CUPE library workers mark Public Library Week in Ontario with celebration in front of Yorkville Library
As voters across Ontario prepare to go to the polls to elect mayors, municipal councillors and school board trustees, Toronto Public Library (TPL) workers in Toronto took time today to urge people to love their libraries and the people who breathe life into them.
At an afternoon ‘celebration’ and information session in front of the Yorkville Library, the workers, members of Local 4948 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 4948), along with their supporters, handed out postcards, novelty eyeglasses and candy, while talking about the importance of quality libraries in the community.
“There can be no more fitting way to celebrate Public Library Week in Ontario than right here in front of this building, which is the oldest library in the TPL system” said Maureen O’Reilly, President of Local 4948 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 4948).
“Libraries are vital to healthy, functioning communities. Indeed, good libraries are indicators of a community’s well-being,” she added.
The celebration and information session coincided with National Public Library Month and Ontario Public Library Week. The event was organized by CUPE 4948 and CUPE Ontario’s Library Workers’ Committee.
“People love their libraries, and people who love libraries love to vote,” said O’Reilly.
“That’s why we feel that public services, like libraries, ought to be at the top of peoples’ minds when they go to cast their ballots on Monday in the Municipal Election,” she added.
CUPE 4948 represents approximately 2,100 full-time and part-time library workers at TPL’s 99 branches, as well as administrative and technical support services.
For more information, please contact:
Maureen O’Reilly, CUPE 4948 President, 647-306-7457
Kevin Wilson, CUPE Communications, 416-821-6641