AI Upskilling Initiative

Toronto Public Library

Workforce and Economic Development | 2025

Innovation Synopsis

TPL's Artificial Intelligence Upskilling Initiative bridges the growing AI divide by providing training to 11,000 community members and offering access to generative AI tools, skills training and programs to support employment, boost productivity and build understanding of responsible use of AI.

Building on TPL’s proven record of broadening digital access and inclusion, this initiative provides peer learning circles, 1:1 access to experts, hands-on workshops, professional scale conferences, independent access to tools through TPL’s technology spaces – something for every Torontonian.

The AI Upskilling Initiative was implemented in alignment with TPL’s new AI Policy, which provides guidance to staff on responsible AI related to the key principles of security, privacy, transparency, accountability, sustainability and continuous learning. Best practices and lessons learned from this large-scale initiative, the first of its kind in Canada, are shared with the library community.

Challenge/Opportunity

This initiative furthers TPL’s Strategic Plan priority to offer skills development opportunities on new technologies like AI and addresses several challenges and opportunities:

Research that informed TPL’s Strategic Plan indicated the importance of preparing Toronto residents for AI’s impact. In Canada, executives estimate that over 40% of the workforce will need to reskill by 2027.
TPL needed a policy framework that ensures responsible, transparent and effective oversight and implementation of AI tools.
While AI has benefits, there are also concerns, including privacy, security, human rights and bias, and environmental impacts.
Access to generative AI tools is costly and there is currently no licensing model for shared devices in public institution settings.
The International Monetary Fund predicts AI could worsen inequality in advanced economies by affecting up to 60% of jobs. TPL needs to ensure its AI initiatives reach and support equity-deserving and Indigenous people.

Key Elements of Innovation

TPL’s AI Upskilling Initiative addressed the challenges and opportunities through these innovations:

Host learning circles for users to complete the Google AI Essentials course at no cost, in person or online, with support from staff. Participants receive a certificate upon completion.
Developed an AI Policy to shape how TPL uses AI tools responsibly, ethically and effectively. The policy implementation includes developing a process to assess AI tools.
Provide a balanced approach to programming that connects community members with experts: four Innovator in Residence programs, two Digital Expo and AI Summit events.
Provide access to genAI tools at TPL's 13 Digital Innovation Hubs, 21 Learning Centres and 6 Pop-Up Learning Labs.
Distribute scholarships for the Google AI Essentials course to equity-deserving and Indigenous community members looking to complete the course on their own.

Achieved Outcomes

TPL’s AI Upskilling Initiative has achieved numerous successes:

From April to September 2025, delivered 37 learning circle cohorts, reaching 607 unique participants, 1,956 visits and 98% program satisfaction. 95% of survey respondents indicated increased confidence in using AI tools.
Implemented the TPL-board AI Policy and piloted an AI Assessment process.
Promoted access to GenAI tools and programs to inform responsible use.
Hosted a Digital Expo on Bridging the AI Divide, attended by over 250 people; launched the 1st Innovator in Residence on digital creativity; announced TPL’s inaugural AI Summit on the future of the economy.
Distributed 230+ scholarships.

TPL garnered positive social media and media coverage, generated interest with broader communities and presented at the City of Toronto’s Technology Showcase and the GenAI Summit.

Formal evaluation will be completed in 2026 with lessons learned are shared with the library community.

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