Lawyers, Tips and Expertise: Welcome to Law at the Library

Toronto Public Library has launched a new series of programming, Law at the Library, focusing on helping Torontonians learn more about common legal issues. 

From buying a home to writing a will, getting fired or getting a divorce, at one time or another, almost all of us will need help navigating the law. These programs are presented by members of the legal community and draw on their expertise to help you understand the law while introducing them to legal resources at the library.

Toronto Public Library offers law books, databases and other information services, both online and offline. The Library partners with professionals in the community to deliver presentations and our expert staff curate collections and databases to help you find what you are looking for. 

Law at the Library is made possible by the contributions of the Law at the Library Steering Committee. The Committee consists of 14 lawyers with a wide range of law expertise.

“The over-arching goal of ‘Law at the Library’ is empowerment,” said Katie Ionson, Associate at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP practicing in the areas of Trusts, Wills, Estates, Charities and Not-for-Profits, and member of the Law at the Library Steering Committee. “For some sessions, this means providing information about library customer's rights, so they can know to stand up for them. Other sessions aim to demystify a process and provide information about next steps. We hope library customers will leave each session with a better understanding of the options available to achieve their goals."

Some upcoming programs include:

            Estate Administration: You've Been Named Executor, Now What?
            
Don Mills Branch
            Wednesday, April 1st, 7:00 p.m.
            Tips on administering an estate.

            Small Claims: A Guide to the Process
            
Malvern Branch
            Monday, May 11th, 6:30 p.m.
            For those engaged in the small claims court process.

            Disability Law: Your Rights
            
Brentwood Branch
            Tuesday, May 12th, 7:00 p.m.
            For those living with disabilities.

            Intellectual Property Issues for Small Business
            
Fairview Branch
            Wednesday, May 20th, 6:30 p.m.
            Intellectual property basics for individuals starting a small business.

            Real Estate Law: Buying or Selling a House
            
City Hall Branch
            Wednesday, May 20th, 1:00 p.m.
            Advice for buying or selling a home. 

            People, Pets and Parking – Welcome to Condo Life!
            
Fort York Branch
            Saturday, May 23rd, 2:00 p.m.
            Introduction to settling into condominium life.

            Employment 101
            
Toronto Reference Library
            Tuesday, June 9th, 7:00 p.m.
            Those starting a new (or first) job can learn about employee rights.

            Permanent Residency 101
            
North York Central Library
            Tuesday, June 9th, 6:30 p.m.
            Tips on applying for Permanent Resident status.

            Powers of Attorney & Wills
            
Toronto Reference Library
            Tuesday, June 30th, 7:00 p.m.
            On importance of proper estate planning documents.

For more information about the Law at the Library series or to browse the programs visit torontopubliclibrary.ca/law

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Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow more than 32 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131. To get the most current updates on what's happening at the library, follow us on Twitter @torontolibrary.

Media Contact:

Sumaiya Ahmed
Communications, Programming and Customer Engagement
Toronto Public Library
sahmed@torontopubliclibrary.ca