Community is welcomed back to its much loved branch 

TORONTO (Thursday, October 25, 2012) – Toronto Public Library is pleased to welcome the community back to its much loved Brentwood Branch on Friday, November 2, 2012.  Doors open at 4:00 p.m. and the community is invited to join library staff from 4:00 to 8:30 p.m. for entertainment and refreshments. 

The beautifully renovated and expanded library has been redesigned to create an accessible, welcoming environment with improved customer service and more access to technology and collections. 

“We’re so pleased to be opening our doors again to the Brentwood community, and thank everyone for their patience as we worked to renew and enhance this important public space,” said Library Board Chair Paul Ainslie. “We strive to make our branches welcoming, accessible and inspiring neighbourhood hubs, and I think the Brentwood Branch renovation has achieved these goals.”

Designed by Diamond + Schmitt Architects Inc., the renovated and expanded Brentwood Branch features many exciting enhancements:

• More accessible community space: Expanded public service and collection space from 13,615 to 17,500 square feet, an increase of almost 30% of which 8,500 square feet is original and 9,000 square feet is new. More quiet study space and a new meeting room with kitchen facilities. New elevator and fully accessible washrooms.
  
• Improved customer service: Express check-out and returns.
  
• More access to technology for research, learning, working and recreation: 33 public access computers (a 43% increase) and a new computer learning centre.
  
• Welcoming for everyone: urban living room, reading lounges, a new KidsStop (an interactive early literacy centre), separate and enclosed Teen Zone with large screen TV, outdoor reading and group study spaces.
  
• Sustainable: New energy efficient systems with maximized use of sunlight; expanded landscaping and additional trees. 
  
• Relevant: 19,000 new books, CDs, magazines and DVDs. Re-imagined architectural design of branch façade and interior reflects the gracious, elegant and inviting domestic architecture of the surrounding “Garden City” neighbourhood (originally planned and designed by developer and visionary Robert Home Smith.)

Media are invited for pre opening tours on Thursday, November 1 from 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Please contact Melanie Boatswain-Watson at 416-397-5936 to book a time.   

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library systems. 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. To get the most current updates on what's happening at the library, follow us on Twitter @torontolibrary.

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Media Contact:
Melanie Boatswain-Watson, Communications Officer, 416-397-5936  
media@torontopubliclibrary.ca