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The Biblio Bash raises funds for learning and opportunities
Bookworms and authors came out in droves for the recent Biblio Bash, presented by TD Bank. Did you know over 2,000,000 Torontonians used the library last year with over 18 million visits to library branches across the province? In fact, the Toronto Public Library is one of the busiest public library systems in the world.
Biblio chair Victoria Webster threw open the doors of the Toronto Reference Library for loads of black-tie fun, including smart cocktails, a delectable dinner and the opportunity to bid on over 15 unique silent auction packages. Competition was fierce for the trip to Fogo Island, a staycation at the Four Seasons Toronto, a trip to New York City and oncein-a-lifetime experiences including a book-club dinner with Canadian literary icon Margaret Atwood.
It was a thrill to dine with authors like Michael Redhill, Thomas King, Esi Edugyan, Shari Lapena, Matt Dean Pettit, Heather O’Neill, Kim Bozak, Rita Field-Marsham and Sandy Skotnicki. Patrons loved the roaming artist who
created on-the-spot, original custom bookmarks for anyone who asked.
The money raised will provide Toronto youth with free access to quality afterschool homework help, technology, digital and financial literacy learning, and opportunities to participate in enriching programs that help develop social, creative, life and leadership skills.
“Last year, TPL Youth Hub visits doubled from the year before, so it’s apparent to our Library staff that there’s an ongoing need for these dedicated youth-focused initiatives,” commented city librarian Vickery Bowles. “Toronto Public Library genuinely contributes to positive outcomes for youth with a strong emphasis on personal development, equitable access and learning. The Library is a space where young people are both welcome and supported, and it’s because of the tremendous support of Biblio Bash donors, sponsors and volunteers that we will be able to invest even further in these areas of TPL.”
Over $650,000 was raised for the Toronto Public Library Foundation with the help of Labatt Breweries of Canada, Mantella Corporation, Gerald Sheff and Shanitha Kachan, Whitehots and Rogers Communications.