The TUBE took place on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the Malvern branch of the Toronto Public Library (the home of the Rita Cox Black and Caribbean Heritage Collection), and was an exposition of urban Canadian writers, featuring presentations and expert sessions, with networking opportunities for Toronto-based authors and their supporters."Thanks to the Rita Cox Collection, writers like myself and many others have a home in the Toronto Public Library," said Kya Publishing founder, Stacey Marie Robinson. "It is an important part of Kya Publishing's mandate to support urban literature/writers, so this gift will help ensure that more opportunities are established for other Canadian authors."
Also available at the Maria A. Shchuka, Parkdale, and York Woods branches, the Rita Cox collection is "recognized as one of the most significant Black and Caribbean heritage collections in Canada. It is an invaluable resource for the Black and Caribbean community as well as students and researchers," according to the Toronto Public Library Foundation.
Dr. Rita Cox worked as a librarian with the Toronto Public Library from 1960 to 1995, and began her Heritage collection in 1973 at the Parkdale branch. A renowned storyteller, she is the recipient of the 1996 Canadian Library Association Public Service Award, and the Black Achievement Award, as well as honourary degrees from York University and Wilfred Laurier University. Dr. Cox was also appointed to the Order of Canada in 1997 for her work in literacy and storytelling."It is an honour for me to have my books in this historical collection," said Robinson. "The Toronto Public Library has been a great supporter of Kya Publishing's initiatives, and it is with pleasure that I present this donation to their Foundation."
To donate to the Rita Cox Endowment Fund, in support of the Rita Cox Black and Caribbean Heritage Collection, please contact the Toronto Public Library Foundation at (416) 393-7123 or visit www.tplfoundation.ca.