’Europa racconta di essere bersaglio di un allarme droni che nessuno conferma. Chi ha paura di chi, e chi decide mentre gli altri hanno paura? A Levante questa sera, giovedì 24 settembre 2026, alle 19, Margherita Furlan dialoga con Alberto Bradanini, già ambasciatore d’Italia a Pechino, e con Aleksandr Ibragimov, in diretta da Mosca, sulla stessa scena vista da due finestre: la trattativa tra le due grandi potenze e la paura che ne resta fuori. Affrontiamo insieme: Xi da Trump: che cosa vuole la Cina, che cosa vogliono gli Stati Uniti Gli amministratori delegati di Nvidia, OpenAI, JPMorgan e Qualcomm alla cena di Stato: la tavola dice più del comunicato Tregua commerciale prorogata, Board of Trade, terre rare e soia Taiwan e il comunicato del 1982: fin dove arriva la trattativa La legge Graham: dazi fino al 100% su chi compra petrolio russo, sei giorni prima del vertice La Duma dei 355 seggi: un Putin più forte e che cosa ne fa con l’Europa Il caso El Mundo: droni dal mare contro Italia, Francia e Spagna? Crosetto: nessuna conferma L’Italia e l’Europa fuori dalla stanza dove si decide Tucidide, Allison e la domanda del titolo: la trappola si può davvero superare? I LIBRI DEGLI OSPITI Alberto Bradanini: Cina. Dall’umanesimo di Nenni alle sfide di un mondo multipolare (Anteo, 2023) Alberto Bradanini: Cina. L’irresistibile ascesa (Sandro Teti, 2022) Alberto Bradanini: Oltre la Grande Muraglia (Bocconi, 2018) GLI OSPITI Alberto Bradanini, diplomatico, già ambasciatore d’Italia nella Repubblica Popolare Cinese e in Iran Aleksandr Ibragimov, rettore della Scuola del Buon Senso, PhD in scienze filologiche; linguista, psicologo, scrittore, sceneggiatore; membro dell’Unione degli Scrittori Russi. La voce dall’interno del mondo russo SOSTIENI CASA DEL SOLE TV Casa del Sole TV è un progetto di giornalismo indipendente autofinanziato. Per donazioni: IBAN: IT63P0326822300052392596590 Intestato a: La Casa del Sole Edizioni Causale: Donazione Casa del Sole TV Membership YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CasadelSoleT… Analista Multipolare €5/mese Inviato della Verità €15/mese Architetto del Futuro €25/mese I LIBRI DI MARGHERITA FURLAN BRICS Scacco Matto (disponibile in italiano, inglese, russo) SEGUI CASA DEL SOLE TV YouTube: @CasadelSoleTVChannel #Levante #CasadelSoleTV #MargheritaFurlan #Geopolitica #Multipolarismo #TrappolaDiTucidide #XiJinping #Trump #Cina #Russia #Duma #AlbertoBradanini

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