Toronto (Tuesday, January 7, 2014) – Toronto Public Library is thrilled to welcome the community back to Fairview Branch on Friday January 10, 2014 at 1 p.m. Everyone is invited to join library staff 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. The Fairview Library Theatre underwent a renovation and opened earlier in September 2013.   

“Prior to the renovation, Fairview Branch was one of our busiest branches, and we expect it will be even busier now since the community will be able to enjoy many improvements including a revitalized main entrance, new lounge and reading spaces, and a new theatre entrance and lobby,” said Paul Ainslie, Chair of the Toronto Public Library Board.  “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back.”

Designed by Makrimichalos Cugini Architects, the renovated Fairview Branch features many exciting enhancements:

• Inviting redesign: A redesign of the existing 14,805 square feet on the first and second floor and expansion of the entrance by 2,672 square feet. A partial renovation on third floor features a new art exhibit space.
• Welcoming for everyone: Improved lounge and casual reading spaces, a new teen zone, new study space.
• Improved customer service: Express check‑out and check‑in to help the library provide more efficient and personalized customer service.
• More accessible community space: Improved programming and community meeting space including multi-use rooms with accessible washrooms and kitchenettes.
• Renewed interiors: Replacement of flooring, furniture and equipment, as well as enhanced spaces to more easily browse for books and other library materials in the new areas.
• Revitalized streetscape: A more dynamic and prominent street presence, revitalized main entrance with high visibility into the library, and enhanced exterior landscaping.
• Library outdoors:  Enhanced outdoor reading space.
• Enhance theatre operations: A new theatre entrance and lobby; enclosed box office and refreshment counter; dedicated backstage space for performers and crew including a rehearsal area and green room; improvements to aisle lighting; additional washrooms, new hearing assist system, aisle handrails, new curtains and carpet.
• More to come: A new KidsStop, an interactive early literacy centre, to open later in Spring 2014.   Further enhancements are planned for the second and third floors.

“The community has strongly supported Fairview Branch over the years, and we are very happy to invite them back to their beautifully renovated branch this Friday,” said Jane Pyper, City Librarian.

Media are invited for pre-opening tours. Please contact Melanie Boatswain-Watson at 416-397-5971 to book a time.   

Toronto Public Library is one of the world's busiest urban public library systems. Every year, 19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow 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:

Melanie Boatswain-Watson, Communications Officer, 416-397-5971

Media@torontopubliclibrary.ca