/R E P E A T -- Toronto Public Library Marches on City Hall/

100 ambassadors to give Torontonians 100 reasons to check out TPL

TORONTO, May 22, 2015 /CNW/ - 100 Toronto Public Library ambassadors (#TPL100) will walk from the Toronto Reference Library to Nathan Phillips Square on May 26, starting at 12:30 pm. Ambassadors aim to encourage Torontonians to increase their use of the library and have 100 reasons to share.

'The TPL100' will mingle with the public, share their reason, hand out bookmarks and encourage people to register for and use their own library card, gathering in Nathan Phillips Square at the library's City Hall branch between 1:30 and 1:45pm.

The walk follows the opening of Scarborough Civic Centre branch, Toronto Public Library's 100^th branch, on May 20. Ambassadors (librarians, staff and friends of the Library) will 'walk, talk or tweet' in support of 100 Reasons to Check Out TPL.

"The campaign is meant to answer the question, who knew?" said City Librarian Vickery Bowles. "Many people don't realize their library is much more than a place to borrow books. We are a vital cultural commons, a place for the exchange of ideas, and a gateway to thousands of vital programs, technologies and services. We are part of what makes Toronto a great city to live in."

"The diversity of Toronto is reflected in each of our 100 libraries," said Mayor John Tory. "The way Toronto libraries connect people to their neighbourhoods is a model for cities worldwide. I look forward to visiting the new branch in Scarborough and I encourage Torontonians to take advantage of the great programs the library offers."

Toronto Public Library is one of the world's busiest public libraries, with over 18 million visits a year and over 30,000 programs delivered annually. Over 10 million items are available to borrow or use. More than 2 million ebooks along with magazines, music and movies are available for download – free with a library card. Toronto Public Library branches are the first stop for almost 75% of newcomers to Canada.

"It's important for people to realize the range of services and resources available at the Library 24/7," added Bowles.

100 Reasons to Check Out TPL include the Library's world renowned Merril Collection for Science Fiction and Fantasy, as well as its Arthur Conan Doyle Collection; computer learning centres and digital innovations hubs, outdoor reading gardens and the Appel Salon, a venue at the Toronto Reference Library that showcases international luminaries including Margaret Atwood, Jonathan Franzen, Salman Rushdie and John Irving.

Campaign messages will be delivered in video, with catchy slogans on the backs of t-shirts, on posters, bookmarks and a photo op standee in every branch, and in an advertising campaign with the Toronto Star. Mayor John Tory will represent Reason #32: One Card. Unlimited Access.

The campaign will continue on social media through the month of June and Toronto Public Library plans to include all 100 branches in community outreach initiatives including an in-branch Donor Day on June 2, which will encourage all Torontonians to give a toonie in support of vital library programs and services.

Toronto Public Library is one of the world's busiest urban public library systems. Every year, more than 18 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow 32 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131. To get the most current updates on what's happening at the library, follow us on Twitter @torontolibrary. 

SOURCE Toronto Public Library

Media Contact: Yvonne Hunter, Manager, Cultural & Special Events Programming, Toronto Public Library, T: 416.393.7098, E: [email protected]