Total usage increases over 14% from 2008-2011
TORONTO (Tuesday, May 1, 2012) – The Toronto Public Library Board met last evening at Toronto Reference Library. Highlights of that meeting include:
Total Library Usage Increases over 14% from 2008-2011
The Library Board received a summary report from staff on the achievements of the organization’s 2008 - 2011 strategic plan and requested that copies of the report be sent to the City of Toronto’s standing committee on Community Development and Recreation as well as to all city councillors for their information. Significant achievements highlighted in the report include:
- expanded development of literacy programs for preschool children, youth and adults;
- improved access to the library’s virtual services through a new website and the expansion of wireless service to all branches;
- new and expanded cultural programs, including the Keep Toronto Reading Festival and One Book Community Reads program;
- launch of the Bram and Bluma Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library;
- increased attendance at library programs, including Ready for Reading storytimes for pre-schoolers (13.5%); youth programs (50.9%); and programs for seniors (71.3%);
- increases in total library usage (up 14.4% from 2008-2011) reflecting the Library's strategic goal of increasing participation in library services and programs among residents of all ages and backgrounds.
The full report can be read here https://tpl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/164/2014/09/12.pdf, opens a new window
The Board also received Toronto Public Library’s 2011 annual performance measures, with an analysis of five-year and year-over-year trends in library usage. The 2010 comparative results – benchmarked against North American, Canadian and Ontario public library systems – show that Toronto’s library continues to be one of the world’s busiest public library systems, efficiently delivering a wide range of services and programs that address community needs.
The 2011 annual results show increases in library usage in most measures, with circulation, visits, program attendance, workstation and wireless usage all increasing.
The full report can be read here https://tpl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/164/2014/09/13.pdf, opens a new window
Toronto Public Library Committed to Free Public Internet Access
Toronto Library Board chair Paul Ainslie has delivered a letter to the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry urging the Government of Canada to reconsider its recent decision to terminate its Community Access Program (CAP) for 2012. Through its funding to Canadian libraries, the early years of the CAP program was instrumental in extending public Internet access to communities across the country, and in more recent years has helped sustain public Internet access. Toronto Public Library currently receives $44,200 annually in funding from CAP for public Internet access in 17 branches. The elimination of funding will remove this revenue source in 2013. However, despite the loss of funding, the Toronto Public Library remains committed to continuing public access to the Internet in all branches as it is an important and highly valued service to customers.
Councillor Ainslie’s letter can be read here: https://tpl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/164/2014/09/10_1.pdf, opens a new window
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Library Board is scheduled for May 28, 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