“There is significant evidence to demonstrate that libraries experience an increase of use … during an economic downturn. People know that no matter what is happening in the economy, they can get the information, services and assistance they need from the public library.”
- Marzio Apolloni, Chair, Board of Directors of the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries.
In 2009, Toronto Public Library was busier than ever in part due to the economic downturn. Many media stories, including prominent features on CBC National News and in the Toronto Star, helped build awareness about communities' growing need for library services and the essential role Toronto's library played in the face of the global economic crisis.
To address the needs of vulnerable individuals and neighbourhoods, and to support literacy and educational goals, we increased job and career focused programs last year by over 35% to reach more than 6,000 people. We also added 35,000 new books on jobs and careers to branch collections, more than doubling the library's usual purchase in these subject areas. At all library branches there are books available to help internationally-trained professionals and trades people gain the necessary accreditation to enter the Canadian job market.
Staff at career center helping customer at Barbara Frum BranchPhoto credit: Toronto Public Library
Toronto Reference Library and North York Central Library provide highly sophisticated resources to support employment in specific industries, services and professions. In 2009, more industry-specific publications and directories were made available, along with a complete range of career information related to career planning, profiles, salaries, working conditions and accreditation. All local branches also increased their stock of career and industry related resources.
Staff on hand to help out at Toronto Reference LibraryPhoto credit: Toronto Public Library
In response to the difficult economy, Toronto Public Library strengthened literacy and employment-related programs and services to address the needs of ESL learners, early school leavers, adult learners and job seekers. Working in partnership with Service Ontario, city partners, community agencies, and school boards, we offered more free workshops covering topics such as the basics of job hunting, interview skills and interpersonal skills in the workplace. Strategies for keeping your new job and starting a new business were also some of the programs offered. We also offered more summer job fairs for teens and additional literacy support.
Customer using the computer at Woodside Square BranchPhoto credit: Toronto Public Library
Availability of free high speed internet access on computers increased last year when three newly renovated branches re-opened providing more opportunities for library customers to use this popular resource. Computers are available in all 99 branches, providing customers access to a variety of information and resources so that everyone has the opportunity to be successful. In 2009, in-branch computer use increased by 11.5%. Last year we launched Job Help, a popular new online resource that helps people find books, online resources and programs in one convenient location.
Settlement worker providing services at Toronto Reference LibraryPhoto credit: Toronto Public Library
Newcomers are often hit particularly hard by an economic downturn so last year Toronto Public Library strengthened our partnerships with local agencies to reach newcomers and to better serve their unique needs. In partnership with settlement agencies and Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the library offered a broader choice of programs to meet the specific needs of newcomer job seekers. Settlement workers are available in local libraries around Toronto to provide assistance and resource referrals with newcomers who enter the library. Newcomers can receive valuable information on a wide variety of topics such as careers and attaining Canadian accreditation.