They are close to restoring all systems and services across 100 library branches.
The Toronto Public Library System is up and running again!
Friend--
In October 2023, the Toronto Public Library (TPL) had a cybersecurity incident limiting their online services and technology to community members. Throughout these couple of months, the TPL has been working diligently to restore their services.
Major updates include the reinstatement of account services, self-checkout machines back in operation, as well as accessing computer workstations. More details below.
In this newsletter:
- The Toronto Public Library Services Restored
- Roundtable on Gun Violence in Jane and Finch
- Vacant Home Tax Declaration Extension
- Road Repair with Mayor Olivia Chow
- Reducing Single-Use Items
If you have any questions, please get in touch with me at 416 338 5335 or [email protected]. My team is here to support you.
Sincerely,
City Councillor
Ward 7, Humber- River Black Creek
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The Toronto Public Library Services Restored
Here are the library’s key updates on restoration:
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Account Services Reinstated:
- Customers can now browse, place holds, renew items, and view borrowing history. Some features are still pending reintroduction.
- Customers can now browse, place holds, renew items, and view borrowing history. Some features are still pending reintroduction.
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Borrowing Services Update:
- Significant progress has been made in processing stored items, with self-checkout machines now available at all branches.
- Significant progress has been made in processing stored items, with self-checkout machines now available at all branches.
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Public Computing Services Restored:
- Computer workstations are back, with reservations possible online, by phone, or in-branch. Mac computers with design software are gradually returning. Children’s computers and printing services are currently unavailable but efforts are ongoing to restore them.
For more information, you can contact Answerline or visit your nearest branch for assistance.
Roundtable on Gun Violence in Jane and Finch
Yesterday, I convened a roundtable discussion to tackle gun violence within the JaneFinch community.
In the short term, the community roundtable determined the need for a more visible police presence in the area and better lighting in key locations. The roundtable also decided on the need for community leaders to do more direct work with local youth. Further meetings will take place as the community will continue to collaborate on potential solutions.
Thank you to the law enforcement officials, community leaders, and concerned residents who joined us. Lots of work to do but we’ll get it done if all hands are on deck.
You can also read articles about this on:
AfroGlobal Television Black History Month Event
Attended a powerful Black History Month event last night, hosted by AfroGlobal Television. It was an inspiring celebration of Black culture, history, and achievements.
YNOT Black History Month Event
Attended an inspiring Black History Month event by YNOT Services and Tropicana Community Services. The discussions were insightful, learning more about the journey of Black leaders. Thank you for the impactful event!
Annual Skating Events
Thanks to everyone who joined me for a great skate at John Booth Arena and Grandravine CC! It was a blast connecting with you all. Mark your calendars for our final skate event on March 10 at Habitant Arena (3383 Weston Rd) from 2:30-4:30 pm.
San Romanoway Revitalization Association’s Vertical Farm
This unique wall lets you grow fresh produce and herbs vertically, saving space compared to traditional farms!
TPS Prayer Walk at Driftwood
I stood with the TPS and community faith leaders at the prayer walk at Driftwood CC. It was a powerful reminder of the strength in unity and the importance of coming together in times of tragedy.
Jane-Finch Mall Community Consultation
Thanks to all who attended our community consultation at York Woods Library last week. Your input is crucial to the redevelopment of our neighbourhood.
Vacant Home Tax Declaration
The Vacant Home Tax Declaration has been extended until March 15th!
The easiest way to submit your vacant home tax declaration is through the City’s online portal.
The City’s secure online portal is the best way to submit a declaration. It’s quick and easy to declare online – and helps prevent potential errors and readability issues that sometimes occur with declarations completed by hand.
If required, homeowners can download a PDF of the form to complete and submit by mail.
To make your annual declaration, you will need the 21-digit assessment roll number and the customer number from your property tax bill or property tax account statement.
Please do not submit any personal information by email as it is not a secure form of file transfer.
If there is an error in the declaration you submitted and it is not past the declaration deadline, you can re-file a new declaration.
Our office located at 2350 Finch Ave W - Unit C (Finch & Weston) is also open and any of our team members will be happy to assist. Call our office at 416 338 5335 to book your appointment.
Road Repair with Mayor Olivia Chow
Joined Mayor Olivia Chow and road repair crews near Jane and Finch over the weekend. There’s a lot of work left to be done, but we’re committed.
From this pothole blitz, 82 crews repaired 10,198 potholes across the city on Saturday, closing 183 service requests!
Reducing Single-Use Items
Toronto is taking the lead in fighting single-use waste! As of Mar 1, a new bylaw goes into effect, making it mandatory for retailers to:
- Ask first before providing single-use items.
- Accept reusable cups and bags.
- Use only recyclable paper bags.
For more information, you can visit toronto.ca/single-use
