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.
The Library reserves the right to limit the number of tours and outreach sessions allocated to any one organization, based on their utilization of the service, to ensure that all groups have fair and equitable access to our services and programming.
In-library Tours
You bring your group to a Whitby Public Library location. To ensure tours run effectively and do not disrupt regular Library operations, we can accommodate one class per visit.
Children's Library Tour
Grade: Preschool – Grade 6
Duration: 1 hour
Your visit includes a tour of the Library, a demonstration on checking out materials, and 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.
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.
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.
Parent Information Session
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.
