Pokémon GO at Toronto Public Library!

Poké-What??

So your child has convinced you to give them your smartphone and to take them to the library. Puzzled by their sudden desire to explore the library, you agree. Your child starts rhyming off Pokémon characters, wanting to visit PokéStops, going to Gyms, and building XP. You are completely baffled and begin yearning for the simpler days of Care Bears, Whiz Kids, and View-Masters.









What is Pokémon GO?

Officially released yesterday afternoon in Canada, this augmented reality game requires players to use their smartphones to capture Pokémon. To do so, you will need to explore your real-world surroundings. Since your child will be exploring the real world, this is an activity for both parent/caregiver and child. In the simplest terms, Pokémon GO is a scavenger hunt with a basic battle element. Like many smartphone games, there are in-app purchases. This means users can purchase items with real money to quickly get them further along on their quest. If you don’t want to be surprised by a credit card or debit card bill for in-app purchases, turn off in-app purchases and monitor your child’s usage.

Are there Pokémon at the Library?

Probably. If you see one during branch hours, please inform our staff and safely capture it, as we’re not quite sure how to handle a Pokémon infestation. It's quite possible that you won't see a Pokémon at your branch today, but you might see one the next time you visit! Visit our branches often!







Is the Library a PokéStop?

We have received a handful of reports. If you happen to notice one of our branches is a PokéStop, please inform our staff.

Is the Library a Gym?

We have received several reports that some of our library branches are Gyms. If you happen to notice one of our branches is a Gym, please inform our staff. Please remember that although a library branch might be a Pokemon GO gym, it is not a real gym. Please visit Toronto Parks & Recreation for your gym needs.

Toronto Public Library x Pokémon GO

Here is a list of what has been reported to library staff at various branches. This list will be updated as reports trickle in.

Updated: August 8/16

Poké-Safety!

There have been multiple reports in the media of some real world dangers playing Pokémon Go, so this is an activity for both parent/caregivers to do with their child. NSPCC has tips and advice for keeping your children safe on Pokemon Go. Consider this as an opportunity to teach your child about safety, using technology, and common sense. Here are some books about safety and internet safety.

Pokémon Books and Movies

Here are some titles that’ll catch your little Ash’s interest. While literature purists may view these popular titles with disdain, we believe it’s important that you let your child select titles based on what they are interested in. This will help foster their love of reading. Library cards are free for Pokémon GO players (and non players) who live in Toronto, go to school in Toronto, work in Toronto, or own property in Toronto!







Tweet @torontolibrary or share a photo with us on Facebook or Instagram if you caught a Pokémon in one of our spaces or have won ownership of a TPL PokeGym!

Safe and Happy Hunting!