TD Announces First Annual Book Drive in Support of the Calgary Public Library

Calgary initiative reinforces TD's commitment to literacy, the community and children

@TD_Canada & @calgarylibrary celebrate literacy Jan. 23-31. Donated books, CDs & movies support #yyc #TDReads http://tinyurl.com/orkmp4w (Tweet this)

Support literacy & @calgarylibrary: donate books, CDs or movies at any @TD_Canada branch btw Jan 23-31. #TDReads http://tinyurl.com/orkmp4w (Tweet this)

Extra books, CDs or movies? Drop them off at any @TD_Canada branch for @CalgaryLibrary between Jan 23-31 #TDReads http://tinyurl.com/orkmp4w (Tweet this)

CALGARY, Jan. 23, 2016 /CNW/ - Today TD Bank Group officially launched its community book drive in support of the Calgary Public Library. Taking place from January 23 – 31, all 43 Calgary-area TD branches will be collecting books, CDs and DVDs to raise funds to support literacy in Calgary.

All proceeds will be invested back into the Calgary Public Library's collections and services to help support the library's mission to become the vibrant heart of the city. To collect and process the donations, the Calgary Public Library Foundation has partnered with Better World Books, an organization that generates funding and supports literacy programs by re-selling donated items.

"TD understands the incomparable effect improved literacy has on a child's education, self-confidence and economic opportunities," said Brian Gervais, SVP Regional Retail Banking at TD Bank. "Our long-standing partnership with the Calgary Public Library has allowed us to help cultivate a joy of reading among Calgary families."

In April 2015, TD and Calgary Public Library Foundation announced TD's $1 million leadership gift to the Calgary Public Library in support of Add In—the Campaign for Calgary's Library (www.addin.ca). Add In is a bold and transformative initiative to invest in the potential of all Calgarians and the future of the city. The catalyst for Add In is the building of the New Central Library, a distinctive place that will reflect Calgary's aspirations as a global city, inspire discovery, promote learning and foster community interaction.

"We believe that investing strategically in community libraries accelerates their ability to respond to local needs and help Calgary thrive," said Brent Buechler, Vice President Calgary Public Library Foundation. "Through our partnership with TD, we're encouraging employees, customers and all Calgarians to join us on the journey to create the best public library in the world."

In addition to TD's recent donation to the library's capital campaign, the company has donated more $500,000 to support Calgary Public Library's children's literacy programs and events.

SOURCE TD Community Giving

Stephanie Gough, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Direct: 403-268-7853, Mobile: [phone], [email protected]