What Markham Public Library does

Markham Public Library (MPL) is a municipal public library system operated by the City of Markham, Ontario, Canada, serving the residents of Markham through physical branch locations and digital channels. The system operates at least seven branches across the city (Aaniin, Angus Glen, Cornell, Markham Village, Milliken Mills, Thornhill Village, and Unionville) and is accessible 24/7 through its BiblioCommons-powered website, iOS and Android mobile applications, and automated telephone (TeleCirc) service. MPL employs between 251 and 500 staff and is governed by the City of Markham with library board oversight.

MPL's core offering combines traditional library materials (books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, video games) with an unusually broad portfolio of special collections including the Lendery (tools and equipment), Toy Library, Bicycle Lending Library, Musical Instrument Lending Library, Dementia Care Kits, Trail Collection, and CO2 Monitors. Digital content is delivered through third-party integrations with OverDrive/Libby, Kanopy, Hoopla, PressReader, Brainfuse, Mango Languages, Udemy, Gale, EBSCO, and Fiero Code. The library also operates Makerspaces with 3D printing and laser cutting, computer and study room reservation systems, an exam proctoring service, and a sound booth. The MPL Trail Project mobile app, developed by local high school students, supports self-guided walks with QR-coded local history and ecology content.

MPL is primarily publicly funded through municipal taxes; library membership is free for residents. Ancillary revenue comes from fee-based services including printing (B&W $0.25/single-sided letter; colour $0.50/single-sided letter), exam proctoring ($19/hour plus HST), meeting room rentals, Makerspace usage, summer camps, and replacement fees for lost or damaged items. Effective January 2, 2026, MPL eliminated late return fees, and the library previously charged a $15 non-refundable fee on accounts sent to third-party collection agencies. Strategic positioning emphasizes equity of access, multilingual and multicultural service to Markham's diverse population, Truth and Reconciliation programming, and a partnership ecosystem including York Region, Markham Cycles, York Region Makers, Canadian Urban Institute, and reciprocal digital borrowing with Richmond Hill Public Library and Vaughan Public Libraries.

Name

Markham Public Library

Legal name

The Corporation of the City of Markham

Website

https://markhampubliclibrary.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Markham Public Library is a municipal public library system serving Markham, Ontario residents through seven branches and digital platforms, offering free borrowing of books, digital media, tools, toys, and musical instruments alongside community programming and Makerspace services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community lending programs
• Digital resource access
• Makerspace fabrication
• Multilingual collections

Headquarters

HQ city

Markham

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Markham Public Library provides free access to library materials, digital resources, and community programs through seven branch locations serving the City of Markham, Ontario. The library lends physical materials (books, DVDs, CDs, video games, magazines) and operates special collections including tools, toys, bicycles, musical instruments, and outdoor equipment, complemented by digital streaming, eBook, and research database access through partner platforms. Additional offerings include Makerspaces with 3D printing and laser engraving, computer and study room reservations, exam proctoring, and community programming for all ages.

Product overview

Markham Public Library operates as a public library system offering a unified service platform with both physical and digital collections. The core offering includes traditional library materials (books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, video games) accessible through the BiblioCommons-powered catalogue and MPL Mobile App, combined with special collections like the Lendery (tools/equipment), Toy Library, Musical Instrument Lending, Bicycle Lending, and Makerspace with 3D printing. Digital services are delivered through integrations with OverDrive/Libby, Kanopy, Hoopla, PressReader, and various Gale/EBSCO databases. The library also provides technology services including computer reservations, study rooms, and specialized programs like the Trail Collection and accessible services through CELA.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Makerspace Creative space offering 3D printing, laser engraving, and other maker equipment for public use. Includes Kids Makerspace for younger users. Access is fee-based for 3D printing and materials; other services pricing available upon request from staff.
• The Lendery Equipment and tool lending program at Milliken Mills Library featuring tools, sports equipment, kitchen equipment, and gardening tools. Originally launched as a partnership with York Region and York Region Makers.
• Bicycle Lending Library Seasonal bicycle lending program operated in partnership with Markham Cycles Bike Hub, available to MPL members from their hub currently located at Milliken Mills Community Centre and Centennial Community Centre.
• Musical Instrument Lending Library Collection of musical instruments available for 2-week borrowing at Markham Village Library.
• Toy Library Developmental toy collection supporting STEM, science, language development, reading, literacy, dramatic play, sensory play, fine motor skills, music, puzzles, and special needs. Available at Aaniin, Angus Glen, Cornell, and Milliken Mills branches.
• MPL Mobile App Official mobile application for Markham Public Library available on iOS and Android devices, providing access to catalogue search, account management, digital borrowing, and event registration.
• Summer Reading Club Annual reading program encouraging children and families to read throughout the summer months with challenges and rewards.
• Book Clubs Facilitated reading groups meeting regularly to discuss selected titles. Includes Book Club kits for group borrowing.
• Computer Reservation System Online bookable computer reservation system allowing reservations up to 3 days in advance with maximum 2-hour daily sessions for library computer access.
• Study Rooms Bookable private rooms for individual or group study, available for reservation through the library.
• TeleCirc Automated telephone messaging system for account management, available 24/7 for renewing items, checking holds, viewing charges, and receiving overdue notifications at 905 474-5966.
• CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access) Accessible materials service providing content in accessible formats for patrons with print disabilities.
• ROM Pass Lending Royal Ontario Museum admission passes valid for groups of four, borrowed for 1 week with one renewal allowed.
• Ontario Park Day-Use Pass Provincial park vehicle permits providing unlimited day-use access for one vehicle and occupants.
• Dementia Care Kits Specialized kits designed to support people living with dementia and their caregivers.
• Trail Collection Outdoor equipment collection including binoculars, bug nets, compass, insect capture box, magnifying glass, traction shoes, and walking poles for trail exploration. Available at Markham Village and Unionville Libraries.
• CO2 Monitors Air quality monitoring devices available for borrowing to track CO2 levels in indoor spaces.
• Digital Media Equipment Lending Collection of technology equipment including computers for digital media creation available in Makerspaces for sound/video editing, graphic design, animation, coding, and 3D design.
• Boomerang Collection High-demand bestselling and new release items including fiction, non-fiction, popular authors, major Canadian titles, and new movie releases available on first-come-first-served basis.
• MPL Trail Project App Mobile application for MPL Trail Project featuring self-guided walks with QR codes for learning about Markham's local history and ecology. Developed by local high school students.

Quantifiable outcome

• Access to streaming services with 30,000+ movies and documentaries through Kanopy
• +3 more outcomes

Segments10 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration16 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Canadian Urban Institute (CUI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Through the Government of Canada's My Main Street Community Activator program delivered by CUI, MPL received $25,000 funding to animate trails and main streets adjacent to Markham Village and Unionville Library branches, supporting neighborhood revitalization and community activation.
• York RegioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYork Region partnered with Markham Public Library to initiate The Lendery, a collection of equipment and tools that customers may borrow. The Lendery is now owned and operated by the library.
• York Region MakersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with York Region and Markham Public Library to initiate The Lendery project, providing expertise in makerspace equipment and tools for community lending.
• Markham CyclescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarkham Cycles is a local community organization that aims to build a cycling culture in Markham. They lend bicycles to MPL members from their hub currently located at Milliken Mills Community Centre and Centennial Community Centre, integrated with MPL's Bicycle Lending Library program.
• My Main Street Community Activator ProgramcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment of Canada program administered by Canadian Urban Institute that selected MPL Trail Project for $25,000 funding to support community space animation and local economic revitalization.

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• New York Public Library: One of the largest public library systems in the world, operating across Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Comparable as a municipal library serving a diverse urban population with deep programming, though materially larger in scale and geography.
• Toronto Public Library: Largest Canadian public library system, operating 100+ branches across Toronto. Directly comparable as a Canadian municipal public library serving a major urban population with similar collections, programming, and digital-resource integrations (OverDrive, Kanopy, etc.).

Regional players

• Calgary Public Library: Major Canadian municipal library system in a different province. Operates a comparable multi-branch model with extensive programming; useful as a regional analogue for Canadian municipal library operations outside Ontario.
• Vancouver Public Library: Western Canada's flagship municipal library system. Comparable operating model and digital-resource strategy to MPL, but based in a different Canadian region with a distinct demographic profile.
• Ottawa Public Library: Large Eastern-Canadian municipal library with bilingual programming reflecting Ottawa's demographics. Comparable to MPL in branch-network operations and breadth of community programming.

Direct peers

• Brampton Library: GTA municipal library system serving one of Canada's fastest-growing, most diverse cities. Comparable to MPL in scale, demographic mix, and breadth of multicultural/multilingual programming.
• Richmond Hill Public Library: Neighboring York Region municipal library of comparable scale and demographics to MPL. Already a reciprocal digital-borrowing partner via OverDrive/Libby, making it the most directly comparable peer in catchment, collection model, and patron mix.
• Mississauga Library System: Large-scale Canadian municipal library (Mississauga is a comparable GTA city with high diversity). Operates multiple branches and similar digital-resource integrations, making it a close analogue in scale and operating model.
• Vaughan Public Libraries: Adjacent York Region municipal library system serving Vaughan. Like MPL, a partner in reciprocal OverDrive/Libby borrowing; comparable in size, programming breadth, and multi-branch structure to MPL.

Others

• Bibliocommons: Library technology platform powering MPL's catalogue, mobile apps, and patron account management. Included as an ecosystem peer — the infrastructure provider whose product enables MPL's digital front-end.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/markhamlibrary

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Markham Public Library