Leading to Reading: free reading and writing help for Grades 1 to 6 (Toronto Public Library)
Leading to Reading: free reading and writing help for Grades 1 to 6 (Toronto Public Library) is a free service run by the Toronto Public Library for children in Grades 1 to 6 who can communicate in English and read and write below their grade level. Checked on the official page on October 9, 2026.
You likely qualify if: Children in Grades 1 to 6; Can communicate in English; Reading and writing below grade level.
Apply any time; most parents apply in the fall. Places are limited and there may be a waiting list.
Free. Never pay anyone to apply.
ApplySend to someone who needs thisChecked on October 9, 2026 on the official page
We last read this on October 9, 2026. That was a while ago, so please check their own website before you rely on it, and tell us below if something changed.
A free Toronto Public Library program for children in Grades 1 to 6 who can communicate in English and are reading and writing below their grade level. Each child is paired with a volunteer mentor and meets at the library for one hour a week of one-to-one help with reading and writing, with literacy games and activities. At the Parliament Street branch (269 Gerrard Street East), sessions are on Saturdays.
Who qualifies
Children in Grades 1 to 6 who can communicate in English and read and write below their grade level. A parent or guardian applies, and the child's teacher fills in an assessment page. A child can take part for up to 2 years.
You likely qualify if:
- Children in Grades 1 to 6
- Can communicate in English
- Reading and writing below grade level
How to apply
- Apply on their application form.
- Questions? [email protected]
- Come back here and tell us if it worked.
Other ways, if that one is quiet
Where else they are
Their website is tpl.ca/.../leading-to-reading.
Good to know
- CostFree
- LanguagesEnglish
- Their stepsPick up the child application form at a branch that runs the program, or download your branch's form from the program page. Ask your child's teacher to fill in the Teacher Assessment page and give it back to you, on paper or as a scan. Hand in or email the whole package to the branch. At Parliament Street, email [email protected] or call 437-388-9572 with questions; sessions there start Saturdays at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:45 am or 2:15 pm. At Parliament Street, your child goes on the waiting list for six months and the library contacts you only if it can enroll your child; reapply after six months if you are still interested.
Did this way in answer?
Talk to a person: 437-388-9572
Something wrong? Tell us
What to bring
- Child application form from a parent or guardian
- Teacher Assessment page filled in by the teacher
- A library card (free)
Dates
Apply any time; most parents apply in the fall. Places are limited and there may be a waiting list.
Something wrong? Tell us
We read all of this on their own website. If something has changed, tell us here. It takes 20 seconds, needs no account, and nothing is deleted: the old fact stays until a person checks yours.