News Releases- Toronto Public Library

Library Board Approves Phased-in Advertising Plan

Policy balances revenue potential and impact on public space

TORONTO (Tuesday, February 28, 2012) – The Toronto Public Library Board met last evening at Toronto Reference Library.

Highlights of February 28 meeting of the Board:

The Toronto Public Library Board approved an Advertising Policy which provides a framework regarding advertising on Toronto Public Library property, and the processes by which advertising is to be managed, approved and/or appealed. The Policy balances the Library’s primary public service role – to provide high quality library service to Toronto’s diverse residents in a welcoming and supportive environment – with the potential for advertising as a source of revenue for the Library. As part of the policy, the Board approved an advertising review process to deal with complaints and appeals concerning advertising.

The advertising plan will be implemented in two phases. Phase 1 will expand the current What’s On publication advertising program and implement advertising on the reverse side of Library date due slips. In Phase 2, the Library will contract an external advertising and media consultant to assess all Library channels and vehicles for their appropriateness and financial viability for an advertising program, and make recommendations to the Library on how best to proceed to maximize revenue and minimize impacts to the delivery of core library services.

Lobbying Disclosure Policy Approved

The Library Board approved a Lobbying Disclosure Policy for its Members which requires Board members to disclose when they have been subjected to lobbying and also requires the publishing of this information on the Library website. The policy supports transparency and open practices, and is cost effective.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Library Board is scheduled for April 2, 2012 at 6:00 pm at Toronto Reference Library.

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow over 33 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  

Business Inc. Program Returns to Toronto Public Library

Nurturing, supporting great business ideas

TORONTO (February 27, 2012) – Toronto Public Library has partnered once again with the Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) and City of Toronto’s Economic Development & Culture Division (ECD) to deliver a business incubation program aptly named Business Inc. in its libraries. Business Inc. is aimed at helping entrepreneurs throughout the city develop powerful business plans so they can realize their dream of owning and operating their own business.

Built on the success of a pilot program launched last year, this nine-week program is returning this April. Business Inc. will help equip entrepreneurs with skills and knowledge required to run a successful business. Participants will gain a better understanding of the guiding principles required to launch their new business or to accelerate an early stage business.

Farishta Kakar was a participant in last year’s program and said: "The seminars taught me how to manage my operations, make financial forecasts, conduct online marketing and to tailor a business plan. With their assistance I prepared my business plan and now I can apply for business loans and grow my business as I dreamed.”

At the conclusion of the program, candidates receive a Business Seminar Series Certificate from TBDC and may be eligible to apply for a small business loan. Interested entrepreneurs can find information on the program being offered at both Northern District and Maria A. Shchuka branches, as well as an application form due March 30, at torontopubliclibrary.ca/businessinc.  

Orientation sessions offering applicants the opportunity to learn more before applying are offered at both venues.

Toronto Business Development Centre was established in 1990 to nurture the growth of new and emerging businesses. As a business incubator, it provides access to advisory support, management training, guidance on business plan preparation, networking opportunities and a range of other resources. TBDC's Business Incubation Programs support the success of entrepreneurs and have helped more than 4,500 clients. Contact tbdc.com.   

The City of Toronto’s Economic Development & Culture Division provides services that contribute to an economically strong, socially enjoyable and culturally vibrant city. Among its many services are programs and resources targeted to accelerate start-up and early stage business success, ensuring Toronto remains an innovative and competitive global city. Contact : Doing Business on toronto.ca

Toronto Public Library has been supporting financial literacy and small businesses in the city for more than 100 years. Library branches provide staff expertise in business related research, free access to business information resources and databases, as well as job and career assistance.

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow over 33 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:

Tita Zierer, Communications, Programming and Customer Engagement tzierer@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Fairview Branch Renovations Planned for Late 2012

Public invited to an open house to provide feedback  

TORONTO (Thursday, February 23, 2012) - Toronto Public Library is inviting the public to see the proposed renovation plan for Fairview Branch at a community open house on Wednesday, March 7, 2012.  

Toronto Public Library senior staff, along with architects from Makrimichalos Cugini Architects will be on hand to hear feedback from the public on the proposed renovation plans.  The renovation will enhance access to the building and support more efficient operations.

The Fairview Branch renovation is proposed to begin in 2012. 

What:              Fairview Branch Renovation Community Open House          

Where:            Fairview Branch (35 Fairview Mall Drive) – 2^nd Floor, Story Room

When:             Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Drop in anytime between 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library systems. Every year, more than 19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow over 33 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, Manager, Community Relations

416-393-7212

media@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Library Announces its One Book Selection 2012

Captivating story set in Toronto ideal pick for this year’s city wide book club

TORONTO (Tuesday, February 21, 2012) – Girls Fall Down, by Maggie Helwig, has been chosen as Toronto Public Library’s One Book community read for 2012.  The title was revealed by CBC Radio’s Matt Galloway today on Metro Morning.

Girls Fall Down was published in 2008 by Coach House Books and shortlisted for the Toronto Book Award. The novel opens with girls falling down on the subway; soon there is a city-wide panic.  This gripping and beautifully written book is both a love story and a comment on our anxious post-9/11 times.

“I am delighted that Girls Fall Down has been chosen as the library's One Book,” said Helwig, “ and I hope it can be part of the ongoing conversation about what kind of city we are, and what kind of city we want to be."

The One Book program is part of the library’s month long literary festival, Keep Toronto Reading, which celebrates books and reading at the library and at partner locations across the city.  The One Book program invites all Torontonians to read the same book and then come together to talk about it at events across the city in April. 

Events include opportunities to meet the author, discuss the book’s themes, attend a public lecture, or take a tour that brings the book’s settings to life–a guided ravine walk or a night-time tour of the PATH system.  Photography buffs can also enter the library’s Hidden Toronto photo contest.  Full details at tpl.ca/ktr

The library’s One Book program was launched in 2008 with Michael Redhill’s Consolation.  Subsequent One Book titles include Loyalty Management by Glen Downie, More by Austin Clarke and Midnight at the Dragon Café by Judy Fong Bates. 

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow over 33 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:

Tina Srebotnjak, Manager, Cultural and Special Events Programming, 416-393-7098

Media@torontopubliclibrary.ca

 

 

Library Helps Teens Find Their Creative Voice

Young Voices creative workshops start February 15

TORONTO (Thursday, February 2, 2012) – Toronto Public Library’s annual Young Voices winter workshops offer teens an opportunity to hone their creative writing and art skills under the tutelage of professional writers and artists. The workshops lead up to the March 31 submission deadline for the 2012 issue of Young Voices, Toronto Public Library’s magazine of teen writing and visual art. All Toronto teens age 12-19 are invited to attend the workshops and to submit their poetry, creative prose, hand-drawn black and white artwork, or black and white photos for possible publication in the magazine.

“For nearly five decades, Young Voices has given Toronto teens a chance to express themselves, supporting them in their creative endeavours and providing a foundation for their future success," says Toronto Public Library children and youth advocate Lisa Heggum.

What:             Looney Poems Poetry Workshop with Poet Matthew Tierney

Where:            Runnymede Branch (2178 Bloor St. W., two blocks east of the Runnymede subway stop)

When:             Wednesday, February 15, 4:30 p.m. 

Who:               Wile E. Coyote is just like a poet. He aims the highest and falls the farthest. Toronto poet Matthew Tierney shows you how to make your writing explode with humour.

 

What:             Keeping it Fresh: Drawing with Sharpies with Artist Michael Brown

Where:            Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge St., north of the Yonge/Bloor subway stop)

When:             Saturday, February 25, 2 p.m.  

Who:               Uncap a fresh sharpie with Toronto artist Michael Brown and let your drawing run wild.

 

What:             WordPlay Writing Workshop with Writer Karen Krossing

Where:            Cedarbrae Branch (545 Markham Rd., south of Lawrence)

When:             Thursday, March 15, 3 p.m.

Who:               Author Karen Krossing helps teens rediscover the fun of writing at this hands on workshop.

Teens interested in submitting to Young Voices are encouraged to pick up a submission form at their local branch, or submit their entry online at torontopubliclibrary.ca/youngvoices.

For more info, or to register for the workshops, contact Ken Sparling 416-397-5970, ksparling@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow over 33 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:

media@torontopubliclibrary.ca