Library Announces Expansion of Program Increasing Access to Arts and Culture
Passes to cultural venues available free at all 99 Toronto Public Library branches
Toronto (Thursday, February 19, 2009) - Mayor David Miller and City Librarian Jane Pyper announced today the expansion of Toronto Public Library’s Sun Life Financial Museum + Arts Pass program. The program, which began as a limited pilot funded by Sun Life Financial in July of 2007, is now offering free passes to some of the city’s greatest arts and cultural institutions at all 99 library branches.
As of March 7th, the Sun Life Financial Museum + Arts Pass can be borrowed from any Toronto Public Library branch using a valid library card, much the way someone might borrow a book or DVD from the collection. The pass provides full admission to a family of up to two adults and five children (admission restrictions vary by venue) to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), the Gardiner Museum of Ceramics, the Bata Shoe Museum, Black Creek Pioneer Village, the Textile Museum of Canada, the Toronto Historic Museums and the Museum of Inuit Art.
Thirty-two library branches, including several in priority neighbourhoods in the downtown core, offer passes that provide access to the Royal Ontario Museum, the Ontario Science Centre and Casa Loma in addition to the venues listed above. Visit torontopubliclibrary.ca/museumpass for a complete list.
“I’m thrilled to be able to announce the expansion of this extraordinary program,” says Mayor David Miller. “Access to culture is crucial if we want Toronto to remain a vibrant, creative city that’s positioned to stay strong in the current economy. The Sun Life Financial Museum + Arts Pass program exemplifies the way strategic partnerships can improve the quality of life for all of Toronto’s diverse communities.”
“Toronto Public Library is committed to broadening opportunity for everyone. We’re thrilled that we are able to offer our users new ways to explore some of the best arts and culture that Toronto has to offer with their library cards, especially in these challenging economic times,” said Jane Pyper, Chief Librarian, Toronto Public Library. “We are grateful to all of our partners for their enthusiasm and commitment to this program.”
“Toronto is home to a wealth of cultural resources,” says Matthew Teitelbaum, the AGO’s Director and CEO, on behalf of all Sun Life Financial Museum + Arts Pass partners. “We firmly believe in making those resources accessible and welcoming to everybody in Toronto. This program is a key element of our commitment to bringing diverse communities and culture together.”
In addition to the significant contribution of the program’s partner venues, Sun Life Financial is continuing its generous sponsorship of the program, furthering its long-standing commitment to making the arts accessible to all.
“Sun Life Financial is pleased to continue its work with the Toronto Public Library and the many premier arts and cultural organizations that take part in this program,” said Donald A. Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, Sun Life Financial. “Through the library’s Sun Life Financial Museum + Arts Pass a wider audience is able to enjoy the rich experiences offered by participating organizations. We have been a long-time supporter of the arts, and the Museum + Arts Pass is an excellent match with Sun Life’s own Making the Arts More Accessible program.”
Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 16 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow more than 29 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.
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Sun Life Financial Museum + Arts Pass Program Participating Venues:
Art Gallery of Ontario
Bata Shoe Museum
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Casa Loma*
City of Toronto Historic Museums, including:
Colborne Lodge in High Park
Fort York National Historic Site
Gibson House Museum
Mackenzie House
Montgomery’s Inn
Scarborough Historical Museum
Spadina Museum
Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre
Gardiner Museum
Museum of Inuit Art
Ontario Science Centre*
Royal Ontario Museum*
Textile Museum of Canada
*Available in the following 32 Toronto Public Library branches:
Agincourt
Albert Campbell District
Albion
Barbara Frum
Bendale
Bridlewood
Cedarbrae**
Centennial
Dawes Road
Eatonville
Flemingdon Park
Humber Summit
Jane Sheppard
Kennedy Eglinton**
Lillian H. Smith
Malvern
Maria A. Shchuka
McGregor Park
Morningside
Mount Dennis
Parkdale
Parliament
Richview
S. Walter Stewart
Sanderson
St. James Town
Steeles
Thorncliffe**
Victoria Village
Weston
Woodview Park
York Woods
**Closed for renovation
Media Contact:
Edward Karek, Communications Officers (416) 397-5925 or 647-406-9671
media@torontopubliclibrary.ca