Toronto Public Library Board - May 29, 2000 Meeting Highlights
Released June 1, 2000
Toronto Public Library one of busiest systems in North America
According to the Annual Performance Measures & Branch Cost Comparisons 1999 report, Toronto Public Library, with an annual circulation of 25,226,649 serving a population of 2,385,421, is one of the busiest library systems in North America.
Sunday is definitely the busiest day per hour, attracting 168 visitors per open hour in 1999.
Library activity during 1999 saw an enormous increase in the use of electronic services: 13.6% increase in database searches and 89.4 % increase in the number of Web pages viewed.
Users paid 16 million visits to Toronto's library branches, attended 17,000 programs, borrowed 175,000 items via the Bookmobile services, and used 225,000 items delivered to home library service customers, in 1999. For every one use of materials in the library, just over two items were borrowed for use outside.
Over 1.4 million people - approximately 60% of Toronto's population - have library cards.
Creating the Future - Treasuring the Past
The public consultation process for the Library's draft Strategic Plan, conducted this spring, included focus groups, public meetings, website posting, and distribution of the plan and comment forms in all library branches. The response has been generally very favourable, with many customers offering suggestions which will be incorporated into the library's planning efforts. Work continues on the plan which is expected to be finalized by the fall.
2000 Operating Budget adopted
The Library's 2000 Operating Budget, approved by City Council on April 26, was adopted. The 2000 Operating Budget reflects a gross budget of $110.208 million, revenues of $12.103 million and a net funding level of $98.105 million. By comparison, the Library's gross budget in 1999 was $109.805 million. The increase, coupled with other operating adjustments, will allow the Library to further expand Sunday service and its children's reading programs.
Maryvale and Northern Elms: leases renewed
Maryvale Neighbourhood Branch has had its lease extended for another two years. Also approved was a three-year lease renewal for Northern Elms Neighbourhood Branch.
Land adjacent to Maria Shchuka District Library may provide affordable housing
Approximately 950 square metres of land, currently part of the Maria Shchuka District Library site, is surplus to Library needs, and following the planned (2000/2001) demolition and reconstruction of the branch, may be used to provide affordable housing.
The City of Toronto has already targeted the site for the "Let's Build" program. By declaring the land surplus, the Board is clearing the way for the city to establish the property as suitable for housing.
Canadian Children's Book Centre moves to the library
The Library has agreed to a five-year lease with the Canadian Children's Book Centre that will see the organization relocate to the lower level of Northern District Branch, 40 Orchard View Blvd, by September 2000. The Canadian Children's Book Centre supports publishers, acts as a catalyst for growth of the children's publishing industry in Canada, offers programs, and has a unique collection used by educators, students, librarians and members of the public. It organizes an annual Children's Book Week in November.
Next Board Meetings:
Wednesday, July 26, 2000, 6 p.m. (Tentative - please call 393-7215 to confirm.)
Monday, September 25, 2000, 6 p.m.