How often do you use your public library?

A proposal by Toronto city councillors to close some public libraries and cut hours and programming at others had sparked an intense debate between city officials and their constituents. (iStock)The debate over access to public libraries is heating up in Toronto, where the city's mayor has suggested closing some branches, and reducing hours or trimming programming at others to help plug an estimated $744-million budget shortfall.

The Toronto Public Library system's $183.4-million budget covers 99 branches and 11 million library holdings - the highest number of holdings per capita in the province.

The city also has a high rate of library use - 33.9 uses per capita - compared to the provincial median of 28.1, according to a report prepared by KPMG, the auditors recommending the cuts.

Public libraries are mandatory under the Public Libraries Act, and while access to them is not considered "an essential service," it must be free, KPMG points out.

By closing some branches, the City of Toronto could save up to 20 percent of its budget, KPMG recommended.

But Mayor Rob Ford's proposal to close some branches sparked a fight between some city officials and library users. Even Margaret Atwood, Canada's literary icon - and a Toronto resident - stepped into the fray, urging residents to sign an online petition.

Toronto's not alone in its public library woes. Calgary, Regina and Vancouver have also fought cuts to hours or jobs in public library systems, and the problem exists widely in the U.S., as well.

How much do you value the public library system where you live? Would you be willing to see your local branch close to help cut your town or city's spending? Why or why not?


(This survey is not scientific. Results are based on readers' responses.)