The Bram and Bluma Appel Salon Has become Toronto's literary hot spot in
first year

Salman Rushdie, Margaret Trudeau, Jane Urquhart headline second season

TORONTO, Aug. 18 /CNW/ - Since the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon opened on the second floor of the iconic Toronto Reference Library at Bloor and Yonge nearly a year ago, thousands of people have attended dozens of free cultural events, quickly making this popular venue the city's "it" place for literary programming. Following this impressive inaugural year, Toronto Public Library announces its fall line-up of literary stars and hot topic events that is sure to encourage even more people to experience culture in the city.

"I'm thrilled to launch our second season for the Appel Salon," said programming manager Tina Srebotnjak.  "Thanks to the great response to our first season, we've been able to attract a pretty impressive lineup of A-listers. Publishers are happy to have such a lovely, warm venue for their writers, and the audience really seems to appreciate the chance to hear from and talk to our guests."

The Appel Salon has supported Toronto Public Library's strategic goal to encourage the accessibility of diverse cultural, literary and arts events in the city of Toronto. The beautiful, 16,000 square foot venue is fully accessible and welcoming and the cash bar and open space offers great opportunities for socializing before each event.

More than 13,000 people - from all age groups and cultural backgrounds - attended 45 events in the Appel Salon's remarkable first year.

Audience members have rated the space "the coolest, smartest, and most unique contemporary public venue" in the city and, as many predicted,"a major cultural gathering point in the downtown core. "

The fall lineup of speakers and events at the Appel Salon is shaping up to be both exciting and enriching! A sample of the free upcoming events includes:

• Jane Urquhart kicks off the season discussing her new book, Sanctuary Line, with Antanas Sileika, author and artistic director of the Humber School of Writers
• Salman Rushdie, author of Midnight's Children will discuss the sequel to Haroun and the Sea of Stories, Luka and the Fire of Life.
• Blood, Sweat and Tears frontman David Clayton Thomas will discuss his new autobiography with Toronto Star entertainment columnist Geoff Pevere; and Margaret Trudeau discusses her new memoir, Changing My Mind. (Part of the Star Talks series.)
• Mayor David Miller discusses seven years of transforming Toronto, in an exit interview with Andy Barrie
• Plus Antonio Fraser, Michael Ondaatje, Anita Shreve, and many more!

A full list of events and programming can be found on our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca/appelsalon

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:
Anne Marie Aikins, Manager, Corporate Communications, 416-393-7212
[email protected]