New urban voter series to encourage civic discussion

Part of the Library's free "Thought Exchange" lectures and discussions

TORONTO, Sept. 9 /CNW/ - Toronto Public Library announces an eclectic collection of free lectures and discussions to satisfy the constantly curious and enlighten inquiring minds. This season's "Thought Exchange" features a timely Urban Voter Series beginning September 15 through October 6. Guest speakers from the world of urban planning (Glenn Miller and David Hulchanski), journalism (John Lorinc) and business (Carol Wilding) explore issues and ideas important to Toronto voters, including poverty, ageing and urban renewal.

"Toronto Public Library's goal with programs like the Urban Voter Series is to encourage discussion in civic and social issues that are important to Torontonians, their neighbourhoods and the city," said city librarian Jane Pyper. "With the municipal election just weeks away, we hope that this series will help residents - especially those that are new to the city - become more engaged and informed."

The voter series includes:

• Sept. 15 - Ageing in the City, with Glenn Miller (Canadian Urban Institute) and Jane Barratt (International Federation of Ageing), Susan Eng, moderator, Toronto Reference Library
• Sept. 21 - Toronto Divided: Update on the "Three Cities," with David Hulchanski (Centre for Urban and Community Studies) and Tam Goosen (Urban Alliance on Race Relations), Myer Siemiatycki, moderator, North York Central Library, Concourse
• Sept. 29 - What's the Plan: Revitalization and the Road Ahead, with journalist John Lorinc, Beth Milroy (Ryerson University), Derek Ballantyne (BuildToronto), Marian Mohamud (Lawrence Heights resident) and advocate Beth Milroy (Ryerson University), Toronto Reference Library
• Oct. 5 - Show me the Money: How to Fund Toronto's Competing Priorities, with Carol Wilding (Toronto Board of Trade) and Winnie Ng (Toronto & York Region Labour Council), Myer Siemiatycki, moderator, North York Central Library, Concourse

All events are free and begin at 7:00 pm.

Other events in the Thought Exchange series will explore a broad variety of issues such as climate change and weird weather events, Toronto's history and why it matters today, potions and poisons in opera, architecture's role in revitalizing culture, and so much more. Held in branches all across the city, the programs build on the library's commitment to providing accessible cultural, informative and entertaining programming. A full list of events and programming can be found at torontopubliclibrary.ca/thoughtexchange.

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 17.5 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow more than 31 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.

For further information:

Media Contact:
Wendy Banks, Communications Officer, 416-393-7181
[email protected]