City Librarian Vickery Bowles announces retirement The Toronto Public Library (TPL) Board announced today that City Librarian Vickery Bowles has decided to retire mid-year 2025. Bowles has been City Librarian since 2015, and a member of TPL’s executive team since 1998. The TPL Board is appointing a Selection Committee to begin the process of hiring […]
Community members using public computers in the spacious, light-filled Albion branch. Photo credit: doublespace photography Toronto Public Library (TPL) is seeing a significant increase in the number of Torontonians using library services. A recent Forum Research Inc. survey reveals that 81% accessed services in the past year, a 13% increase from 2019. Among these users, […]
Two iconic Toronto organizations, the Toronto Public Library (TPL) and the CN Tower, have joined together to enrich the cultural experiences of Torontonians. The library’s tpl:map program welcomes the addition of the CN Tower, offering free admission using a valid adult library card, similar to how someone might borrow a book from the Library’s collection […]
Toronto Public Library (TPL) is pleased to announce the adoption of its 2024 budget by City Council, marking a significant step forward in broadening access to library services. One of the key highlights of TPL’s 2024 budget is the enhanced funding for increased open hours and additional youth hubs across the city. These enhancements come […]
Toronto Public Library and seven local settlement agencies are celebrating Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP) Week from October 10-21, 2023. This year’s LSP Week theme, “Build Connections,” recognizes the need to rebuild personal connections following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities. This celebration coincides with Ontario Public Library Week (October 16-20) and builds on […]
In response to the surge of intellectual freedom challenges across North America, Toronto Public Library (TPL) is introducing a year-long series of programs, exhibits and installations that will engage Torontonians in some of the most critical conversations of our time. The new series explores what’s at stake when voices are silenced, civil discourse erodes and […]
Toronto Public Library (TPL) is thrilled to announce the completion of the extensive renovation of its York Woods branch. Situated in the heart of the Jane and Finch community, the newly revamped York Woods branch stands as a stunning district library, exemplifying a large, modern and multi-purpose urban public library and beautiful public infrastructure for the community. […]
Toronto Public Library and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO are pleased to announce that the Anderson Ruffin Abbott archive has been added to the Canada Memory of the World Register. UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme intends to showcase the most significant elements of the world’s documentary heritage. Anderson Ruffin Abbott (1837-1913) was the first […]
During Freedom to Read Week, Toronto Public Library (TPL) is highlighting the increase of intellectual freedom challenges across North America and reaffirming the important role public libraries play in protecting this freedom. Today TPL is joining the Book Sanctuary movement, started by Chicago Public Library, recommitting the library to protect and defend Torontonians’ rights to […]
A recent media report has suggested that the youth hub at Malvern branch has been closed since 2020. In fact, the youth hub at that location has been open, other than a period during the pandemic when all library branches were closed. When the youth hub reopened following the pandemic closure, it was relocated into […]