Connect4 Workshop with GenWell
A playful, no-pressure challenge that turns strangers into new connections — one quick conversation at a time. This lighthearted pre-show activity invites you to join our “social” experiment and step out of your comfort zone into a few unexpected conversations. Inspired by our evening's speakers, Dr. Nick Epley and Dr. Gillian Sandstrom, and in partnership with GenWell, Canada's Human Connection Movement, we're turning the simple act of talking to someone new into a game — equal parts curiosity, fun, and connection. No scripts, no pressure — just a chance to discover how easy (and rewarding) it can be to connect with people you don't already know.
You'll leave with a few new acquaintances, a fresh take on why talking to "strangers" isn’t strange, and a tool or two to keep connection going long after you leave the library.
Insights from this interactive workshop will be shared in Say Hello to Connecting featuring Nick Epley and Gillian Sandstrom, which follows at 7pm in the Appel Salon.
About this event's guests:
GenWell is a Canadian charity on a mission to improve the nation's social health by inspiring more meaningful human connection. Through research, storytelling, workshops, and hands-on initiatives, they help people rebuild the everyday habits — big and small — that reduce feelings of loneliness, disconnection, and isolation.
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This interactive workshop is followed by Hello to Connecting ft. Nicholas Epley and Gillian Sandstorm, which starts at 7pm in the Appel Salon.
You can register for that event here, but please note if you wish to attend the pre-event workshop you need to register separately on this page.
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Make the most of your Connect IRL experience by coming before or staying after the featured event. Grab a drink or snack at the bar. Sign up for the workshop or try out one of the engagement activities available, including this event's Conversation Station: The Bus Stop Challenge, where you can take a moment or two to connect with a stranger in the most ordinary of small-talk settings.
The Bus Stop Challenge | 5:30 – 7:00 pm & 8:00 – 9:00 pm
Connect IRL is not your average series of events, workshops and activities, but a real chance to connect with other Torontonians in meaningful and sometimes unexpected ways. Through conversation stations meant to spark one-on-one conversations, or hands-on engagement activities and workshops before the featured event, participants can explore the value of connection and community.
PLAN YOUR VISIT:
Location: Bram and Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street), 2nd floor
Time: Doors open 5:15pm, Event starts at approximately 5:30pm.
Tickets: Free registration required.
Ticket policy: We oversell these events to ensure that the greatest number of people have an opportunity to attend. Tickets guaranteed until 5:45pm or until capacity is reached. Seating first come, first served.
Bar: Beer/wine available for purchase (debit/credit only).
Accessibility: TPL is committed to accessibility. If you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation for this event, please contact accessibleservices@tpl.ca or 416-393-7099 at least three weeks prior to the event.
Information Collection Notice: The personal information on this form is collected by the Toronto Public Library under the Public Libraries Act, sections 20(a), 20(c), and 20(d). The information will only be used for event and program registration, delivery and evaluation. Registrants may be contacted to fill out a brief survey following the program. Questions about how the library handles your information can be directed to Answerline staff at answerline@tpl.ca, 416-397-5981, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4W 2G8.
Click here to book tickets on Eventbrite (tpl-connect4-genwell.eventbrite.ca) For: Adults (18+). Programme type: Author Talks & Lectures. Series: On Civil Society. Location in branch: Bram and Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street), 2nd floor. Registration is required. Contact: Answerline, 416-397-5981, answerline@tpl.ca.
Tuesday, October 13
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Accessibility: TPL is committed to accessibility.
Toronto Reference Library · 789 Yonge Street
Venue details →