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The Toronto Reference Library stands as one of Canada’s most important centres for research, learning, and public culture. Located at the busy intersection of Yonge and Bloor Streets, the library is the flagship branch of the Toronto Public Library system and a landmark in its own right. Opened in 1977 and designed by architect Raymond Moriyama, the building is instantly recognizable for its dramatic five-story atrium, flooded with natural light and framed by layered balconies that invite visitors upward through its vast interior. More than just a place to borrow books, the Toronto Reference Library functions as a serious research institution. It houses millions of items, including extensive collections of reference works, rare books, maps, manuscripts, photographs, and government documents. Scholars, students, journalists, genealogists, and casual learners alike rely on its deep resources, many of which are available only on-site. The library is particularly known for its Canadiana collections, genealogy resources, and business and legal research materials, making it an essential destination for in-depth study. The space itself is designed to encourage both quiet concentration and public engagement. Upper floors offer calm reading rooms and study areas, while the main levels host exhibitions, author talks, lectures, film screenings, and community events throughout the year. The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon frequently features conversations with prominent writers, thinkers, and public figures, reinforcing the library’s role as a cultural hub rather than a silent archive. Equally important is the library’s commitment to accessibility and public service. Free to enter and open to everyone, it reflects Toronto’s broader values of inclusivity, education, and civic life. In a city defined by constant change, the Toronto Reference Library remains a steady, welcoming presence—a place where curiosity is encouraged, knowledge is preserved, and the public realm is strengthened one reader at a time.
The Toronto Reference Library stands as one of Canada’s most important centres for research, learning, and public culture. Located at the busy intersection of Yonge and Bloor Streets, the library is the flagship branch of the Toronto Public Library system and a landmark in its own right. Opened in 1977 and designed by architect Raymond Moriyama, the building is instantly recognizable for its dramatic five-story atrium, flooded with natural light and framed by layered balconies that invite visitors upward through its vast interior. More than just a place to borrow books, the Toronto Reference Library functions as a serious research institution. It houses millions of items, including extensive collections of reference works, rare books, maps, manuscripts, photographs, and government documents. Scholars, students, journalists, genealogists, and casual learners alike rely on its deep resources, many of which are available only on-site. The library is particularly known for its Canadiana collections, genealogy resources, and business and legal research materials, making it an essential destination for in-depth study. The space itself is designed to encourage both quiet concentration and public engagement. Upper floors offer calm reading rooms and study areas, while the main levels host exhibitions, author talks, lectures, film screenings, and community events throughout the year. The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon frequently features conversations with prominent writers, thinkers, and public figures, reinforcing the library’s role as a cultural hub rather than a silent archive. Equally important is the library’s commitment to accessibility and public service. Free to enter and open to everyone, it reflects Toronto’s broader values of inclusivity, education, and civic life. In a city defined by constant change, the Toronto Reference Library remains a steady, welcoming presence—a place where curiosity is encouraged, knowledge is preserved, and the public realm is strengthened one reader at a time.
Toronto’s 100 library branches are often the heart of the community—a free place to gather and learn. That’s why, in our 2025 Budget, we’re investing in our libraries. By next year, all branches will be open every day, including Sundays, and with longer hours.⁠ ⁠ After a decade of neglect, we must open our libraries. ⁠ ⁠ A huge thank you to Councillor Paul Ainslie for hosting me this morning in Guildwood and for being such a strong advocate for the Toronto Public Library.
Toronto’s 100 library branches are often the heart of the community—a free place to gather and learn. That’s why, in our 2025 Budget, we’re investing in our libraries. By next year, all branches will be open every day, including Sundays, and with longer hours.⁠ ⁠ After a decade of neglect, we must open our libraries. ⁠ ⁠ A huge thank you to Councillor Paul Ainslie for hosting me this morning in Guildwood and for being such a strong advocate for the Toronto Public Library.
Did you know your Toronto Public Library card gives you free admission to over 20 attractions in the city? It’s called tpl:map — and it includes the AGO, ROM, Aga Khan Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Toronto Zoo, CN Tower, Bata Shoe Museum and even the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. How it works: New passes drop every first Wednesday of the month at 2pm — passes are limited so book fast. And it gets better — most passes include free admission for 2 adults + children. Comment “tpl” and I’ll send you the direct link to reserve your passes 📚 #Toronto #TorontoLibrary #TorontoTips #FreeToronto #TorontoGuide DesignLovers TorontoLife ThingsTodoToronto TorontoHiddenGems TPL
Did you know your Toronto Public Library card gives you free admission to over 20 attractions in the city? It’s called tpl:map — and it includes the AGO, ROM, Aga Khan Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Toronto Zoo, CN Tower, Bata Shoe Museum and even the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. How it works: New passes drop every first Wednesday of the month at 2pm — passes are limited so book fast. And it gets better — most passes include free admission for 2 adults + children. Comment “tpl” and I’ll send you the direct link to reserve your passes 📚 #Toronto #TorontoLibrary #TorontoTips #FreeToronto #TorontoGuide DesignLovers TorontoLife ThingsTodoToronto TorontoHiddenGems TPL
Canada’s most beautiful library inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon ... follow @jen.trt for toronto content 🇨🇦 You may have heard of this five-story library but not everyone appreciates how this came about in the heart of downtown Toronto. Toronto’s largest public library, aka Toronto Reference Library, was built in 1977. The mastermind behind this gorgeous library is a Canadian-Japanese architect Raymond Moriyama (from Vancouver) Fun fact: The building took inspiration from one of the seven wonders in the world: the hanging gardens of Babylon, and had plants hanging down from each floor when it first opened. I absolutely loved my time in this library and would 100% go back to find peace amidst downtown chaos! 📍 Toronto Reference Library Toronto, toronto free things to do, toronto free date ideas, toronto freebie, toronto downtown, Toronto library, Toronto architecture, Toronto history, Toronto public library, Canada, Canada trip
Canada’s most beautiful library inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon ... follow @jen.trt for toronto content 🇨🇦 You may have heard of this five-story library but not everyone appreciates how this came about in the heart of downtown Toronto. Toronto’s largest public library, aka Toronto Reference Library, was built in 1977. The mastermind behind this gorgeous library is a Canadian-Japanese architect Raymond Moriyama (from Vancouver) Fun fact: The building took inspiration from one of the seven wonders in the world: the hanging gardens of Babylon, and had plants hanging down from each floor when it first opened. I absolutely loved my time in this library and would 100% go back to find peace amidst downtown chaos! 📍 Toronto Reference Library Toronto, toronto free things to do, toronto free date ideas, toronto freebie, toronto downtown, Toronto library, Toronto architecture, Toronto history, Toronto public library, Canada, Canada trip
Given that there is such a strong and renewed sense of interest in all things Drake, perhaps you might enjoy reading the book (biography) I wrote about him, "Far From Over: The Music & Life of Drake". No spoiler alerts, but over 228 pages it contains some of the debates people are having online now, as I work within a "futurism" frame of reference, which means that I am often tasked with predicting trends way before they happen. It's fun and a bit exhausting seeing these two rap titans go at it, but that's hip hop, kids! P.S. wherever I am, I always check in at the public library, so I know that the Toronto Public Library has a lot of copies of the book, and the Brooklyn Public Library among many other American libraries have copies, so pls. go take it out for FREE! #ReadingIsFundamental #AMindIsATerribleThingToWaste
Given that there is such a strong and renewed sense of interest in all things Drake, perhaps you might enjoy reading the book (biography) I wrote about him, "Far From Over: The Music & Life of Drake". No spoiler alerts, but over 228 pages it contains some of the debates people are having online now, as I work within a "futurism" frame of reference, which means that I am often tasked with predicting trends way before they happen. It's fun and a bit exhausting seeing these two rap titans go at it, but that's hip hop, kids! P.S. wherever I am, I always check in at the public library, so I know that the Toronto Public Library has a lot of copies of the book, and the Brooklyn Public Library among many other American libraries have copies, so pls. go take it out for FREE! #ReadingIsFundamental #AMindIsATerribleThingToWaste
We're fast-tracking the first library on Toronto's waterfront! I love libraries, and it was a goal of mine since becoming City Councillor to bring this much-needed neighbourhood hub to our growing waterfront communities. I'm proud to bring the first library to our waterfront, on the fast-track, as part of the Quayside development, and excited to keep working with neighbours to ensure this library branch reflects community needs. And like we've made all libraries across the City, it'll be open 7-days-a-week! Thanks to City of Toronto staff, in partnership with Toronto Public Library, Waterfront Toronto, and Dream for all our hard work together to build this complete community.
We're fast-tracking the first library on Toronto's waterfront! I love libraries, and it was a goal of mine since becoming City Councillor to bring this much-needed neighbourhood hub to our growing waterfront communities. I'm proud to bring the first library to our waterfront, on the fast-track, as part of the Quayside development, and excited to keep working with neighbours to ensure this library branch reflects community needs. And like we've made all libraries across the City, it'll be open 7-days-a-week! Thanks to City of Toronto staff, in partnership with Toronto Public Library, Waterfront Toronto, and Dream for all our hard work together to build this complete community.
This afternoon, I worked on my middle grade novel at @torontolibrary ‘s St. James Town library — and the librarian was kind enough to stamp my Toronto Library Passport (a gift from my friend @elliearscott Ellie Arscott)! One of my goals is to visit all #100Branches of the Toronto Public Library; you can follow my process at DebbieOhi.com/libraries. I did many of my early sketches and drafts for picture books in Toronto library branches, as well as featuring TPL in my most recent picture book (I WANT TO READ *ALL* THE BOOKS, w/ @simonkids ), so it’s only appropriate I work on my middle grade novels in TPL branches as well! #AllTheLibraries
This afternoon, I worked on my middle grade novel at @torontolibrary ‘s St. James Town library — and the librarian was kind enough to stamp my Toronto Library Passport (a gift from my friend @elliearscott Ellie Arscott)! One of my goals is to visit all #100Branches of the Toronto Public Library; you can follow my process at DebbieOhi.com/libraries. I did many of my early sketches and drafts for picture books in Toronto library branches, as well as featuring TPL in my most recent picture book (I WANT TO READ *ALL* THE BOOKS, w/ @simonkids ), so it’s only appropriate I work on my middle grade novels in TPL branches as well! #AllTheLibraries
FREE LinkedIn Learning Courses in toronto 💻 Courtesy of the Toronto Public Library @torontolibrary , you can use your library card to access learning new things from LinkedIn Learning Courses @linkedinlearning 💻💙 ⭐️ Follow me here at @whatsherbudget for more hacks for living life on every budget! #toronto #todotoronto #thingstodo #free #freebies #onlinecourse #onlinelearning #courses #learning #education #onabudget #linkedinlearning #certificates #torontotourism #torontopubliclibrary #library
FREE LinkedIn Learning Courses in toronto 💻 Courtesy of the Toronto Public Library @torontolibrary , you can use your library card to access learning new things from LinkedIn Learning Courses @linkedinlearning 💻💙 ⭐️ Follow me here at @whatsherbudget for more hacks for living life on every budget! #toronto #todotoronto #thingstodo #free #freebies #onlinecourse #onlinelearning #courses #learning #education #onabudget #linkedinlearning #certificates #torontotourism #torontopubliclibrary #library
Save this reel & share with someone who loves free things ✨👯‍♂️ Your Toronto Public Library card can do way more than just borrow books 👀 💳📚 From free museum passes to study rooms and events — here’s how to book amazing free spots in Toronto! #canada #touristattraction #indiansincanada #toronto #summer
Save this reel & share with someone who loves free things ✨👯‍♂️ Your Toronto Public Library card can do way more than just borrow books 👀 💳📚 From free museum passes to study rooms and events — here’s how to book amazing free spots in Toronto! #canada #touristattraction #indiansincanada #toronto #summer
Toronto Public Library #toronto #library #Canada
Toronto Public Library #toronto #library #Canada
First and foremost; these locations are within the US and Canada. If you have any information on locations in Europe, feel free to share in the comments. OK so my criteria for what I looked for on these libraries were locations that lent out equipment for free or a low cost membership fee. New York, NY - Synth Library NYC is a lending library of synthesizers, recording equipment, modular gear and other electronic musical instruments. They are a membership organization committed to making music technology accessible to all. Membership is free and members have access to borrow instruments to take home for four weeks.    @synthlibrarynyc Portland, Oregon - Synth Library Portland is a collectively-run arts non-profit providing low-cost access to electronic music gear and education. They have both Studio Hours and 3 week lending programs for gear loans. @synthlibraryportland Pittsburg, PA - Carnegie Library’s program requires you to be 18+ and have a library card… that’s about it. This program has a instrument lending library from synths, to pedals to sequencers and much more. @carnegielibrary Sacramento, CA - Musiclandria is what they call a “music locker” Simply take what you need and give what you can. If you don’t have anything that you can give, they offer a volunteer program instead. @musiclandria Toronto, Canada - Toronto Public Library has an instrument rental program which includes some keyboard synths as well as traditional instruments. @torontolibrary If you aren’t specifically in these cities, take a look at Buy or Borrow Music. Starting price at 19.99 a month, they give musicians access to borrow anything in their inventory. @buyorborrowmusic I’m sure there are a few more out there that I’m missing but these were some of the ones I found. I hope this helps you or someone you know. -TT
First and foremost; these locations are within the US and Canada. If you have any information on locations in Europe, feel free to share in the comments. OK so my criteria for what I looked for on these libraries were locations that lent out equipment for free or a low cost membership fee. New York, NY - Synth Library NYC is a lending library of synthesizers, recording equipment, modular gear and other electronic musical instruments. They are a membership organization committed to making music technology accessible to all. Membership is free and members have access to borrow instruments to take home for four weeks.    @synthlibrarynyc Portland, Oregon - Synth Library Portland is a collectively-run arts non-profit providing low-cost access to electronic music gear and education. They have both Studio Hours and 3 week lending programs for gear loans. @synthlibraryportland Pittsburg, PA - Carnegie Library’s program requires you to be 18+ and have a library card… that’s about it. This program has a instrument lending library from synths, to pedals to sequencers and much more. @carnegielibrary Sacramento, CA - Musiclandria is what they call a “music locker” Simply take what you need and give what you can. If you don’t have anything that you can give, they offer a volunteer program instead. @musiclandria Toronto, Canada - Toronto Public Library has an instrument rental program which includes some keyboard synths as well as traditional instruments. @torontolibrary If you aren’t specifically in these cities, take a look at Buy or Borrow Music. Starting price at 19.99 a month, they give musicians access to borrow anything in their inventory. @buyorborrowmusic I’m sure there are a few more out there that I’m missing but these were some of the ones I found. I hope this helps you or someone you know. -TT
Our Toronto Public Library system is the biggest and busiest public library system in North America, with more than 46 million annual visits to our branches as well as online. Torontonian’s LOVE their libraries, so we extended Monday to Saturday operating hours and added Sunday hours to and additional eight branches. There are now 67 library branches open on Sundays across Toronto. 💙 28 libraries now have expanded Youth Hubs, providing welcoming spaces for teens in or near priority neighbourhoods. Teens can drop-in to study, chat with friends, use technology or participate in programs and activities. Whether creating community in real life or picking up a book to escape into a new world, Toronto libraries have something for everyone. 📚 @torontolibrary #TorontoPublicLibrary #Toronto #Libraries #WeAreLibraryPeople
Our Toronto Public Library system is the biggest and busiest public library system in North America, with more than 46 million annual visits to our branches as well as online. Torontonian’s LOVE their libraries, so we extended Monday to Saturday operating hours and added Sunday hours to and additional eight branches. There are now 67 library branches open on Sundays across Toronto. 💙 28 libraries now have expanded Youth Hubs, providing welcoming spaces for teens in or near priority neighbourhoods. Teens can drop-in to study, chat with friends, use technology or participate in programs and activities. Whether creating community in real life or picking up a book to escape into a new world, Toronto libraries have something for everyone. 📚 @torontolibrary #TorontoPublicLibrary #Toronto #Libraries #WeAreLibraryPeople
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