“If there is a public library system on the planet better than the Toronto Public Library—the world’s busiest—we’d like to know about it. A shining, seemingly rare example of tax dollars working hard and wisely for every member of the community, the TPL raises book borrowing—and movie-watching, eBook devouring, museum-going, computer-using, and lecture-attending—to an art form. Or at least, the library makes all those things a whole lot more accessible to everyone from grannies to tweens, new Canadians to new moms.

In fact, the TPL offers so many way-cool, free services that a lot of users—even regulars—might not know about them all. And if you’re not already a regular visitor, you are totally missing out. Stop making Heather Reisman richer. Skip Indigo (and all their overpriced home-decor trappings) and head down to your local library branch for your next nail-biter novel or copy of Chatelaine. Here are 10 highly compelling reasons (plucked from a smorgasbord of many) of why you should.

1. Any book can be sent to any branch

2. They’ll buy books for you

3. Free museum passes

4. TPL is totally wired

5. Even knuckle-draggers get some love

6. They also loan out pricey, up-to-the-minute periodicals

7. TPL hosts a range of cultural events

8. The staff are actually friendly

9. Their newsletter tells you stuff you can use

10.   TPL is ours, damnit!”

My hometown.

Stephen