Impact - Toronto Public Library Foundation

Libraries lift up communities

TPL is impacting our city and changing lives in many meaningful ways. Thank you to everyone who donates – your generosity is making a difference.

“I’ve been retired now for 34 years, and I come to the Library every day to read the newspaper. I love the staff and I love the Library”

My branch is Cedarbrae.

My late wife and I bought a house five blocks from this branch when it first opened. We raised our family in this neighbourhood, and I have been coming here ever since. I am 91 years old and the Library really is my second home. I know all the staff here, and they know me! – Tommy

“It seems so mundane when you grow up with TPL, but as an adult, I recognize how remarkable our library system is. I don’t ever take for granted.”

My branch is Highland Creek.

Years ago I went through a rough patch of depression and financial instability, and at the time, I was so grateful for Highland Creek. Knowing that I had a right to be in this space, to borrow books, to use a computer and stay for as long as I liked (all for FREE!) was mind blowing. TPL helped me when I really needed it. – Manal

“Without TPL’s foundational classes and access to the Digital Innovation Hub, I don’t think I would be blessed with these amazing experiences.”

My branch is Agincourt.

It was Greg and Hamid, staff at Agincourt, that got me learning about technology and really lit the fire in me. Their guidance laid the groundwork that high school just didn‘t. Thanks to their mentorship, I was inspired to start my own digital media company and podcast. – Kevin

“I feel at peace knowing that whenever we’re at the Library, my kids feel a sense of belonging. In a world that can be pretty exclusionary, that means everything to us.”

My branch is St. Lawrence.

My family and I visit the St. Lawrence branch almost every week. We can spend hours at the library, finding new books in the children’s section or chatting with one of the friendly library staff. It’s usually quite peaceful, and the perfect place for my kids to unwind and relax after school. – Ahmed Family

Let us know why you love Toronto Public Library!

We always enjoy hearing from library users, so please get in touch.

I want to share my TPL story

Free technology offers vital connections during the pandemic

What are Internet Connectivity Kits? These kits provide individuals and families (like Jennifer and her sons) with a free laptop, Wi-Fi hotspot and data plan so they can stay engaged and connected. We’re proud to share that 793 kits have been distributed to vulnerable residents across Toronto. Thank you to a lead Anonymous Donor, Google Canada, Moez & Marissa Kassam Foundation, and other donors who made this initiative possible.

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TPL program is helping young adults to be job-ready.

What is the Career Coaching in Residence Program? It offers remote career counselling and workshops to younger adults as they navigate the current labour market. Youth unemployment is at an all time high in Toronto, so the program connects those experiencing barriers to employment to resources at the Library, and beyond. More than 900 participants have benefitted since 2020. The program is supported by the RBC Foundation.

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TPL volunteer Sudipta is changing lives

Leading to Reading is a donor-supported program that assists children who are struggling with reading.

Available for free to children in grades 1-6 who are reading below their grade level, or need help with homework, kids are matched with an adult or teen volunteer who turns reading and learning into a fun experience.

Mayor Tory announces elimination of fines for kids

Partnership between donors and City of Toronto helps eliminate children’s library fines

For some, library fines are nothing more than a minor inconvenience, but for others the burden can drive them away from the library for good, preventing them from taking out library materials or using branch computers. Our thanks to the Haynes-Connell Foundation, Friends of Toronto Public Library, South Chapter, and other donors who supported this effort.

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Visit the Toronto Reference Library and explore extraordinary public spaces made possible by donors

The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room

Jack Rabinovitch founded the Giller Prize, an award that recognizes excellence in Canadian fiction. With Jack’s passing in 2017, his family donated his literature collection to TPL. The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room was made possible thanks to the generosity of exceptional donors.

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The Marilyn & Charles Baillie Special Collections Centre

Completed in 2014 thanks to the support of Marilyn & Charles Baillie, the Metcalf Family in honour of Justice Robert F. Reid, Cliff & Doris Goldfarb, and the Friends of the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection.

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The Bram and Bluma Appel Salon

In 2009, a generous gift from the Bluma Appel Community Trust in support of the Toronto Public Library Foundation’s re:vitalize – Toronto Reference Library Campaign enabled the creation of this cultural programming and event space.

Appel Salon schedule

TPL is making an impact on our city