Toronto Public Library workers (CUPE 4948) are engaged in a huge campaign Our Public Library - Project Rescue aimed at stopping branch closures, deductions in library hours, materials and programs in Toronto.
1.25 million people in Toronto have library cards. Library visits are up by one million this year bring the number of visits to 18 million.
Library services to Torontonians include:
- Professional librarians who guide patrons to find materials for research projects of all sorts.
- Access to various materials including books, DVDs, e-books, magazines and newspapers.
- Youth, newcomers, seniors, and adults have free access to computers, as well as language courses and employment related services.
- Library programs promote literacy skills, including reading clubs for children and teens, book clubs for adults, story time for children and toddlers and more.
- Events are organized across the City of Toronto to promote a vibrant reading culture.
Under Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, the Library Board has been instructed to cut ten per cent of the 2011 net operating budget – that’s $17,044 million.
The City has already closed one library, Toronto’s Urban Affairs library.
To become a vocal supporter of public libraries now visit www.ourpubliclibrary.to to sign our online petition and consider joining our campaign email list to stay in touch about how you can help protect public libraries.