The Bridge Project

The Bridge Project helps public libraries in Ontario assess and demonstrate the impact of technology services offered in Ontario public libraries. We invite you to explore this website to learn more about the project.

Phase 3 of the Bridge Project

Toronto Public Library is pleased to announce the next phase of the Bridge Project. In our continuing efforts to be responsive to the rapidly changing technology landscape, we are working closely in collaboration with Urban Libraries Council and Ontario Library Service to help Ontario public libraries understand and demonstrate the impact their technology services are having in their communities.

Phase 3 of the project is designed to build public libraries’ capacity and skill to collect, analyze and communicate data and to demonstrate public libraries’ vital role in advancing digital equity in their communities.

Announcing Phase 3 Participants

Phase 3 of the project is split into two program streams:

• Stream 1 - Bridge and Edge Cohort: Libraries will use the Bridge and Edge Toolkits to measure the performance and outcomes of the technology services they deliver to their communities. Results from the toolkits will support our understanding of how Ontario public libraries have been able to pivot their technology services to respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic and demonstrate the essential role public libraries play in supporting recovery. Phase 3 Stream 1 participating Ontario public libraries are:

  • Brantford Public Library
  • Cavan Monaghan Public Library
  • Collingwood Public Library
  • Deep River Public Library
  • East Gwillimbury Public Library
  • Georgina Public Library
  • Grand Valley Public Library
  • Greater Sudbury Public Library
  • Guelph Public Library
  • Halton Hills Public Library
  • Innisfil ideaLAB and Public Library
  • Kingston Frontenac Public Library
  • Kitchener Public Library
  • Marathon Public Library
  • Markham Public Library
  • Mississauga Library System
  • Newmarket Public Library
  • Niagara Falls Public Library
  • Oshawa Public Library
  • Oxford County Public Library
  • Perth and District Union Public Library
  • Powassan and District Union Public library
  • Six Nations Public Library
  • St. Thomas Public Library
  • Stratford Public Library
  • Toronto Public Library
  • Vaughn Public Library
  • Whitby Public Library
  • Whitestone Public Library & Technology Centre

• Stream 2 - Data Fluency Cohort: The Edge Data Fluency Program is designed for all levels of library staff to build data skills. Libraries will attend a series of four workshops over an 11-month period. The series includes introduction to data fluency, collecting, understanding, and using community, library and program data, and communicating data. Libraries will be presented an opportunity to use Bridge and Edge Toolkits later on in the program. Phase 3 Stream 2 participating Ontario public libraries are:

  • Ajax Public Library
  • Barrie Public Library
  • Brampton Library
  • Brighton Public Library
  • Caledon Public Library
  • Callander Public Library
  • Cavan Monaghan Public Library
  • Cramahe Township Public Library
  • Halton Hills Public Library
  • Huntsville Public Library
  • Kitchener Public Library
  • Markstay-Warren Public Library
  • Milton Public Library
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library
  • Oshawa Public Library
  • Ottawa Public Library
  • Pickering Public Library
  • Richmond Hill Public Library
  • Rideau Lakes Public Library
  • Salt Ste. Marie Public Library
  • Schreiber Public LIbrary
  • Six Nations Public Library
  • Selwyn (Township of) Public Library
  • Springwater Township Public Library
  • St. Catharines Public Library
  • St. Marys Public Library
  • Toronto Public Library
  • West Grey Public Library

*Green – Stream 1, Red – Stream 2 & Blue – Stream 1&2 participating libraries.

A Shared Vision

Every Ontarian has convenient, local access to the technology they want and need, and the comfort and confidence to use it, so that they can access economic, educational, social, health and civic opportunities to achieve prosperity, advancement and overall well-being.

Project Goals and Outcomes

• To grow an evaluation culture, build capacity, and advance outcome measurement in the public library sector.
• To enable libraries to better serve their communities by harnessing the power of data to make informed decisions.
• To help libraries expand the reach of the technology services that they deliver to their communities, and measure the effectiveness of those services.
• To demonstrate public libraries’ vital role in bridging the digital divide and advancing digital equity in their communities.