Libraries are a place for the city's innovators, entrepreneurs and creators to come together to collaborate, explore, learn and create. Business incubators, maker spaces, collaborative work environments and quiet study spaces offer flexible, welcoming and animated public spaces in branches across the city. We have incorporated new technologies into library services to address the needs of mobile users. Toronto's diverse culture can be experienced and brought to life through our resources, services and programming. Partnerships with Toronto Arts Council, Canadian Opera Company and Toronto Symphony Orchestra have further increased the local accessibility of literary and cultural experiences in neighbourhoods across the city.
Key Achievements:
- We offered significantly more science programming under the popular Thought Exchange umbrella. In addition to Science Literacy week, the library took part in Science Rendezvous, a one-day cross-country annual science festival. We had well-attended astronomy programs in partnership with the Dunlap Institute at the University of Toronto. We also offered a roster of environmental science programs in spring and fall, supported by TD Friends of the Environment.
- Culture Days held in the last weekend of September, was a standout success, giving artists an opportunity to share their craft in branches across the city.
- Makers, tinkerers and hackers found a place to be creative at our two new Digital Innovation Hubs which opened at Fort York branch and Toronto Reference Library. Six Innovator in Residence and Innovator in Communities programs were offered as well and the Mini Maker Faire, which welcomed over 8,000 visits over two days.
- Writers could self-publish their very first novel, memoir or cookbook at Asquith Press, a book printing service which makes it possible for library customers to cost-effectively design and print bookstore-quality paperback books.
- Artists in the Library programs, delivered in partnership with the Toronto Arts Council, increased arts access in local communities outside of the downtown core, and created new work and collaborative opportunities for Toronto artists.
- Budding artists could spend time with artist Patricia Storms, who was our Illustrator in Residence for the year. Patricia led fun and interesting workshops for all ages.
- The Appel Salon brought cultural icons including Lena Dunham, Naomi Klein and David Mirvish to diverse and enthusiastic library audiences.