December 1, 1999

To: Budget Advisory Committee

From: City Librarian

Subject: Toronto Public Library Branch Planning Study

Purpose:

To provide the Budget Advisory Committee with maps of the district libraries, additional information concerning the Library's current inventory of libraries, and a copy of the Toronto Public Library's branch planning study "Reinvesting in our Future."

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications arising from the adoption of this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Background:

At its meeting on November 16, 1999, the Budget Advisory Committee requested additional information on the Toronto Public Library's branches, including a copy of the branch planning study, additional information concerning district libraries, and an inventory of all libraries.

Comments:

In response to the request for additional information, enclosed as appendices are the following:

Attachment 1: District Library Maps:

Three maps of the district libraries and the research and reference libraries are included as Attachment 1. Map 1 - "District Libraries and Wards" highlights the location of the district libraries and research and reference libraries with a 2.5 km. service radius drawn around the branches. Map 2 - "District Libraries and Population Density" provides a visual depiction of the district and research and reference locations in relation to population densities by census tract across the city. Map 3 - "District Libraries and Children's Priority Areas" provides a visual depiction of the location of district libraries and research and reference libraries in relation to the children's priority areas identified in the report "Social Indicators and Priority Areas" (Urban Planning and Development Services, July 1999).

Attachment 2: Toronto Public Library Branch Inventory:

The table in Attachment 2 provides an inventory of each branch including 1998 usage statistics, the branch size and catchment population as requested by the Committee.

Attachment 3: Reinvesting in Our Future: Toronto Public Library Branch Planning Study:

Attachment 3 is a complete copy of the Toronto Public Library's branch planning study. The report, recommending a ten-year plan with three phases, was submitted to the Toronto Public Library Board at its meeting on September 21, 1999. If all phases of the plan outlined in the study were implemented, the overall branch infrastructure would be reduced by approximately ten percent (ie. from 98 branches to between 89-91 branches, depending on future development). However, the report also recommends a significant capital investment in branches to address service deficiencies at both the district and neighbourhood branches in order to realize an effective branch network which provides attractive and vital branch service to the citizens of Toronto.

The Toronto Public Library Board has received the report, but has not adopted its recommendations, and has directed staff to proceed with community consultations. Community consultations for branches affected by Phase I of the report are proceeding, and the results of the consultations will be provided to the Board early in 2000. A copy of the full report has been sent to all Councillors.

Attachment 4: Proposed Changes to Libraries by Electoral Wards:

A summary of the proposed branch changes by ward is also included as Attachment 4.

Conclusions:

The attached documents provide additional information on the Toronto Public Library's branch structure and future branch planning.

Contact:

Jane Pyper, Director, Service Planning and Support, Tel: 395-5602, Fax: 395-5542, E-mail: jpyper@tpl.toronto.on.ca

City Librarian

List of Attachments:

District Libraries Maps - (3) Attachment 1

Toronto Public Library - Branch Inventory - Attachment 2

Reinvesting in Our Future - Attachment 3

Proposed Changes to Libraries by Electoral Wards - Attachment 4