News Releases- Toronto Public Library

5th Annual First & Best Booklist for 2011 Top Canadian books for children from birth to five

TORONTO (Wednesday, November 23, 2011) - Toronto Public Library is pleased to announce the fifth annual First & Best Booklist 2011, a selection of the very best in Canadian books for children from birth to age five that are fun to read and also help build early literacy skills. 

 

This year’s list includes some of the country’s top Canadian children’s authors, and several are new to the First and Best List, including Frank Viva (Along a Long Road), Sheryl and Simon Shapiro (Better Together), Elisa Amado (What Are You Doing?), and Geneviève Côté (Without You).

 

“As the world’s busiest urban public library system, the Toronto Public Library plays an important role in helping parents and caregivers build early literacy skills and the love of reading in their children,” says Lisa Heggum, Children and Youth Advocate for Library Services at Toronto Public Library. “Parents are going to love reading this year’s selection of books with their little ones, as they represent some of the best that Canadian children’s publishing has to offer.”

 

In addition to helping build reading readiness in preschool children, the library’s First and Best List also helps to promote Canadian children’s literature, and is highly anticipated by authors and publishers each year.

 

“[Being on the First & Best booklist is]… a stamp of approval from one of the most respected institutions around … and is invaluable for parents and caregivers looking to introduce quality books to their children,” says Brigitte Waisberg, Marketing Manager at Annick Press, one of the featured publishers on the list.

 

“It is excellent company to be in… I am honoured and delighted when one of my books is included in the library’s First and Best List. I know that the books selected for this list attract positive attention not only from parents and kids, but from other library associations, school boards and media both in Canada and internationally,” says author Barbara Reid.

 

All the books in this year’s First & Best list are available through the library’s online catalogue, KidsSpace and at library branches across the city. First and Best is part of the Ready for Reading program offered by Toronto Public Library to help parents and caregivers build early literacy skills in their children through fun, everyday activities at home and at the library.

 

 

The First & Best for 2011 are:

 

Along a Long Road

Frank Viva

HarperCollins

 

Better Together

Sheryl and Simon Shapiro, illustrated by Dušan Petričić

Annick

 

Caramba and Henry

Marie-Louise Gay

Groundwood

 

Cinnamon Baby

Nicola Winstanley, illustrated by Janice Nadeau

Kids Can Press

 

Cookiebot!:  A Harry and Horsie Adventure

Katie Van Camp, illustrated by Lincoln Agnew

HarperCollins

 

Ones and Twos

Marthe Jocelyn and Nell Jocelyn

Tundra

 

Picture a Tree

Barbara Reid

Scholastic

 

Red Wagon

Renata Liwska

Penguin

 

What Are You Doing?

Elisa Amado, illustrated by Manuel Monroy

Groundwood

 

Without You

Geneviève Côté

Kids Can Press

 

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow more than 32 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.

 

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Media Contact:

Michelle Leung 416-397-5936

media@torontopubliclibrary.ca  

Library Board Recommends Maintaining Branch Open Hours

Summary of Library Board Decisions

TORONTO (Tuesday, November 22, 2011) – The Toronto Public Library Board met last night and recommended maintaining library operating hours. The following decisions were made:

Operating Budget

The Board recommended maintaining branch open hours at their current levels, and asked City Librarian Jane Pyper to report back at the next meeting of the Board on December 12 with revenue generating and cost saving ideas that will assist the library in meeting its 10% reduction target. The Board asked that these recommendations include adjustments to the library’s service delivery model of up to 60 FTEs (full time equivalent staff positions). The Board had previously adopted the recommended service efficiencies and additional revenue opportunities, which equal $9.72 million of savings, or 5.7% of the 10% City target reductions. The Board deferred a decision on the further $7.327 million reductions to achieve the total 10% reduction target until the December 12 Board meeting.

A motion was passed to request that the Toronto Public Library Foundation help fund the library’s collection budget, and another motion requested that library staff consider shared services such as finance and human resources with the City.

Room Rental Fee Increase

The Board passed a new room rental policy and fee increase for public rentals of library auditoriums, theatres and meeting rooms, which will be implemented in the first quarter of 2012, with the theatre rate increase being phased over three years in three equal steps. The new fees will apply to all new bookings placed after the new fee rates take effect.

Strategic Plan 2012 - 2015

The Board approved a structure, process and timeline to create a new strategic plan for Toronto Public Library for the years 2012 - 2015; 2011 is the final year of the current strategic plan Our Shared Stories: Writing the Future of Toronto’s Library 2008

- 2011. A new strategic plan will establish service priorities for the next four years and fulfill the Board’s legislated mandate “to provide a comprehensive and efficient public library service that reflects the community’s unique needs.” 

For more information about the Toronto Public Library Board, visit http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/about-the-library/board/ 

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow more than 32 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.

 

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Media Contact:

Anne Marie Aikins 416-393-7212

media@torontopubliclibrary.ca  

Check Out a Human Book & Get Inspired

Library hosts popular human library Nov. 5

TORONTO (Tuesday, November 1, 2011) –Toronto Public Library will be hosting the popular Human Library again this year at four branches across the city to give people the opportunity to walk in someone else’s shoes for a few minutes and learn something new.   

This year’s Human Library, funded by the Toronto Public Library Foundation, will take place on Saturday, November 5 at Toronto Reference Library, North York Central, Richview and Cedarbrae. The collection of human books includes titles on important and timely subjects such as bullying, living with a chronic illness and surviving cancer, following your dreams and launching your own business, city voices and city champions.

There are books about caring for a dying loved one and the impact of natural disasters. And in honour of Remembrance Day, there are books about the human tragedy of military conflict. Human books in the collection, which is multi-lingual with human books available in seven languages, can be placed on hold with just a library card by calling or coming into one of the host branches. Spots may also be available the day of the event but people are encouraged to place a hold on their favourite book early to avoid disappointment. For more information: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/humanlibrary

What:                         Human Library

Date:                          Saturday, November 5, 2011

Time:                          12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Locations:                    Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge St, north of Bloor)

                                    North York Central (5120 Yonge St, by Sheppard)

                                    Richview (1806 Islington Ave, north of Eglinton)      

                                    Cedarbrae (545 Markham Road, south of Lawrence)

Browse the collection at each of the branches:

Toronto Reference Library

North York Central

Richview

Cedarbrae

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

Human Books are available for interviews

Check Out a Human Book at Cedarbrae & Get Inspired

Library hosts popular human library Nov. 5

TORONTO (Tuesday, November 1, 2011) –Toronto Public Library will be hosting the popular Human Library again this year at four branches across the city to give people the opportunity to walk in someone else’s shoes for a few minutes and learn something new.   

One of this year’s branches to host the Human Library, which is funded by the Toronto Public Library Foundation, is Cedarbrae Branch. The Human Library will take place on Saturday, November 5 from Noon – 5:00 pm.

The public can place a hold on a must-read human book with just their library card by calling (416-396-8850) or by coming into the branch. Spots may also be available the day of the event but people are encouraged to place a hold on their favourite book early to avoid disappointment.

Check out the collection of human books at Cedarbrae below.

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

Human Books are available for interviews.

 

Cedarbrae Human Books

 

Haille Bailey-Harris

"Bullied But Not Defeated"

Haille Bailey-Harris may be only 17, but his life experiences have given him the wisdom of someone much older. Haille grew up in a small town the only black kid in his school and suffered from frequent bullying. His Mom, a sole support parent moved with him to Toronto to help him escape the racism and the low expectations of a school system that expected him to fail. Haille struggled without a father figure in his life, but he challenged the stereotypes through a network of support and a love of books. He will share with borrowers his family's strategy that helped him cope.

 

Eldon Comfort

"Fighting Battles as a Peacemaker"

Dr. Eldon Comfort, 98, was a lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in World War II, serving in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He has also been a teacher and a politician, so he knows how to fight his battles. This human book, however, is not about war; he's all about peacekeeping and explains in amazing detail how his experience with military conflict turned him into a peace activist.

In one of his later chapters, Eldon talks about the first time he went to Nicaragua in 1984 to satisfy a curiosity about the conflicting perceptions of that country's new socialist government. He returned each year for the next six years on a variety of humanitarian projects and in 1990, he was an official United Nations observer for the national elections there. This is just one of the incredible journeys this award-winning book will share with his borrowers.

 

Yasmin Hartung

"Appreciating Life Even When It's Painful"

Yasmin Hartung and her brother were inseparable. She left home at 17 to join him in Switzerland where the siblings lived, worked, and travelled together. In 2004, Yasmin then joined her brother in Montreal to study at Concordia University. While in Montreal, their lives took an unexpected turn when Yasmin's brother was diagnosed with an acute form of leukemia.

At 21, she became his primary caregiver and was even his stem cell donor while continuing her studies and helping her brother live as normal a life as possible. Despite their valiant efforts, Yasmin's brother died; his body had had enough, she says. This human book will be able to share her strategy for navigating the health care system and appreciating life even when it's painful.

Heather Jopling "Modern Families" This book defined 'modern family' long before the television sit-com became so popular, and she helps people feel more accepting and open to differences. Heather Jopling's husband was a sperm donor for their lesbian friends and she was a surrogate for their gay friends. While pregnant as a surrogate, she began writing diversity-friendly children's stories to give reading alternatives, not only to same-sex families, but to families like her own; open-minded and eager to share inclusive ideas with their children. "We have split families, bi-racial families and so-called 'traditional' families in our own incredible family tree," Heather says. In 2006, she formed her own publishing company, Nickname Press. And, as if she didn't already have enough chapters, Heather has also performed Shakespeare as a clown, and written four one-woman shows, several screenplays and the libretto to a vampire rock opera.

Jenypher Lanthier "Fighting Words" Jenypher Lanthier's story is for anyone who feels intimidated by the unknown and wants to learn how to find the courage to take a leap of faith. Jenypher was looking for a new adventure, something different in her life, she says. "To challenge myself, I tried my first Muay Thai class. The rest is a story about an organic progression towards personal fulfillment." Although new territory for her, she was hooked on Muay Thai, which is a combat sport from Thailand, and decided to open up her own school - York Muay Thai Inc. - two years ago. Jenypher looks forward to sharing with you all the challenges she encountered, not only as an entrepreneur, but also as one of the only women trying to survive in a male-dominated martial arts industry.

Scott Mills "Fighting Crime with Facebook" This human book is a textbook case for using 140 characters to get your message across. Scott Mills has been a police officer for 21 years, from 1990-2002 with Peel Regional Police in Mississauga and Brampton, and from 2002-present with Toronto Police Service. He has a background in all types of policing from gang investigations, to work in schools, and is widely known for his work using relationships and technology, in particular Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, to help prevent and solve crime together with the community. Borrowers will discover a new, cyber approach to law enforcement and crime prevention.

Diana Provenzano "Navigating Life's Challenges" This human book has travelled around the world-visiting over 30 countries and filling its pages with wonderful memories. Diana Provenzano is also a chartered accountant operating her own practice in Toronto, prepares tax returns for low income people and new immigrants pro bono, and a very active volunteer with a variety of organizations. Diana has such a full, outgoing life in spite of the fact she has lived with Type One Diabetes for 30 years. "Diabetes or other chronic illnesses don't have to stop you from doing anything you want with your life provided you understand the disease and manage it well," she says.

John "Ozzie" Sequeira "Surviving on Faith" John "Ozzie" Sequeira has depended on his faith to survive advanced prostate cancer and quadruple blocks in his heart for the past dozen years. He has now made it his mission in life to educate others about early detection so people get early treatment and the best chance of survival. Ozzie is an active volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society, working with Wendel Clark to promote awareness. His first book, "The Alpha and Omega," was published a year and a half ago. This book, which is available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Kannada, Konkani and Urdu, will help you believe in miracles.

 

Check Out a Human Book at Richview & Get Inspired

Library hosts popular human library Nov. 5

TORONTO (Tuesday, November 1, 2011) –Toronto Public Library will be hosting the popular Human Library again this year at four branches across the city to give people the opportunity to walk in someone else’s shoes for a few minutes and learn something new.   

One of this year’s branches to host the Human Library, which is funded by the Toronto Public Library Foundation, is Richview Branch. The Human Library will take place on Saturday, November 5 from Noon – 5:00 pm.

The public can place a hold on a must-read human book with just their library card by calling (416-394-5120) or by coming into the branch. Spots may also be available the day of the event but people are encouraged to place a hold on their favourite book early to avoid disappointment.

Check out the collection of human books at Richview below.

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

Human Books are available for interviews.

 

Richview Human Books 

Christine Brown

"Walking the Talk"

Christine Brown is a two-time cancer survivor and her 30 years as an educator and counsellor have helped her through her battles with the awareness that "connection to self has value in this process." Currently, she leads therapy groups year round and provides individual and couples therapy as well. Christine's "talk shops" cover self development and assertive communication. She hopes her personal experiences and ability to communicate them openly will offer borrowers the chance to address their fears and concerns more comfortably.

 

Amy Chan

"Living Life Urgently When Cancer Hits"

When Amy Chan was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago at the age of 38, she didn't spend any time asking 'Why me'. Instead she asked 'Why not me'.

"I cried the first day and also comforted friends who cried for me," Amy says in her excerpt, which is available in both English and Cantonese. "Cancer made me realize that life can change in a split second," she said, so she lives life "urgently" with gratitude and a positive attitude. Amy is now a survivor and peer support volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society.

 

Sommer Ellis

"When Life Gives You Lemons"

In 2004, Sommer Ellis was a teenager and had just been accepted to the University of Western Ontario when she became part of a growing statistic - young people being diagnosed with cancer. She was lucky to have been diagnosed early as it is often overlooked in teenagers. "With my parents by my side I was given the shocking news that I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma," Sommer says in her foreward. "After the words 'cancer' came out of her mouth, the rest of the appointment is a blur."

She now attempts to live each day to the fullest and will share her belief that everything happens for a reason. A public relations professional, Sommer is also an active Canadian Cancer Society volunteer; runs a bursary program for young adult cancer survivors through a grassroots charity called INFUSION Canada; and a kid coach through Future Possibilities for Kids.

 

Jeffrey Gruchy

"Building a Healthy Future for Seniors"

Through both personal and professional avenues, Jeff Gruchy relentlessly strives to spread his passion for health and wellness especially when it comes to seniors. With varying experiences across sectors here and overseas, Jeff has firmly re-planted his roots in Toronto and is actively pursuing ways to build a stronger, more sustainable GTA region through his work at the Healthier Living Centre, Downsview Services for Seniors.

"It can keep me up at night worrying about isolated older adults and how to effectively reach out to them," Jeff says in his foreword. But after borrowers hear his stories they will come away feeling refreshed and optimistic about the future of young professionals in our city. 

 

Kanika Gupta

"Social Entrepreneurs Creating Change"

Change happens one person at a time, says Kanika Gupta, who is currently behind SoJo, an innovative online learning tool that helps youth passionate about social change to accelerate their ideas and initiate social ventures.

She founded Nukoko, a Canadian non-profit organization that makes primary education accessible for young girls in rural West Africa. Highly engaged in civic issues and community development, Kanika has worked with the United Nations Development Programme, Canadian International Development Agency, Canadian House of Commons, and grassroots NGOs in West Africa and India.

"These experiences as a social entrepreneur have taught me that individuals are capable of making a difference at a grassroots level, and if supported can make significant change happen," Kanika says. This human book is available in both English and French.

 

Dominika Milewska

"Living in a Body That Fails You"

This book is younger than you might expect!

Dominika Milewska has been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis for the last ten years. "As a young woman, I could not believe I was being diagnosed with an old person's disease," she says. "Come join me in a conversation about young people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and help me break the silence about living with chronic pain."

When she was diagnosed, she learned quickly that arthritis affects not only millions of people but people of all ages. As a young person, Dominika struggles with chronic pain and the physical assistance she needs, and the impact they has had on her social life and mental health. She has struggled with depression, especially when first diagnosed, as she came to terms with the changes in her life as a result of her illness. This book helps break a few stereotypes about people living with chronic illness.

 

Check Out a Human Book at TRL & Get Inspired

Library hosts popular human library Nov. 5

 

TORONTO (Tuesday, November 1, 2011) –Toronto Public Library will be hosting the popular Human Library again this year at four branches across the city to give people the opportunity to walk in someone else’s shoes for a few minutes and learn something new.   

One of this year’s branches to host the Human Library, which is funded by the Toronto Public Library Foundation, is Toronto Reference Library. The Human Library will take place on Saturday, November 5 from Noon – 5:00 pm.

 The public can place a hold on a must-read human book with just their library card by calling (416-395-5575) or by coming into the branch. Spots may also be available the day of the event but people are encouraged to place a hold on their favourite book early to avoid disappointment.

 Check out the collection of human books at Toronto Reference Library below.

 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

Human Books are available for interviews.

 

Toronto Reference Library Human Books

Lyndsay Crump "Climbing a Cancerous Mountain" In 2004, Lyndsay Crump was granted a full scholarship to Lester Pearson United World College, a prestigious higher level program in British Columbia for international students (and 10 Canadians) showing potential in global leadership. Before she had a chance to follow this dream, she was diagnosed with cancer followed by two gruelling years of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery including a stem cell transplant. Considering herself a "lucky" girl, Lyndsay proudly calls herself happy and a firm believer in the notion that "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." She is now nearly finished an Honours BA in psychology, has her eye on graduate school, and is saving for a trip to climb Kilimanjaro. But the biggest mountain she has climbed? She is now five years cancer free!

Beth Follett "Peddling the Integrity of Book Publishing" Beth Follett is the sole owner and publisher of Pedlar Press, a Canadian literary publishing house based in Toronto, which she started in 1996. Formerly in social work, she is a published writer and freelance editor, has studied modern dance and now keeps a mindfulness-meditation and yoga practice. Borrowers of Beth will come away from their time browsing through her life chapters knowing a little bit more about what integrity and excellence in publishing (or in any business practice) mean to her, and a little bit more about how mindfulness practice has helped her as a woman entrepreneur in the arts.

Jeff Harrison "Putting the Fun into Journalism" Jeff Harrison, a Toronto-based freelance writer and editor, is a book translated into English and French. With over 14 years experience in the industry, Jeff has worked on stories for video games, penned articles for newspapers and magazines and is currently finishing his first novel. A geek at heart, he loves everything sci-fi, fantasy and horror, especially comics and vampires. Currently he works as the editor-in-chief for Pink Play Mags, Toronto's fresh LGBTQ quarterly life-style magazine. You'll also have fun talking to this human book about his travels to exotic locales on assignment.

Andrea Houston "Getting up Close and Personal" Andrea Houston is a dogged investigative reporter doing what she calls "advocacy journalism" for Xtra Canada. Andrea gets up close and personal with her stories. "I exposed one of the largest queer human rights stories of the past five years," she says in her foreword, "the Catholic school board's ban on gay-straight alliances (GSA)." She is now working hard to support students trying to start GSAs and keep the issue in the headlines. Over the past year Andrea has covered the municipal and federal elections and is now a familiar face around City Hall covering city politics. Before starting at Xtra, Andrea was in the trenches as a mainstream reporter, covering education, city politics and community news for a variety of media outlets including Reuters at their headquarters in London, England. This book will give you the guts to take a stand.

Vani Jain "Seeing Through the Pain" Every page of the book of Vani Jain is filled with discrimination, sadness and pain, stories she has heard during her work with people dealing with mental illness. Yet she sees hope, strength and optimism for the future within these stories because of the courageous people she has met at the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario. "One of the first people I met was a woman named Kelly," Vani says in an excerpt. "Kelly's younger brother, who had undiagnosed and untreated schizophrenia, killed both of their parents while in a psychotic state. What touched me most about meeting and getting to know Kelly was not the act itself, which was truly sad, but her compassion for her brother...her determination to make sure this didn't happen to anyone else." Vani is thankful for the time she has spent working with marginalized people and would like to tell her story "through the eyes of someone who is in many ways an outsider, but who has had the privilege to spend some time with these beautiful, strong, hopeful people."

Nicholas Maharaj "Crime Fighting Cyber Tools" Nicholas Maharaj may still be a teenager, but experiencing the sudden death of his high school buddy last year due to gun violence turned him into a crime fighting activist. Nicholas, now a student at Centennial College Police Foundations, uses social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to help promote the Crime Stoppers program. The encouragement of Toronto Police Service Constable Scott Mills (another human book speaker, at Cedarbrae Branch) is one of the main reasons why Nicholas started to help the police by spreading his cyber message to his peers about prevention. "If more people were educated in the anonymous program, which is not operated by the police, but by us, the community would be a safer place to live," he says.

Shawn Micallef "Stroll Through Toronto" Urbanists and urban lovers know this human book very well, but his chapters are a must read for everyone. Shawn Micallef is a well-known Toronto writer and author who is currently on leave as Senior Magazine Editor of spacing to pursue a Canadian Journalism Fellowship at the University of Toronto's Massey College. Shawn is researching urbanism while at Massey. His popular book, Stroll: Psychogeographic Walking Tours of Toronto, makes it clear that Shawn sees his city as a "living book" full of stories waiting to be told. Taking him out on loan will be an opportunity to hear some of those amazing stories.

Catherine Porter "Finding Hope Within the Rubble" Most people watched helplessly when a catastrophic earthquake devastated Haiti last year. Not this human book. Instead of reporting safely from her home, Toronto Star journalist Catherine Porter immediately packed her bags, leaving her young family behind to tell the story first hand. Catherine recently returned from Haiti again - her ninth trip - which "like all the others, was inspiring, exhausting and devastating," she said. Though she never once appealed to her readers for support, her stories, especially of determined little "Lovely", prompted many to want to help. Cash came flooding in, which Catherine used to send children to school, and provide food and medical aid. Inspired, Catherine committed to raising $26,000 for Muspan Montessori School, so 400 students could attend for the next year. She surpassed her goal. This human book may be a life changing read!

Chris Upfold "Facing the Transit Talk" This human book covers brave new territory never before explored! At a time when public scrutiny is just a cell phone pic away, Chris Upfold became Toronto Transit Commission's first Chief Customer Service Officer earlier this year. Prior to joining the TTC, Chris worked for Transport for London and London Underground in England where he helped make measureable improvements to customer information, customer security, ticketing and smartcards, non-fares revenue, station design, staff engagement, and accessibility and inclusion. "The TTC's customers are the citizens of Toronto and those are the same people that use Toronto libraries," Chris says in his foreword. "Reaching out to customers to help them understand our issues and us understand theirs will be critical in once again making Toronto proud of the TTC and building advocacy for funding."

Donovan Vincent "Curiosity Got the Career" Mercenary, undercover spy, captain of industry, inventor, death-defying magician. Apparently, none of these things describe the human book called Donovan Vincent, the foreword warns. However, this respected Toronto Star journalist is still extremely compelling, his critics and readers say. Donovan pursued a career in journalism, because one of his high school English teachers suggested he consider it as a profession. "She told me she liked my writing and that I was very curious, two important skills for a journalist." He later went on to write for his university newspaper at York, Excalibur, which was a thrill, he said, because he loved seeing his name in the paper on a great story. Donovan joined the Toronto Star as a summer intern in the late 1980s, and has written thousands of stories, some of them leading to changes in policy direction at the municipal and provincial levels. The stories he's most proud of, though, are the ones with unique and compelling human interest elements, which he hopes to share as a human book.

 

Check Out a Human Book at North York Central & Get Inspired

Library hosts popular human library Nov. 5

 

TORONTO (Tuesday, November 1, 2011) –Toronto Public Library will be hosting the popular Human Library again this year at four branches across the city to give people the opportunity to walk in someone else’s shoes for a few minutes and learn something new.   

One of this year’s branches to host the Human Library, which is funded by the Toronto Public Library Foundation, is North York Central Library. The Human Library will take place on Saturday, November 5 from Noon – 5:00 pm.

The public can place a hold on a must-read human book with just their library card by calling (416-395-5535) or by coming into the branch. Spots may also be available the day of the event but people are encouraged to place a hold on their favourite book early to avoid disappointment.

Check out the collection of human books at North York Central below.

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

Human Books are available for interviews.

 

North York Central Human Books

 

Heather Copeland "Giving Strength to Caregivers" Heather Copeland, whose mother is a three-time survivor of cancer, has grown up with the knowledge and compassion it takes to be able to help someone through a difficult time in their lives. After taking care of her mother, Heather was inspired to begin volunteering for the Canadian Cancer Society as a mentor to those who are caring for people going through cancer diagnosis and treatment.  "I would hope that those who borrow me would gain insight into the difficulties this diagnosis comes with and an appreciation for the organizations that are out there to help you when you're in need," Heather explains.

David Demchuk "The Life of a Gay Knitter" Originally from Winnipeg, David Demchuk is a writer for theatre, film, print and online media, and is an activist working on social, cultural and political issues affecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer communities. "I've had numerous mind-changing - and sometimes life-changing - encounters with people who opened my eyes to other ways of living and being, and I'd happily return the favour," David explains in his foreword. Check out David's stories about what it meant to be gay in the 1970s, through the age of AIDS and in our world today, and ask whatever questions you may have about gay sexuality and relationships, the role of activism in a healthy democracy, the human rights challenges we still face, politics and social media - and how to knit (yes, this book is also a how-to-text for knitting!).

Steve Ferrara and Lisa Martin "Creatively Drawing People In" Steve Ferrara and Lisa Martin head up Well and Good, an independent art service organization based in Toronto. Established in 2007, this two-book set - three if you count their new baby Metta, who will be observing - are passionate about the potential of art, especially street art to engage people and enrich lives. As a cultural agency, they participate in all parts of the "creative chain to maintain a dynamic centre of gravity," they say. "Well and Good is equal part creator, manufacturer, producer, distributor and supporter of contemporary art, particularly art from the margins like graffiti and street art." This book set hopes to spread their passion for art all over the city.

Jonathan Goldsbie "Meet the Reigning Ruler of the Twitterverse" If you enjoy books about adventure and unusual career paths, we have a human book just for you. Jonathan Goldsbie, according to a recent review in Torontoist, "is something of a City Hall mongoose, calling out people for their serpentine behaviour with a limitless arsenal of municipal political knowledge." Having spent the last seven years "meddling" in local politics, first as a public space activist and now as a journalist, Jonathan, who's known as the mayor of Twitter, is passionate about the relevance and entertainment value of civic affairs. He's covered the beat for Eye Weekly, spacing magazine and OpenFile, and currently pens columns for the National Post and The Grid TO. And while doing so has always been pretty fun, he says because "paying attention to urban issues has never been as urgent or as thrilling as it is right now."

Dr. Kenny Handelman "Attention Difference Disorder" Dr. Kenny Handelman is a psychiatrist who is an expert in ADD/ADHD. His new book, "Attention Difference Disorder", focuses on a "strength-based" approach to helping parents of kids and teens with the condition. "I love to educate people about the condition in order to decrease stigma about ADHD and mental health in general," Dr. Kenny says in his foreword. Dr. Kenny conducts clinical research and writes the widely-read ADD/ADHD blog, getting over 500,000 visitors per year. Borrowers of Dr. Kenny will get an opportunity to discuss ADD/ADHD and mental health and get new insight into diagnosis, treatment and alternative treatments - for educational (not treatment) purposes.

C. Ross Hirning "Information provides the Power to Live a Normal Life" Ross Hirning began writing a new chapter when he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at the age of 42. He was not the typical Type 2 patient, he says, as he was slim and physically active. Consequently, lifestyle changes could not be used to manage the disease, and oral medication was prescribed. This worked well for a while, but after eight years of steadily increasing doses, Ross's specialist recommended that he try insulin injections to achieve better blood glucose control. As a volunteer with the Canadian Diabetes Association, he believes that when people have the information, the will and the means to manage their diabetes, they can live a normal life.

May Mak "Living a Life of Service" Born in Hong Kong, May Mak has conquered mountains since she immigrated to Toronto at age seven. May started volunteering at age 10, mentoring younger students at her school, and has since volunteered with many organizations, most notably Habitat for Humanity Toronto. In 2009, May founded the Full Tummy Farm Orphanage Food Project dedicated to helping orphaned and under-privileged children in developing countries and she has won many awards for her community service. An avid adventure traveller, May has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and trekked to Mount Everest Base Camp. This human book is available for loan in both English and Cantonese.

Eva Musso "Getting a Gift of Life from a Stranger" Ten years ago, a complete stranger from halfway around the world saved this book from permanent removal from life's collection. At 25, Eva Musso was diagnosed with leukemia. This human book will tell an incredible story about a journey to recovery from cancer. As part of her treatment, Eva required a bone marrow transplant. On the evening of her scheduled transplant, a doctor flew to Europe, and came back with a thermos full of healthy bone marrow from a generous stranger. Last summer, Eva travelled to Germany to meet her bone marrow donor and, language barrier notwithstanding, it was an incredibly emotional experience for them both. "On September 1, I celebrated the 10th anniversary of my bone marrow transplant," Eva says in her foreword. "Sharing my experience as a human book feels like the perfect way to celebrate the night I was reborn."

Jackson Proskow "If These Walls Could Talk!" Every day is an adventure for this human book and he's prepared to spill all! As a Global News reporter covering municipal affairs, Jackson Proskow has a unique insight into the workings of Toronto City Hall and the people and politicians who make our city what it is. Over the last decade, he has lived and worked in cities across Canada and covered everything from hurricanes and presidential visits, to the royal wedding in London. Jackson is full of behind-the-scenes stories that lend insight into what you see on TV (and what you don't!). He wants to share with you his thoughts on how to make journalism relevant to a changing audience, while keeping "old media" up to speed in the age of social media.

Alexis Kane Speer "Stepping Towards a Better Future" Alexis Kane Speer is full of stories from all over the world, inspiring tales she hopes will make her readers feel more connected to people and places, especially public spaces. At 27, Alexis has been recognized as an emerging city builder and was awarded a 2011 DiverseCity Fellowship by the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance for her work leading city-building initiatives. She founded the STEPS Initiative, a national organization that uses art to connect people to places. She has traveled to over 25 nations and driven her old Corolla over 21,000 km visiting nearly every North American province and state each with its own unique story. "My experience of being a human book will be a success," Alexis explains, "if I can get at least one person to think critically about the space in which they live or inspire one person to travel to a far-off place they previously were hesitant about."