Annual Report 2022
The newly renovated Wychwood branch.
In 2022, Toronto Public Library (TPL) emerged stronger, more adaptable and as committed as ever to serving our diverse city.
In response to the growing needs of the city, TPL launched a number of new initiatives. We expanded our digital and in-person offerings, built more pathways for growth, further engaged with our communities and created safe spaces for dialogue. We also reached major milestones, including the elimination of fines as well as the re-opening of Wychwood and Albert Campbell branches.
Earlier in the year, branches remained partially closed, and many Torontonians continued to face the effects of the pandemic. Amidst staffing challenges, the majority of in-person library services were reinstated and running at full capacity by mid-June.
None of our accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering support of our customers, the dedication of our library staff and the commitment of our partners. Additionally, we are immensely grateful for the support of community organizations, donors and volunteers whose contributions played a vital role in sustaining our mission.
Significant trends include*:
- In-branch visits increased 137%, despite the closure of 44 branches in the first three months of the year.
- Physical circulation increased 20%.
- Library membership registrations increased 63%.
- In-branch computer use increased 226%.
- Use of wireless Internet increased 61%.
- Digital literacy program attendance increased 54%.
* When compared to 2021 statistics.
In addition to these trends, in-person programming was reinstated in April 2022 and by the end of year, 17,516 in-person programs were run, attended by 286,216 customers.
More information on TPL's 2022 public service statistics, trends and comparisons (PDF)
Key 2022 achievements
Below are some key achievements which advanced our strategic plan priorities:
Opening up our public space
TPL staff wave goodbye to library fines.
- Permanently eliminated late fines for everyone, removing a significant barrier to library access. Late fines have a disproportionate impact on racialized and low-income communities in Toronto. With this announcement, TPL joined hundreds of library systems across North America in the growing movement of eliminating overdue fines. The Toronto Public Library Foundation raised $300,000 from generous donors to help fund the elimination of fines.
- Reopened Wychwood branch following a significant expansion and renovation. The branch more than doubled in size from 6,400 square feet to 17,000 square feet and provides the community with a modern library while celebrating and honoring its stunning historical features.
- Reopened Albert Campbell branch after a significant three-year renovation. The renovation expanded public spaces and included a native plant-filled front garden, a 3D printer, recording studio and more.
- Reopened Maryvale branch after relocating to a more accessible location within the Parkway Mall, nearly doubling its size at 11,746 square feet. The renovated branch features an enlarged program room, study spaces, a dedicated teen zone and a vibrant interactive early literacy KidsStop area.
- Launched a Digital Piano Lab at North York Central Library, providing users with digital pianos and music-related programming, further expanding access to technology and digital literacy. The Digital Piano Lab was generously supported by the Holdbest Foundation.
- Introduced the Ontario Parks Pass program in partnership with Ontario Parks, providing borrowable vehicle permits for day-use access to over 100 provincial parks.
- Virtually visited school classrooms on Ontario First Nations reserves, registering students for TPL digital memberships which provide access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, research databases and eLearning resources. This initiative was part of TPL's Indigenous Strategies response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action.
- Hosted 45 COVID-19 vaccine clinics at various TPL branches during the Vax And Read campaign, to enhance accessibility and convenience for residents.
Broadening Toronto's digital access and inclusion
TPL partnered with several community agencies through the City of Toronto's Social Development, Finance & Administration and Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to provide Internet Connectivity Kits to Toronto residents.
- Provided Internet Connectivity Kits to 94 individuals and families, offering laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots to vulnerable residents in urgent need of Internet access. This initiative was generously supported by the Toronto Public Library Foundation.
- Delivered computer classes and Book-a-Librarian appointments to seniors at Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation locations to help boost seniors' digital literacy. The City of Toronto approved permanent funding for Community Librarians providing these services, and seniors' digital literacy initiatives received generous support from various donors.
- Hosted over 40 sessions on navigating MyAccesstoHousingTO at select TPL branches in collaboration with the City of Toronto's Access to Housing team. Participants received hands-on and practical guidance on navigating MyAccesstoHousingTO and maintaining their Rent-Geared-to-Income eligibility.
- Introduced new technology available to borrow at Digital Innovation Hubs, including carbon dioxide (CO2) monitors, Raspberry Pi and audio recording kits.
- Celebrated Digital Inclusion Week (October 3 to 7) with 35 in-person programs and eight online programs that were attended by nearly 350 participants. Programs highlighted topics such as digital content creation and interactive digital art, digital privacy and safety, using Microsoft Office and more.
- Hosted Artificial Intelligence workshops with STEAMlabs at 11 TPL branches, where children learned concepts around AI, neural networks, vision AI and natural language processing. These programs were generously supported by Bank of America.
- Launched two Innovator in Residence programs focused on Artificial Intelligence and Music Theory & Technology.
- Hosted “Decoding the Bias” with MIT Libraries, a well-attended online panel discussion addressing the need for an inclusive AI system and presenting biases in data sets and algorithms. The panel featured esteemed experts and was part of TPL's ongoing "Eye on AI" series, promoting discussions about AI technologies and their impacts.
Building pathways for workforce development
The Entrepreneurs Suite at North York Central Library.
- Introduced the Entrepreneurs Suite at North York Central Library, a free dedicated co-working space where entrepreneurs can work and build connections. The Suite offers programs and resources to help entrepreneurs start and grow their ventures.
- Launched a new session of the Career Coaches in Residence program, offering free one-on-one career counseling and job search help for younger adults, ages 18-29. As part of the Career Coaches in Residence service, TPL launched the Networking and Mentorship Series, providing programs, workshops and panels for young and early career adults. The series, attended by over 180 participants, was powered by RBC.
- Provided support to vulnerable families at Toronto Community Housing buildings, identifying pathways to recovery post-pandemic. TPL's Community Librarian offered valuable connections and assistance to residents, improving digital literacy and access with personalized services. The Toronto Community Housing Community Librarian is generously supported by an Anonymous Donor.
- Updated the Let's Learn Tech Online platform to include additional courses on Skills for All (SFA), a mobile-friendly eLearning platform under Cisco Networking Academy. SFA offers flexible and accessible options for learners seeking reskilling and new career paths, with courses on cybersecurity, JavaScript essentials and more.
- Hosted the Arts Mentor in Residence program at Barbara Frum branch with Su-Ying Lee, a curator specializing in arts-based careers for equity-seeking groups. The eight-week residency featured online programs with artists and offered free one-on-one consultations.
Providing the vital ingredients for a democratic society
Voting booth for children at S. Walter Stewart branch.
- Launched Celebrate Democracy and the Know Your Vote T.O. website in partnership with MASS LBP to promote civic engagement and informed voting. Various library programs and initiatives provided unbiased information and opportunities for discussion. Kids Can Vote, part of the Celebrate Democracy series, engaged children in the electoral process, allowing them to vote for fictional mayoral candidates. Celebrate Democracy is funded through generous donations to the Toronto Public Library Foundation.
- Expanded the Complimentary PRESTO Card Initiative, in partnership with the Toronto Transit Commission and City of Toronto. In 2022, TPL distributed 49,003 complimentary PRESTO cards to customers through local community agencies and 56 library branches. TPL also was identified as a pickup location for participants of the Fair Pass Transit Discount Program, reducing barriers to accessing PRESTO cards.
- Provided equitable access to free menstrual products during a six-month pilot service at Malvern and Sanderson branches, in partnership with The Period Purse.
- Welcomed Ripley's Aquarium of Canada to the Museum + Arts Pass (MAP) program, allowing Toronto families to borrow free passes to the attraction.
- Launched the Financial Empowerment initiative in partnership with WoodGreen, NYCH, and Prosper Canada, assisting low-income Torontonians with financial-related topics.
- Hosted UnJudge Aging, a human library research project proposed by the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, aimed to reduce ageism through sharing experiences about growing older. The project was supported by a New Horizons for Seniors grant, and organized in collaboration with the Institute for Life Course and Aging (ILCA) and the City of Toronto.
- Delivered more than 40 On Civil Society programs, attended by over 6500 customers. The On Civil Society program series featured conversations about critical topics such as democracy and climate, hosted by authors, activists and academics. The series is generously supported in part by Chris M. Reid.
Investing in staff and an innovative service culture
A community librarian providing outreach services at a community health centre.
- Launched the 'Creating Accessible Digital Documents' training program to help staff gain a better understanding of how to create accessible digital documents for staff and customers with disabilities.
- Launched My Visit to Toronto Public Library: A Social Story for Everyone, a picture book designed to help children with disabilities or who are Deaf prepare for a visit to the library. Available in multiple accessible formats, it aims to familiarize children with the library experience. This initiative was a winning submission to the 2019 City Librarian's Innovation Challenge, submitted by staff from the Accessibility Services for Children Work Group.
- Launched the Incident Report Management System (IRMS) and provided staff with comprehensive training on its use through a blended learning approach, combining eLearning modules and live demonstrations. The IRMS is a new online system that helps libraries manage their incidents more efficiently.
- Provided workshops to supervisors, emphasizing their crucial role in activating a learning culture within the organization. These workshops, delivered by the Learning & Development Steering Committee, prepared supervisors to support the rollout of learning culture activities to the entire organization.
- Introduced innovative learning and development processes, tools and offerings. New features were added to learn:tpl, TPL's staff learning management system, to promote learning opportunities. Staff initiatives such as the Learning Culture Toolkit and the “Today I learned (TIL)” Yammer group were also implemented to promote continuous learning and knowledge-sharing.