Below is the City Librarian’s report for the October 2025 Toronto Public Library (TPL) Board meeting. This report covers items that are not part of the Board agenda package.
Spaces
Locke branch reopens after renovation
On Saturday, September 20, Locke branch welcomed the community back with an official opening event following an 18-month closure for renovation. A ribbon-cutting ceremony started the day, with remarks from local councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, Acting Branch Operations and Customer Experience Director Heather Mathis and Jason Smirnis, lead architect at Building Arts.
The branch has been beautifully refreshed with new flooring, shelving and furniture, while preserving the original built-in wall shelving. New windows reflect the heritage style and offer improved thermal performance, and upgraded washrooms and a stunning new entrance meet accessibility standards. The renovations also include a KidsStop early literacy centre in the Children’s area, themed “My Town,” with many neighbourhood-specific touches like a mini fire station, bike repair shop and bakery. The redesigned Teen Area now offers welcoming spaces to study and collaborate.
The branch was bustling, and Locke staff provided a fun-filled day of programming, including a robotics showcase, e-resources presentation, button making, branch tours and a scavenger hunt. Many thanks to everyone who worked so hard on preparing the branch for re-opening.
Junction Triangle branch officially opens
Two weeks later, the new Junction Triangle branch—formerly known as Perth/Dupont—celebrated its official grand opening on October 7, marking the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community members, special guests and dignitaries. The event featured remarks from City Librarian Moe Hosseini-Ara, TPL Board Chair Alim Remtulla, local councillor Alejandra Bravo and Jason Smirnis, lead architect at Building Arts.
The new branch opened its doors on August 20, welcoming community members for the first time at its new location. Residents gathered in anticipation before the opening, their enthusiasm palpable as they explored the vibrant, reimagined space.
The renewed Junction Triangle branch is designed to serve all ages with an inclusive, accessible layout on a single level. Expanded spaces support children, teens and adults with additional study and seating areas, and a larger accessible program room for events and activities. A standout feature is the dynamic, train-themed KidsStop early literacy centre, brought to life with working crossing signals generously donated by Metrolinx—fan idea inspired by a local community member.
The Junction Triangle branch renovation was done in partnership with TAS Developments and shaped by strong community advocacy, demonstrating Toronto Public Library’s ongoing commitment to responsive and innovative public spaces. Since opening, staff have received enthusiastic feedback from customers, many expressing their excitement about having a modern, welcoming TPL branch that strengthens and reflects the heart of the Junction Triangle neighbourhood.
2025/2026 After School Clubs
This year, the After School Club program expanded to 44 locations, providing more children with access to healthy snacks every week and unique learning experiences that encourage exploration, core STEM skills development and collaboration. In addition to varied shelf-stable snacks, 16 locations also offer fruits and vegetables. These fresh options are more nutritious and promote healthy eating habits.
Another exciting enhancement is the introduction of sensory kits, now available at all club locations. The kits support neurodivergent children with sensory needs, creating a more inclusive environment where all children can fully participate. Items include fidget toys, weighted blankets, stuffed animals, noise-cancelling headphones and more.
The response to the sensory kits has been fantastic. In one program, a child explored every single tool in the kit, while others were drawn especially to the fidgets. Staff agree that having these tools available for everyone breaks down any stigma associated with the need for sensory processing supports.
We are grateful to Lead Donor, the Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation, for their visionary support of After School Clubs and establishing snacks as an important component of this program; and Supporting Donors, The Bennett Family Foundation, Chanchalani Foundation, Phil Cowperthwaite and Sue Hunter, and Adrian and Ange Rocca, for their commitment to this program.
TPL at York University’s festival for students
On September 16, TPL staff attended YorkFest, an annual event for students at York University's Keele Campus. Staff promoted the library’s services and collections, including research databases, streaming platforms and study spaces in branches.
The response was overwhelming. Students were excited to learn that they could get a free library card, and 160 registered for cards on the spot. Staff from the Collection Development Department and North York Central Library attended the event, making this a wonderful example of collaboration between departments.
Toronto Reference Library windows replacement project
The Toronto Reference Library (TRL) windows replacement project is progressing well and is on track to finish as scheduled in Q4 2026. The project will replace the majority of the exterior windows at TRL and repair various sections of the exterior brick and mortar. In addition to improving the State of Good Repair of the building, the new windows will also have substantial environmental benefits, including producing heating and cooling savings, and significantly reducing bird strikes by converting to the Toronto Green Standard bird-friendly fritted glass.
Ongoing updates about the project are available on the Branch Renovation webpage on TPL’s website.
Maria A. Shchuka branch welcomes new Digital Innovation Hub
This month, Maria A. Shchuka branch opened a new Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) , providing customers at all skill levels access to innovative tools and technology to bring their ideas to life.
Open during branch hours, the DIH is equipped with 3D printers and bookable computers featuring specialized design software. Knowledgeable staff guide customers on the use of equipment, and provide instruction on 3D printing, photo editing, coding and more. Customers borrow Raspberry Pi and Audio Recording Tech Kits to continue learning and experimenting from home. The Maria A. Shchuka community has eagerly welcomed this service and the branch team has expressed how they look forward to providing the community with the skills they need to adapt and thrive in today’s digital world.
Renovated branches thriving one year later
One year after reopening, the renovated and expanded Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ and Bridlewood branches are thriving. Both branches have seen significant increases in visits and circulation, as community members embrace the new spaces, expanded collections and enhanced services.
Bridlewood has quickly become the third busiest branch in the city this year. It is surpassed only by Toronto Reference Library and North York Central Library. It features a popular virtual interview room and busy Youth Hub, highlighting how responsive design meets real community needs. Data shows that branch visits increased by 62% and circulation of materials rose by 27% when compared to the same period the year before the renovation.
At Ethennonnhawahstihnen’, the branch continues to grow as a cultural and learning hub. The branch's welcoming atmosphere, dedicated program room and popular study pods have deepened its connection with local residents. Data shows that foot traffic increased by over 300% barely a year after opening to the public and checkout of materials rose by 23%.
These successes are clear proof: when the library builds inclusive, innovative and community-driven branches, customers will come.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. It is a time to honour those who attended Indian Residential Schools, and to engage in meaningful learning around Truth and Reconciliation. TPL plays an important role in the Reconciliation process by helping to facilitate public education and awareness.
In September, TPL provided many opportunities for public learning, including hosting 17 branch programs, creating branch book displays, and promoting the annual Reading for Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day booklists on TPL’s Indigenous Initiatives website. In addition, TPL attended the Toronto Council Fire Indigenous Legacy Gathering at Nathan Philips Square on September 29 and 30, promoting the many Indigenous initiatives available at the library. Staff welcomed over 400 visitors to TPL’s outreach booth and signed up more than 45 new library members.
TPL also supported staff awareness and understanding through training opportunities and learning resources, such as a Truth and Reconciliation virtual presentation and a virtual tour of the former Mohawk Institute in Brantford, Ontario with the Woodland Cultural Centre.
Staff expertise
TPL cohosts the International Federation of Library Association MetLib Conference
The 2025 International Federation of Library Association’s annual MetLib conference was cohosted by TPL from October 5-8. Over 150 attendees from 12 countries and three continents gathered at the Toronto Reference Library to explore and learn about the ways that libraries can create capacity and develop solutions for building social connections and increasing civic engagement in their communities.
Conference attendees heard compelling keynote addresses from organizations and institutions leading much of this work, including Toronto’s own Bentway, Genwell, Social Institute for Prescribing, and the Democratic Engagement Exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University. Leaders from Edmonton, New York and Toronto Public Library also shared innovative work that is underway at their libraries to help address social isolation in their communities. The afternoons were filled with small group learning sessions with Canadian and international speakers sharing local best practices and resources. And the conference closed with the Toronto film premiere of The Librarians, followed by a panel discussion.
Attendees also had the opportunity to tour TPL branches, and explore some of Toronto’s popular attractions.
Engaging staff at the 2025 Digital Literacy, Innovation & Technology Conference
On September 18, 2025, TPL hosted its second annual Digital Literacy, Innovation & Technology (DLIT) Conference for staff. Dr. Jutta Treviranus, Founder and Director of the Inclusive Design Research Centre and Professor at the Faculty of Design, OCAD University, inspired the audience with an impactful keynote presentation on the public library’s role in navigating the opportunities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The full-day event, attended by more than 60 library staff, featured a panel discussion on AI initiatives, which include the rollout of TPL’s AI Policy and AI Upskilling programming. Networking opportunities, lively table discussions, and poster presentations on local branch-developed digital literacy initiatives rounded out the day. One participant commented, “I just wanted to tell you how incredible I thought DLIT was… the morning keynote and discussion made for one of the best conferences I've ever attended.”
The next Digital Literacy, Innovation and Technology conference will take place in September 2026.
BibiloCon’25: The Future of the Online Public Library Experience
On October 8 and 9, BiblioCommons hosted the BiblioCon’25 conference, where public library staff shared insights, discovered new trends and connected with industry experts on digital strategies for online library experiences.
Several TPL staff members attended the sessions with the opportunity to learn and explore how libraries can harness technological advancements to create more engaging, user-friendly and accessible online experiences. Attendees also connected with peers who are shaping the future of library technology.
The keynote speech, The Future of the Online Public Library Experience, was delivered by Steve Till-Rogers, Director, Digital Strategy & CIO of TPL.
Additional sessions delivered by TPL staff included: A New Era of eReading and eAudio Access by Matt Abbott (Senior Manager, Collection Development) and Bringing Intellectual Freedom and the Book Sanctuary to Life Online and In Person by Matt Abbott and Mike Warner (Digital Content Lead, Collection Development).
Programs
TPL at the Word on the Street Festival
During the last weekend of September, TPL participated in the annual national celebration of literacy and Canadian writing at the Word on the Street Festival in Toronto. The beautiful weather attracted many visitors, including Mayor Olivia Chow. Our staff engaged with nearly 5,000 visitors, registered and welcomed 267 new members, renewed 68 library memberships and loaned over 200 items from the TPL Bookmobile. Festival participants also had the opportunity to attend two daily story times, learn about TPL’s programs and services, explore the Bookmobile and win TPL-branded prizes.
TPL also produced two fun and lively panel discussions for the City of Toronto Fireside Stage: “Making Love in Toronto,” a conversation with local romance authors Rebecca Fisseha and Jackie Lau about writing love stories set in Toronto that resonate with readers around the world; and “Third Act Breakaway,” which featured authors Jenny Holiday and Rebecca Reid sharing their heart-melting hockey romance novels. Mayor Chow took the stage following the first panel and shared some remarks about the important role that libraries play in our communities.
Thank you to everyone who supported this event, helping to make it another successful and memorable experience.
Toronto Book Awards
On the evening of October 15, the six shortlisted authors for the 2025 Toronto Book Awards joined over 200 attendees to celebrate reading and writing in Toronto at Toronto Reference Library, and to congratulate this year’s winner, Maggie Helwig, for her book Encampment: Resistance, Grace and an Unhoused Community, published by Coach House Books.
The other shortlisted titles for the 2025 Toronto Book Awards include All the Parts We Exile by Roza Nozari, Other Worlds by André Alexis, The Knowing by Tanya Talaga, The Migrant Rain Falls in Reverse by Vinh Nguyen and Unlike The Rest by Chika Stacy Oriuwa. These titles and reading lists can be found on TPL’s Toronto Book Awards webpage and more details about the awards and the winners are in the City of Toronto’s news release.
The City of Toronto and Toronto Public Library proudly honour the power of storytelling and the significance of literature through the annual Toronto Book Awards. Since 1974, the awards have recognized works that embody the spirit of Toronto, reflect its diversity, and offer deeper insight into life in the city.
Technology
Celebrating free WiFi across more than 250 locations
On October 6, TPL joined Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik and City of Toronto staff at a press conference to mark Digital Inclusion Week by celebrating a major milestone for ConnectTO, the City’s strategy to close the digital divide: free, City-provided public WiFi available at more than 250 locations across Toronto. Since its launch in 2021, ConnectTO has helped bridge the digital divide by delivering free WiFi to a wide range of locations including community recreation centres, arenas, civic buildings and public squares. City Librarian Moe Hosseini-Ara spoke about the WiFi available at all 100 library branches and illustrated its impact by highlighting stories of job seekers, students, residents with family abroad and teens for whom free WiFi is a lifeline. In 2024, TPL provided almost six million WiFi sessions, representing an average of over 16,000 WiFi uses per day.
Specialized Services
Investing in social connection for seniors
On National Seniors' Day on October 1, the Toronto Public Library Foundation (TPLF) announced a transformative gift which will increase social connection and belonging for seniors across the city. With this investment, Toronto Public Library (TPL) will establish a new initiative to reduce social isolation and loneliness among seniors, expanding program access across TPL branches and reaching deep into Toronto communities to create opportunities for older residents to connect, learn and grow.
The project is made possible by a $7 million investment from The Waltons Trust, marking the largest gift ever received by the TPLF and the biggest ever made to a public library in Canada.