Below is my report for the May 2025 Toronto Public Library (TPL) Board meeting. This report covers items that are not part of the Board agenda package.
Spaces
Reopening Fairview branch
Last month, Fairview branch fully reopened to the public after completing its renovation and revitalization, transforming its spaces to reflect feedback from the community. The branch has been reimagined as a modern, inclusive space designed to meet the needs of all ages and abilities.
It features a new Digital Innovation Hub and Audio Visual Studio, study pods and additional meeting spaces, a Virtual Interview Room, expanded custom-built spaces for teens including a Youth Hub, and more. The renovation also improved public service areas, addressed overdue repairs, met our goals for inclusive and flexible design within our vision for library spaces, and brought the branch up to current AODA accessibility standards.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Fairview branch – a space built for learning, connection and community.
Reopening Thorncliffe branch
After a three-month renovation that focused on service, safety and overall user experience, Thorncliffe branch reopened on March 26. New flooring was installed throughout the library, and tall shelving units were replaced with lower shelves to improve visibility and accessibility. The customer service desk was also relocated to improve sightlines and access to staff work areas, enhancing safety and enabling staff to better assist customers. Additionally, the branch’s program room – which also houses the Youth Hub – received a much needed refresh that included 17 additional power outlets, new kitchen cabinetry and brand new shelving in the storage closet. Staff and customers were excited to return to the newly renovated branch.
Mayor Chow visits the Mount Dennis Youth Hub
Last month, Mayor Olivia Chow visited the teens working on a stained glass art project at the Mount Dennis Youth Hub. They were excited to meet and take selfies with the Mayor, who had a great rapport, and “Elbows Up” could be heard throughout the building. Councillor Frances Nunziata and the library’s district and youth services managers were also in attendance.
Collections
Joining Canada’s biggest book club
In April, TPL participated in One eRead Canada alongside hundreds of other libraries across the country. One eRead Canada is an annual digital book club initiative that encourages Canadians to read and discuss the same book during the month.
This year’s selection was Valid by Chris Bergeron, a dystopian autofiction set in Montreal in 2050, where a trans-woman mounts a revolution against an AI overlord. Digital copies of the book were available in English and French without waitlists or holds, allowing everyone in the country to participate simultaneously. Last month, Torontonians borrowed the book more than 1,400 times.
Staff expertise
Children’s services staff professional development day
On April 29, nearly 60 children’s services staff gathered for a day packed with inspiration, learning and connection. The day kicked off with an engaging keynote from author Natasha Deen, who shared how stories can spark imagination and foster belonging.
Staff participated in a variety of sessions such as, “Including Children of All Abilities at the Toronto Public Library,” presented by the Child Development Institute, and “Connecting Children to the Land Through Story and Experience,” led by Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study. Staff also explored hands-on coding with Play and Learn STEM Kits through a workshop led by the library’s work group.
The afternoon featured sessions on developing healthy technology habits, presented by The Dais, and the importance of social connections, led by GenWell. These sessions offered valuable tools to support children’s well-being in a digital world.
Sharing TPL’s work in intellectual freedom
On May 1, TPL staff presented at the IFLA Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression seminar held at York University Libraries. The one-day seminar featured panel and small group discussions that explored the complex challenges surrounding information integrity. It offered a collaborative opportunity to develop a common agenda for libraries and information organizations to foster a trustworthy and healthy information environment.
Staff were invited to share on a panel with the Centre for Free Expression, Canadian and International Federations of Libraries and York University about TPL’s leadership in intellectual freedom related to training, advocacy, policy and programming.
Programs
Building safer streets in Toronto
Civic Life is a TPL program stream that supports civic engagement through informed dialogue, community action and neighbourhood engagement. On April 12, North York Central Library hosted a panel of cycling and street safety advocates on building a safer, more inclusive Toronto, with discussions around how Torontonians can stay informed and get involved.
Albert Koehl, an author and environmental lawyer; Michael Longfield and Alison Stewart of Cycle Toronto; and Jess Spieker from Friends and Families for Safe Streets spoke about the need for system-level change to create safe spaces for everyone. They emphasized the importance of Vision Zero, a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.
Program participants engaged with Toronto's Vision Zero and street safety resources, and connected with the panelists, facilitators and other attendees in small group discussions. This interactive and topical program highlighted the value of shared dialogue as a tool for cultivating empathy, fostering connection and creating a strong sense of belonging in our diverse city.
Democracy in action
Canada’s federal election took place on April 28. In addition to hosting multiple polling stations across the city, TPL organized numerous activities and resources to encourage voter engagement and boost civic awareness.
With help from Elections Canada, TPL distributed nearly 8,000 Voter Information Guides across all branches to provide reliable, nonpartisan information about how, when and where to vote. Many branches also featured displays highlighting Elections Canada resources, staff-curated Celebrate Democracy booklists, and Vote Pop-Ups to demystify the voting process and engage both new and future voters. Customers of all ages participated in the “Why We Vote” poster activity in some branches by adding their personal reflections on sticky notes, sparking conversations across the political spectrum about what it means to engage in democracy.
In the weeks leading up to the election, staff hosted local discussion programs to champion civic engagement and raise awareness. This included afterschool and Youth Hub programs, as well as general information sessions on eligibility, election timelines, the importance of civic participation in a healthy democracy, and even the history of voting in Canada.
The power of this collective response has created opportunities for Torontonians to connect and reflect on why their voice matters. Through this work, the library continues to play a vital role in encouraging positive ongoing dialogue and creating spaces for social connection, civic engagement and democracy.
Technology
Celebrating 10 years of Pop-Up Learning Labs
This year, TPL celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Pop-Up Learning Labs (PULLs). Equipped with technology such as 3D printers, MacBook Pros with digital media software, and robotics and circuitry kits, PULLs have brought digital literacy education to communities, enriching programming and outreach efforts at neighborhood branches.
In 2024 alone, PULLs delivered 693 programs with 6,246 attendees and achieved a 95 per cent satisfaction rate. To further enhance PULL offerings, a new digital photography kit and LEGO robotics kits have been introduced, refreshing the range of available technology. These kits are currently being piloted in programs, and early feedback has been very positive.
Customers can participate in upcoming PULL programs at various TPL branches and explore the hands-on learning opportunities these updated resources provide.
Specialized services
Celebrating our volunteers
During National Volunteer Week, from April 27 to May 3, we celebrated and recognized our volunteers for their incredible contributions through a digital campaign. This year, National Volunteer Week’s theme was Volunteers Make Waves, which highlights how volunteer efforts combine to create momentum and positive influence in our community.
Volunteers are essential to the work we do at TPL, from helping children and adults improve their literacy to supporting the digital literacy skills of seniors. Last year, 1,589 volunteers contributed over 49,498 hours of service in support of library programs across the system. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers for helping us support Torontonians.
Learn more about our volunteer programs.