2026 Biblio Bash Gala Yields Over $1M for Toronto Public Library
Under a shimmering flock of silver balls, hundreds of attendees — “Toronto’s leading philanthropists, city builders, and literary voices” among them — gathered inside Toronto Reference Library for Biblio Bash: a fundraiser to support the Toronto Public Library.
With gala co-chairs Moez and Marissa Kassam at the helm, Biblio Bash provides essential support for youth initiatives like After School Clubs and Leading to Reading. Across all branches, the funds will aid with academic support and snacks.
RIGHT: JORDAN MORASSUTTI AND MAKI MORASSUTTI.
PHOTOS BY GEORGE PIMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY.
“This year’s cause is so close to mine and Marissa’s hearts,” said Moez Kassam. “We want to help create a world where every child feels like their dreams are within reach, and the Library is the catalyst. It has been a pleasure to work alongside the Library, with Adrian Rocca and Fitzrovia joining as Presenting Sponsor for a third year.”
Passion pays dividends. Thanks to a slew of activities — including a live auction by Afrim Pristine, co-owner of Toronto’s iconic Cheese Boutique — the 2026 Biblio Bash was a smashing success, with over $1 million raised.
“The Library helps shape the kind of city we want to be — one where every young person can find opportunity, belonging, and the support they need to reach their full potential.”Will Scott, CEO of Toronto Public Library Foundation
With 35 Canadian authors in attendance, the crowd was befitting of a library. The guest list included New York Times bestselling author Linwood Barclay, two-time Giller winner Souvankham Thammavongsa, short story-newcomer Jess Gibson, and entrepreneur Brandi Leifso among its ranks.
TPL City Librarian Moe Hosseini-Ara hopes the turnout will have a ripple effect. “For so many young people, the Library serves as a place of first discovery — where new interests are sparked, a new skill is developed, a new sense of confidence or a connection takes root,” Hosseini-Ara explained. “That’s what makes nights like Biblio Bash so meaningful. It helps us create more opportunities for youth across Toronto to read, learn, create and connect in ways that truly shape their lives.”
TOP RIGHT: MOEZ KASSAM, EMMA STERN, MIKE STERN, MARISSA KASSAM, MAKI MORASSUTTI.
BOTTOM: WILL SCOTT, MAYOR OLIVIA CHOW, AMBER MORLEY, MOE HOSSEINI-ARA.
PHOTOS BY GEORGE PIMENTEL PHOTOGRAPHY.
Will Scott, CEO of Toronto Public Library Foundation, agreed. He sees the library as a cornerstone of Toronto’s public life. “The Library helps shape the kind of city we want to be,” Scott said. “One where every young person can find opportunity, belonging, and the support they need to reach their full potential.”
A celebration of the city’s best services, the Biblio Bash was made possible by presenting sponsor Fitzrovia, along with support from Bazil Developments, The MacNamara Family, Amin & Khati Nathoo, North Drive Investments, Turkish Airlines, Toronto Star, Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville and The Gupta Group, Daniel & Vanessa Schlaepfer, The Printing House, Food Dudes, and Coco Bakery.
The result of all this giving? “It fuels TPL in reaching further into communities and creating more possibilities for more youth,” Scott said. “It’s a tremendous gift to our city.”
FEATURE PHOTO BY GEORGE PIMENTEL PHOTOGRAPHY.
The post 2026 Biblio Bash Gala Yields Over $1M for Toronto Public Library appeared first on Sharp Magazine.