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.
Drop-in crisis service
Crisis workers from Gerstein Crisis Centre are available on-site at select library branches to provide immediate, short-term support and referrals to connect individuals with longer-term help, including:
- Short-term crisis counselling
- Mental health support
- Primary care services
- Housing workers and support
- Addiction resources
- Financial and employment support
- Wellness and recovery programs
No appointment is needed. This is a free, drop-in service available to anyone seeking help or guidance.
Toronto Reference Library
Monday to Friday 10 am–6 pm
Bloor/Gladstone
Monday, Wednesday 10 am–6 pm
Lillian H. Smith
Monday, Tuesday 10 am–6 pm
Maria A. Shchuka
Thursday, Friday 10 am–6 pm
Parkdale
Tuesday, Friday 10 am–6 pm
Parliament Street
Wednesday, Thursday 10 am–6 pm
Wellness and recovery programs
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.
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.
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 partner
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.
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.
BMO
Maureen and Victor Dodig
The Lewitt Family Foundation
Maytree Foundation