Library Board approves plan for alternate services
TORONTO (Wednesday, May 30, 2012) – The Toronto Public Library Board met earlier this week at Toronto Reference Library. Highlights of that meeting include:
Fairview Branch to undergo renovation
The board approved a plan to provide alternate services at Fairview Branch as it will be closing for renovations in the summer of 2012 for approximately 12 months. This branch is a large and popular district library with a theatre, located near Fairview Mall and the Don Mills subway station. The goal of the alternate services plan for Fairview is to spread the impact of the closure by relocating some services, programs and collections. Theatre groups have been offered alternative space at York Woods theatre. Community residents will be provided with options to access collections and services, including a weekly bookmobile stop and expanded hours at neighbouring locations. Outreach and some programming will also continue off site and in neighbourhood branches.
Operating first quarter budget reports received
The board received a summary of operating expenditures of the library for the four months ending on April 30, 2012. A projected net operating surplus of $2.5 million for 2012 is primarily attributable to savings as a result of the library labour disruption in March 2012. The net savings from the labour disruption are still preliminary as the full impact on revenues will not be known until mid-year. The Library Board asked the City Librarian to report back on options for use of the budget surplus in 2012.
Nominal application fee for artists to display their work in branches
Toronto Public Library supports creativity and culture at the city and neighbourhood level by providing space for local community artists to display their work. The board voted to pilot a nominal exhibition fee of $20.00 per month for artists displaying their artwork in library branches. The pilot would run for one year, after which time the fee would be reviewed. Currently 18 branches regularly provide space for artists to display their work.
Improving accessibility of library website
The board passed a motion requesting that the City Librarian report back on translation and other accessibility tools available to increase the usage of the Toronto Public Library website to accommodate the many languages utilized by library patrons.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Library Board is scheduled for June 25, 2012 at 6:00 pm at Toronto Reference Library.
Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow over 33 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.
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Media Contact:
Anne Marie Aikins 416-393-7212