Ahead of the municipal election on October 26, TPL’s Celebrate Democracy initiative provides Torontonians with the tools and information they need to understand issues important to residents, learn about candidates and their platforms and participate in the democratic process.
Celebrate Democracy features a range of resources, events and activities designed to support informed civic engagement, including:
Know Your Vote T.O.
KnowYourVote.to is back, providing Torontonians with accessible, non-partisan information about municipal election candidates. An interactive map identifies candidates in each ward and presents their position on key issues, including housing, public safety, cost of living and more.
Events
Throughout September and October, TPL hosts events that explore the election, civic participation and the role of democracy in everyday life, including:
How Canadians Feel About Democracy These Days
Trust in democratic institutions is being tested in Canada and around the world. This panel will examine how Canadians are feeling about democracy today and explore what we can do to improve trust and encourage community engagement in the future.
October 14, North York Central Library
The Information Battle: Elections, Journalism and Misinformation
A discussion exploring how democracies can respond to emerging information challenges while protecting free expression, strengthening public trust, and ensuring that voters have access to reliable information when it matters most.
Oct 19, Toronto Reference Library
Toronto Elections
Branch activations throughout September and October focused on voter education for the Toronto municipal election, including programming for children and teens. Highlights include Kids Vote Weekend on October 10 and 11, where young participants can cast ballots for Toronto’s Tree of the Year.
Various branch locations
Democracy Fitness
Interactive workshops at select branches that help participants build their “democracy muscles” through fun, engaging activities that prompt self-reflection and strengthen confidence to participate in constructive conversations.
Various branch locations and dates throughout the fall
Public Trust
A participatory public art installation by artist Paul Ramírez Jonas presented by The Bentway, in partnership with the Waterfront BIA, and in collaboration with Toronto Public Library and Harbourfront Centre.
September 15, Fork York Branch, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
The installation will be accompanied by a public talk with the artist exploring his imaginative body of work and his long-time engagement with democracy, participation and the public realm.
September 15, Fork York Branch, 6:00 pm
A full list of programs is available at tpl.ca/celebrate-democracy.
Celebrate Democracy also features curated reading lists, branch displays and additional resources that help residents explore civic issues and participate in local democracy.
Quote
“A strong democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. Through our Celebrate Democracy initiative, TPL is providing trusted, accessible resources to help residents understand the issues, learn about candidates and participate meaningfully in the municipal election." - Moe Hosseini-Ara, City Librarian & CEO, Toronto Public Library.
Celebrate Democracy and KnowYourVote.T.O. is made possible by donations to the Toronto Public Library Foundation and is generously supported by the McConnell Foundation.
About Toronto Public Library
Toronto Public Library is a gathering place for people and ideas, with 100 branches citywide and rich online services. More than 80% of Torontonians use their library, finding space to read, learn, create and connect in their communities. From literacy and skills development to technology access and cultural experiences, we're here to help all Torontonians thrive. To learn more, visit tpl.ca.