We met the Challenge!

The Toronto Challenge, now in its 19th year, is an annual event that raises money for non-profit organizations that are improving the quality of life for seniors in our community.  This year's challenge took place on Sunday, June 13, 2010 and was a great success!  

Particpants were challenged to raise money and walk or run a 5k or 1k course through downtown Toronto.  Nearly 70 people came out in support of the Toronto Public Library, cumulatively raising a record $16,000!

Funds raised at the Toronto Challenge will go directly to community programs that contribute to independent living and home support for seniors, such as the Toronto Public Library’s Home Library Services.

Home Library Services is a special department within the Toronto Public Library that caters directly to seniors and patrons with sight impairments, and assists those who are homebound due to age, illness or disability. A variety of library materials, including books, CDs, DVDs, large print books and special talking books, are selected and delivered to them free of charge.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support, participate and pledge participants for this event.  A great day was enjoyed by all and the rewards of the day will be reaped throughout the year.

Stay tuned for next year's event in June 2011.  Join the Challenge!

The City of Toronto’s Legal Services Division has generously supported Toronto Public Library Foundation through its annual book sale, now in its seventh year.
The event, which took place on June 30th at the City’s Metro Hall, was once again a tremendous success, raising over $1800 for Toronto Public Library Foundation. Staff at the City’s Legal Services Division solicit support from their colleagues early in the year and collect gently read books that are then included in the book sale.
To date the City Legal Services Division has raised over $10,000 in support of Library programs and services, while also raising awareness of the Foundation and its work to support the busiest urban public library system in the world. Specifically, the book sale supports the Toronto Public Library’s cornerstone literacy programs - Leading to Reading.

The Leading to Reading initiative helps children in grades 2 to 6 with below average literacy skills improve their reading and performance at school. The program instils a life-long love of learning and reading and helps develop essential literacy skills in those who need it most. Children participating in Toronto Public Library’s innovative program emerge with increased confidence, and gain the necessary skills to improve their performance in school and achieve success in their personal lives.

To operate each year, the Leading to Reading relies on funds from outside sources, such as the City of Toronto’s Legal Services Division. The program, developed in 1999, has expanded from 18 to almost 40 Library branch locations, and now assists almost 3,000 Toronto children each year.

Toronto Public Library Foundation would like to thank the City of Toronto’s Legal Services Division for their generous and ongoing support.

The June Callwood Lecture is an annual event focused on issues of social justice. The Lecture explores contemporary social issues, showcases social justice activists and invites them to share their experiences, perspectives and passions. It is presented by Canadian grassroots activists who are instrumental in challenging society to do more.   Funding support is provided by the Toronto Public Library Foundation's June Callwood Endowment. 

You can support the June Callwood Endowment and help raise the awareness of social issues in the community, continuing June Callwood’s call to action.

On Thursday, May 13, 2010, guest speaker Ratna Omidvar, President of Maytree, a private foundation that promotes equity and prosperity, spoke about "A Canadian in the Making".  To read the lecture, click here.  To view the video, click here.

 To make a donation to the June Callwood Endowment Fund click to make an immediate donation through Canada Helps or print out the attached donation form and send it in with your gift.
 

Keep Toronto Reading online campaign

This April, we celebrated Keep Toronto Reading month with a special online fundraising drive in support of priority programs at the Toronto Public Libary.

We asked people to show their love of books with an online donation and to share their love of books by telling us their favourite book.

Supporters, inculding many of Canada's most beloved authors showed their support. 

Click here to see a list of supporters and their favourite books!

And to participate with your own donation, Simply click here to visit CanadaHelps:

When making your donation:

* Be sure to click Fund/Designation: Keep Toronto Reading.
* Then list your favourite book in the "Message/Instructions for Toronto Public Libary Foundation" box. Or let us know if you want to remain anonymous.
 

 Your donation will help support the Library's mission to keep Toronto reading, learning, and working.

The fifth annual Book Lover’s Ball was bursting at the seams with book lovers and authors, all gathered in support of Toronto’s Library - the busiest urban public library system in the world. Nearly 600 literary lovers and library supporters congregated on February 11th, 2010 at the Fairmont Royal York for what is sure to be the year’s most talked about event!

Guests enjoyed a reception with a special oyster bar created by Celebrity Chef Patrick McMurray of Toronto’s Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill, and then mingled with some of the finest Canadian writers and literary celebrities over a sumptuous three-course dinner. Attendees took part in a spectacular raffle, and bid on fabulous prizes in the silent auction, all in support of Toronto Public Library Foundation.

The evening ended with a fabulous novel-inspired fashion show complete with story settings, captivating performances, and stunning visuals. Books were brought to life as models showcased dazzling couture designs from top Canadian designers. This year’s fashion show highlighted such modern and classic novels as Twilight, Sherlock Holmes, Slumdog Millionaire and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Almost 60 Celebrity Authors were in attendance at this year’s event, including Catherine Gildiner, Anne Michaels, Lawrence Hill, Austin Clarke, Rebecca Eckler, Graeme Gibson and Nino Ricci to name a few.

Save the date for next year’s event, which will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2011. Join new authors, returning favourites and celebrity guests for an incredible evening in support of Toronto Public Library Foundation. The 2011 event will feature a brand-new line up for the literary-inspired fashion show, and will once again be held at the prestigious Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

For more information about The Book Lover’s Ball, or to view photos from the 2010event, please visit  www.bookloversball.ca
 

 Events by Friends of the Merril Collection

Events by Friends of the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection

Events by Friends of Osborne and Lillian H. Smith Collections