Special Collections of the Toronto Public Library
The Art Room - Open the door to the past
Imagine a place where you can find books from the Middle Ages and costume designs from the Anne of Green Gables television series. The Art Room is a treasure-trove of rare books, photographs, posters and manuscripts. Many of the collections are among the best or the largest of their kind in Canada.
Pages from the past
The rare books range from incunabula (printed before 1501) to 18th and 19th century travel narratives to Canadian classics like Maria Chapdelaine.
Copies of limited editions, illustrated books and catalogues raisonnés (complete lists of artists' works) are all part of the collection.
Book lovers, antiquarians and researchers can study many examples of:
- rare costume and fashion books and periodicals, dating from 1598
- trade catalogues from the 19th and 20th centuries
- court festival books documenting British and European royalty
- private press books and fine printing
A glimpse into Canada's theatrical past
The performing arts material includes one of the best collections of costume designs in Canada as well as one of Canada's largest sheet music collections.
Collectors, stage and costume designers, students and researchers can all consult valuable resource material including:
- pictures and posters
- prints and engravings
- original designs
Where to find the Art Room Collections
Art Room collections are part of the Special Collections Centre on the fourth floor of the Toronto Reference Library.
Special Collections, Genealogy and Map Centre
Most of the materials are available on demand whenever the library is open. Some items require an appointment.
For more details on the collections, including where to find them and how to access them, go to the Rare Books page or the Music, Theatre, Dance page.
Rare Books
Music, Theatre, Dance
