Borrow a Tech Kit
We support self-directed learning with lendable equipment. Take the kits home to explore and learn more about electronics, coding and digital audio.
Available Kits
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Arduino Kits
Learn to build interactive objects.
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Audio Recording Kits
Create a podcast or record your band.
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Raspberry Pi Kits
Learn to code and explore digital making.
Locations with Kits
All Tech Kits can be borrowed from the Digital Innovation Hub locations listed below:
| Location | Floor | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Agincourt | Main floor | 416-396-3717 |
| Albert Campbell | Second floor | 416-396-8958 |
| Albion | Main floor | 416-394-5184 |
| Downsview | Main floor | 416-395-5657 |
| Fort York | Second floor | 416-393-6203 |
| North York Central Library | Second floor | 416-395-5646 |
| Richview | Second floor | 416-394-5151 |
| Scarborough Civic Centre | Main floor | 416-396-3623 |
| Toronto Reference Library | Main floor | 416-393-7007 |
| York Woods | Main floor | 416-395-5981 |
How to borrow a Tech Kit
To borrow a kit, visit a Digital Innovation Hub. For availability, please call the branch.
- To borrow Arduino or Raspberry Pi kits, you must present a valid adult or teen Toronto Public Library card.
- To borrow an Audio Recording Kit, you must present a valid adult Toronto Public Library card.
- You will need to sign an equipment loan form.
- You can borrow Arduino and Raspberry Pi kits for 21 days and Audio Recording kits for 7 days.
- Tech kits cannot be renewed or reserved.
- Tech kits must be returned to the same Digital Innovation Hub where borrowed.
- Replacement fees apply for lost or damaged kits: Arduino Kits ($50), Raspberry Pi Kits ($220), Audio Recording Kits ($635).
Accessibility accommodations
If you identify as a person with a disability and require an accessibility accommodation to borrow a tech kit, please contact dihlending@tpl.ca or call Answerline at 416-397-5981 to make a request as far in advance as possible.
Arduino Kits to borrow
An Arduino is a microcontroller used to build digital devices and interactive objects. Learn how Arduino is "open-sourcing imagination" on YouTube.
Kits include the Arduino itself, an instructional booklet and all the components needed to complete projects in the booklet. We offer three kits for different skill levels.
Kit skill levels
- Basic: An introduction to Arduino for the absolute beginner. Learn to code projects that use LEDs and buttons.
- Intermediate: Expand on the skills learned from the Basic kit or jump in here if you already have some Arduino coding knowledge. Learn to code projects that use a temperature sensor and potentiometers.
- Advanced: For experienced Arduino coders and anyone who has completed the projects in the first two kits. Learn to build projects that use motors and an integrated circuit.
Programs & Classes
All programs and classes are free, but registration is required.
Audio Recording Kits to borrow
The Zoom H4N Pro is a portable digital audio recorder that can record audio using a built-in set of stereo microphones or with a variety of external microphones.
Kits include a Zoom H4N Pro digital audio recorder, 2 Audio-Technica handheld microphones, 2 lapel microphones, SD card and power supply.
Programs & Classes
All programs and classes are free, but registration is required.
Raspberry Pi Kits to borrow
A Raspberry Pi is a low-cost small computer running an operating system based on Debian Linux originally developed to promote teaching of computer science.
Kits include a Raspberry Pi 3, 7” monitor, keyboard, mouse and YouTube Tutorials electronics kit by PiShop.ca.
Raspberry Pi YouTube workshop tutorials
Watch all nine workshop tutorials to complete the coding/electronics projects in the kit. Each tutorial is also available in written form, including wiring diagrams.
All of the project tutorials are also available for offline viewing on the Raspberry Pi desktop in a folder labeled “Tutorials”. Updated code and wiring diagrams are also in folders on the desktop.
Programs & Classes
All programs and classes are free, but registration is required.