Toronto Public Library
Factlet (16) let you know that the Canadian dollar was worth about 61 cents in 2002, so it still has a ways to fall. This one provides some astonishing numbers about the TPL, which I assume are true. Those who never visit a library will likely be surprised by the numbers who do, either physically or virtually.
About TPL
"Toronto Public Library is the biggest and busiest public library system in North America, with more than 46 million annual visits to our branches and online. We empower Torontonians to thrive in the digital age and knowledge economy through easy access to technology, lifelong learning, and diverse cultural and leisure experiences, where, when and how our customers need us.
Key Facts and Statistics
TPL has 100 branches and two bookmobiles that serve neighbourhoods across the city; we also provide 24/7 access to collections and services through tpl.ca. Our collections include 10.5 million items, such as books, CDs, DVDs and eBooks, with 40 languages represented.
According to a public survey conducted in 2019, 68% of Torontonians use their library, and in 2023:
There were more than 46 million visits to TPL – 12.5 million visits to our branches and 33.5 million visits to TPL online platforms.
There were more than six million wireless sessions in library branches and almost 1.9 million public computer workstation sessions.
Nearly 700,000 participants attended over 33,000 in-person library programs, and we offered over 1,000 online programs with total views and attendance of more than 45,000.
Library materials were borrowed 25 million times.
252,000 people registered for a library card."
If you wonder what people are reading see: "Toronto Public Library Reveals the Most Read Books of 2024."
For Ottawa see: "Ottawa Public Library Reveals Its Most Popular Books in 2024."
For Vancouver, a different list: "Britney Spears and 'romantasy': The Vancouver Public Library's most-borrowed books of 2024: Self-help essays and a book on Indigenous botany topped the adult category; fantasy dominated the teen section," CBC News, Dec. 24, 2024.
The picture above relates to the Carnegie Libraries. The Carnegie Corporation continues to contribute to the library cause: "Carnegie Returns to Its Roots With Millions in Grants to Public Libraries," Alex Daniels, Carnegie Org News, Sept. 20, 2024.
"Carnegie Corporation of New York will devote $4 million to three of the city’s [New York] public libraries in a set of grants that mark the philanthropy’s return to its roots."
"Carnegie Corporation of New York will devote $4 million to three of the city’s [New York] public libraries in a set of grants that mark the philanthropy’s return to its roots."
