News Releases- Toronto Public Library

Library Board Seeks Budget 2012 Input

Survey will help determine impact of potential reductions

TORONTO (Thursday, October 27, 2011) – The Toronto Public Library Board wants to understand how potential reductions to library service will affect customers and the community. The Board is asking the public to take a moment to fill out a brief survey. 

Survey results will be provided to the Board as input into the library’s 2012 budget.

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow more than 32 million items. As cornerstones of their neighbourhoods, our libraries connect people to each other and to their community, inspiring the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading and the pursuit of knowledge for people of all ages and backgrounds. To learn more, please visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.

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Media Contact:

Anne Marie Aikins, Manager, Community Relations, 416-393-7212 aaikins@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Celebrating Canadian Citizenship

Citizenship Week 2011 and Library Settlement Partnerships Day

Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Toronto Public Library and service provider organizations will present a number of events and activities, including speaker sessions on the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship.

When:                         Friday, October 21, 2011

Location:                    Albion Branch, 1515 Albion Road

Special guest:             Citizenship Judge Renata Brum Bozzi            

With:                           Rexdale Women's Centre

Time:                           12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

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When:                         Friday, October 21, 2011

Location:                    Agincourt Branch, 155 Bonis Avenue

Special guest:             Citizenship Judge Floyd Babcock       

With:                           Catholic Crosscultural Services

Time:                           4:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

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 When:                         Friday, October 21, 2011

Location:                    Mimico Centennial Branch,  47 Station Road

Special guest:             Citizenship Judge Raminder Gill

With:                           CultureLink Settlement Services 

Time:                           4:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

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When:                         Saturday, October 22, 2011

Location:                    Flemingdon Park Branch, 29 St. Dennis Drive

Special guest:             Citizenship Judge Aris Babikian

With:                          Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office

Time:                           12:00 to 1:00 p.m. 

Photography and audio-visual equipment are permitted. 

For more information on Citizenship Week 2011, visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/celebrate/citweek.asp.

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow more than 32 million items. As cornerstones of their neighbourhoods, the libraries connect people to each other and to their community, inspiring the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading and the pursuit of knowledge for people of all ages and backgrounds. To learn more, please visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca.

 

Media contacts:

Jen Burkholder, Media Relations, Ontario Region             

Citizenship and Immigration Canada

416-954-7868         

ont-communications@cic.gc.ca

Toronto Public Library

media@torontopubliclibrary.ca

 

 

 

Library Settlement Partnerships Celebrate Third Anniversary

Celebration includes citizenship ceremony and human library

TORONTO (Wednesday, October 19, 2011) – Toronto Public Library and community partners will celebrate Library Settlement Partnership Day 2011 on Friday, October 21, the third anniversary of the newcomer program in Toronto. 

This year’s celebrations include a citizenship ceremony, community information fairs and cultural entertainment.  New this year is a Newcomer Human Library program at Centennial, Parkdale, Thorncliffe and York Woods branches giving newcomers the opportunity to check out human books.

The Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP) program is funded by Citizenship & Immigration Canada.  This financial support enables community agencies to work with the public library to provide settlement information at the local level.  All participating branches serve communities with high immigrant populations. In 2010, Toronto Public Library’s LSP program served more than 25,000 Newcomers.

The LSP program started in the Toronto Public Library and then expanded across the province.  It is currently available in 11 communities including Ottawa, Hamilton, Brampton & London.  Settlement information services are available at 49 library branches across the province.

LSP Day is celebrated the third Friday in October each year and coincides with Canadian Citizenship Week and Ontario Public Library Week (October 16th – 22nd).

Toronto Public Library is the largest participating library system with LSP programs & services offered at 19 branches.  Local community partners include:

Catholic Crosscultural Services (CCS) Centre for Information & Community Services (CICS) of Ontario CultureLink Kababayan Community Centre North York Community House (NYCH) Rexdale Women’s Centre Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office (TNO) Working Women Community Centre YMCA Newcomer Information Centre (YMCA-NIC)

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow more than 32 million items. As cornerstones of their neighbourhoods, our libraries connect people to each other and to their community, inspiring the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading and the pursuit of knowledge for people of all ages and backgrounds. To learn more, please visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.

Media Contact:

media@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Mount Dennis Branch to Close for Major Renovation

TORONTO (Wednesday, October 19, 2011) – At 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2011, Toronto Public Library will temporarily close the Mount Dennis Branch (1123 Weston Road) for a major renovation.  The architects for the renovation are G. Bruce Stratton Architects.  Customers can look forward to a new, improved and more accessible library in their neighbourhood when the branch reopens in 2013.

 

The renovated facility will feature: 

 

• A revitalized main entrance, a more dynamic prominent street presence, with high visibility into the library and enhanced exterior landscaping.
• A complete redesign of the 11,350 square foot interior space and a new layout for collections and equipment, programming space and staff work areas. 
• A new customer service area with express check-out and security.
• A new teen zone.
• Fully accessible washrooms.
• New quiet study rooms.
• Improved collections merchandizing and display.
• Enhanced space for local art exhibits.
• Improved programming and community meeting spaces including a multi-use program room with kitchenette.
• A new KidsStop, an interactive early literacy centre.
• More public computers.

 

During the closure, the community can return books to any Toronto Public Library branch and pick up holds at Weston Branch.  The public can also visit one of several nearby branches—Evelyn Gregory, Maria A. Shchuka or Jane/Dundas or visit the Toronto Public Library Bookmobile in the parking lot of the Royal Canadian Legion, 1050 Weston Rd. on Thursday mornings from 11:00 a.m. to noon beginning Thursday, November 3, 2011. 

 

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow more than 32 million items. As cornerstones of their neighbourhoods, our libraries connect people to each other and to their community, inspiring the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading and the pursuit of knowledge for people of all ages and backgrounds. To learn more, please visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.

 

 

Media Contact:

Edward Karek, Communications Officer

ekarek@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Councillor Paul Ainslie Elected Chair of Toronto Public Library Board

TORONTO (Tuesday, October 18, 2011) – At its October 17 meeting, the Toronto Public Library Board elected by acclamation Councillor Paul Ainslie to the position of Board Chair. Councillor Ainslie has been a member of the Board since December 2006.

 

“I’m looking forward to my new role on the Board. It’s an important time for our city’s libraries as we decide how best to maintain the important services the library delivers while meeting the City’s budget requirements,” said Ainslie. “Like so many Torontonians, including my fellow Board members, I recognize the vital role our libraries play in our City and am committed to ensuring that our libraries continue to meet the needs of our city’s residents.”

 

Paul Ainslie is Councillor for Ward 43, Scarborough East. He has worked for all three levels of government over the past 12 years and has also been involved in a number of community organizations including the Boy Scouts of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Knights of Columbus, and the Friends of Fort York. Councillor Ainslie’s library roots run deep - his first job was as a page in the Morningside branch of the former Scarborough Public Library system.

 

Michael Foderick was elected Vice Chair of the Toronto Public Library Board. Michael has been an active volunteer, community leader, and advocate for most of his life. He has served as president & co-chair of Parkdale Community Legal Services, one of Canada's oldest and largest legal aid clinics, and has also worked for several years as executive assistant to a Toronto City Councillor, helping to create many well-known City of Toronto programs and bylaws.

 

Foderick is one of eight new citizen members recently welcomed to the Toronto Public Library Board. The board consists of 13 members:

 

Councillor Paul Ainslie (Chair)                                   Councillor Cesar Palacio

Michael Foderick (Vice Chair)                                  Mr. Ross Parry

Councillor Sarah Doucette (Mayor’s designate)       Councillor Jaye Robinson

Councillor Janet Davis                                              Mr. Kenneth Stewart

Mr. Stephen Dulmage                                               Mr. Benjamin Wulffhart

Ms. Kim Korinek                                                        Ms. Andrea Zammit

Mr. Cameron Mackay

 

The Board generally meets at the Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Agendas and related materials are available online.

 

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow more than 32 million items. As cornerstones of their neighbourhoods, our libraries connect people to each other and to their community, inspiring the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading and the pursuit of knowledge for people of all ages and backgrounds. To learn more, please visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.

 

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Media Contact:

Anne Marie Aikins, Manager, Community Relations, 416-393-7212 aaikins@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Francis D’Souza Hosts Human Library Preview

Sneak peek of collection Oct. 19 at Toronto Reference Library

TORONTO (Monday, October 17, 2011) – Toronto Public Library will be hosting a preview of this year’s popular Human Library to provide the public with an opportunity to get a peek at this year’s collection of “human books.” Hosted by Gemini award-winning CityNews anchor and reporter Francis D’Souza, the free event will be held on Wednesday, October 19, from 12:30 – 2:00 pm in Toronto Reference Library.

The public is encouraged to bring their lunch, relax and browse through a few books from our intriguing collection including Toronto Star journalist Catherine Porter, who returned from her ninth trip to Haiti following the devastating earthquake; Chris Upfold, who accepted the challenge of being TTC’s first Chief Customer Service Officer; and Dr. Kenny Handelman, an expert in ADD/ADHD with a unique perspective on treatment. Francis will borrow each of these human books for a brief public read.

This year’s Human Library, funded by the Toronto Public Library Foundation, iwill take place on November 5 in four branches across the city. The collection includes titles on important and timely subjects such as bullying and suicide, living with a chronic illness and surviving cancer, following your dreams and launching your own business, city voices and city champions, caring for a dying loved one and the human impact of military conflict and natural disasters. The collection is also multi-lingual with human books available in seven languages.

What:                         Human Library Preview

Date:                          Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Time:                          12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Location:                    Toronto Reference Library, Atrium

                                   789 Yonge Street (north of Bloor Street)         

The public will be able to begin placing “holds” on the human books on October 22. For more information about the Human Library and to browse the collection, visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/humanlibrary

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow more than 32 million items. As cornerstones of their neighbourhoods, our libraries connect people to each other and to their community, inspiring the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading and the pursuit of knowledge for people of all ages and backgrounds. To learn more, please visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.

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Media Contact:

Anne Marie Aikins, Manager, Community Relations, 416-393-7212 aaikins@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Connecting Students with Volunteer Opportunities

Toronto Public Library hosts fair with 23 organizations  

 TORONTO (Wednesday, October 12, 2011) – On November 7, Toronto Public Library will host its 7^th annual Volunteer Fair at the North York Central Library to help connect high  school students with volunteer opportunities at community organizations. The fair features nearly two dozen charitable organizations that provide much needed services in the community and who are looking for volunteers.

The free event will give youth an opportunity to learn more about the importance and benefits of volunteering in their neighbourhoods and how to obtain the volunteer hours required to graduate from high school.    

What:                         Volunteer Fair for High School Students

Date:                          Monday, November 7, 2011

Time:                          3:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Location:                    North York Central Library: Auditorium

                                  5120 Yonge Street (at the North York Centre subway stop)              

More Information:     416-395-5672

Some of the organizations represented at the Volunteer Fair include:

Alzheimer Society of Toronto

Arthritis Society

Canadian Red Cross - Toronto Region

Central Eglinton Community Centre

Cummer Lodge

Duke of Edinburgh's Award Ontario

Earth Day Canada – EcoMentors

Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer

Extend-A-Family

Flemingdon Neighbourhood Services

Geneva Centre for Autism

Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon

HEYY – Hearing Every Youth through Youth

Meals on Wheels

YMCA

Toronto Public Library Homework Club and Leading to Reading

Toronto and Region Conservation Society

Volunteer Toronto

Toronto Public Library is committed to creating library services that address the specific needs of youth, encourage teens to read, and support youth in their educational, career, volunteer and social development.  In addition to an extensive list of programs and services, Toronto Public Library also has dedicated study space for group or individual use to help teens complete school assignments.  For more information, visit http://ramp.torontopubliclibrary.ca.

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow more than 32 million items. As cornerstones of their neighbourhoods, our libraries connect people to each other and to their community, inspiring the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading and the pursuit of knowledge for people of all ages and backgrounds. To learn more, please visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.

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Media Contact:

Media@torontopubliclibrary.ca

 

Toronto Public Library Unveils Human Book Collection

Human Library in four branches Nov. 5

TORONTO (Wednesday, October 5, 2011) – This year’s “human book” collection has been unveiled for Toronto Public Library’s annual Human Library, a unique opportunity for Torontonians to walk in someone else’s shoes for a few minutes.

The collection includes books on timely subjects such as bullying, suicide, living with a chronic illness, and surviving cancer. We have books on following your dreams, launching your own business, challenging the status quo, being a caregiver to a dying loved one, reaching out during natural disasters and transformation after military conflict. 

“We all have a tendency to know what we know and be with who we are familiar with,” said Anne Marie Aikins, community relations manager for the Library. “The Human Library is an opportunity to cross that boundary and be with someone who has a different lived experience.”

“It is also broadens awareness and understanding about important current issues.”

Scheduled in four branches on Saturday, November 5, from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, the program will allow library cardholders to borrow from a selection of over 40 human books, individuals who have volunteered their time to share their unique life experiences. Thanks to the support from the Toronto Public Library Foundation, the Human Library will be held in the following branches:

•    Toronto Reference Library (Yonge and Bloor)
•    North York Central Library (North of Yonge and Sheppard)
•    Cedarbrae (Markham and Lawrence)
•    Richview (Islington and Eglinton)

“Living Libraries” were first launched in Copenhagen in the early 1990s to combat prejudice and raise awareness through one-on-one dialogue. Countries all over the world now hold human libraries—Toronto’s is one of the largest.

Library cardholders will be able to begin placing holds on their chosen human books beginning October 22. To learn more about the Human Library and how to participate in the program, visit the Human Library section of our website.

This year the Library will host a preview event, hosted by Francis D'Souza, anchor and reporter for CityNews on October 19, 12:30 – 2:00 pm at Toronto Reference Library. Stay tuned for more information.

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow more than 32 million items. As cornerstones of their neighbourhoods, our libraries connect people to each other and to their community, inspiring the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading and the pursuit of knowledge for people of all ages and backgrounds. To learn more, please visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.

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Media Contact:
Anne Marie Aikins, Manager, Community Relations, 416-393-7212
aaikins@torontopubliclibrary.ca