The Whitby Public Library is committed to partnering with schools, community organizations, and local residents to promote literacy, inspire curiosity, support lifelong learning, and strengthen community connections.
Visit us at the library, or let us come to you! We offer in-library tours and outreach visits that bring selected programs and services directly to your school or community location. Visits are available Monday to Friday and are subject to staff availability.
Library card registration is available for all tours and outreach visits upon request.
To ensure equitable access to library services and programming, the Library reserves the right to limit the number of tours and outreach visits by any one organization based on previous use of the service.
In-library Tours
You bring your group to a Whitby Public Library location. Please notify staff if you'd like to bring multiple classes, and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Children's Library Tour
Grade: Grade 1 – 3
Duration: 1 hour
Your visit includes a tour of the Library, a catalog demonstration, and a choice of one activity. Please choose between a Storytime, Scavenger Hunt, or Discovery Cart access. The program ends with time for the group to explore the children's section.
Available at all locations.
Grade: Grade 4 – 6
Duration: 1 hour
Your visit includes a tour of the Library, including the Discovery Zones a catalog demonstration, and a choice of one activity. Please choose between a Scavenger Hunt, Button Making or Discovery Cart access. The program ends with time for the group to explore the children's section.
Available at all locations.
Teen Library Tour
Grade: Grade 7 – 12
Duration: 1 hour
Your visit includes a tour of the Library, demonstration on taking out materials, explanation on researching using the Library catalogue and introduction to the Discovery Zones. The program ends with time for the group to explore the Library.
Available at the Central Library and Brooklin Branch.
Adult Library Tour
Age: 18+
Duration: 1 hour
This visit will be tailored to your group and includes a tour of the Library and explanation on taking out materials. A staff member will contact you to discuss details.
Available at the Central Library.
Outreach Visits
Library staff come to your location.
Information Sessions
What Does a Librarian Do?
Grades: 1 – 4
Duration: 30 minutes
Ever wondered what librarians actually do? This interactive session introduces students to the wide range of services, resources, and materials available through the library. Participants will learn about different types of librarians, the roles they play, and how they help support learning, research, creativity, and community engagement. Time will be reserved at the end of the presentation for questions and discussion. This presentation can also be delivered virtually.
Equipment requirements: Screen access required.
Discovery Your Public Library
Adults
Duration: 1 hour
This session provides parents and caregivers with an overview of the programs, services, and resources available through Whitby Public Library. Library staff will highlight collections for children and teens, educational and enrichment opportunities, volunteer programs, and digital learning tools. Participants will gain a better understanding of how the Library supports student success and lifelong learning, as well as ways families can engage with Library services throughout the year.
Welcome to Kindergarten/ Kindergarten Graduation.
Grade: Preschool – Kindergarten
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
This booth set-up provides information for parents/caregivers about the Library, early literacy, summer programming, and community connections. Library staff provide a fun activity for children.
Festivals and Fairs
All ages
Booth set-up. Promotes the Library with information for parents and activities for children. We bring crafts, games and activities that match the theme of your event. Specific requests for activities and/or items can be made in the Additional Information section of the form.
Introduction to Archives
Grade: 7 – 12
Duration: 1 hour or one period of class
This workshop introduces students to archives and primary sources. Using a variety of items from Whitby's past, students will have the opportunity to investigate, observe, and evaluate primary sources. Learn how to use our online historic photographs and newspaper databases and how to access non-digital primary sources.
This program can be delivered virtually.
Tech Help for Seniors
55+
This session introduces residents to essential library technology and digital services. Through guided, hands on support, participants will explore how to sign up for or renew a library card, access the library’s digital collections, and navigate the new catalog and app. Residents will have the opportunity to learn, practice, and build confidence using their personal devices to connect with library resources.
This program is delivered as a drop-in session at seniors’ residences across Whitby.
We encourage everyone to get a library card during their visit!
If your students would like to receive library cards during their visit, parents/guardians must complete the online library card registration in advance. To ensure cards are ready for distribution, please submit a list of only the students who will be receiving library cards (full names only) and ensure all registration forms are completed at least 2 business days before your scheduled visit.
Please note: Library cards can only be issued to students whose registration forms have been completed in advance. We are unable to create library cards on the day of the visit. Thank you for helping us ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your group.
