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The library is a safe space for all stories and ideas! We are a book sanctuary, a place that protects the freedom to read. But for as long as there have been books, people have been trying to control what others read. You could build a tower with the books that were banned or censored at some point in North America alone.

In fact, that's what artist Kelly McCray did! Visit the Toronto Reference Library to see the Tower of Banned Books, a sculptural work using over 400 books. Book challenges are increasing at school and public libraries in North America. There were more censorship attempts in 2022 than in the last 20 years!

For this Reading Challenge category, exercise your freedom to read. Intellectual freedom is important. Everybody has the right to seek information from different points of view. Our Book Sanctuary Collection helps bring attention to banned and challenged books. Here are some stories that are part of that collection. Why do you think these books were challenged?


And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell and Henry Cole

A picture book based on a true story. Meet Roy and Silo, two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who raised a chick together.

Blubber by Judy Blume

Jill joins other kids in bullying a classmate, but soon learns who her real friends are.

The Great Bear by David Robertson

After their adventures in The Barren Grounds, Morgan and Eli go through the magic portal again – but earlier in time! When they return to Misewa, they meet younger versions of their friends.

The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter

Alia Muhammad Baker was a brave librarian who saved 30,000 books from war and destruction.

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Jordan is nervous about fitting in at his new school, where he's one of the few Black students.


Since our website isn't working normally right now, we've only included the ebook links for these recommendations. You can still check at your local library to see if you can find a print copy!

Did you complete the 2023 Reading Challenge? High five! Let a grown-up know if you want to receive a certificate, enter the prize draw, or both. You need to have a library card and to fill out this form. We're giving everyone extra time to finish the challenge and enter the contest, so the new deadline is April 1, 2024!

Do you need reading or writing practice? Maybe you want to build your confidence or feel like you could use more motivation. The library is here to help!

Leading to Reading is a free program for kids in grades 1 to 6 who are reading and writing below their grade level in English. You'll meet with one of our friendly library volunteers once a week. Together, you'll play fun games and activities related to reading and writing. And you can practice your reading skills with books you get to choose.

Thinking about joining? The first step is for your parent or guardian to get an application form. Leading to Reading doesn't happen at every branch, so make sure you check the locations. Here is a list of branches currently accepting new learners.

Albert Campbell Branch
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Contact: LTRacdke@tpl.ca or 416-396-3589 
 

Barbara Frum Branch
Monday & Wednesday, 4:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Contact: LTRbfdo@tpl.ca or 416-395-5972
 

Cedarbrae Branch
Tuesday & Thursday, 4:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Contact: LTRced@tpl.ca or 416-396-8884 
 

Downsview Branch
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Contact: LTRbfdo@tpl.ca or 416-395-3655
 

Evelyn Gregory Branch
Tuesday, 4:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Contact: LTRegmasmd@tpl.ca or 416-394-5013
 

Flemingdon Park Branch
Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Contact: LTRfpth@tpl.ca or 416-396-8600
 

Malvern Branch
Monday & Tuesday, 4:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Contact: LTRmal@tpl.ca or 416-396-8603
 

Parkdale Branch
Wednesday & Thursday, 4:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Contact: LTRpk@tpl.ca or 416-393-7401
 

Parliament Street Branch
Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Contact: LTRplsj@tpl.ca or 416-396-8604
 

Scarborough Civic Centre Branch
Tuesday & Thursday, 4:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Contact: LTRscws@tpl.ca or 416-396-3599
 

Thorncliffe Branch
Tuesday & Wednesday, 4:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Contact: LTRfpth@tpl.ca or 416-396-8600
 

Weston Branch
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Contact: LTRjswe@tpl.ca or 416-394-5399


Looking for homework help with other subjects? Brainfuse to the rescue!

You might have noticed that our website is not working normally. Unfortunately you can't check your account, search for books, or use library computers or printers. We're working hard to fix everything! In the meantime:


Branches are still open! You can borrow and return stuff. Ask staff what activities and programs are happening. Plus, we have wifi!
 

Keep sending us jokes and riddles here on TPL Kids. Write a funny caption or learn some new trivia on the Wonder Wall.
 

Hoopla, Kanopy and OverDrive are available, so you can read ebooks and watch movies and TV shows.
 

Our Crowdcast and YouTube channels are open 24/7 if you want to:

😎 Unfold the secrets of paper science
🎨 Make comics, kaleidoscopes or pop-up books
🎢 Build a rollercoaster, a car or even a solar system
🐘 Go on a safari and meet amazing animals
⭐ Create constellations, rainbows and underwater fireworks
🐢 Explore a super-cold lab and the world of reptiles
🔎 Learn secret codes, origami and card tricks to impress your friends
🤖 Discover how artificial intelligence works and code with robots
 

Got a younger sibling who hasn't started school? Tell your family about 1000 Reads Before Kindergarten! They could win a prize pack if they join the challenge by November 30.
 

Stay tuned for updates on tpl.ca!