Andy Burnham today moved to quell mounting speculation he is plotting an early General Election, telling journalists there will be "no election anytime soon" and the next vote will be "in 2029".
The number of illegal migrants who have broken into Britain via small boat under Labour's watch now outnumber the entire British Army's 83,000 soldiers.
Is Britain experiencing a free speech crisis? No, says our governing elite. That's a conspiracy theory put about by JD Vance. But data suggest the UK police are arresting up to 40 people a day for speech offences.
Cooking, recording a podcast, publishing a book, digitizing family cassettes, or bringing a telescope home. Public libraries across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond have reinvented themselves and now offer—almost always free of charge—services that many residents are unaware of. We took a look at six of them. Here’s a tip… enjoy!
Toronto Reference Library (DR)
TORONTO | Toronto Reference Library
The home of writers and creators
The largest reference library in the country, located right by Bloor-Yonge station, is a true cultural hub.
Publish your own book: The Asquith Press service allows you to print self-published books.
Author talks: The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon regularly hosts renowned writers and academics.
Free recording studio: You can record a podcast or song, take a professional headshot for your resume, or film a video project for school.
Tech to take home: You can check out Arduino kits, Raspberry Pi sets, audio recording gear, and Artificial Intelligence learning kits.
Culture without a ticket: With tpl:map passes, cardholders get free admission to the city’s artistic and cultural attractions.
Useful Information
Address: 789 Yonge Street, Toronto (corner with Asquith Avenue, Yorkville neighborhood). Located one block north of Bloor Street; the nearest subway station is Bloor-Yonge.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM.
Free membership eligibility: Anyone who lives, works, attends school, or owns property in Toronto, upon presenting ID with their name and address.
Non-residents: $50 for three months or $150 for 12 months. This card does not grant access to musical instruments, tpl:map passes, Ontario Parks passes, or Wi-Fi hotspots.
Digital alternative: Toronto residents aged 13 and older can apply online for a free digital card for immediate access to digital resources.
Hazel McCallion Central Library (DR)
MISSISSAUGA | Hazel McCallion Central Library
A library for cooking, gaming, and starting fresh
Renovated and reopened in 2024, Mississauga’s central library has become one of the most surprising spaces in the region.
Community kitchen:The Kitchen is fully equipped and hosts programs on health, nutrition, and food literacy.
Gaming and virtual reality room: Offers free access to gaming PCs, consoles, and virtual reality stations.
Support for those in need: The Open Window Hub connects unhoused individuals or those facing mental health challenges with community services and organizations.
A quiet space: A multifaith prayer room is open to people of all faiths to pray, reflect, or meditate.
Art in the makerspace: Beyond 3D printers, the space hosts the Art Hub program, featuring digital, visual, and performing arts activities.
Useful Information
Address: 301 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga (across from City Hall). Contact: 905-615-3500.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Free membership eligibility: Residents and anyone who studies, works, or owns property in Mississauga.
Non-residents: $40 per year.
How to sign up: Simply bring a document showing your name and address to any branch; non-residents must also bring proof of employment, property ownership, or enrollment in a local school. An Ontario driver’s license or Photo Card is accepted.
Parking: Paid, but free on weekdays after 6:00 PM and on weekends.
Brampton Public Library – Springdale Branch (DR)
BRAMPTON | Springdale Branch
Late-night studying and taking care of nature
With its green roof and undulating architecture, the Springdale branch is one of the most unique in the Brampton network.
Science serving conservation: In partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), the library 3D-printed models of snapping turtles, which were placed in nesting areas at the Heart Lake Conservation Area.
Late-night study room: The After Hours Study Hall opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM for ages 14 and up. During exam season, hours extend until 1:00 AM, Monday through Thursday.
Free legal advice: In partnership with the South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario, low-income individuals and families can receive a free one-on-one consultation.
An unusual “Library of Things”: In the Brampton network, you can check out telescopes, GoPro cameras, radon detectors, birdwatching kits, memory support kits, and passes to the ROM.
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Free membership eligibility: Registration is free for all Ontario residents. This is the most open policy among all six libraries.
How to sign up: Online or at any branch with a document showing your current address. Online registrants have limited access until they visit a branch to verify their address.
Bonus: Members get a 10% discount on tickets at The Rose Theatre.
Hamilton Public Library (DR)
HAMILTON | Central Library
Seeds, music, and welcoming spaces
Hamilton’s central library, located downtown, focuses heavily on community and sustainability.
Seed library: In partnership with Green Venture, patrons can take home seeds to plant and, at the end of the season, return harvested seeds to renew the collection.
Lunchtime music: Every Friday at noon, the library hosts live concerts.
Newcomer center: The Newcomer Learning Centre on the 4th floor offers resources and programs for learning English.
The city’s memory: The Local History & Archives department has been collecting and preserving Hamilton’s history since 1914.
Senior fitness: The SMART program helps improve strength, balance, and flexibility for all fitness levels.
Useful Information
Address: 55 York Boulevard, Hamilton. Contact: 905-546-3200.
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Free membership eligibility: Anyone who lives, works, studies, or owns property in Hamilton, with proper identification.
Non-residents: $100 per year. This is the most expensive option among the six.
Note: Cardholders from selected neighboring municipalities can also borrow books in Hamilton.
Oshawa Public Library McLaughlin Branch (DR)
OSHAWA | McLaughlin Branch
Saving family memories
Gifted to the city in 1954 by R.S. McLaughlin, founder of General Motors of Canada, Oshawa’s main library is a historic building featuring Frank Lloyd Wright architectural influences.
Memory Lab: In the Local History Room, patrons can convert old photos, VHS tapes, vinyl records, and audio cassettes into digital formats.
Motor City history: The local collection features unique materials on the McLaughlin family and the history of General Motors of Canada.
Internet for those without:Connect Kits include a tablet and a Wi-Fi hotspot, available for six-week loans to residents without home internet.
Books and ideas for seniors: Every month, seniors can discover a new author, listen to a reading, and participate in a Q&A session.
The big book sale: The Friends of the Library organize an annual fall book sale to support the library.
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Free membership eligibility: Anyone who lives, works, studies, or owns property in Oshawa or anywhere within the Region of Durham.
Non-residents: $40 per year. Does not include museum passes, Ontario Parks passes, or Wi-Fi hotspots.
Renewal: Memberships must be renewed every two years.
Aliston Beeton Seed Library (DR)
ALLISTON | New Tecumseth Public Library – Memorial Branch
A small library with a Nobel prize treasure
Located in a town of about 23,000 residents, the Alliston library proves you don’t have to be big to impress.
The legacy of insulin’s co-discoverer: In 1988, the library inherited letters, diaries, photographs, and personal items belonging to Sir Frederick Banting from his widow, including his pipes and eyeglasses. Today, the collection can be explored online through the Banting Digital project, which also includes Banting’s drawings and paintings.
Borrowing… cookware and ukuleles: The Library of Things in the New Tecumseth system includes Instant Pots, ukuleles, bongos, telescopes, VR headsets, sewing machines, meditation kits, and Ontario Parks passes.
Educational computers for kids: Donated in memory of two local children, these stations feature educational games focused on reading and math.
English conversation: An ESL Conversation Circle for non-native English speakers.
Books at the potato festival: The library sells donated books during the annual Alliston Potato Festival in August.
Useful Information
Address: 17 Victoria St. E., Alliston. Contact: 705-435-5651.
Hours (subject to confirmation): Monday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday to Thursday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; closed on weekends.
Free membership eligibility: Anyone who lives or pays taxes in New Tecumseth, as well as the municipalities of Adjala-Tosorontio, Mono, and Mulmur. Free membership is also extended through reciprocal agreements to residents of Bradford-West Gwillimbury, Caledon, Essa, Innisfil, and King Township.
Non-residents: $30 per year. The lowest fee for non-residents among the six libraries.
How to sign up: Bring a document showing your current address (driver’s license, health card, utility bill, etc.). Applicants under 16 require a parent’s signature.
Login