[LINK] "Judging a Branch by Its Cover"

[rfmcdonald]

Over at Torontoist, Stephen Michalowicz has a post examining the ongoing renovations being made to the different branches of the Toronto Public Library.

For too long, the aging 1950s-style architecture of many Toronto libraries has stood in stark contrast to the fantastic materials and services available within. But, finally, with the TPL’s Renovation and Revitalization program, new and sleek designs are ending the disparity. Since amalgamation, the library has renovated sixteen branches, reconstructed eleven branches, and built two new branches. So far, the redesigns and relocations have been a success. When Jane and Sheppard opened earlier this month, the new building was met with immediate praise. Previously, the Jane and Sheppard Branch had been a small ugly little thing tucked away inside the Jane and Sheppard Mall, but now the library shines like a glass beacon of literary enlightenment. "Jane and Sheppard has a good feeling now; very light and open," explained Anne Bailey, director of Branch Libraries, when we talked to her about the renovation project.

[. . .]

Toronto’s public libraries are needed now more than ever. In the last half of 2008, visits to TPL branches increased by 8%, use of materials increased by 12%, and use of library computers increased by 13%. The TPL is also widening their scope to include job-hunting advice, and with a collection of more than eleven million items, including books, CDs, and DVDs, cash-strapped individuals are likely to continue using the library as a free form of entertainment. "I think it’s meeting a need," responded Bailey, when asked about increased library traffic. "When you see people using the space and enjoying the library, you know that you’ve struck a good chord with the community."