Making the most of one of Toronto's greatest public services

On Monday 9 Jan, our city's budget committee proposed to slash seven million dollars from the Toronto Public Library (TPL). This was one of the more controversial proposals reversed last Tuesday, preserving 3.9 million of the TPL's budget. From the very beginning of the discussions, the proposed cuts to the TPL attracted public attention and anger. While this may have been partially due to a now infamous Twitter battle between members of Toronto's literary elite and particular city councilors, it was clear during last year's 20-hour city council meeting that Toronto's libraries hold a special place in our hearts.

For many citizens, libraries are not just a place to acquire knowledge and inspiration; they are the nexus of our civic life. They are the place where we can gather to interact with our fellow citizens, as well as access much-needed services for free. One only has to look at a single branch in our library system to be overwhelmed by the multitude of services that are provided by the TPL. In fact, the Toronto Reference Library, located just north of Yonge and Bloor and an integral part of the TPL system, is the perfect example.

The Toronto Public Library network started out as a humble Mechanic's Institute Library in the City of York in 1830. More than 50 years later, a free public library by-law was passed by Torontonians, and the TPL officially opened on 6th March 1884.  Soon after, a new central library dedicated to reference - the Public Reference Library - and three branch libraries were opened in 1909. However, it wasn't until 1977 that the current Toronto Reference Library (designed by Raymond Moriyama) opened its doors. Currently, The Toronto Reference Library is passing another milestone, having almost completed a $34 million renovation that began five years ago. Some of the renovation projects include: a new gallery space, a 12-screen Global-Connect Wall that will display headlines from across the globe, and a Special Collections rotunda where the library's special collections will finally be housed together. There will also be 15 new study pods, 140 new work-stations with internet access, and 40 interactive audio visual learning stations for ESL learners and music students.

However, even before these new renovations, the Toronto Reference Library was a provider of special services. Pick up a "What's On" booklet at any public library and discover the range of offerings from the Reference Library and all other branches around the city. Below is a selection of the services and programs that might interest students looking to explore a different library and get away from the familiarity of Robarts or E. J. Pratt - clearly, the TPL offers a lot more than book-lending. A trip to the Toronto Reference Library can satisfy the desire for intellectual inspiration, a relaxed space to work, or even just an adventure away from the familiarity of campus.

Now is definitely the time for Toronto's citizens to acquaint themselves with the Toronto Public Library system, so we can understand just what a treasure the library is to our city. It was a travesty for city council to propose such large cuts to this fundamental public service— though it seems that, for now, such a travesty has been avoided.

The TD Gallery

The TD Gallery on the main floor showcases a series of art exhibits curated from the TPL's vast collection of artwork. Although currently closed for renovations, past exhibits can be accessed on the TPL website.

Before closure, the TD Gallery was showcasing an exhibition called "A Passion For History" with rare books, maps and prints donated by the family of James Bain, the TPL Chief Librarian from 1884-1908.

The Baldwin Special Collections Room

^{The history of Canada in one room                                                                                        PHOTO: TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY}

The Baldwin Room on the fourth floor is host to the Toronto Reference Library's Special Collections, a collection of a wealth of materials and information relating to topics such as genealogy, maps, postcards, and art. The room is named for Robert Baldwin, a 19th century politician who established the first responsible government in pre-Confederation Canada. Other materials such as rare books, periodicals, historical pamphlets, manuscripts, and newspapers can also be accessed through this room. A library card and identification may be required to access rare materials.