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TORONTO (June 28, 2013) – The Toronto Public Library Board met on June
24 at the Toronto Reference Library. Key topics discussed include:

Toronto Public Library Foundation- 2012
Annual Update

The
Foundation presented its annual update to the Board. In its summary of 2012
achievements, the Foundation highlighted that it secured $5 million in total funding
commitments last year for 26 of 39 Library-identified funding
priorities. 2012 was a successful year, characterized by several
accomplishments including:

–
Increased baseline corporate support by 26% to $1.38 million

–
Expanded base of Literary Circle supporters by 16%

–
Secured 4-year major gift commitment in support of Young Voices magazine and conference

–
Launched New Collection membership program
to engage the next generation of donors

Looking
ahead, the Foundation has aligned its goals with the Library’s 2012-2015 strategic plan and is focused on
significantly building its capacity and fundraising efforts on behalf of
Toronto Public Library.

2014 – 2023 Capital Budget and Plan

The
Toronto Public Library Board approved the 2014 – 2023 capital budget and
plan
submission, which meets City debt targets and requests funding of $13.2 million
debt ($24.9 million gross) in 2014 and $154.5 million debt ($241.8 million
gross) over 2014-2023.

The 2014 capital budget will fund many
Toronto Public Library initiatives, including: the completion of a new branch
(Fort York) and advanced construction of another new branch (Scarborough Civic
Centre), the completion of the Toronto Reference Library renovation of public
spaces, and the start of renovation for Albion branch. 

Requests for Reconsideration of Library
Materials – 2012 Annual Report

The
Board received a report that gives an
overview of the process for dealing with requests for the reconsideration of
materials in the Library’s collection and provides a summary of complaints received in 2012. 

The
Library provides a process for members of the public to identify concerns about
books and other material in the Library’s collections. These customer complaints
are dealt with in the context of the Materials Selection
Policy
and the principles of intellectual freedom.

In
2012, there were complaints about four titles. Three titles were retained and one
was withdrawn from the Library’s collection after going through the review
process. The volume of complaints received is very low relative to the
population served. This reflects the public’s appreciation of the breadth of
Library collections and its understanding of the Library’s responsibility to offer
access to all expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity.

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Media contact:

Ana-Maria Critchley, 416-393-7212, media@torontopubliclibrary.ca