Children & Families
How it works
The Children’s Book Bank gives away free books to children ages 0-18 at its two locations: Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park and 561 Sherbourne Street in St. James Town. There is no registration process, and you do not need to book an appointment. Our locations and hours are below - you and your child(ren) can drop in to choose a book anytime we are open. The books do not need to be returned.
The Book Bank also hosts free programs for children in our spaces. Scroll down to see a description of our programs, and visit our Facebook or Instagram page to learn about upcoming events.
BOOK BANK RULES:
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Please bring your children to the Book Bank to pick out their own books. Parents cannot take books without their children present.
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Each person at a Book Bank space can take one book home with them every day.
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Please keep your phone in your pocket when visiting a Book Bank space.
Hours and Locations
Programs
Below are general descriptions of our programs. For the most up-to-date information on upcoming events, please visit our Facebook or Instagram page.
Storytimes for Students
Free visits for schools, daycares and summer camps, which include an entertaining story time followed by browsing and choosing a free book to take home.
Saturday Storytimes
Every Saturday we offer story times that are designed to be enjoyed by families on a drop-in basis. These occur at our Regent Park and Sherbourne locations at 11:15 am and 1:15 pm.
Babytimes
A drop-in program for babies (birth-18 months) and their caregivers with stories and songs. These occur at our Regent Park location on Mondays from 11-11:30 am and at our Sherbourne location on Thursdays from 4:30-5 pm
Dictionaries for Newcomers
It’s important to access a physical dictionary when learning a new language like English. The Book Bank purchases new dictionaries with a discount from Scholastic Publishers and with help from donors.
Readers to Leaders
Each year we hire local high school students to work in our storefront. These students gain customer service work experience in an environment which they might know well from past visits.
School Holiday Programs
The Children's Book Bank is open the second week of the winter holiday, March Break, on PA Days and all summer long. We offer fun family-oriented programming, as well as a regular storytime.
Books Across The City
Every month, we distribute over 6,000 books to help support the programming at literacy centres, food banks, shelters, schools, and other like-minded organizations throughout Toronto. Our focus is on the high-needs neighbourhoods in and around Regent Park, Thorncliffe Park, East Scarborough, Mount Dennis/York, and the North York Area.