My mother held a Toronto Public Library card for 50 years before she died this past April. A few days before she passed—literally in the same conversation we had about her funeral—she reminded me to return her library books so that “other people can enjoy them too."

Growing up, my mom brought me to story hour most weeks and let me check out far too many books. Those visits taught me that libraries are more than buildings—they're proof that access, curiosity, and community matter more than what’s in your wallet.

Now, one year after losing her, I'm walking to all 100 Toronto Public Library branches to say the thank you that's long overdue (please don’t tell my knees).

This walk is my thank you to her, to the Toronto Public Libraries and to everyone who believes public spaces still matter.