News release

December 6, 2002
$50-million, 5-year capital investment needed to meet public demands for library services

At the Budget Advisory Committee meeting today, City of Toronto Budget Chair David Shiner asked for a $50-million, 5-year capital funding plan in response to the pressures faced by the Toronto Public Library to maintain current level of services. In its 2003 budget presentation, the Toronto Public Library highlighted the substantial increase in the usage of all the services they provide to their communities since amalgamation.

In requesting the report, Budget Chair, Shiner stated that, "We recognize that libraries serve an important role in our communities. Council needs to commit to a long-term plan to maintain and refurbish our older branches, many of which are looking very tired. Our libraries must keep pace with public expectations and manage the huge growth in the use of their services."

Over 18 million visits were made to Toronto public libraries last year which is up by 15 per cent since amalgamation. Circulation of library materials is also up by seven per cent for a total of 17.5 per cent over the last 4 years and visits to the library web site increased by 796 per cent over the same period.

City Librarian, Josephine Bryant stated, "Demand is soaring. Our biggest challenge is maintaining current level of services. Even with the 24/7 availability of our Web services, walk-in visits have continued to increase. All these dramatic increases exert tremendous pressure on our buildings, our staff and our services."

Of the 98 existing branches, only 31 are less than 20 years old. Twelve of the branches are more than 80 years old. Only 40 branches have undergone any major renovation in the last ten years. Capital expenditures would be required bring electrical standards up to date for the use of computers, to improve heating systems, refurbish worn out furniture and to undertake basic building repairs.

Councillor Shiner indicated that capital improvements would serve to bring our library infrastructure in the City up to required standards. "We need to maintain our libraries as accessible, safe, relevant and environmentally-friendly places for all who use them on a daily basis," said Shiner.

Librarian Bryant agreed to submit a multi-year capital plan to the Budget Advisory Committee in January to be considered for the 2003 Budget.