City Librarian Jane Pyper Stepping Down
Toronto ( March 19, 2014) –The Toronto Public Library Board announced today that City Librarian Jane Pyper will be stepping down from her role at the end of June 2014.
“The entire Board joins me in thanking Jane for her significant contribution to the library over the years. She has built a successful and distinguished career at Toronto Public Library and we thank her for her many accomplishments,” said Michael Foderick, Chair of the Toronto Public Library Board. “While I received Jane’s news with regret, I share her optimism that it presents an opportunity to introduce new leadership that will continue to help us achieve our ambitious goals.”
Pyper assumed the role of City Librarian in 2008. Under her leadership, Toronto Public Library has grown significantly:
- Borrowing of ebooks and emagazines has grown tremendously, by almost 1300% since 2009. The library has responded to this growth by expanding its collections and supporting the Board’s advocacy efforts to ensure improved access to e-content from all publishers. All this while, demand for print materials has remained strong and consistent.
- Library services have also evolved as the library has transitioned to the digital age. Free wireless internet access is now available in all branches and express checkout has expanded to many branches. Library customers now have the option to do more online – join a book club, pay fines or receive notifications. The first digital innovation hub opened at the Toronto Reference Library earlier this year, offering the public access to new and emerging technologies.
- The Bram and Bluma Appel Salon opened in 2009. Literary and cultural programming has flourished since – at the Salon and in branches across the city – furthering Toronto Public Library’s role as a cultural and creative destination.
- Children’s services have been strengthened, including the introduction of the Ready for Reading services. This focus on early literacy includes collections, programs, and spaces for the very young, fostering an early love of books and reading.
- The groundwork has been laid for the 99th and 100th Toronto Public Library branches, Fort York and Scarborough Civic Centre, to open later this year.
“I am proud of the work that has been accomplished by the Toronto Public Library in recent years. It is the result of joint efforts by the Board, library staff, the Toronto Public Library Foundation and the many community partners who have all contributed to the vision and reality of a busy, successful and great library that serves a great city,” said Jane Pyper. “I have enjoyed my time at the library immensely and look forward to contributing to the life of this city in other ways.”
At its March 24, 2014 meeting, the Toronto Public Library Board will begin the process of hiring Pyper’s replacement.
Toronto Public Library is one of the world’s busiest urban public library systems. Every year, 19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow 32 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131. To get the most current updates on what’s happening at the library, follow us on Twitter @torontolibrary.
Media Contact:
Ana-Maria Critchley
amcritchley@torontopubliclibrary.ca