Social Services at the Library

We’ve partnered with Gerstein Crisis Centre to offer low-barrier social services and programs to library customers, in a welcoming and judgement-free environment.

Offered in four pilot branches, our Social Services team can help with:

• short-term counselling
• mental health supports
• primary care services
• housing access
• addiction resources
• financial and employment supports
• wellness and recovery programs

Consult the team in-person

Members of the team working at the Toronto Reference Library.

This is a free drop-in service with no advance booking required. Gerstein Community Crisis Intervention staff members are available at the following locations and times:

• Toronto Reference Library
  • Wednesdays 10-6 pm
  • Fridays 10-6 pm
  • Every other Saturday
• Lillian H. Smith
  • Tuesdays 9-5 pm
  • Thursdays 9-5 pm
  • Every other Saturday

Please contact the branch to learn more.

Programs

Finding Recovery Through Exercise Skills and Hope (F.R.E.S.H.)

The team offers the Finding Recovery Through Exercise Skills and Hope (F.R.E.S.H.) program at four TPL branches.

This program helps people stay active, make friends, learn new skills and have fun. It involves peer-led group activities including crafts, games, walking and music therapy. Activities depend on customers’ needs and interests at each location.

Contact the branches below for more information, including the program schedule. No registration required.

• Fort York
• Lillian H. Smith
• Sanderson
• Toronto Reference Library

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)

The team offers the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) program at four TPL branches. This program is an education and planning tool focusing on mental health recovery. In a group setting, individuals explore self-help tools (i.e. peer counseling, focusing exercises, and relaxation and stress reduction techniques), and resources for keeping themselves well, and feeling better in difficult times. This program series also provides participants with transit supports and refreshments. Each session is two hours in length, offered once a week with each program series lasting 8–10 weeks.

Contact the branches below for more information, including the program schedule. Registration is required and available through the library branch or Gerstein Crisis Centre website.

• Fort York
• Lillian H. Smith
• Sanderson
• Toronto Reference Library

Donor recognition

We are grateful to the donors who are supporting this important initiative that is providing access and connection to social service and mental health supports to address challenges faced by our city’s most vulnerable residents.