Parkdale Books
As part of the Library Settlement Partnership Days celebrations in October, Parkdale Branch is hosting a special collection of human books spotlighting the newcomer experience and the Parkdale community.
This collection is available on Saturday, Oct. 20, 1 to 4 p.m. View the available human books below. You can book an appointment starting Saturday, Oct. 6 by visiting or calling the branch (416-393-7686).
Please review our borrowing guidelines before making an appointment.
Phil Anderson
Phil Anderson is the Executive Director of Gallery 1313, where he has worked for the last 14 years. He is also a practicing artist and writer. Phil helps the gallery reflect the neighbourhood, while offering strong contemporary arts programming that is accessible to the Parkdale community. Phil also sits on the Parkdale Arts and Cultural Centre Community Board.
Erin Hatfield
Journalist Erin Hatfield was born with a cleft palate and her parents were told that she would never speak properly. But with a great deal of work, surgery and years of speech therapy, Erin not only speaks without any problems today, but has been featured on radio and television. In her career, she has interviewed all manner of people: from the Prime Minister to our communities' most vulnerable.
Ainsley Kendrick
Ainsley Kendrick is the child of an entrepreneur and a journalist. She was shuffled from Winnipeg to Ontario then to Prince Edward Island. Life was never the same after that final move. Join Ainsley as she tells tales of her brothers and sisters from around the world, her journey as an exchange student to a small village in Belgium, her university life in Newfoundland and her final destination of Toronto.
Suzette Kennepohl
Suzette Kennepohl has been a teacher in the Parkdale Community for 12 years. She is a child of immigrant parents and her primary intention is to work with immigrant communities and advocate for children by helping them reach their full potential. Her multi-ethnic experience working with the Filipino community has given her a love and respect for diversity.
Kaizer Matsumunyane
Kaizer Matsumunyane has worked as a producer, director and scriptwriter in Canada, South Africa, Lesotho and Japan. He spent most of his life in Africa. His passion is stories that deal with the human condition. He recently returned from Somalia after researching a documentary, Smiling Pirate, which follows the story of a Somali teen who became a pirate off the notorious Puntland coast in East Africa.
Sean McKay
Sean McKay's story is a riveting coming-of-age tale in Parkdale-High Park. Sean grew up in Parkdale and has lived here for about 25 years. Four years ago, he started a restaurant called The Stampede Bison Grill. It has become a staple in the Parkdale community. Come find out more about Sean's story and what it takes to start a small business and make it into a success.
Roy Mitchell
Roy Mitchell is the Executive Director of Trinity Square Video, an artist-run centre dedicated to creating and exhibiting video art. He is also the host of ROYNATION, an internet radio show, where he interviews folks about art and politics. Roy is on the Board of Pride Toronto. He endeavours to make art and practice activism that engages and brings humour to the forefront.
Jelbert Real
Jelbert Real is a professional engineer working for DMC Mining Services. His family came to Canada in 2002 from the Philippines, to seek more stable living conditions. At first, he struggled to find a job. With perseverance and the help of friends and agencies like the Kababayan Community Centre, he was able to get his credentials after a lengthy process. He hopes to inspire other new immigrants to Canada.
Special Thanks
The Human Library program is sponsored by the Toronto Public Library Foundation.