MARCH 27, 2008

ONTARIO HELPS EXPAND TORONTO REFERENCE LIBRARY
McGuinty Government Supports Lifelong Learning

TORONTO — Ontario is providing $10 million to help expand the Toronto Reference Library, one of the world’s busiest libraries.

The funding supports the library’s $30 million expansion project, which includes:

• A new event centre with capacity to seat 650 people
• An expanded exhibition gallery
• Expanded space for research, including freestanding study pods, 140 high-speed Internet-accessible workstations, listening and learning labs and a presentation theatre.

This investment is part of the government’s commitment to training and skills development announced in the 2008 Budget earlier this week.

QUOTES

“In 30 years, the Toronto Reference Library has assisted more than 33 million people to find the resources they need to excel in school, business and their communities,” said Aileen Carroll, Minister of Culture. “This investment will help the library promote lifelong learning and contribute to skills development in Ontario.”

“The Toronto Reference Library is an iconic landmark in the City of Toronto, one that stands for literacy and lifelong learning,” said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and MPP for Toronto-Centre. “The renovation will enable this outstanding library to truly stand out with a new exterior, event centre and a host of new research services that will engage learners of all ages.”

“The Toronto Public Library thanks the Ontario Government for this significant contribution to the revitalization of the Toronto Reference Library,” said Kathy Gallagher Ross, Toronto Public Library Chair. “As part of a broader partnership between the City of Toronto, the Ontario Government, and the Toronto Public Library Foundation, this investment will help achieve our shared vision of a flagship public reference library for all Ontarians.

QUICK FACTS

• The Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. 
• Every year, more than 17 million people visit the Toronto Public Library’s 99 branches and borrow more than 30 million items.

LEARN MORE

• Find out more about programs and services at the Toronto Reference Library.

 

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Contacts:

Alicia Johnston, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-1676
Dayo Kefentse, Communications Branch, 416 314-3497