Throughout The Hyperlinked Library course, my understanding of innovation in libraries grew in ways I didn’t expect. Across my assignments and reflections, certain core ideas continued to surface, including empathy, equity, participation, storytelling, creativity, and belonging. This mind map brings those themes together to show how my perspective evolved over the course of the term, from seeing libraries as information providers to recognizing them as lifelines, barrier‑free spaces, creative classrooms, communities of belonging, and places where shared stories strengthen connection. As I move toward children’s librarianship, I hope to create spaces that spark imagination, nurture confidence, and grow alongside the communities they serve. Template: Aarohii Std. (n.d.). Brown beige vintage…

Over my 17 years at the Toronto Public Library (TPL), my work with children has continually shown me how naturally learning unfolds through exploration, play, and creative discovery. Although I have facilitated programs for all ages, the work that energizes me most and the work that has shaped my MLIS journey, is designing programs for children 6-12 years old. Within this age group, the library naturally becomes what Stephens (2016) describes as a creative classroom, a space where imaginations play and learning unfolds through curiosity, experimentation, and hands on discovery. My children’s programs already embody this model. In my balloon twisting workshops, children learn through tactile exploration, shaping and reshaping…

This report outlines a Human Library program designed for parents and caregivers at Toronto Public Library’s S. Walter Stewart Branch. Please click the Canva presentation link below to view the complete Inspiration Report. Link:Every Family Has a Story- A Human Library for Parents, Caregivers and Parents‑to‑Be   @vino

A recurring theme in this module was the question “What’s your story?” This question emphasizes the value of personal narratives and the role storytelling can play in building connections between people. Throughout the module, I was especially interested in examples of libraries creating opportunities for storytelling, particularly the Human Library, where people become “books” and share their lived experiences through conversations. In multicultural communities, initiatives like this can create opportunities to learn about different cultures, experiences, and perspectives while challenging assumptions and stereotypes (Wentz, 2013). The Hamilton Public Library’s immigration stories project particularly resonated with me because of its focus on preserving community voices, including immigration stories (Hamilton Public Library,…

One of the ideas that captured my attention most from the Module 8 readings on New Models was the Scandinavian concept of hygge. Hygge is often described as creating a sense of coziness, comfort, belonging, and community. Stephens (2019) shares a definition that particularly resonated with me, describing hygge as “the art of building sanctuary and community” and “a feeling of belonging to the moment and celebrating the everyday.” Reading this made me reflect on a monthly vision board program I previously developed and facilitated for adults at Toronto Public Library. Before this module, I viewed it simply as a creative wellness program. Now I realize it also embodies many…

This innovation roadmap presents Move, Learn & Connect at the Library, a participatory adult wellness initiative designed for Toronto Public Library’s Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Branch. Please click the Canva presentation link below to view the complete Innovation Strategy & Roadmap. Link: Innovation Roadmap- Move, Learn & Connect at the Library   @vino

While reading Salt Lake City Public Library’s case study on fine free library reflection (Salt Lake City Public Library, 2018), I found myself thinking not only about their journey, but about ours at Toronto Public Library (TPL) and how the pandemic unexpectedly accelerated a shift toward a more open, compassionate, and participatory library environment. COVID disrupted everything: our routines, our services, our assumptions. But it also revealed which policies were essential and which were simply carried over. At TPL, the temporary suspension of fines during lockdown created a moment of clarity. When the world paused, fines paused and yet the library remained steady. Like Salt Lake City Public Library, we…

Christoph’s Day at the Library It is 10:20 a.m., and I find myself wondering what happened to Christoph. Our Toronto Public Library (TPL) branch opened at 10:00 a.m., and our regular unhoused patron is usually waiting at the door. Just as the thought crosses my mind, the accessible doors slide open and in comes Christoph, dragging two heavy bags of belongings in each hand. We already know where he’s headed: the computer with the large print accessible keyboard. Some days the smell is faint and on other days we open all the windows for fresh air. When it becomes overwhelming our branch head gently reminds him that he needs a…

Working at Toronto Public Library (TPL) for more than seventeen years has given me a front row seat to the evolving landscape of public library service. When I first began in a public‑facing role at the library, reference work often involved patrons asking in‑depth, research‑based questions that required specialized staff expertise and strong knowledge of library collections. Today, those types of questions are far less common, as many users turn to online tools and AI to find information on their own. Instead, one of the most frequent questions we receive is simply how to send a print job from their mobile phone to our TPL printers. This shift reflects broader…

All About Me My name is Vinothiny Kumaradevan. I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with my husband and our 5‑year‑old daughter. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. I have been employed with the Toronto Public Library for 17 years, beginning as a Page and moving through roles including Public Service Assistant and Payroll/Accounting Clerk. I now work as a Library Assistant. I’m completing my MLIS while working full‑time, with the goal of becoming a Children’s Librarian. My Library Story I was born in the midst of a civil war. Fortunately, we were able to escape its violence three decades ago and immigrate to Canada. When we settled…