Burrows Hall staff preparing to welcome customers on the first day of expanded open hours.
In 2024, Toronto Public Library (TPL) remained committed and adaptable, achieving notable growth and innovation amid recovery efforts following a cybersecurity incident in Q4 of 2023 that impacted physical circulation, public computing, and in-person and electronic visits into early 2024. Access to printing, computer workstations and other services was gradually restored beginning in February.
Despite these setbacks, TPL celebrated major milestones—we broke ground for our 101st branch, expanded library hours at 14 locations across the city, launched an initiative providing free period products in all TPL washrooms and more. Branches saw a strong recovery in Q2, with significant growth in branch visits, a heightened focus on in-person programming, and steady use of Wi-Fi and computer workstations.
Over the course of the year, we conducted extensive research and engaged thousands of Torontonians and staff through surveys, idea exchanges, consultation forums, focus groups and interviews to understand how to better support the city and to shape TPL’s new 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. As Toronto continues to grow and change, TPL is evolving with purpose, building on its progress to strengthen communities, expand opportunity and help residents adapt, connect and thrive for years to come.
Thank you to our customers, staff, partners, donors and volunteers for their unwavering support and dedication, guiding us through another successful year and helping advance our shared vision for the future.
Significant trends include*:
- In-branch visits increased 7.4%.
- Active members increased 8.6%.
- Number of in-person programs offered increased 14.6%.
- Number of in-person and virtual programs offered increased 13.5%, and total attendance and views rose by 4.4%.
- Physical circulation declined 8.5%, impacted by the cybersecurity incident and planned closures of larger branches.
- Electronic circulation increased 34.2%, as access to electronic resources was maintained during the cybersecurity incident.
- In-branch computer session hours increased 15%.
- Bookings for Digital Innovation Hub services (computer, Audio Visual Studio and 3D printer) increased 15.7%.
* When compared to 2023 statistics.
More information on TPL's 2024 public service statistics, trends and comparisons (PDF)
Key 2024 achievements
Below are some key achievements which advanced our strategic plan priorities:
Opening up our public space
Groundbreaking ceremony for the Centennial branch redevelopment.
- Expanded open hours at 14 branches, advancing the TPL Board’s open hours plan. Sunday and Monday service, along with extended morning and evening hours were added, and branches that expanded their hours saw a 44% increase in visits. With demand for library services continuing to rise, the expansion of operating hours ensures that the library remains accessible when people need it most. By July 2026, all 100 branches will offer year-round, seven-day a week service thanks to Mayor Chow and the City’s commitment to expanding access to public library branches across the city.
- Broke ground on Centennial branch and Etobicoke Civic Centre. The Centennial branch redevelopment will more than double the library’s size to 15,000 square feet and be TPL’s first net-zero library project. The Etobicoke Civic Centre development will include TPL’s 101st branch, spanning approximately 27,000 square feet and featuring a Digital Innovation Hub, Youth Hub and KidsStop.
- Received the 2024 Design Excellence Award from the Ontario Association of Architects for the Albert Campbell District project. The branch reopened in 2022 after a major renovation and expansion in collaboration with LGA Architectural Partners Ltd. Winning projects were carefully evaluated based on criteria including creativity, context, sustainability, good design/good business and legacy.
- Launched free period products in all TPL public washrooms to address period inequity and create more welcoming and inclusive spaces in the city. More than 300 period product dispensers were installed—one in every washroom across the library system.
- Expanded TPL’s After School Club program to 39 locations, allowing more children to engage in weekly club activities that promote exploration, core STEM skills development and collaboration, and enjoy healthy snacks through the Feeding Young Minds Initiative. Special thanks to Lead Donor, the Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation, and Supporting Donors, Phil Cowperthwaite and Sue Hunter, The Bennett Family Foundation, Adrian and Ange Rocca, J.P. Bickell Foundation, and Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener.
- Hosted 37 astronomer-led programs and distributed 41,000 free eclipse glasses in partnership with the University of Toronto’s Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, ahead of the rare and historic April 8 eclipse. Programs and eclipse glasses were available across the city, helping customers understand the science behind eclipses and how to view them safely.
Broadening Toronto's digital access and inclusion
Seniors’ Digital Literacy graduates celebrating with Community Librarian Elizabeth Sallese (centre)
- Established the Seniors’ Digital Literacy initiative as a permanent service following its successful pilot from June 2022 to April 2024. TPL’s Community Librarians deliver services at Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation buildings to improve technology access and digital literacy among seniors. During the pilot, Community Librarians delivered 500 programs with 4,020 participants, 98 outreach events reaching 2,113 people, and 540 Book-a-Librarian sessions.
- Hosted a digital storytelling Innovator in Residence program led by award-winning Canadian filmmaker Liz Whitmere. In October and November, Liz delivered 24 programs and workshops related to digital storytelling and 30 one-on-one consultations, engaging more than 500 customers. The residency kicked off with a panel discussion featuring TVO producers and hosts.
- Launched “...and Found,” a collaborative video project and community-driven artifact produced by Liz Whitmere as part of their digital storytelling residency. Featuring heartwarming stories from staff and customers, the project showcases meaningful discoveries at TPL—both tangible and intangible—that highlight the library’s impact on social connection and its community.
- Hosted a Digital Expo spotlighting misinformation and disinformation, themed “Championing Truth in the Digital Era,” kicking off Digital Inclusion Week. More than 130 customers gathered for panel discussions and an interactive marketplace of exhibitors. Digital Inclusion Week featured TPL’s largest lineup to date—over 90 in-person and online programs for all ages—covering a variety of digital topics to promote digital literacy and inclusion, from privacy and content creation to misinformation and AI.
- Delivered nine workshops on digital literacy and privacy with TELUS Wise in the last quarter of 2024, reaching more than 260 participants. Workshops were available for all ages, covering topics including social media safety, cyberbullying, managing screen time and maintaining a clean digital footprint.
Building pathways for workforce development
Job seekers connecting with organizations at the Autism Employment Resource Day event held at the North York Central Library.
- Hosted Autism Employment Resource Day at the North York Central Library, offering employment resources for autistic job seekers. More than 100 participants heard from empowering autistic speakers and connected with representatives from organizations offering employment supports, services and opportunities for autistic people. The event was designed to be sensory-friendly and featured a room with sensory-regulation aids, supported by the Retreat project.
- Delivered 110 small business programs in collaboration with organizations such as WoodGreen Employment Services and Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre (TSBEC). Throughout the year, more than 2,200 small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs attended one-on-one consultations with TSBEC advisors and programs on tax basics, conducting market research and building a business.
- Hosted an Arts Mentor in Residence program led by award-winning freelance illustrator Kathryn Adams. In August and September, Kathryn facilitated ten workshops for aspiring artists at Gerrard/Ashdale branch. Kathryn also shared her expertise through 39 free one-on-one consultations where she reviewed arts-based business ideas, artist statements and portfolios.
- Launched a new Virtual Interview Room at Bridlewood branch, bringing the total number of locations to four. Virtual Interview Rooms provide job seekers in the community with access to a quiet, welcoming space equipped with everything they need to participate in virtual job interviews and related meetings.
Providing the vital ingredients for a democratic society
Speakers Anita Li and Katie Drummond on stage in the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library for “Inside Wired and the Future of Digital News,” an event featured as part of TPL’s lineup exploring what’s at stake when intellectual freedom is threatened.
- Launched the second season of What’s At Stake, TPL’s award-winning program series that explores what’s at stake when intellectual freedom is threatened. The programs encourage critical conversations through dynamic events, civil forums and interactive installations. Engaged audiences attended programs featuring leading authorities and thinkers, including Canadian journalist Lisa Laflamme, former White House Antitrust Advisor and Columbia Law School Professor Tim Wu, and Academy Award winning documentary filmmaker Daniel Roher. More than 2,500 customers attended 19 programs in TPL’s On Civil Society series, of which the What’s at Stake series was a part.
- Renamed the former Jane/Dundas branch to Daniel G. Hill branch as part of the City of Toronto’s larger Dundas Street renaming project. Daniel G. Hill is the first TPL branch named after a Black Torontonian and its renaming celebrates the enduring legacy of Dr. Daniel G. Hill and his pioneering contributions to human rights in Ontario.
- Consulted more than 5,000 public stakeholders, including residents and community partners, to gather valuable insights on how TPL can best support Torontonians and their communities through the library’s new Strategic Plan. TPL’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan was a collective effort over a year-long process that involved extensive research, surveys, idea exchanges, consultation forums, focus groups and interviews.
- Created and delivered 106 activity kits for children in Kyiv through a partnership with T.G. Shevchenko Central Library, with support from Mayor Olivia Chow’s office. Students in Grades 3–5 designed the kits at an event at the North York Central Library to encourage innovation, foster empathy and create shared connections.
Investing in staff and an innovative service culture
A Strategic Plan staff consultation forum held at the Toronto Reference Library.
- Hosted six Strategic Plan staff consultation forums to gather ideas and input from library staff to help shape TPL’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. More than 400 staff across TPL attended the forums, which were both interactive and collaborative. Additional opportunities for staff to provide their input were available throughout the year.
- Revitalized staff spaces at Taylor Memorial, Long Branch, Port Union, Danforth/Coxwell, Parliament Street and Deer Park branches. Break rooms were modernized with new kitchens, lounge seating, lockers, carpets and lighting, creating more comfortable and uplifting spaces for staff to recharge, connect and collaborate.
- Hosted TPL’s Innovation Symposium, spotlighting the future of libraries. Nearly 300 attendees from around the world participated in the virtual event. It included a panel on library challenges and opportunities, featuring senior library leaders from Boston and Seattle public libraries, the British Library and the National Library Board of Singapore. Lightning talks also offered glimpses into innovative initiatives across the globe.
- Received the 2024 Top Innovator award in the Library Operations and Management category from the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), recognizing TPL’s cybersecurity response and business continuity efforts. The award is a testament to the efforts of everyone at TPL who worked diligently during the challenging period.