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Social and Crisis Support Services

Need support? We’re here to help.

The library offers many free services, programs and resources that can help those who need social, mental health and crisis support. Through our welcoming and familiar spaces, we’re meeting Torontonians where they are and making it easier for them to access the help they need.

Crisis support services

TPL offers crisis intervention supports in partnership with Gerstein Crisis Centre and TAIBU Community Health Centre.

Drop-in crisis service

Crisis workers from Gerstein Crisis Centre and TAIBU Community Health Centre are available on-site at select library branches to provide immediate support and help individuals connect with:

  • Short-term crisis counselling
  • Mental health supports
  • Group wellness programs
  • Services navigation and more

No appointment is needed. This is a free, drop-in service available to anyone seeking help or guidance.

Upcoming events

Upcoming Events

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Finding Recovery Through Exercise Skills and Hope (F.R.E.S.H.)

This free, drop-in program is peer-led and designed to support recovery through:

  • Physical activity
  • Building social and community connections
  • Developing new skills and knowledge
  • Enjoying fun, engaging activities

Offered at select branches, each location tailors its activities based on the interests and needs of participants.

Find F.R.E.S.H. programs at a branch near you.

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)

This short-term, skills-based mental health program is grounded in hope, empowerment, self-advocacy, education and building strong social connections.

In a supportive group setting, participants explore practical tools to support their mental health and wellness, including:

  • Peer support and self-help strategies
  • Relaxation and focusing techniques
  • Stress reduction and wellness planning

Each WRAP program runs as an eight-week series, with a three-hour session held weekly. Transit support and refreshments are provided and information sessions are available to help you learn more before joining.

Find WRAP programs near you.

LivingWorks safeTALK

This three-hour workshop equips you to recognize when someone may be thinking about suicide and how to connect them with life-saving support. Open to anyone aged 15 and older, this training is ideal for those who want to promote suicide safety in their community. No prior experience is necessary.

Find a LivingWorks safeTALK workshop near you.

Additional library resources

Looking for more support? These additional library programs and services can help you stay connected, informed and empowered.

Adult Literacy

Access free, one-on-one tutoring in basic reading, writing and math for English-speaking adults aged 19 or older.

Coffee & Conversation

Connect with a different community organization each month and learn about the services they offer—all over coffee, snacks and casual conversation.

Financial Empowerment

Improve your financial well-being. Get help with filing taxes, accessing government benefits and saving for the future.

Home Library Service

Receive library materials delivered to your home if you’re unable to visit due to age, illness, disability or limited mobility for three months or longer.

Virtual Interview Rooms

Reserve a private, quiet space equipped with everything you need for a virtual job interview.

Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending

Borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot if you don’t have internet access at home.

Our partners

Gerstein Crisis Centre is a Toronto Community Crisis Service provider, offering a community-based, non-medical, trauma-informed harm reduction approach to crisis that respects individuals’ abilities to define their own identities, experiences and goals.

TAIBU Community Health Centre is a Toronto Community Crisis Service provider, with a focus on delivering health and social services to Black communities across the Greater Toronto Area.

Our donors

We are grateful to the donors who are helping to support TPL’s Social and Crisis Support Services, providing access and connection to social service and mental health supports to address challenges faced by our city’s most vulnerable residents.

J.P. Bickell Foundation
BMO
Maureen and Victor Dodig
The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation

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