If you live, work, go to school or own property in Toronto, a Toronto Public Library (TPL) card is free. Beyond books, it gives access to e-books and streaming, computers, technology training and tpl:map, the Museum + Arts Pass that offers free admission to attractions such as the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Toronto Zoo and Ripley’s Aquarium. Here is how to get a card and make the most of it.

At a glance

• Free card: for people who live, work, attend school or own property in Toronto.
• Non-residents: $50 for 3 months or $150 for 12 months, registered in person.
• Branches: 100 across the city.
• tpl:map: adults 18+ with a full card; one pass per attraction per calendar year.
• Pass releases: 2 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, for the following month.

How to get a card

Visit any branch with valid ID showing your name and address. TPL’s membership policy also covers people who live with an immediate family member who owns property in Toronto and people living on a First Nations reserve in Ontario. A parent or guardian registers children (birth to 12) with their own ID.

If you only need online resources, Toronto residents 13 and older can sign up online for a Digital Access Card, valid for 12 months. It gives full access to e-books and databases but not to physical borrowing or tpl:map passes. Cards expire once a year and can be renewed online or in a branch. New to the city? Add a library card to your newcomer checklist; it is one of the most useful free memberships available.

What the card gives you

• Borrowing: books, music, movies and more, with holds delivered to the branch of your choice.
• Digital collections: e-books, audiobooks, digital magazines and newspapers, movies and music to stream or download.
• Learning: e-learning platforms, homework help and language learning.
• Research: newspaper and magazine archives and business directories.
• Computers and Wi-Fi: free computer time at any branch.
• Digital Innovation Hubs: access to technology and training at selected branches.
• Programs: free events for children, teens, adults and newcomers.

The library is part of a wider set of free city resources; see also our free and low-cost fitness in Toronto guide.

tpl:map, the Museum + Arts Pass

tpl:map passes give free admission for you and, usually, family or friends. According to TPL, participating attractions in 2026 include:

Performance passes are also offered for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Royal Conservatory of Music, Canadian Stage, Tarragon Theatre, TO Live, Hot Docs Cinema, Tafelmusik and others, plus the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and Inter Toronto FC matches. The list changes, so check tpl:map before planning. For more ideas on what to see, browse our best entertainment spots in Toronto.

How to reserve a pass

1. Go to the tpl:map page on TPL’s website and choose “Reserve a tpl:map pass.”
2. Log in with your card number and PIN.
3. Pick the attraction and date (and performance time, if applicable).
4. Click “Continue” and choose “Print Later” to complete the reservation; otherwise it will not appear in your reservations.
5. Print or download the pass before your visit.

General passes are released at 2 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month for the following month, and popular dates go quickly. Performance passes are released on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. on seasonal schedules.

Rules to know

• Only adults 18+ with a full-service card can reserve. Digital Access, non-resident, visitor and temporary cards are not eligible.
• One pass per attraction per card per calendar year, and one active reservation at a time.
• Bring your library card (physical, in the app or in Apple Wallet) and photo ID. The cardholder must attend; screenshots are not accepted.
• Cancel at least three days before if you cannot go. An unused pass still counts as your one pass for that attraction that year.
• You cannot log in with more than $100 in charges or more than 10 overdue items.

Other membership types

Tips for families

Each adult in a household can hold their own card, so two parents can book the same attraction twice in a year. Combine a pass with a TTC trip (children 12 and under ride free; see our TTC guide) for a low-cost day out, especially in winter. More ideas in things to do in Toronto in winter.

FAQ

Can tourists get a Toronto library card?

Visitors can pay for a non-resident card ($50 for 3 months) or use in-library services with a visitor membership, but neither can reserve tpl:map passes.

Is the Digital Access Card enough for e-books?

Yes. It covers the digital collection, except resources limited to in-branch use.

Can I book a CN Tower pass?

Attractions change over time. The CN Tower is not on the current tpl:map list; check TPL’s website for updates.

Last updated: November 2026