Community Librarians
Providing Library services in non-traditional spaces
A TPL Community Librarian (CL) provides Library services outside the library—they bring the library to you! In addition to basic services like making library cards, helping with program registration and helping people find and navigate TPL's digital resources, CLs can tailor their services to the community itself. Currently, TPL has CLs embedded in Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation (TSHC) buildings.
Background
Through deep outreach into communities, TPL's Community Librarians provide vital connections to those who are most vulnerable and isolated in Toronto. Community Librarians develop relationships of trust and provide much needed support at the point of need. Current Community Librarian placements support Toronto's Senior Strategy 2.0 (PDF) and the Toronto Poverty Reduction Strategy (PDF).
Support
We are grateful to the many donors who have supported the work of Community Librarians in the broader community to meet people at their point of need. Special thanks to the following for their generosity:
- The Newcomers Community Librarian is generously supported by the Azrieli Foundation, and Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener.
- Toronto Public Library and the Reimagining Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) for 21st Century Cities project is generously supported by grant funding from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Impact
Community Librarian placements make a meaningful difference to Torontonians, addressing the unique needs of the communities they serve.
Seniors Digital Literacy (SDL) is now a core program, fully operational within TPL. SDL Community Librarians fulfil recommendation 4 from the Toronto Seniors Strategy 2.0: “TPL will support social connectedness by expanding digital literacy programs for seniors in libraries… In addition, TPL will work with Toronto Community Housing to bring library programs for seniors into Toronto Community Housing seniors-designated buildings.”
SDL CLs offer digital literacy education and support through group programming, one-on-one appointments and more.
Newcomers Community Librarians provide direct customer support to newcomers at their point of need, extending the reach of the library into the community and focusing on developing strong relationships with community agencies and residents who may otherwise not use or be aware of library spaces or access services. This helps newcomers integrate in their new home.
Placing a Community Librarian within newcomer agencies aims to provide a wide range of supports, including card registrations, information services, relevant program and service delivery and the development of digital literacy skills. The Community Librarian will supplement existing services provided by the newcomer agencies and aim to fill relevant service gaps.
Contact
For Media Requests, please send details about your request including deadline to media@tpl.ca