Leading to Reading

English Can Be Fun

North York Central Library - Branch Profile

Toronto Reference Library - Branch Profile

Library reading program has Friends
Funds from Friends of Toronto Public Library reach over $1M

Did you know that the Friends of Toronto Public Library have over 100 volunteers and that together, every year they dedicate over 11,500 hours of service? It is through their support and dedication that to date, the Friends of Toronto Public Library, North and South Chapters have jointly raised over $1 million in support of Toronto Public Library programs.

The Friends of the Toronto Public Library, North Chapter have been strong supporters of the Toronto Public Library for over 15 years. Since their inception in 1993, they have raised over $700,000 to support the Library's Leading to Reading children's literacy program as well as other literacy initiatives through book sales at their used bookstore, Book Ends.

The Friends of Toronto Public Library, South Chapter began raising funds for the Toronto Public Library in 1997 through their used bookstore Book Ends South and their special book sales. Since then, they have donated over $300,000 to support a number of programs and services at the library. These much needed funds have assisted with the purchase a Home Library Service Van, helped bolster Home Library Service collections, and have supported the enhancement of literacy and literary programs at the Toronto Reference Library. They also have, and continue to fully fund the English Can Be Fun summer program for newcomer children.

The Toronto Public Library and Toronto Public Library Foundation wish to congratulate the Friends of Toronto Public Library for their hard work and commitment over the years. Some volunteers have worked in the book stores selling books and promoting the stores and the Friends, others have worked diligently behind the scenes. Whatever their role, this great success could not have been possible without the enthusiastic volunteers who help run Book Ends, Book Ends North and the Friends of the Toronto Public Library.

About Us

The Friends of the Library is a group of volunteers who work to support the programs and services of the Toronto Public Library through fundraising, promotion, and volunteering of personal and professional services.

There are currently two chapters of the Friends of Toronto Public Library:

• North Chapter - North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge St.
• South Chapter - Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St.

Fundraising

The friends support the Toronto Public Library by raising money in several ways:

• Membership fees and donations
• Ticket sales for Friends-sponsored social and cultural events
• Book sales
• BookEnds and BookEnds South (Bookstores for withdrawn Library material and donated items)
  

  Book Ends, a store for withdrawn library materials

Membership

You can help by becoming a member of the Friends of Toronto Public Library. A donation of $15 or more entitles you to a one-year membership with the Friends.

Here is what you get when you become a Friend:

• membership in a dedicated community organization
• subscription to the Friends newsletter
• voting privileges at the Friends annual general meeting
• receipt for income tax purposes for your donation

In addition to becoming a member, you might also wish to donate some of your time. Whether you choose to work in the bookstore, help with a mailing, assist at one of the special events, or even join the executive, the Friends can always use another helping hand.

Membership Application Form

Programs and Services Supported

To date, the Friends of Toronto Public Library have raised more than $1,000,000 for Library programs and services. Some of the programs they have supported include:

	Leading to Reading		Mobile Library Services
	English Can Be Fun		Writing Workshops

Contact Us

To contact the Friends of Toronto Public Library, North Chapter, please write to:

Friends of Toronto Public Library, North Chapter
5120 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M2N 5N9

Or call: 416 395-5678

To contact the Friends of Toronto Public Library, South Chapter, please write to:

Friends of Toronto Public Library, South Chapter
Toronto Reference Library
789 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M4W 2G8

Or call: 416-397-5948

Or email: friendssouthchapter@torontopubliclibrary.ca