One Of The Best FREE Resources For Moms In West Toronto – The Toronto Public Library

06/03/2013

Written By Sarah Michielsen

I have really enjoyed being a part of Mommy Connections, first as an attendee when my daughter Jasmine was a wee four months old and then as a host of both the baby and Toddler class. When Karen contacted me with the opportunity to contribute regularly to the website’s blog, I leaped at the opportunity.

First blog confession, I am a book loving nerd, so when the first suggested blog topic was a review of the new Brentwood Public Library, along with sharing some favourite titles I was all over it like a librarian on an overdue! Where is it you ask? It’s at 36 Brentwood Road, just a five minute walk west of the Royal York Subway station and minutes from coffee shops, a bakery and other cute shops. It has recently undergone a facelift, and is now fully accessible and looking good!

Before I go further, if it has been a while since you’ve been to a library, let me give you a few good reasons.  First of all, getting out anywhere for a new momma is a gift and finding a child friendly atmosphere is worth its weight in gold!  Secondly, a sense of community and activities. As well, exposing your wee one to early literacy is so valuable to his or her development.

It is also a great place to “test drive” books, and find what your child really likes before buying.  While we’re getting to know each other, let me confide in you that I am a bit of a germ-a-phobe. I know where those board books have been. If you feel the same, let me suggest taking the time to wipe them down once you’ve brought them home with a damp cloth that has dish soap on it and then dry them off. If you are lower-maintenance, and think it is good for kids to build up their immune systems…more power to ya, let your munchkin munch away!

Okay, now for the review!  If you plan on driving there, make sure that you have coinage as there is only paid parking.  There are some free spots on side streets if you want to hunt for them.  There are also quite a few areas to lock up your bike (or stroller) outside.  The washrooms are large and accessible including the change tables which are at waist height and in both the ladies’ and men’s bathrooms.  There is a family washroom, unfortunately there isn’t a designated breastfeeding area, but they state they have an open breastfeeding policy.

This is not a huge library, but it is cozy and very well laid out.  To the left is the adult area with a welcoming reading zone with fireplace. There are plenty of places to plug in your computer along with wi-fi. The computers there have Zoomtext, which is wonderful for anyone who has challenges with their vision. One thing I really like in both the kids’ section and the adult section is how everything is laid out with many books, cds and dvds on display to help you find something to peak your interest.

To the right is the children’s area and it is a beauty to behold.  It has an alphabet theme with gorgeous, oversized wooden interactive toddler-sized learning activities. Jasmine’s favourite was the spin-a-story wall. There was a reading nook with stuffed animals, board books at crawling eye level and a direct line story-time phone (featuring stories in many languages). There is a whole section of picture books, fables, and an expansive junior reader area complete with computers.

Finally, might I suggest you check out one of their many programs? Sophie’s Studio offers writing workshops for 8-12 year olds. There is an adult book club Thursday nights. Also, I suggest the Ready for Reading Baby Time. As super keen parents, we bundled up Jasmine to attend when she was two weeks old. Hey, they advertise it as a “Bouncing and tickling rhymes, songs and stories for babies with parents or caregivers for birth to 18 months.” Brentwood’s Baby Time is on Friday mornings at 10am and it is free. For more info on their programs, you can call 416-394-5420.

For even more information, click here.  Enjoy!