Inaugural fundraising gala in support of Toronto Public Library is bringing philanthropists, entrepreneurs and city-builders to the world's busiest public library system.
TORONTO, April 4, 2017 /CNW/ -
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Toronto Public Library Foundation is announcing the inaugural fundraising gala Biblio Bash, in support of Toronto Public Library. On the evening of Thursday, April 27th, 2017, Biblio Bash will transform the iconic Toronto Reference Library, also celebrating its 40th anniversary since opening in 1977.
Hosted by famed author, actress, and comedian, Mary Walsh, the gala brings together top Canadian and international bestselling authors for a stunning dinner in the stacks followed by an after-hours discovery to celebrate Toronto Public Library as a thriving community hub.
With 100 branches across the city, Toronto Public Library is a world-class, 21st century library, Canada's largest public library system and the world's busiest. Through Biblio Bash, the Toronto Public Library Foundation and committee, including 2017 Chair, Victoria Webster, will bring together philanthropists, entrepreneurs and city-builders to experience the library network and its offerings, while telling the story of the library of the future. Guests can donate to help over 12 branches in priority neighbourhoods, by supporting their key fundraising initiative Adopt a Branch
Since its inception, the Toronto Public Library Foundation has raised over $75 million for the Toronto Public Library, helping pilot new groundbreaking programs and services, from their digital innovation hubs consisting of the latest in technology, from 3D printing to digital design workstations; innovative community spaces; exemplary collections and strategic partnerships such as Google Canada's Wi-Fi hotspot lending program that gives Torontonians free Internet at home.
Used by over 70% of Torontonians, Toronto Public Library offers a diverse selection of services and programs including welcoming and safe public spaces equipped with books, free wifi and public computers in neighbourhoods across city, programs ranging from kids' storytimes to literary and cultural events, and access to ebooks, streaming video and music. Many services are made possible through the Toronto Public Library Foundation's fundraising efforts.
Fundraising is vital for the Library as it enhances the overall programming and content, ensuring it remains relevant for the diverse communities it serves. Funds raised by the Toronto Public Library Foundation and Biblio Bash will focus on areas the library identifies as having the greatest need for additional funding. For 2017-2019, Toronto Public Library has directed fundraising initiatives to focus on neighbourhood renewal, which involves the construction of new libraries and space; life long and self-directed learning programs in digital literacy and after school; innovation involving new & emerging technologies; and access to culture and preserving heritage.
"While the Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary in service to Toronto Public Library, Biblio Bash is designed to draw a new audience of influential city builders to showcase and celebrate the essential role Toronto Public Library plays in the health and vitality of Toronto now and in decades to come." said Jennifer Jones, President of Toronto Public Library Foundation.
"Biblio Bash is uniquely designed to introduce our guests to a modern library experience, opening their eyes to creative content like our vinyl collection of 15,000 titles, our Digital Innovation Hubs that connect people to the latest technologies, and the Writer's Room that offers a quiet and convenient space to create in the heart of the city. The Foundation's fundraising is critical to our success as it relates to expanding spaces, content and programming that are relevant to the millions of people that use the Library." said Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library.
Contributing over $1 billion in total economic impact for the City of Toronto, Toronto Public Library is a legacy institution that serves the various communities across the city, ensuring all residents have free access to the latest content programming, spaces, education and technology.
Biblio Bash's 2017 gala's major sponsors include presenting sponsor TD Bank Group, Whitehots Inc., Gerald Sheff & Shanitha Kachan Charitable Foundation, David Yurman, Toronto Star, and Toronto Life.
For more information, please visit bibliobash.ca
ABOUT THE TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION
The Toronto Public Library Foundation was established in 1997 as a charity to support the Toronto Public Library –the world's busiest public library system. The Foundation inspires donors to support life-changing programs, services, spaces and collections that wouldn't be possible with government funding alone. Thanks to donors, the Foundation has raised $75 million since inception.
To learn more about the Toronto Public Library Foundation, visit tplfoundation.ca or call 416-393-7123.
ABOUT TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest public library system. Last year, we had 18 million visits to our branches and 31 million virtual visits. Torontonians borrowed 32 million items in branches and online. To learn more, visit tpl.ca, call Answerline at 416-393-7131 or follow us on Twitter @torontolibrary.
For a full list of authors, fact sheets, high-res images, interview requests, or more information, please contact:
Milka Mili, Conversation Agency
[email protected] or 647.404.6454
Rob Loschiavo, Conversation Agency
[email protected] or 647.229.8412
SOURCE Toronto Public Library Foundation
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