May 3rd, 2017

NDP MPP DiNovo asks Wynne Liberals to reverse their Toronto Public Library cuts

Today in the legislature, NDP GTA Issues critic and MPP for Parkdale-High Park, Cheri DiNovo, asked the Wynne Liberals to reverse their drastic funding cut to the Toronto Public Library.  

“Yesterday, the Liberals defended cutting 20% from Toronto public libraries. The government says that the library’s digital archives project isn’t being used,” said DiNovo. “Actually, the fact is, usage is up.”

According to usage statistics obtained by Ontario’s New Democrats, the number of items examined using TPL’s Virtual Reference Library has actually increased. (see image below)

“One of the great things about public libraries is everyone uses them. Young people, seniors, and new Canadians,” said DiNovo. “Public libraries are at the heart of local communities. And the Liberals are making cuts to the Toronto Public Library.” 

The cut to the Toronto Public Library comes as many services people count on are being cut or underfunded by the Wynne Liberal government. Hospitals, affordable housing, and public transit struggle without proper support from this provincial government. 

“Only in the Liberal world is a cut of $1.4 million not a cut,” said DiNovo, before asking the Wynne Liberals to reverse their cuts to libraries in Toronto.

 

 

TPL_VirtualRefLibraryUsage.jpg