My Visit to Toronto Public Library: A Social Story for Everyone
All children are welcome at the library! A social story is a learning tool that describes a new experience or a specific situation. This story can help everyone, including children with disabilities and children who are Deaf, become more familiar with the library ahead of their visit.
How to Use the Story
Read this story one or more times with your child or students before your library visit. Encourage them to ask questions and try to answer the best you can. If you need to, call the library you are visiting and ask.
Accessible formats
The story is available in accessible formats for kids and families of all abilities. There are many ways to enjoy the story: read, listen, or watch! Find a print version for use in the library.
Would you like to access the story in a format that you don't see here? If so, please contact us at accessibleservices@tpl.ca, opens a new window or 416-393-7099, opens a new window.
The photos in the social story were taken at a time when people had to wear masks in the library. Masks are optional now.
My Visit to Toronto Public Library
1
My visit to Toronto Public Library: A social story for everyone
2
Today, I am visiting my library.
3
Things are a little different now because of the pandemic, but you can still use the library safely in person and online at home.
4
The library is free to use and I am always welcome at the library!
5
There are many libraries to choose from in my city, Toronto.
6
All libraries are different. Some libraries are big…
7
...while some libraries are small.
8
At my library…I can go to the children’s area.
9
I can choose books.
10
I can choose movies.
11
I can choose music.
12
I can use a computer.
13
I can use the library’s website to read books and watch movies.
14
I can meet a friend or make a new one while keeping a safe distance.
15
I can go to a free library program–sometimes in person and sometimes online.
16
Sometimes the library is very busy and loud.
17
Sometimes the library is very quiet.
18
I can ask someone if I need to find a quiet place.
19
I can use stairs, a ramp, or an elevator to get to where I need to go.
20
I can use the washroom if I need it during my visit.
21
Library staff can answer my questions and help me find what I need.
22
I can find library staff at the help desk or around the library.
23
I can use my free library card to borrow things from the library, like books, music, and movies.
24
Before I leave, I can check out things myself or ask library staff for help.
25
When I am finished with the things I have borrowed, I return them for others to use.
26
It’s time to go now, but I can come back to the library another day.
27
Thank you for reading “My Visit to Toronto Public Library!” We hope you enjoyed reading about the library, and we can’t wait for you to visit us soon.
Picture glossary of library words
The picture glossary explains the library terms that children may be unfamiliar with.
Books
Books hold all kinds of stories in their words and pictures. You can borrow books from the library.
Borrowing or checking out
Taking the things that belong to the library home for a short time.
Children’s area
Where kids of all ages can find books, movies, music, toys, and computers.
Computer
A machine where you can use the library website, search the Internet, play games, and do school work.
Library card
A special card that you use at the library and on the library website to borrow books, music, and movies.
Movies
A story you can watch on a screen. You can borrow movies from the library.
Music
Sounds you can listen to on different machines. You can borrow music CDs from the library or listen to music on the library website.
Programs
A special time when you can play, learn, and have fun at the library. Programs are offered in- person and online.
Staff
People who work at the library. They can answer your questions and help you find what you need. You can find staff at the help desk or around the library.
Note to parents, caregivers and educators
The purpose of this story is to help you and your child navigate and use Toronto Public Library (TPL). If your child feels anxious about visiting the library or is not sure what to expect, we hope this story will help. TPL branches, including in-person and virtual programs, are safe and welcoming spaces for people of all abilities. If anyone in your family has a disability or is Deaf, we want you to feel comfortable in our branches and online. Please let library staff know how we can help!
Useful links
- Accessibility:, opens a new window Learn more about TPL's accessible services, equipment and collections.
- Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA):, opens a new window Provides books and other materials to library users with print disabilities.
- Disability: Read Up on It!, opens a new window A booklist with positive Deaf and disability representation in children's books.
- Programs:, opens a new window Explore in-person or virtual library programs.
- Ready for Reading, opens a new window (Birth to 5) and TPL Kids (school-aged children): Find reading suggestions and fun activities.
- Your Library Card, opens a new window: More information on how to get a library card and what you can do with it. A reminder that the library doesn't charge overdue fines on materials checked out on children's library cards.