Toronto Public Library’s 2024 Budget Approved: Increasing Hours and Boosting Youth Services
Toronto Public Library (TPL) is pleased to announce the adoption of its 2024 budget by City Council, marking a significant step forward in broadening access to library services.
One of the key highlights of TPL’s 2024 budget is the enhanced funding for increased open hours and additional youth hubs across the city. These enhancements come at a critical time, helping to address the growing need for accessible and welcoming spaces in Toronto.
Additional Open Hours
More open hours mean more public access to our welcoming spaces and friendly and knowledgeable staff, increased digital inclusion opportunities, more children and youth supports, and reduced barriers to access for equity-deserving groups.
Beginning in July, Monday to Saturday hours will increase in eight branches: Black Creek, Burrows Hall, City Hall, Cliffcrest, Hillcrest, Humberwood, McGregor Park and St. James Town.
And starting in September, Sunday service will be added in eight additional branches: Beaches, City Hall, Danforth/Coxwell, Deer Park, High Park, Locke (when it re-opens post-renovation), Riverdale and Woodside Square.
Finally, the Osborne Collection of Early Children’s Books and the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy, both major collections with their own reading rooms at the Lillian H. Smith branch, will have additional open hours beginning in July to align with the current branch hours.
Since the TPL Board first approved the Open Hours Plan in 2006, TPL has achieved 85% of the plan, with more than 32,000 hours of service added. The 2024 increase will bring us to over 90% of the plan, and with 67 of TPL’s 100 library branches open on Sundays.
Youth Hubs Expansion
Equally pressing is the need for more welcoming spaces for Toronto youth. TPL will be adding youth hubs in September 2024 at Brentwood, Bridlewood and Maryvale, as well as the Toronto Reference Library.
Youth Hubs are welcoming drop-in spaces for teens ages 13-18, designed to support teens in their personal development. They are open after school and during the summer months and offer access to homework help, activities and programs, snacks and a broad range of current technology. Youth Hubs are located in branches in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas and those that serve them.
The comfortable setting and regular routine allow staff to get to know participants and build relationships, offering responsive programs and connecting teens with other relevant services. These may include library collections, programs, digital equipment and training, community events and services, and volunteer and employment opportunities.
Expanding Youth Hub service locations across the city allows TPL to offer greater geographic equity and reduce barriers to access, and also supports the City of Toronto’s Poverty Reduction Strategy.
Quotes
“Investing in our libraries is investing in Toronto’s future. With the adoption of the 2024 budget, Toronto Public Library is taking a leap forward in providing welcoming spaces and services to our community. Along with the entire Toronto Public Library Board, I am thrilled that we’re taking this important step to continue to realize our open hours plan and support the City of Toronto’s Poverty Reduction Strategy.”
- Alim Remtulla, Chair, Toronto Public Library Board
“This investment in the library will increase access to the services and supports that Toronto’s residents and communities rely on to build success, resilience and well-being. With increased open hours and more youth hubs, TPL is able to increase digital inclusion, strengthen children and youth supports, and reduce barriers to access for equity-deserving groups.”
- Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library
About Toronto Public Library
Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system, with more than 46 million annual visits to our branches and online. We empower Torontonians to thrive in the digital age and knowledge economy through easy access to technology, lifelong learning, and diverse cultural and leisure experiences, where, when and how our customers need us. To learn more, visit tpl.ca, email Answerline at answerline@tpl.ca or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to email updates.
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