Written by Fête Chinoise Editorial Team (Kayla Lo)
IMages: George PImentel, Provided by Toronto Public Library Foundation

The Toronto Public Library Foundation’s Biblio Bash once again graced the halls of the Toronto Reference Library yesterday, continuing its tradition since 2017. This annual black-tie fundraiser brings together authors, literary enthusiasts, and philanthropists to support the Toronto Public Library’s most pressing needs.

Last night, Biblio Bash 2024 welcomed over 425 guests and featured 38 of Canada’s esteemed authors and esteemed guests, including Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Emma Donoghue, Morgan Campbell, Stephen Poloz, and many others. The event achieved remarkable success, raising an impressive $1,071,550 to support the Toronto Public Library’s mission of promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.

This year, the funds raised will unlock opportunities for newcomers to Canada to support vital library services that assist individuals and families settling in our city. Beyond its extensive book collections, the Toronto Public Library is dedicated to organising programs that cater to the diverse needs of our city’s residents. Regular programs include conversation circles, social clubs and events, English language learning support, assistance with school enrollment for children, and more. Additionally, the library hosts frequent programs aimed at promoting cross-cultural understanding and fostering welcoming communities—with Asian Heritage Month on the horizon, a lineup of events is already in place to introduce Asian culture to the public.

“The generosity of Biblio Bash attendees plays a critical role in supporting the resilience and courage of those who, just like our parents, immigrated to Canada in the hopes of building a better future for their families.”
—Biblio Bash Co-Chairs, Claire MacNamara and Farah Nasser

“No other institution has the mandate and reach, physical and technical infrastructure, talent and community presence to support newcomers and help them succeed in a new city, the way TPL does.”
— Toronto Public Library Foundation’s CEO, Will Scott

Inclusivity and diversity are fundamental values that define the country. As Toronto welcomes over 100,000 newcomers annually, the Toronto Public Library remains a popular window, providing assistance and support to those new to the country. It strives to be a safe, open, and welcoming space for all its visitors. Significant funds have been allocated to the Toronto Public Library Foundation’s Newcomer Community Initiative, enabling the expansion of resources in 40 languages and outreach efforts to better serve newcomers.

A highlight of the evening was the presence of notable guest authors, each seated at dinner tables throughout the atrium. This provided guests with unique opportunities for engaging conversations and gaining insights into their literary works. Transformed into a magical forest, the venue features interactive activations such as Air Canada’s “Giving Tree,” musical entertainment by Bellosound’s Riham Hagona, and personal tarot card readings by Lori Dyan. The always-popular Portrait Studio by George Pimentel completes the enchanting experience of the evening. Biblio Bash has also brought exceptional silent auction prizes, which fetched over $25,000 through a live auction, adding to the excitement of the event.

The Biblio Bash 2024 was a resounding celebration of literature and community, showcasing the Toronto Public Library’s role in fostering knowledge, understanding, and cultural exchange within our city. The remarkable funds raised at the event further reinforced the belief in the transformative influence of literature and its capacity to improve our city for all. We anticipate that these contributions will assist more newcomers in settling into the city and promote cultural inclusiveness and understanding!

For anyone wishing to give to Toronto Public Library Foundation’s Newcomer Community Initiative, all public donations are now being doubled until July 15th, supported by Fidelity Canada. Donate now at tpl.ca/donate.

Authors Highlight on Asian-Canadians 

Every year, a select Canadian author is invited to sit at each guest table, and mingle with book lovers and hosts. Two of this year’s authors represent the Chinese-Canadian community. 

Evelyn Chick, For the love of Cocktails

A hospitality entrepreneur and a specialist for everything bar and beverage, Evelyn is an advocate for inclusive food and drink community in the Canadian landscape. She is also the owner of Simpl Things, named one of Canada’s best bars in 2023, which serves neo-Chinese fusion treats at night and Italian plates during the day.

For the Love of Cocktails is her first book sharing a playful collection of cocktail recipes for home bartenders, and share the open mind behind sharing flavours with others.

Kevin Chong, The Double Life of Benson Yu

Graphic novelist Yu attempts to write a story between a boy living in a Chinatown housing project who was taken in by his neighbour who believes he’s a reincarnated medieval sumurai. As the story develops, Yu struggles with confronting its darker backstory.

Moved to Canada from Hong Kong since he was young, Kevin’s latest novel has a background standing of his own cultural heritage in its storytelling, while shed lights on the fiction writing process, the influences of writer on building its characters.

More from Fête Chiniose