Toronto (Thursday, February 28, 2013) – Toronto Public Library is thrilled to welcome the community back to its much loved Mount Dennis Branch on Monday, March 11 at 12 noon. The community is invited to join library staff at that time for family entertainment and refreshments. The library has been redesigned to create an accessible, welcoming environment with improved customer service and more access to technology and collections. It also features improved space for meetings and programs to respond to the neighbourhood’s growing need for community space.

“Libraries play an integral role in their communities, offering people access to information, knowledge and resources that give everyone an equal chance to succeed. A library that is designed to respond to the needs of the people it serves has the power to change lives, which is why it’s always such a thrill to welcome a community back to an improved branch,” said Paul Ainslie, Chair of the Toronto Public Library Board.

Designed by G. Bruce Stratton Architects, the renovated Mount Dennis branch features many exciting enhancements:

• Inviting redesign: Complete redesign of the 11,350 square foot interior space with convenient express check out, a new layout of collections and equipment, programming space and staff work areas.
• Access to new materials: Over 6,000 new books, CDs, magazines and DVDs
• Welcoming for everyone: Improved lounge and casual reading space, a new KidsStop (an interactive early literacy centre), a new teen zone, new study space, an art lounge, increased number of computers and a new laptop lending service.
• More accessible community space: Improved programming and community meeting space including two multi-use rooms with kitchenettes and accessible washrooms.
• Renewed interiors: Replacement of flooring, furniture and equipment, as well as enhanced spaces to more easily browse for books and other library materials.
• Revitalized streetscape: A more dynamic and prominent street presence, revitalized main entrance with high visibility into the library, and enhanced exterior landscaping.
• Library outdoors:  Addition of a new outdoor reading garden.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the Mount Dennis community back to their library. The neighbourhood has strongly supported this library over the years, so we are very happy to invite them to this beautifully renovated branch that has been designed with their needs in mind,” said Jane Pyper, City Librarian.

Media are invited for pre-opening tours on opening day (Monday, March 11, 2013) from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Please contact Edward Karek at 416-397-5925 to book a time.   

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 over 32 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131. To get the most current updates on what's happening at the library, follow us on Twitter @torontolibrary.

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Media Contact:

Edward Karek, Communications Officer, 416-397-5925  

[email protected]