TORONTO — The Toronto Public Library (TPL) is celebrating a historic milestone in digital engagement, recording a record-breaking 14 million digital checkouts in the past year alone. Data indicates a 35% increase in online readership over the last five years, signaling a major shift in how residents consume literature. A primary driver of this growth is the Libby app, which allows users to borrow e-books and audiobooks for free on smartphones and tablets. The convenience of “anywhere, anytime” access, combined with the rising cost of living, has made the library’s free digital services an increasingly attractive resource for the public. Officials anticipate that the library’s cumulative digital circulation will surpass the 100 million mark in the coming months.
Despite the digital revolution, experts emphasize that the role of librarians remains indispensable in curation and organization. In an era of information overload, professional guidance is essential to help readers navigate vast digital catalogs. While university libraries and other institutions are striving to replicate the traditional “bookstore experience” on digital platforms, the transition is not without its challenges. Concerns persist regarding the long-term preservation of “born-digital” content and the potential for data loss due to technical failures. Consequently, library experts suggest that the most sustainable future for reading lies in a hybrid model—embracing new technology while maintaining physical collections as a reliable safeguard.
