Toronto (Monday, January 4, 2010) Toronto Public Library is pleased to announce that all branches are now equipped with free wireless internet access to meet demand from customers coming to the library with personal wireless devices. Customers may connect in any library branch with their laptop, smartphone or any other electronic device that supports the technology.

“Wireless internet connectivity benefits everyone, from students who meet and collaborate on assignments, to newcomers and job seekers who can connect to valuable information, to emerging entrepreneurs looking for small business solutions,” said City Librarian Jane Pyper. “Offering free wireless service at our branches brings us one step closer to achieving our goal of expanding access to technology for all.”

Other ways Toronto Public Library is broadening access to technology and online services include:

• New and improved website coming in 2010 (more user-friendly and searchable)
• Rapidly growing collection of downloadable e-content such as eBooks, eAudiobooks, eVideos and music titles
• Continued focus on online databases that connect users to current and archived content from a wide variety of newspapers and magazines, as well as research databases such as the complete Shakespeare collection and Oxford English Dictionary
• Reaching out to more people through online communities and popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter
• Offering more computer and internet training programs that are hands-on and free

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 16 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow almost 30 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.

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Media Contact:

Michelle Chau

416-397-5936

[email protected]