about the Toronto Reference Library
Quick Facts
Located at the centre of our city at Yonge and Bloor, the Toronto Reference Library is
at the heart of the 99-branch Toronto Public Library system, the world's busiest urban public library system.
At 400,000 square feet, and with over 50 miles of stacks, the Toronto Reference Library first opened its doors on November 2, 1977. Its modern design and sweeping 10-storey atrium led Canadian Architect magazine to call it "...one of this country's most important 20th century buildings."
Today, the Toronto Reference Library is one of the best-used public institutions in the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario. As the only public Reference Library in Canada, it is also unique. No other public institution does more to support the life-long learning ambitions of its residents. The Toronto Reference Library's multi-lingual collections, community programming, Special Collections and staff expertise have resonated with users since its doors opened. Every year, more than a million visitors – children, students, scholars, writers, artists, new Canadians, seniors, historians – use
its deep resources. They rely on the Library to help them create art, write books, complete school assignments, conduct research, improve their literacy skills, e-mail
their grandchildren, learn English, create resumes, find jobs and start new businesses. They flock to the Library's author readings, performances, debates and appearances
by great minds and leading cultural figures.
Throughout its history, the Toronto Reference Library has contributed to the cultural, economic and social well-being of the City of Toronto.
A Day in the Life
Every day, thousands of people use the Toronto Reference Library. It's no wonder –
the Library's collections and programs support literacy, workforce readiness, small businesses and place-based economic development. It houses deep resources and
rich collections. It supports life-long learning and citizen engagement.
Business people and the creative community use the Toronto Reference Library as
they develop and grow our city. Students and scholars take advantage of its archival collections and online research tools. Foreign-trained professionals and other newcomers make extensive use of its educational and professional resources.
People who are using the Toronto Reference Library today include:
Chantal, the principle of a thriving architecture firm. She accesses the library virtually, making use of the Toronto Reference Library's on-demand business resources to
access industry data, government statistics, regulations, and periodicals.
Joewon, a scientist and newcomer from Korea. She uses the language lab for ESL education, and has free access to subscription online databases and software for professional development and job searches.
Conner, a recent university graduate with an environmental studies degree. He accesses the library's tailored digital content, such as the subject gateway Career Bookmarks. Like 70 per cent of library users, Conner has no high-speed internet
access at home.
Keisha and Jen, who are working on a group project for their grade 11 social studies class. They are accessing current English-language periodicals to study women's rights around the world. The library provides access to approximately 80 newspapers, which are available in over 40 languages.
Amrit, a world-renowned musicologist, who is doing research for his new book. He is drawing upon the library's archival, specialized and reference materials, which date back to the 18th century, making special use of the library's extensive sheet music archive.
Lucy, a visual artist, who has been commissioned to complete a major public artwork. In her research, she is drawing on archival collections in Canadian and international arts. Lucy also frequents the library's lecture series, with some of Canada's best known artists and writers.
