The Whitby Public Library is committed to partnering with local organizations, schools and residents to educate, assist, and promote lifelong learning. We offer in-library tours and Library visits, Monday – Friday. Requests are approved based on staff availability. All visits include library card registration upon request.
In-library Tours
You bring your group to a Whitby Public Library location.
Children's Library Tour
Grade: Preschool – Grade 3
Duration: 1 hour
Your visit includes a tour of the Library, a demonstration on taking our materials, and a Storytime, scavenger hunt, craft, or Discovery Cart STEAM activity. The program ends with time for the group to explore the children's section. *Restricted to 2 visits per year for each school.
Available at all locations.
Teen Library Tour
Grade: Grade 7 – 10
Duration: 1 hour
Your visit includes a tour of the Library, explanation 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. *Restricted to 2 visits per year for each school.
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.
Storytime
Grade: Preschool – Grade 3
Duration: 1 hour
Library staff visit your school or organization to deliver a 30 min Storytime. You can request two story times if you have multiple classrooms/groups of children. Storytime can include reading, singing, dancing and incorporation of puppets or sound makers. If you require a vulnerable sector check or offence declaration form, please make note of that in the Additional Information section of the request form.*Restricted to 2 visits per year for each school/organization
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.
Civics and Careers
Grade 9 – 12
Duration: 1 hour or one period of class
The Library visits your Whitby high school Civics and Careers Class to offer information on working in a library. Teachers can request specific topics or general library information. This program can be delivered virtually.
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.
