Libraries

Residents of Kingston can borrow books, magazines and other materials at no charge from the Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL). In addition to print materials, the Library collection includes videos, audiobooks, music CDs and video games (PS3, XBOX and Wii formats). Audiobooks, ebooks, and various online learning tools and resources are also available. All library materials can be reserved or accessed through the library website depending on format (see For More Information links below).

Five of the library's 17 branches are located within the city: Central, Calvin Park, Isabel Turner, Kingscourt and Pittsburgh. An interlibrary loan service is also available, so materials from another branch can be picked up and dropped off at the branch closest to you.

All library branches have computers with Internet access that the public can use at no charge. Library computers are booked in advance, by phone or online. If you are under the age of 16, you will need parental permission to use the Internet.

Library branches have special activities and programs for young children and some programs for adults.

The library has a substantial French collection of books and DVDs. Calvin Park, Central and Pittsburgh branches are equipped with French computers. The keyboards are French and their software is also in French.

The Calvin Park branch has a multicultural library with books and language-learning resources available in Chinese, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Spanish, Tagalog and Farsi. This branch also runs multicultural programs for children and adults such as: after-school programs including story time in both English and the story’s original language, games and literacy activities, homework help, cultural performances, orientation tours, guest speakers and general information sessions and cultural exchange.

Other Kingston Libraries and Resource Centers

Members of the community can also borrow materials from libraries at Queen's University and St. Lawrence College by purchasing a Community Borrower's Card for a small fee. The general public can also use the library on site at Royal Military College.

Other examples of libraries and resource centres in Kingston:

• Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation has a library that can be used by the general public.
• St. Lawrence College has a toy library on campus where parents can borrow toys for up to seven days.
• Joe Chithalen Memorial Music Lending Library has guitars, drums, stringed instruments, horns, pianos and keyboards that can be borrowed for up to a month.
• Breast Cancer Action Kingston has a lending library with books, video tapes, DVDs, audio cassettes, CDs and CD ROMs on breast cancer and related topics.
• HIV/AIDS Regional Services has a resource library with printed and video materials for the public to borrow.
• Le Centre culturel Frontenac (Frontenac Cultural Centre) has a resource centre and lending library with French books, CDs and videos.
• ACFOMI Immigrant Services has a resource centre with a selection of books available in a variety of languages.

And organizations listed in the Community Directory links provided on the right-hand side of this page also have topic-specific information libraries and resources available to the public.