Learn about the TPL Foundation
Libraries matter, now more than ever
The Toronto Public Library Foundation is a fundraising organization that enhances the Toronto Public Library’s aspirations to be a world’s leading library, making us all more resilient, knowledgeable, connected and successful.
Since 1997, the TPL Foundation’s role and priorities are:
-
Innovate
We inspire donors to invest in early-stage initiatives with great potential to shape the library’s impact in the areas of community literacy and access to opportunities for equity-deserving communities. -
Accelerate
We galvanize donor to champion signature programs, collections, and spaces that have the potential to enhance TPL’s leadership role in the sector and that amplify TPL’s impact throughout our city, neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood. -
Advocate
We promote the value of TPL and libraries locally, nationally, and internationally, demonstrating the vast importance of libraries as cornerstones of democracy, civil life, and intellectual freedom.
Why Toronto Public Library
Everything is not equal.
Not all residents in our city have equal access to economic, educational, health, cultural, and social opportunities that are critical to success. Access to these resources and opportunities often depends on where you live, how much you earn, and who you are, creating dramatic divides in our city and a success gap that has an impact on us all.
Toronto Public Library is the busiest public library system in the world and our 100 branches represent a safe, welcoming and low-barrier point of access for everyone in our city. TPL is committed to leveling the playing field for all Torontonians, focusing on vulnerable populations of all ages, including newcomers, Indigenous peoples, racialized and LGBTQ+ communities, and low-income residents.
There are many worthy social service charities in Toronto, so why are we different?
Because 70% of Torontonians trust us and rely on us. No other public institution has the mandate and reach, physical and technical infrastructure, talent and community presence to empower Torontonians the way TPL does.
Making a difference
The TPL Foundation is committed to our city and community, working to reflect and represent the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of all Torontonians. We believe that equal access to information, resources and opportunities will make us all more resilient, more knowledgeable, more connected and more successful.
Everything we do is guided by our core values of relationships, inclusivity and transformation
Our Values
-
Relationships
We don’t do this alone. A shared vision for our city and improving the lives of others is what builds deep and meaningful relationships, helping us all build a better world.
-
Transformation
We go big and dream bigger. We want nothing less than to reimagine our city, and understand that lasting and transformational change can only happen with the support of our Library community.
-
Inclusivity
We’re all in this together. Everyone belongs at TPL and we work in, with and for our communities to make sure that all voices and perspectives have the power to realize change.