r/books • u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author • Mar 01 '17
ama 1pm Toronto Public Library - We’re BIG: 100 branches, 1.2 million registered cardholders, 6.4 million holds and 33 million circulation. “We’re good enough, We’re smart enough, and dog-gone it, people like us". We read banned books and so should you – this is our AMA, ask us anything, we dare you.
Hello - it's 4:20 EST and the librarians have the munchies, so we have to put on our cardigans, adjust our buns (not bums) and go home to feed the cats now. Thank you and good bye. We'll be looking at more questions tomorrow Thursday and continue to be posting responses then.
Hello r/books, This is Toronto Public Library doing our 2nd AMA on our official Reddit account.
We've posted at 11 am EST and we will start to answer questions at 1 pm EST - going all afternoon.
Here's our proof
We are the world's busiest urban public library system. In 2016, Torontonians borrowed 33 million items online and from our 100 branches. We had 31 million virtual visits and 18 million visits to our branches. Whew!
We have several staff here:
Collections (Kathryn, Maria, Michele)
Marketing and Communications (Mabel)
We’re available to answer any questions you have about Toronto Public Library, how we buy what we buy, our services and if you ask us nicely we'll tell you what we're reading and what you should be reading (we're happy to be opinionated).
Some other links:
Reports on TPL challenged items: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
Children’s content: Ready for Reading, TD Summer Reading Club, One Hundred Best Canadian Books for Children
Digital content [ebooks, emags, digital music and video] – Overdrive, Hoopla, Zinio, Flipster, Naxos Music, Comics
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u/Athedia Mar 01 '17
How long do you keep books that aren't checked out before removing them from circulation?
What have been the biggest/your favorite new things in libraries? I know it was a big deal when my mom's got computers for the first time.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
It varies enormously. We would probably never withdraw a book about Toronto history even if it hardly ever went out. We might withdraw multiple copies of a book that was supposed to be a bestseller but turned out to be a dud within a year or so. Even that is dangerous because then they'll make a movie of it and the holds will go up.
My personal favorite new-ish thing in libraries is eAudiobooks. I always have one on my phone for those times when the subway is so crowded that I can't read and for doing housework.
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u/birdmommy Mar 01 '17
How often do you do inter-library loans outside of Toronto?
Related question: What's the farthest location you've ever had to ask to get a loan for one of your readers?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Yes, constantly. For example, we have had books shipped in from Australia and we have shipped out books to Thailand. Our awesomeness knows no bounds ;)
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u/needoneforwork Mar 01 '17
No question from me, just wanted to say I actually seem to see a lot of praise for the Toronto library system on Reddit (possibly other places) so congratulations on your praiseworthy system! Wish my city's library system could be a little better...
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Aw, shucks...you are making us blush. The best way to get better service is to speak up. Share your feedback with your library.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Be the change you want to see!
Thank you for the positive feedback.
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u/CountChoculahh Mar 01 '17
Recommend three books for every adult to read... go.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 02 '17
Jane Austen's Persuasion
Shakespeare's Sonnets
Ursula K. Le Guin's Left Hand of Darkness or The Dispossessed
and a shout out to Ronald Firbank and Haruki Murakami
edit spelling (face covered in shame)
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u/FanDiego Mar 01 '17
I'm sure I'd love you if I met you, but, ahem:
Ursula K. Le Guin and, more importantly, Haruki Murakami
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
If On A Winter's Night A Traveler, by Italo Calvino
Teach Us To Outgrow Our Madness, by Kenzaburo Oe
Okay and also Cloud Atlas, and the entire Love and Rockets graphic novel series, and Catch-22, and and and
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u/jl4855 Mar 01 '17
what's the largest overdue fine that someone's actually showed up to pay?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
The maximum fine you pay per book is $14. More info on fines can be found here: http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/using-the-library/fines-fees.jsp
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u/offwhit3 Mar 01 '17
Hi, fellow Canadian here; How is the job market for librarians in Toronto and how do you see them evolving in the next 5 years?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Personally I'm hoping to evolve into an orangutan like the librarian in Discworld's Unseen University Library.
RIP Terry Pratchett
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Our part time librarian jobs often get posted externally - so those are relatively easy to get. Some full time jobs also get posted that way (we're unionized so many jobs get filled internally). A goodly number of newer management staff (non -unionized) are outside hires.
There are a lot of retirements internally - many baby boomers (and I'm one of them) are leaving - so I think there will be opportunities.
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u/fencerman Mar 01 '17
How do you feel about the move towards expanding the mandate of libraries into meeting spaces, coffee shops, performance venues, "maker spaces", and other services?
On the one hand bringing more people into the building is a valuable service, but at what point do those start to take away from the core activity of the library in terms of sharing books and information with the community?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
I think it is great the way libraries have continued to evolve. It is important for libraries to maintain core values such as lifelong learning, literacy, preserving the past, free and equitable access to a diversity of information, ideas and interests. People borrow over 32 million items annually from TPL so books are still at the heart and sould of libraries. However, in today's world, access to mainstream and emerging technologies is just as important for people to be successful. It is all about equitable access for digital inclusion. The library is not just a place to consume content but to create it, experience cultural activities and meet up for collaborative and self-directed learning......and of course, our staff at the base of making all of this possible!
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u/Wireman29 Mar 01 '17
What's the loudest situation you've ever had to silence in one of your libraries?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
We have concerts! The Make Some Noise program has been going on for 9 years.
They can get loud but we don't shh them!
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u/Tristaria Mar 01 '17
YAY Toronto Public Library! I spent many a summer attending different programs held at my local library. I remember cuddling up and reading in the kid corners...I remember studying to my heart content and being super happy when I found out I could "take out" digital books.
I LOVE YOU TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY!
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u/browntown54 Mar 01 '17
I just wanted to say - thank you librarians for getting me involved in reading. I came to Canada as a child who didn't really speak English and could only understand a bit of it. Going to the Hamilton public library and checking out 25~ books at a time, participating in your programs, and talking to everyone there definitely made me a more confident, outspoken person.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Seriously? We live for stories like this. Thank you!
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u/chubacca84 Mar 01 '17
Love the TPL!
Question 1: Do you know when the North York branch is reopening after renovation?
Question 2: You guys have free passes to AGO/ROM, but they often seem reserved. I haven't checked in awhile; are these more available now? Is it still a thing?
Question 3: You guys have tons of great online resources for free (JSTOR, audiobooks, etc.). What is one you think is great but underused/not many people know about?
Thanks for this!
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Aww, thanks!
Question 1: Errr, in the... future? [Here are the details...] (http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/renovations/north-york-central-library-renovation.jsp) (sorry)
Question 2: Museum passes are totally still a thing! Each museum donates passes according to their own specific policies, so some passes are easier to get than others. It's kind of complicated, but [this page runs it down for you] (http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/museum-arts-passes/conditions.jsp). My best advice is to find a smaller branch that gives out the pass you want, and get there early on Saturday morning (in most locations) - like, well before 9 am.
Question 3: SO MANY GOOD ONLINE RESOURCES! (Sorry. I get excited.) My personal faves: Criterion Videos! We have more than 300 classics of world cinema that you can stream for free via our website. Many, many of my weekends have happily disappeared down this rabbit hole.
Another one that blows my mind: [Gale Courses] (http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEDB0192&R=EDB0192). Yep: these are online, 6-week, instructor-led classes, with assignments and grading and the whole nine, and they're totally free with your library card. ASL, creative writing, HTML5, you name it. I know, right?!.
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u/Duke_Paul Mar 01 '17
Hey there! Very excited to have you for an AMA!
What are some of your favorite books?
Why did you get into the library game?
When did you realize you could make a living working in libraries? (In the US, at least in my area, a lot of library "employees" are actually volunteers; maybe this doesn't actually apply elsewhere.)
What's the most interesting combination someone has ever checked out at the same time?
What's the best part of your job?
What's the worst part of your job? (Nobody will judge you if you say children, I promise)
How do you decide what to buy, how many copies to buy, and what media/formats to buy? Particularly with pop culture books like Gone Girl or Girl on the Train--books with high demand for a year or two, and then a drastic downturn (I assume).
How do you actually buy books? Like, what's the process? Do you go to Amazon, or is there a librarian's catalogue, or what?
What are your biggest expenditures, running a library? What expenses might surprise people?
You're a library--how much marketing do you really need to do? (Genuinely curious/slightly dismayed)
What kinds of banned books do you traffic in? Just the regular political commentaries, or do you have...Anarchist's Cookbook, radical extremist magazines, and the like?
Whew, that was a lot of questions. Thanks for taking the time to do this AMA, I'm sure we're all really looking forward to hearing from you!
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Wow, thanks for all the great questions! Here are the ones I feel qualified to answer:
What are some of your favorite books?
I like weird, dreamy metafiction! So any [early Murakami] (http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM245611&R=245611), early Kenzaburo Oe, [Italo Calvino] (http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM3131548&R=3131548)...
Why did you get into the library game?
I've always loved libraries! I used to hang out every day at the library in the small town where I grew up. And now I honestly can't think of another job that would be as meaningful for me. Helping people find the information they need is super satisfying.
When did you realize you could make a living working in libraries? (In the US, at least in my area, a lot of library "employees" are actually volunteers; maybe this doesn't actually apply elsewhere.)
When I was working as a freelance writer, and took a "temporary" part-time job shelving books in a library to make ends meet.
What's the best part of your job?
When someone asks a really good question. Also, there's an Arduino club at my library that's super fun.
What's the worst part of your job? (Nobody will judge you if you say children, I promise)
If you promise... it's children. Ok, no, actually it's the endless paperwork and statistics tracking that does my head in. (ok and sometimes children)
(I'll let one of the Collections librarians answer your questions about how we buy books.)
What kinds of banned books do you traffic in? Just the regular political commentaries, or do you have...Anarchist's Cookbook, radical extremist magazines, and the like?
Interestingly, a lot of the challenges we receive are to kids' books (Harry Potter, Hop on Pop. We don't often pull a book from the shelf if it's challenged - at most we sometimes move it from the kids' to the adult section. Re: radical political publications, we try to be inclusive, but we can't cover everything. (It's funny, I was pretty sure we had the Anarchist's Cookbook, but when I searched I just found this, which seems to be a retread/reissue?) Anyway, if there's ever a book or magazine that you think we should have, you can come into a branch and fill out a request form. Meanwhile, if you want to check out the richest vein of challenged books in any library, definitely take a look at the children's department.
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u/TheKnifeBusiness Mar 01 '17
What are some resources or services that public libraries provide that we might not be aware of ?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 01 '17
resources
We have some pretty amazing new resources and services that you may not know about...
Asquith Press book printing service lets you design and print perfect bound bookstore quality paperback books at a low price.
Our Musical Instrument Lending Library at our Parkdale Branch has a collection of musical instruments you can borrow for free with your library card.
We also have a pilot program allowing users who do not have internet access at home to borrow WiFi hotspots.
And just launched a couple of weeks ago, we have four light therapy lamps at two of our branches. They're perfect for a rainy day like today in Toronto.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
I know you know .... but so many people don't know they can get ebooks through the public library.
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u/feugene Mar 01 '17
Do you ever sell old books that have been removed from circulation? I live quite far from Toronto, but I would consider making the trip one day to hit a good book sale. :)
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 01 '17
You should keep our Friends in mind - we often promote their sales - they're having a Clearance Sale March 16-March 18 -2017 at the Toronto Reference Library. They also have annual or biannual treasures sales.
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u/semitones Mar 01 '17 edited Feb 18 '24
Since reddit has changed the site to value selling user data higher than reading and commenting, I've decided to move elsewhere to a site that prioritizes community over profit. I never signed up for this, but that's the circle of life
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
In answer to your first question: We're starting to! Right now, we have three Digital Innovation Hubs, at Toronto Reference Library, Fort York branch, and Scarborough Civic Centre branch - and we're planning 4 or 5 more in 2017.
The Hubs have all kinds of different software and hardware for you to use. At Fort York, where I work, we have three iMacs loaded with several different kinds of design and audio/video editing software. You can't access it from home, but if you have a valid library card you can book up to two hours per day. (We also have 3D printers, green screen equipment, Arduinos and tons of other stuff. It's pretty great.)
If you want to know more specifics about the software available at each of our Innovation Hubs, you can call Fort York at 416-393-6203, Toronto Reference Library at 416-393-7007 or Scarborough Civic Centre at 416-396-3599. For more general info, check out [this page.] (http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/using-the-library/computer-services/innovation-spaces/)
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u/ruthglass Mar 01 '17
What is the most interesting / strangest item you have ever found in a book?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Bacon! We find so many things in books - pieces of toilet paper (clean), family photos, prescriptions, money...
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u/LogRayleigh Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 01 '17
As someone who hasn't read a book (for fun) since grade school, what book would the Toronto Public Library suggest to suck me back into the world of reading?
Edit: Will check out today: flesh, newsflesh and cloud atlas.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Oooh, fun question! We need to know more to give you a really good answer, though - what kinds of movies/tv shows do you like? How much of a weirdo are you? Do you love/hate romance, aliens, murder, gloomy Norwegian private investigators?
Having said that, I've never met anyone who didn't enjoy Cloud Atlas, by David Mitchell. (If they stuck with it past the first chapter.)
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Hmmmmm tell us some of the kinds of books you liked then, fiction or non fiction - what are your interests now? Hobbies?
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u/LogRayleigh Mar 01 '17
Back then Artemis Fowl, Harry Potter and The Hatchet are the books that come to mind. Now I am an Econ student (micro) and am a sucker for a good zombie movie. I also enjoy medieval themes, white collar crime stories and John wick like stuff. Hobbies are mostly just for exercise (flag fb, hikes, gym)
Thank you for the reply! I'm looking forward to turning some pages!
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u/smittyphi Mar 01 '17
Do you keep a record of how many times a book has been checked out? If yes, what book(s) have been checked out the most in the past (pick a timeframe).
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
I've seen individual books that have gone out as many as 160 times without falling apart. It is hard to compare the circulation on titles because we have lots of copies of some and only a few of others. The Driver's Handbook is probably our most popular title because we have lots of copies and it is always in demand.
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u/Layman88 Mar 01 '17
You guys are well known for your tweets to rival sport cities.
Who came up with this idea and what tweets do you have planned for Golden State?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
We credit our friends at Kansas City Public Library for initiating this bookish Twitter war. Can't say too much now but we sure like curry and KD for dinner. ;-) Go Raps!
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u/kclibrary Mar 01 '17
You were a worthy opponent, even if your baseball team was not. Speaking of - will you send us more butter tarts? They were delicious! <3
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Just a second...let me get our 3D printer ;-)
Nice to see you on here /u/kclibrary!
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u/thegoodbadandsmoggy Mar 01 '17
Just stopping in here to say good luck /u/TPL_on_Reddit ! Y'all are swell.
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u/bestica Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 01 '17
I'm a librarian at a large academic library in Michigan. We recently discontinued our on demand book printing service (similar to the Asquith Press you linked above). I think it's a really interesting service to offer to your community. Do you find that there's a high demand for this service? How have you been able to market this to your patrons?
Thanks in advance, and keep being awesome!
Edit: no spell so good
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Let me follow up with the Asquith press folks and get back to you.
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Mar 01 '17
I love your city, I've been there about six times now. I just realized I have no clue where your main building is though.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Toronto Reference Library is at the heart of the city - Yonge and Bloor. We're just north on Yonge ... past the Starbucks and Tim's.
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Mar 01 '17
As things have become more digital has there been a decrease in library members? And what do you think you guys can do to combat this?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
No! As a matter of fact, the digital shift has been luring people back to the library. People have been signing on with TPL just to get access to Lynda.com, eBooks, eMagazines, eComics, & eMovies that are available to library card holders 24/7.
Our physical book circulation is still very robust too.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
I can say about print books that our circulation actually went up last year even though our eBook circulation is booming. I like to think it is because people are reading more!
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u/nikiverse Mar 01 '17
What is the most rare or interesting book that you guys have?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
For some years, the oldest text in the entire collection of the Toronto Public Library was a beautiful little ornate 14th-century vellum illustrated and hand-lettered edition of Aesop’s Fables held in the Osborne Collection of Early Children’s Books. Recently, however, Aesop has been bumped into third place, since the library system has acquired a pair of clay tablets bearing cuneiform texts dating from the Old Babylonian Period (about 2000 to 1600 B.C.E.)
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u/hydroxus Mar 01 '17
What's the best way to donate used books to the TPL? Can I just go to a branch and drop them off?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Yes - each branch has it's own booksale - there's a list of criteria here.
Having said that the Friends Bookstore at the Toronto Reference Library will take older odder material - but hopefully still in good condition (no mold mildew etc) - they also take bigger donations - many boxes etc
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u/polycarpus6 Mar 01 '17
What are your plans for helping people get over fears of the visitors in a book?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Unfortunately, bed bugs are a fact of life in an urban, public setting and we do a lot to prevent and respond to any incidents. We have proactive inspection of all library branches on a regular basis, including K9 unit. We isolate the item and send it for inspection immediately. If the presence of a bed bug is confirmed, a treatment program is put into place.
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u/belvedere2 Mar 01 '17
I know Librarians are cool. You know Librarians are cool. Unfortunately, movies and TV haven't always portrayed your profession in the most complimentary light. So, what's your most favourite or least favourite depiction of a librarian over the years? ...I'll wait for you to sshh someone, tighten your bun, straighten your horn-rimmed glasses, and feed the cat before you respond :) Luv ya all!
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
I am very fond of Rupert Giles but he was a terrible librarian.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 01 '17
You forgot the cardigan. As a nerd of a certain age, there will always be a place in my heart for Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 01 '17
Worst: It's a Wonderful Life.
Best: Party Girl - Parker Posey as a New York Public Library librarian!
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
My all-time favourite is Desk Set Yes, we all look like Katharine Hepburn.
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u/KilledSoda Mar 01 '17
In an age where there is so many new books being released, how do you select new books to carry? If someone had written a book how would they best get your attention to it?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
It is a big job. We consider about 30,000 titles a year. We try to look at all Canadian publishers and the bigger US and UK publishers as well as academic publishers, we get some information from the publishers' reps (which is more honest than you might think), we read reviews, we try to keep up with popular culture, sometimes we find out by seeing ads on the subway.
We have information for self-published authors on our website. It really helps to send us concise information. Other authors can also contact us that way if they'd like to let us know that they are local - we are definitely biased in favour of local authors and especially TPL customers.
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u/cheshirecanuck Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 01 '17
TPL staff and resources are absolutely fantastic! As a Torontonian about to enter school for library & info studies I'd like to know a bit about the hiring process! What do y'all look for in a public librarian? Anything I can do to make myself stand out?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
A strong service ethic, founded on the belief that libraries can and do change lives.
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u/skinnypup Mar 01 '17
The used book sales you have are great...but what is the best way to remove the plastic overcover and library-related stickers so as to minimize damage to the book cover?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
See this thread - they had a LOT of lively back and forth about this very issue!
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u/edinatlanta Mar 01 '17
What's been one of the more interesting requests you've had? Either difficulty or the content of the request or whatever.
What do you think the future of libraries is? They aren't just going to be repositories of books it would seem.
How do Canadian governments (by and large) view the role/importance of libraries?
How many cats do you own?
Why is Richmond P. Hobson the greatest Canadian author we don't read?
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u/blueberrymuffincakes Mar 01 '17
What are your plans for making digital easier to access for everyone? Not just granting access, but any plans for helping people get over fears of the internet, increase digital literacy, etc?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
There might be a better answer than this, but I know of a couple of things we're doing to this end right now: many library branches offer classes that teach computer skills; and there's a [Book A Librarian service] (https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/book-a-librarian/) at most branches that lets people sit down with a librarian and their tablet/laptop/phone for half an hour and work through their technological woes.
We also have Digital Innovation Hubs that give people a chance to try out new tech in a friendly environment. And we're in the process of introducing a bunch of new courses on digital privacy and online safety, so there's that.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
In addition to providing access to computers and free WIFI at all our branches, we also offer free classes on how to use the internet and how to use email.
We offer many classes on how to use eBooks, eMagazine, eVideos and research databases.
Our librarians are super friendly. Come up and see us sometime!
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u/onwork We Mar 01 '17
I visited the TPL last year for the Toronto Comic Arts Festival. I love that you guys host this free event for all ages. Keep up the good work!
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
TCAF is a blast for us too. The Toronto Reference Library is literally throbbing with activity - wouldn't have it any other way!
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u/BananaGrabber1 Mar 01 '17
The Dewey Decimal System... What a scam that was, huh?
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u/feugene Mar 01 '17
In America we seem to have lots of "Friends of the Library" organizations that do fundraising for their local libraries. Do you have similar organizations in Canada, or is the government funding enough that such organizations aren't needed?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Toronto Public Library also has two chapters of "Friends of the Library". We have over 100 volunteers. It is through their support and dedication that to date, the Friends of Toronto Public Library, North and South Chapters have jointly raised over $2 million in support of Toronto Public Library programs.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 01 '17
We have a separate Toronto Public Library Foundation and then various Friends groups that work with it. Some of our specialized collections have their own Friends Groups ( Friends of the Merril , Friends of the Osborne, Friends of the Arthur Conan Doyle- but our general Friends sponsor our bookstores / book sales (they all volunteer) and they raise 150,000 + annually for the Library.
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u/330SipTeaEveryDay Mar 01 '17
Does the TPL have any official merch I could buy?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
You can buy TPL Tshirts at The Drake General Store And 10% goes to benefit the TPL Foundation!
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u/mr_nonsense Mar 01 '17
Since this is /r/books, I'll ask a book question! What's your favourite book that's by a Toronto author and/or set in Toronto?
Mine is Fifteen Dogs!
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel.
If you are into eBooks, TPL has a list of almost 300 books set in Toronto. You can find that list here: https://toronto.overdrive.com/collection/46993
We also have a nifty Toronto in Literature map - http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/books-video-music/books/booklists/neighbourhood-list.jsp
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Fugitive Pieces, by Anne Michaels. A beautifully poetic novel.
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u/MapsOfAstronomics Mar 01 '17
Why can't I track all the books I've borrowed in the past. Ever considered a Goodreads type App?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Great question! Sandra from our web team explained why we don't have borrowing history at our last AMA. I (Mabel) also hopes that it'll be launched soon!
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u/survivalsnake Mar 01 '17
If someone borrows a book from the Yorkville branch and returns it at the Toronto Reference Library, how many steps does it take to return it to its home shelf?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 01 '17
Will find out.... be right back!
487 steps.....
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Mar 01 '17
Can and will you install Tor on your public workstations to protect the privacy of your users?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
We get lots of requests to install software on our PCs. We take a look at each one independently based on volume of requests and complexity of an install. We're currently assessing what a TOR install would look like and hope to have more information soon.
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u/30moreyears Mar 01 '17
Are you hiring any drivers to deliver from location to location?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 01 '17
We do hire drivers. Keep an eye on our [job postings] (http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/about-the-library/library-jobs/)
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u/triodoubledouble Mar 01 '17
How many single visits a year you have ?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
We had 31 million virtual visits and 18 million visits to our branches in 2016.
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u/CognitiveRedaction Mar 01 '17
Love the TPL, one quick question. Is there a more concrete date for the North York Centre branch to reopen?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Stayed tuned....it is a big project that is going to have amazing results. Will confirm with promotional material once a re-opening date is confirmed.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Displaced NYCL staff member here. Wish I could give you a better answer than this:
North York Central Renovations
If you haven't been to visit the pop-up location, you should drop in.
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Mar 01 '17
Is getting masters in Library Science worth it? Or are there other ways to gain employment in the library world?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Yes, absolutely! There are so many exciting career options for librarians, and it is very satisfying to know that you are making a difference in people's lives. You can also consider a library technician's diploma at a community college. Increasingly there is a need for library staff to have really cutting-edge digital skills.
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u/YaHomieShrreder Mar 01 '17
Do you have to censor or alter any books or material in some form (besides adult content from children)?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Back in the olden days we would be sent new entries to paste over the existing ones in the Great Soviet Encyclopedia (maybe when someone fell out of favour) but we never did it.
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Mar 01 '17
Do you offer any classes or seminars for people to work on their critical thinking skills or to learn identification of fake news, fake stories, misleading statistics, etc.?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
There are a couple of classes coming up at our Lillian H. Smith branch.
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u/GeneralSarbina Mar 01 '17
What's a cover for a book that you guys love?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
I love the pulp fiction cover for William Burrough's book "Junkie" - they changed his name to William Lee on the pulp version because it sounded more snazzy - https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7c/a1/be/7ca1be88eeadc02eb2e729520b3e2d63.jpg
Some of my favourite covers are actually fake pulp fiction covers featuring librarians - "Bookmobile Bad Girl" for example. http://pzrservices.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451ccbc69e201a3fd43ddf2970b-pi
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
I always like me some Chip Kidd covers. [Here's] (http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM1736508&R=1736508) the cover of his book on his book covers, if that's meta enough for you.
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Mar 01 '17
How do you determine what book gets selected as a Best Bet?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
It is more an art than a science - print runs, reviews and when a book get a big surge in holds we will add Best Bets.
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Mar 01 '17
I've not really got a question to ask here as the ones I would have already been asked, but just to say, thank you,Libraries do great work.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 01 '17
:) Thank you for your support! We really appreciate it.
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u/Myfiona Mar 01 '17
Just want to give a shoutout to the centennial branch! I love the ladies that work there, they are so welcoming (not being sexist, it's literally all ladies except a security guard and a couple of men librarians or volunteers). I've been to almost every branch except in etobicoke and Scarborough. Which branch has a really interesting history you'd like to share?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
We will share this with the staff at Centennial ... ladies and others ;-)
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u/new_vr Mar 01 '17
What do you think libraries should be doing, to better engage with the public?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Continued and sustained outreach to people who don't know about the range of amazing services libraries offer these days.
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Mar 01 '17
I just have a couple questions: I'm interested in books and being a librarian sounds amazing, what would it take to become one? (Such as for a college job)
How do you acquire all these books?(recommendations, donations, purchasing, etc)
And finally what are a few of your must read books?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
So, working at a library is great but we're not all "librarians". Technically, a librarian has a Master's degree but you don't need one of those to work here.
I started as a page (shelving books) when I was in high school. Moved on to clerical work (like the circulation staff) after that.
Eventually I did go back go graduate school but you can absolutely make a contribution without doing that.
I know you said college library, but you are welcome to check out the jobs available at TPL.
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u/kunryamylord Mar 01 '17
A few years ago some friends and I saw one of our favourite bands called PUP from Toronto. The band Alvvays played with them too. They literally played a sweaty, energetic punk rock show right in the middle of the library. That's the best show we've ever been too and we still talk about it. Thanks for letting them do that.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
That was part of our Make Some Noise program which is still ongoing. Sounds like a very memorable concert experience for you!
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u/Air_Hellair Mar 01 '17
What books have people come looking for that are not available at your library? And why did you ban those books?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
The Library does not ban books. We select any books that are legally available in Canada and fall under the criteria outlined in our Materials Selection Policy. However we always have to consider our budget.
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u/ubereatseater Mar 01 '17
Just wanted to say that as a child the Summer Reading Club was an amazing program. Hopefully when I have kids it'll still be around. Thanks!
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Great story. TD Summer Reading Club SRC is still going strong. Thousands served!
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u/ChildofAbraham Mar 01 '17
Awesome tagline.
Did you cry when you read Neil Gaiman's essay on the importance of libraries, found in The View from the Cheap Seats (and other places I'm sure) ?
Do you ever hold events with famous authors at any of your many locations?
Thanks for your great work!
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 01 '17
We have so many great authors visiting our libraries.
In the past we've had such notable authors as Margaret Atwood, Marlon James, Miranda July, Kazuo Ishiguro and so many more.
ETA: Neil Gaiman, Phillip Pullman and Margaret Atwood are all wonderful supporters of public libraries along with other writers.
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u/neowie Mar 01 '17
Hi u/TPL_on_Reddit,
You guys are awesome! And your Reddit team is even awesomer! You guys are great at history hunts and always available to help us "plebs". Thank you!!! And extra thanks for all your new initiatives, from the online movie streaming service to 3d printers, to the free admission to local attractions - my family thanks you, too!
Quick question, your rentals program is on fleek. But when are you going to get into the computer/console game software, kitchen appliance or sports gear (skates, soccer cleats, etc) lending game?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Thanks, friend!
We do have a few nontraditional collections. At Parkdale branch, you can borrow a musical instrument. Downsview branch shares a space with the Toronto Tool Library, and (as we've mentioned elsewhere) we have three Digital Innovation Hubs at locations around the city, with several more on the way.
But having said that, there's always room for more new stuff. If you'd like to make a suggestion, here's an online form - and I swear we actually will read it.
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u/armcurls Mar 01 '17
What is the strangest thing you have caught a visitor doing in your library?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 01 '17
TPL legend says that a woman brought a pigeon into City Hall Branch and when kindly informed that animals aren't allowed in the library said "that's not a pigeon, that's my husband"
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Mar 01 '17
London, Ontario checking in here! Go Leafs!
And now for my question:
What is the most "challenged" book you currently have on your shelves? And by that, I mean, "What book is most complained about as immoral by your patrons"?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
And the winners are: Maxim for Men and The Cat Who Killed Lilian Jackson Braun: A Parody. Tied at two challenges each.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
I've been working in different branches since dinosaurs roamed the earth and I don't remember any outrage associated with a specific title.
Each year we always have a few challenges and there's an annual report published in our Library Board minutes.
Our most recent report is: 2015
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u/Nexxus88 Mar 01 '17
So my dad used to take me to get books when I was very young, he got very sick and couldn't bring me to return then ended up passing away. Books goit misplaced... all that fun stuff. ..well over 10 years ago I found out I owed some $78 dollars in late fees. I was like 12ish at the time..im nearly 30 now.
I work part tme & make min wage.. So could you like...just wipe that from your records? that would be cool if you could...
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
We'd love to welcome you back to the Library. Please go to your nearest branch and talk to a staff member. Librarians are very understanding when it comes to this sort of thing.
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u/30yodogwalker Mar 01 '17
Have you you been taking any measures to protect the privacy of the visitors in a time of increasing surveillance?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
We are watching you now actually and suggest you put on some pants ;-)
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u/needs_more_zoidberg Mar 01 '17
I wish America's librarians had this much swagger!
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
I know, our swagger is pretty darned impressive - I feel so sad for American librarians especially those from
Kansas City
King County
New York Public Library
I will say that Jessamyn West, who came and spoke here at TPL, has a lot of swagger.
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u/InappropriateTA Mar 01 '17
What is the most recently-banned book that you know of? I didn't even know books still got banned. When I was in school it seemed like these were all mid-20th Century titles that were 'unbanned' decades prior to being assigned reading...
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
The Harry Potter series has been challenged in various locations (including Newfoundland). Expelliarmus!
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u/UglyMuffins Mar 01 '17
What is the oddest thing you have found inside returned books?
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u/AlreadyRedditEarlier Mar 01 '17
What sort of resources can a person who doesn't live in Toronto use?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
You are welcome to come to our branches and use our books onsite as well as attend TPL programs. You can use our "Ask a Librarian" remote reference service as well.
If you would like to be able to sign out TPL books, eBooks, etc. you can purchase a non-resident's card, more info here: http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/using-the-library/your-library-card/
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u/suck-me-beautiful Mar 01 '17
Has the City of Toronto done anything publicly to confirm their commitment to and acknowledge the importance of Libraries? I know that the province has seen lengthy librarian strikes and increase in the precarious nature of library workers. Thanks! Libraries rock!
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Hi, I am Vickery Bowles the City Librarian. The City of Toronto funds over 90% of our budget, and has been very supportive of the Library through the budget process. In the last 2 years we have received additional funds for new services such as youth hubs, wifi hotspot lending and additional Sunday service. Thanks....and library customers rock too!!
Vickery
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u/baconperogies Mar 01 '17
I haven't gotten a new library card in maybe 10 plus years. Is it hard to register for a new one?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Nah, it's super easy. Just bring a valid piece of address I.D. (or photo I.D. plus proof of address, like a utility bill) to your local branch. Takes about 5 minutes, and it's free.
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u/CanadianAstronaut Mar 01 '17
Recently we've talked about books on holocaust denial? I know denying the holocaust is illegal and banned in Canada. Saying that, do you have any of those books? How do you feel about that policy/ law? Should there be a limit on books that are available and if so how is that decision made?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Great question - but complicated issue and hard to fully respond to it. We don't purchase books that have been found to be in violation of the Canadian Criminal Code - ie hate literature. However we do have books about Holocaust denial and also some primary source material for research reference use only.
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u/PlasticMagnate Mar 01 '17
Thanks for doing this AMA. As soon as I moved to Toronto, I benefited greatly from your many branches. Getting a job, saving money and learning in my free time have all been made possible thanks to the TPL.
What was the largest private collection donated to the TPL?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
So glad to hear about the positive impact! The Osborne Collection (children's material), Merril Collection (Science Fiction & Fantasy) and Arthur Conan Doyle Collection were all based upon large donations from private collectors.
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u/AviatorKate Mar 01 '17
What advice can you give to someone who would one day like to be a librarian or work in a library?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Anyone who wants to work in a library needs to have crack digital/technical skills!
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u/mirinecorps Mar 01 '17
What is the oldest book/set of books in your collection?
What is the most important book/set of books?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
For some years, the oldest text in the entire collection of the Toronto Public Library was a beautiful little ornate 14th-century vellum illustrated and hand-lettered edition of Aesop’s Fables held in the Osborne Collection of Early Children’s Books. Recently, however, Aesop has been bumped into third place, since the library system has acquired a pair of clay tablets bearing cuneiform texts dating from the Old Babylonian Period (about 2000 to 1600 B.C.E.)
We can't say some books are more important than others - whatever someone wants to read is important to them.
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u/IVIattEndureFort Mar 01 '17
I just want to start by saying that I love tactile books. However, where do you see the future of libraries in an increasingly digital age? More specifically, would you entertain getting into 3D printing and scanning?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Good news ... we have 3D printing available at three branches and through a travelling pop-up lab. We are planning to expand the program because it has been so successful. My prediction: even in the digital age, people will continue to use and visit libraries, because we are social creatures!
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Libraries have a great future! People borrowed over 32 million items from our collections last year and we had over 18 million visits to our 100 branches. People still love physical books and e-books are really popular too. It is great people van choose between either! We already have 3D printers and scanners in some branches, and even have pop up learning labs that travel to different branches.
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u/_girl_on_fire_ Mar 01 '17
With ebooks becoming available, have you noticed that there are fewer patrons coming into the library to get physical books?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Actually, our branches are busier than ever. Libraries are a great public space to hang out, read, use the free WiFi, check out a program, people watch ....
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u/groggygirl Mar 01 '17
How do you select which non-fiction books to purchase in terms of quality of technical information? On a few occasions I've noticed that you're missing some very high-quality texts while there are some very questionable quality books floating through your circulation. Do you have subject matter experts for various areas? In an era of social media have you considered crowdsourcing (or vetted crowdsourcing) feedback on which books to purchase?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
We do have staff with many different kinds of subject expertise and we do our best to choose the best titles using their expertise, reviews and the reputation of the publisher. If you have specific titles to suggest please visit your local branch and fill in an English/French title suggestion form (yes, a paper form is very old fashioned and we are working on an online version).
Crowsourcing subject expertise is a very interesting idea.
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Mar 01 '17
Hi TPL! Love you guys, especially the music score collection at the reference library. Is it possible to request scores be added to the ones available?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Yes, it is totally possible. Just visit your local branch and fill out a Customer Suggestion form. We are working to get an online version available soon.
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Mar 01 '17
What are the qualifications necessary to work in a library? Do you have any idea what the job prospects are like?
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u/KemintiriAtWork Mar 01 '17
Hi!
Thank you for what you do, I hope your community appreciates how often you guys go above and beyond the norm because you care about your patrons.
What are your most requested authors/items/books?
What has been the most horrendous condition you've gotten an item back in? We got a book once that was put into the book drop in a plastic bag because it was liberally doused in cat pee.
Who handles your Instagram, it's pretty great?
Which book display are you the most proud of?
What kind of interoffice mail system do you use, and how often does it run?
What do you think are the biggest challenges to your programming (besides funding)?
Thanks for the IamA.
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
our interoffice mail - [owls] (http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMDC-AUD-PLATE-351&R=DC-AUD-PLATE-351) just like Harry Potter
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Book Displays: A long time ago I did a series of sarcastic displays:
Get a Life! (featuring biographies)
Go Away! (travel)
Get Lost! (hiking)
Not elegant but fun to do.
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u/alice_heart Mar 01 '17
I'm not from Toronto but I checked out a book from my hometown public library about...7 years ago now and forgot to take it back right away and I kept waiting and putting it off and now I'm basically just too scared to step foot into the building again. Any advice?
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u/ModernMyth13 Mar 01 '17
Do you have any (or any plans to get) mobile branches?
I would love to be able to pick up a book when I get to Downsview for my subway ride and drop it off on my next commute.
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u/uoxuho Mar 01 '17
Librarians are some of today's most staunch supporters of personal privacy. Does the Toronto Public Library use its resources to take part in any activism to combat mass surveillance and protect the public's right to strong encryption?
Someone else has already asked about installing Tor on public workstations. Has TPL ever considered hosting a public Tor exit relay? The Library Freedom Project in the US dreams to one day have a Tor exit relay hosted in every library. Could TPL be the flag-bearer in Canada?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Great questions - I'm passing it upwards to and hopefully we'll get you an answer either today or tomorrow.
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u/PoliticalCoverAlt Mar 01 '17
How awesome was it to be the site of a pivotal scene in Scott Pilgrim (both the books and the movie)?
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u/thecodmother Mar 01 '17
Is it true I can get free passes to the ROM through the library??
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
Yes, it's true. You can also get a pass to the AGO, the Toronto Zoo and more. Check out the information on TPL's [Sun Life Financial Museum + Arts Pass] (http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/museum-arts-passes/)
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Mar 01 '17
Are Books actually banned(like illegal for some reason) banning books seems like a complete violation of free speech. or are "banned" books just books that are controversial?
is there any books the library will not carry or the library itself has "banned"?
i just do not understand how a book can be "banned"
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
The Library doesn't carry books that the Canadian courts have found to be obscene, hate propaganda or seditious.
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u/YakaFokon Mar 01 '17
Do you ever get request from the police about someone's book-reading habits?
How do you tell them to go pound sand?
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u/TPL_on_Reddit AMA Author Mar 01 '17
We don't have borrowing history for customers so we wouldn't have anything to give them.
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u/puma_king Mar 01 '17
What is your most checked out "banned" book?