June 2014 Board Meeting Highlights
The Toronto Public Library Board met on June 23 at the Toronto Reference Library. Key topics discussed include:
Toronto Public Library Foundation 2013 Annual Update
The Toronto Public Library Foundation presented its 2013 annual update. Since its inception in 1997, the Foundation has raised over $65 million in additional resources to enhance the Library’s core funding.
In 2013, the Foundation raised a total of $4.35 million in annual, endowed and capital funds. Funds are designated for collections, programs and services, and community spaces.
The Foundation secured funding for many of the Library’s priorities in 2013, including:
- Funding for artwork restoration at Bloor/Gladstone branch, as well as refurbishment of the Barbara Frum Library
- More than $1 million in funding for the TD Summer Reading Club, Word Out!, Ready for Reading outreach, special collections acquisition, Leading to Reading and Mobile Library Services
- Support for small business and financial skills programs, and funding for the new After School Newcomer Hubs
- Continued support for the Sun Life Museum & Arts Pass program and new support for the Thought Exchange programs
Toronto Music Library
In response to a Board request earlier this year, library staff reported on the feasibility of designating an existing branch or part of a branch the “Toronto Music Library”.
Toronto Public Library has a rich, central music library service in the Arts Department of the Toronto Reference Library. Across its 99 branches and online, the library is effectively responding to community needs for music services. An environmental scan describes the current music services, collections and programs offered at Toronto Public Library.
The Board agreed that music services continue to be centred at the Reference Library and that branch libraries continue to deliver music collections, services and programs.
There is an opportunity to raise public awareness of the extensive music service available at the Library, including the Toronto Reference Library, throughout the branch network across the city and online. The Board directed staff to develop and implement a plan to increase awareness, and to report on progress at an upcoming meeting.
Toronto Public Library is one of the world's busiest urban public library systems. Every year, 19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow 32 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit 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:
Ana-Maria Critchley, 416-393-7212, media@torontopubliclibrary.ca
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