Readers and community members all across the city will soon have access to libraries every day of the week.
In a press conference on Sunday, Mayor Olivia Chow announced that Toronto’s 100 libraries will be open seven days a week all-year-round, by July 2026.
“TPL will aim to create and animate accessible, inclusive spaces that are flexible and sustainable to inspire Torontonians to be and grow together,” Toronto Public Libraries (TPL) said in a release. “Increasing branch open hours in neighbourhoods across the city is one example of how TPL will achieve success.”
As part of the Open Hours Plan, approximately $8 million will be invested into opening Toronto libraries for longer hours in the coming years.
The news of expansion follows reports of increased demand for libraries in the city—a 61 per cent year-over-year rise in traffic for branches which increased their Monday to Saturday hours, according to the release.
Meanwhile, Toronto branches which did not increase their hours, reported just a six-per cent increase in traffic.
To meet the demand, next year the revised plan will extend the opening hours of 16 more branches from Monday to Saturday, while 33 other locations will begin opening their doors to the public on Sundays as well.
“We walked by our local library today and wondered why they are not open on a Sunday anymore. And there we have it. Thanks @MayorOliviaChow,” an X user posted.
Meanwhile, another resident wonders how social services will funded to meet the demands of library usage. “Libraries are being used by folks seeking social services more and more, as typical library usage also increases,” an X user said. “How will you fund more social service collaboration to meet this new demand, as the library is a community hub (TPL and CityTO strategic plans)?”
The Open Hours plan was initially developed back in 2006, as part of a report called “The Best Thing Library can be is Open.” Now, the extended hours aim to provide more space for community members to visit, study, and learn, during the evenings and weekends.
On Oct 28, the TPL is set to consider the revised Open Hours plan, which will then be passed to city council in the new year in time for 2025 budget discussions.
