Toronto Public Library is reporting its best year ever, having loaned more than 31 million items in 2009. (Canadian Press)

The Toronto Public Library is reporting its busiest year ever with more than 31-million items borrowed from its branches during 2009.

TPL says the numbers jumped five per cent from the previous year, with customers borrowing a record number of books, DVDs, e-books and music files.

The use of in-branch computers also soared by 11.5 per cent over the previous year, while the number of visitors topped 17 million.

"Libraries play an important role in the city, offering access to information and resources that give everyone an equal chance to succeed," said TPL city librarian Jane Pyper.

"Increased activity shows that more and more people are relying on their public library and we're here to respond and connect people to the resources and help they need," said Pyper in a news release.

TPL says the big jump in library usage is due to a number of factors including, the economic downturn, library renovations and free wireless internet access in every branch.