Toronto is about to become a true seven-day library city. All 100 Toronto Public Library (TPL) branches will open on Sundays year-round beginning Oct. 19, giving residents expanded access to books, programs, and community spaces.
Currently, only select branches — including the Toronto Reference Library and Parkdale branch — offer Sunday hours, typically from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Under the new schedule, all branches will open from 12 to 5 p.m. on Sundays, except during holiday weekends.
The announcement fulfills a key city commitment made last year to expand library access and achieve seven-day-a-week service by July 2026 — a target now being met nearly nine months early.
Mayor Olivia Chow has championed the initiative, describing libraries as “one of our greatest tools to make our city more equal,” offering safe, inclusive spaces where residents can gather, learn, and feel connected.
TPL’s own report showed library usage is surging, with 81 per cent of Torontonians accessing a branch in 2023 — a 13 per cent jump from pre-pandemic levels. The city has also tied the move to its broader effort to create a “caring city,” which includes extended outdoor pool hours and more funding for cultural events.
The expanded hours mean more opportunities for students, families, newcomers, and anyone looking for a free, welcoming place to spend a Sunday afternoon — whether to study, use Wi-Fi, borrow books, or join a community program.