Toronto (Thursday, February 28, 2013) – Toronto Public Library is thrilled to
welcome the community back to its much loved Mount Dennis Branch on Monday,
March 11 at 12 noon. The community is invited to join library staff at that
time for family entertainment and refreshments. The library has been
redesigned to create an accessible, welcoming environment with improved
customer service and more access to technology and collections. It also
features improved space for meetings and programs to respond to the
neighbourhood’s growing need for community space.
“Libraries
play an integral role in their communities, offering people access to
information, knowledge and resources that give everyone an equal chance to
succeed. A library that is designed to respond to the needs of the people it
serves has the power to change lives, which is why it’s
always such a thrill to welcome a community back to an improved branch,” said
Paul Ainslie, Chair of the Toronto Public Library Board.
Designed
by G. Bruce Stratton Architects, the renovated Mount Dennis branch features
many exciting enhancements:
-
Inviting redesign: Complete redesign of the 11,350 square foot
interior space with convenient express check out, a new layout of collections
and equipment, programming space and staff work areas. -
Access to new
materials:
Over 6,000 new books, CDs, magazines and DVDs -
Welcoming for everyone: Improved lounge and casual reading
space, a new KidsStop (an interactive early literacy centre), a new teen zone,
new study space, an art lounge, increased number of computers and a new laptop
lending service. -
More accessible community space: Improved programming
and community meeting space including two multi-use rooms with kitchenettes and
accessible washrooms. -
Renewed interiors: Replacement of flooring, furniture and
equipment, as well as enhanced spaces to more easily browse for books and other
library materials. -
Revitalized streetscape: A more
dynamic and prominent street presence, revitalized main entrance with high
visibility into the library, and enhanced exterior landscaping. -
Library outdoors:
Addition of a new outdoor reading garden.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the Mount Dennis
community back to their library. The neighbourhood has strongly supported this
library over the years, so we are very happy to invite them to this beautifully
renovated branch that has been designed with their needs in mind,” said Jane
Pyper, City Librarian.
Media are invited
for pre-opening tours on opening day (Monday, March 11, 2013) from 9 a.m. – 11:30
a.m. Please contact Edward Karek at 416-397-5925 to book a time.
Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public
library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit our branches in
neighbourhoods across the city and borrow over 32 million items. To learn more
about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or
call Answerline at 416-393-7131. To get the most current updates on what's
happening at the library, follow us on Twitter @torontolibrary.
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Media Contact:
Edward Karek, Communications Officer, 416-397-5925