Toronto Public Library

Toronto Public Library (TPL) is the busiest urban public library system in the world. Every year, millions of people visit TPL’s network of 100 branches – including 81 neighbourhood libraries, 17 district libraries, two research and reference libraries, rare and specialized collections, and two bookmobiles – and take advantage of extensive online services.

Lord Cultural Resources worked collaboratively with the Library to develop a Cultural Plan for the Research and Reference (R&R) Tier and Special Collections of TPL. Through research and consultation with TPL leadership and staff, key stakeholders and the general public, a number of key findings were identified. These findings informed a series of core challenges and opportunities which were addressed through the establishment of four strategic goals. These goals and the recommendations that supported them will advance the R&R Tier and Special Collections with a renewed mandate that will strengthen and enhance service delivery, access and connectedness, and will celebrate and amplify their value.