History of Toronto Public Library

Toronto Public Library has a long history dating back to 1883, and was preceded by mechanics' institutes starting in 1830 in York (Toronto). In 1998, seven library boards amalgamated to form the new Toronto Public Library, the largest public library system in North America.

• Timeline
• More library history

Timeline

• Image:
  Elmsley House, home of the Toronto Library, 1810-1813

  1810

  The Toronto Library, a private subscription library, is founded, 9 December. During the American occupation of York in April 1813, the library was looted, but, in November 1813, Isaac Chauncey (the commander of the U.S. fleet) returned two cases of the library's books, with a note of apology to the trustees.
  Image:
  Elmsley House, home of the Toronto Library, 1810-1813

• Image:
  York Mechanics' Institute notice in the York Commercial Directory, 1833

  1830

  York Mechanics' Institute is established "for the mutual improvement of its members in useful scientific knowledge... A library of reference and circulation will be formed."
  Image:
  York Mechanics' Institute notice in the York Commercial Directory, 1833

• Image:
  Toronto Mechanics' Institute diploma, designed by Sandford Fleming, 1850

  1834

  Town of York becomes the City of Toronto, and the York Mechanics' Institute is renamed Toronto Mechanics' Institute. To educate workers (mechanics), the Institute provided a library and offered classes ranging from philosophy and music to science, electricity and architectural drawing.
  Image:
  Toronto Mechanics' Institute diploma, designed by Sandford Fleming, 1850

• Image:
  Scarboro Subscription Library Catalogue, 1872

  1834

  Scarboro' Subscription Library is established.
  Early library service in Scarborough
  Image:
  Scarboro Subscription Library Catalogue, 1872

• Image:
  Toronto Mechanics' Institute, Court Street Firehall, 1860

  1845

  Toronto Mechanics' Institute relocates its library and news-room to the upper floor of the new Central Fire Hall (behind the County Court House) on the north side of Court-house lane (now Court Street), west of Church Street between King and Adelaide streets.
  Image:
  Toronto Mechanics' Institute, Court Street Firehall, 1860

• Image:
  Weston Town Hall, 1955, location of the Weston Mechanics' Institute (later Weston Public Library), 1885-1914

  1858

  Weston Mechanics' Institute is established.
  Weston Library History
  Image:
  Weston Town Hall, 1955, location of the Weston Mechanics' Institute (later Weston Public Library), 1885-1914

• Image:
  Toronto Mechanics' Institute, 1867

  1861

  Toronto Mechanics' Institute moves into its new home at the northeast corner of Church and Adelaide streets. Designed by F. W. Cumberland & G. W. Storm, the building contains a library with a separate reading room, a lecture hall and a large music hall.
  Image:
  Toronto Mechanics' Institute, 1867

• Image:
  Campbell Block, location of West Toronto Junction Mechanics' Institute, 1889-93

  1870s and 1880s

  Mechanics' institutes with lending libraries and reading rooms are incorporated at Scarboro' (1878), Parkdale (1880) and West Toronto Junction (1888); and revitalized and reorganized at Weston (1885).
  Image:
  Campbell Block, location of West Toronto Junction Mechanics' Institute, 1889-93

• Image:
  Campaign card for the free public library, c.1882

  1882

  Free Libraries Act is passed by the Ontario Legislature. Alderman John Hallam leads the Toronto campaign to establish a free public library in Toronto.
  Image:
  Campaign card for the free public library, c.1882

• Image:
  John Hallam (1833-1900), first chairman of the Toronto Public Library Board, 1883

  1883

  Free Library By-Law is approved by a huge majority of Toronto voters, Jan. 1. Toronto and Guelph are the first municipalities in Ontario to create free public libraries. John Hallam becomes the first chairman of the Toronto Public Library Board.
  Image:
  John Hallam (1833-1900), first chairman of the Toronto Public Library Board, 1883

• Image:
  Invitation to the opening of Toronto Public Library, March 6, 1884

  1884

  Toronto Public Library officially opens in the old Mechanics' Institute building, Church and Adelaide streets, on 6 March – the city's 50th anniversary.
  Image:
  Invitation to the opening of Toronto Public Library, March 6, 1884

• Image:
  Northern Branch, St. Paul's Hall (formerly Yorkville Town Hall), Yonge Street, west side, looking west on Collier Street, 1907.

  1884

  Toronto Public Library opens its first two branches, Northern and Western, followed in 1888 with another pair, North Western and Eastern, all housed in rented quarters.
  Image:
  Northern Branch, St. Paul's Hall (formerly Yorkville Town Hall), Yonge Street, west side, looking west on Collier Street, 1907.

• Image:
  Reference Library staff, c.1895

  1885

  Books in German and French are bought, the beginnings of the library's multi-language collections. Literature in Spanish and Italian is added by 1900, and, to meet the needs of recent immigrants, books in several other European languages are added in the 1910s. Cataloguing Department Head Winifred Barnstead reports in 1916: "By the purchase of a Hammond typewriter we were able to type and place in the College Street Branch special catalogues in the Modern Greek, Yiddish and Russian scripts."
  Toronto Public Library's services for immigrants, 1908-1937
  Image:
  Reference Library staff, c.1895

• Image:
  James Bain Jr. (1842-1908), first chief librarian, 1883-1908

  1887

  Policy to collect Canadiana is established. James Bain Jr., the first chief librarian, begins building the library's special collections of publications and manuscripts documenting Canada.
  Image:
  James Bain Jr. (1842-1908), first chief librarian, 1883-1908

• Image:
  Don Public Library in Aggie Hogg's store, 1925

  1890s

  Mechanics' institutes, renamed public libraries on 1 May 1895, are formed at Highland Creek (1890) Islington (1890), Don (1896) and Bracondale (1898).
  Image:
  Don Public Library in Aggie Hogg's store, 1925

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  Dundas Street Branch, 1901

  1890

  Toronto Public Library opens Dundas Street Branch in January 1890 in rented quarters on today's Ossington Avenue north of Queen Street, using furniture and books transferred from the former Parkdale Mechanics' Institute library, annexed to Toronto in 1889.
  Image:
  Dundas Street Branch, 1901

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  Scarborough Centennial Memorial Library committee, 1896

  1896

  Scarborough Centennial Memorial Library is built as part of the township's 100th anniversary celebrations.
  Early library service in Scarborough
  Image:
  Scarborough Centennial Memorial Library committee, 1896

• Image:
  Runnymede Public Library, York Township, about 1912

  1900s

  Public libraries are established at East Toronto (1903), Deer Park (1905), North Toronto (1909) and Runnymede (1909). Toronto Public Library opens College Street Branch in rented quarters at the corner of Brunswick Avenue.
  Image:
  Runnymede Public Library, York Township, about 1912

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  Letter offering Carnegie grant, January 23, 1903

  1903

  Toronto is awarded a Carnegie grant of $350,000 for a new central library (Opened in 1909) and three branches: Yorkville (1907), Queen & Lisgar (1909-1964), and Riverdale (1910).
  

  Toronto's Carnegie Libraries - Central
  Toronto's Carnegie Libraries - Queen & Lisgar
  Toronto's Carnegie Libraries - Riverdale
  Image:
  Letter offering Carnegie grant, January 23, 1903

• Image:
  Toronto Reference Library, College & St. George streets, 1910

  1909

  Toronto Reference Library is opened at the northwest corner of College and St. George streets with 97,788 books.
  Image:
  Toronto Reference Library, College & St. George streets, 1910

• Image:
  Western Branch, Annette and Medland streets, about 1910

  1909

  Western (now Annette Street) Branch opens. It was built with a $20,000 Carnegie grant to the old City of West Toronto, amalgamated with Toronto in May 1909.
  Toronto's Carnegie Libraries -Western (Annette Street)
  Image:
  Western Branch, Annette and Medland streets, about 1910

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  Notice about open access shelves, 1909

  1909

  Open shelf system is adopted allowing borrowers in the branches to retrieve books themselves instead of asking library staff.
  Image:
  Notice about open access shelves, 1909

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  Children's Room, College Street Branch, about 1911

  1909

  College Street Branch, previously housed in rented quarters at the corner of Brunswick Avenue, is relocated to the basement of the new Reference Library; it includes a Children's Room.
  Image:
  Children's Room, College Street Branch, about 1911

• Image:
  Earlscourt Branch, 1913

  1910

  Toronto Public Library opens branches in storefronts and other rented premises to serve areas recently annexed to Toronto until permanent libraries can be built: Deer Park and Wychwood in 1911; Northern and Earlscourt in 1913, and Beaches and Eastern in 1914. Prior to annexation, some of these areas had their own public libraries.
  Image:
  Earlscourt Branch, 1913

• Image:
  John Ross Robertson with his collection at the Toronto Reference Library, about 1912

  1910

  Donation of the J. Ross Robertson Historical Collection firmly establishes Toronto Public Library as a collector of historical Canadian imagery.
  Image:
  John Ross Robertson with his collection at the Toronto Reference Library, about 1912

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  Municipal Reference Branch, City Hall, 1911

  1911

  Municipal Reference Library opens in Toronto City Hall. This is the start of special services for civic officials and business people.
  Image:
  Municipal Reference Branch, City Hall, 1911

• Image:
  An Extension of the Dewey Decimal Classification applied to Canada, 1912

  1912

  Dewey Decimal system of classification is adopted for all books except fiction. Toronto Public Library's Cataloguing Department prepares An Extension of the Dewey Decimal Classification applied to Canada.
  Image:
  An Extension of the Dewey Decimal Classification applied to Canada, 1912

• Image:
  Lillian H. Smith (1887-1983), about 1925

  1912

  Lillian H. Smith is hired to head Toronto Public Library's new Children's Department, and inaugurates story hours and other innovative services for children.
  Toronto Public Library's services for immigrants, 1908-1937
  Lillian H. Smith Branch history panel (2015) (PDF)
  Image:
  Lillian H. Smith (1887-1983), about 1925

• Image:
  Dovercourt (now Bloor/Gladstone) Branch, rendering about 1912

  1913

  Dovercourt (now Bloor/Gladstone) Branch opens. It is the first library to be financed fully by the City of Toronto.
  Image:
  Dovercourt (now Bloor/Gladstone) Branch, rendering about 1912

• Image:
  Mimico Public Library sketch, 1914

  1913

  Mimico Public Library Board is established, opening a Carnegie-funded library in the village in 1915.
  Toronto's Carnegie Libraries - Mimico
  Image:
  Mimico Public Library sketch, 1914

• Image:
  Weston Public Library, about 1915

  1914

  Weston Public Library Board, established in 1912, opens a Carnegie-funded library in the town.
  Toronto's Carnegie Libraries - Weston
  Image:
  Weston Public Library, about 1915

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  "Overseas contingent in largest military parade ever held in Toronto," 1915

  1915

  A camp library is established at Exhibition Park for troops training to serve in the First World War. Toronto Public Library is the first library in North America to provide this service for soldiers.
  Image:
  "Overseas contingent in largest military parade ever held in Toronto," 1915

• Image:
  Beaches Branch, about 1916

  1916

  Three identical branches, Beaches, High Park and Wychwood, open. They were built with a $50,000 grant to Toronto Public Library in 1908.
  Toronto's Carnegie Libraries - Beaches
  Toronto's Carnegie Libraries - High Park
  Toronto's Carnegie Libraries - Wychwood
  Image:
  Beaches Branch, about 1916

• Image:
  Agincourt Association Library, about 1925

  1918

  Library associations are formed at Agincourt, followed by Swansea (1919), established "as a Memorial to our Swansea men who have seen active service in the Great War."
  Image:
  Agincourt Association Library, about 1925

• Image:
  Library at University Settlement House, 1920s

  1918

  To provide extra service for inner city children, Toronto Public Library opens a library in Central Neighbourhood House. Children's libraries soon are started at other settlement houses: St. Christopher House in 1920, University Settlement House in 1921 and Memorial Institute in 1931.
  Toronto Public Library's services for immigrants, 1908-1937
  Image:
  Library at University Settlement House, 1920s

• Image:
  Danforth (now Pape/Danforth) Branch, rendering about 1928

  1920s

  Six new branch libraries open in Toronto: Earlscourt (1921, now Dufferin/St. Clair), Eastern (1921, now Main Street), Northern (1923-1975, later St. Clement's), Gerrard (1924, now Gerrard/Ashdale), Downtown (1927-1965), and Danforth (1929, now Pape/Danforth).
  Image:
  Danforth (now Pape/Danforth) Branch, rendering about 1928

• Image:
  Birch Cliff Library, 1939

  1920s

  Association libraries also are organized at Birch Cliff (1920), New Toronto (1921), Scarboro Bluffs (1922) Long Branch (1923) and Humber Bay (1925).
  Image:
  Birch Cliff Library, 1939

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  Boys and Girls House, 1922

  1922

  Boys and Girls House opens on St. George Street. It is the first library devoted exclusively to children in the British Empire.
  Image:
  Boys and Girls House, 1922

• Image:
  New Toronto Public Library, about 1954

  1923

  The assocation library at New Toronto transfers its assets to the newly-created free public library board, which opens a new library building in 1928.
  Image:
  New Toronto Public Library, about 1954

• Image:
  Canadian Catalogue of Books, 1923

  1923

  Canadian Catalogue of Books is started, an annual list of "books published in Canada about Canada, as well as those written by Canadians." Toronto Public Library continues to prepare and publish this forerunner of Canada's official national bibliography for 28 annual instalments. The National Library of Canada takes over the project in 1951, renaming the bibliography, Canadiana.
  Image:
  Canadian Catalogue of Books, 1923

• Image:
  George H. Locke (1870-1937), chief librarian 1908-1937

  1927

  Chief librarian George H. Locke is the first Canadian to be president of the American Library Association, 1926-27. During his presidency, the American Library Association held its annual meeting in Toronto, June 1927.
  Toronto Public Library's services for immigrants, 1908-1937
  Image:
  George H. Locke (1870-1937), chief librarian 1908-1937

• Image:
  George H. Locke (1870-1937), chief librarian 1908-1937

  1928

  The City of Toronto gives a $400,000 grant to retrofit the Central Library and also purchases a house at 236 College St. The building is used for a staff cafeteria, restrooms and clubhouse until 1964 when it is demolished.
  Image:
  Painting of Staff House by E. Kilgour, approximately 1950s

• 1928

  A free public library is organized in York Township School Section 28, Mount Dennis.

• 1930s

  A public library association is organized in Oakwood (1933), which never operates, and association libraries close at Don, Islington, Long Branch, Runnymede, and Scarborough Bluffs, followed by Birch Cliff in 1944.

• Image:
  Central Circulating Library, 1930

  1930

  Central Circulating Library is added to the Reference Library.
  Image:
  Central Circulating Library, 1930

• Image:
  Sunnybrook Hospital Reading Room, 1948

  1930

  Toronto Public Library extends service to Thistletown Hospital for Sick Children, the start of its extension work to hospitals, old age homes and other institutions.
  Image:
  Sunnybrook Hospital Reading Room, 1948

• Image:
  Runnymede Branch, rendering 1929

  1930

  Runnymede Branch opens.
  Image:
  Runnymede Branch, rendering 1929

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  Military Camp Library, 1939

  1939

  Military Camp Library is established at Exhibition Place for the troops in training there.
  Image:
  Military Camp Library, 1939

• Image:
  First Leaside Public Library, 645 Bayview Avenue, 1945

  1943

  An association public library is organized in Leaside, and opens a library in rented quarters at 645 (now 1645) Bayview Avenue. The Leaside Public Library Board, formed in 1944, opens a library at 165 McRae Drive in 1950.
  Image:
  First Leaside Public Library, 645 Bayview Avenue, 1945

• Image:
  Charles R. Sanderson, TPL chief librarian, at the opening of East York children's libraries, 1945.

  1944

  A children's library opens in R. H. McGregor School, East York on 7 November 1944. The Township of East York Public Library Board is established in 1946, opening a library at the northeast corner of Coxwell and Mortimer avenues in 1950.
  Image:
  Charles R. Sanderson, TPL chief librarian, at the opening of East York children's libraries, 1945.

• 1945

  Township of York Public Library Board is formed, taking over the assets of the Mount Dennis Library, which operated a small branch in rented quarters above a store. On 9 Sept 1946, a second branch is opened in rented quarters at the corner of Oakwood Avenue and Vaughan Road. In February 1948, it inaugurates the first bookmobile service in Toronto area. A Main Library on Eglinton West at Northcliffe , and two new branches, Jane Street and Mount Dennis, open in 1951.
  

• Image:
  Long Branch Library opening, 8 June 1955

  1946

  Long Branch Public Library Board holds its first meeting on 22 January. In 1955, it opens its own library building on Lake Shore Boulevard.
  Image:
  Long Branch Library opening, 8 June 1955

• Image:
  Edgar Osborne and he Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books

  1949

  The Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books is presented to the Toronto Public Library Board by Edgar Osborne; the collection represents English children's literature from the 14th century up to 1910.
  Image:
  Edgar Osborne and he Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books

• Image:
  George H. Locke Memorial Branch, 1949

  1949

  George H. Locke Memorial Branch opens, TPL's first new branch since the Depression and the Second World War. It is named for Toronto Public Library's chief librarian, 1908-1937.
  More about George H. Locke Image:
  George H. Locke Memorial Branch, 1949

• Image:
  Deer Park Branch, 1952

  1950s

  Two new branch buildings open in Toronto: Deer Park (1952) and Parliament Street (1955).
  Image:
  Deer Park Branch, 1952

• Image:
  Etobicoke Public Library bookmobile, about 1953

  1950

  Township of Etobicoke Public Library Board is established. During the 1950s, when Etobicoke's population tripled, branch libraries are opened at Humber Bay (1951), Brentwood (1955) Alderwood (1958) and Rexdale (1959), while a bookmobile serves many neighbourhoods.
  Image:
  Etobicoke Public Library bookmobile, about 1953

• Image:
  North York Memorial Hall, 1956

  1950

  North York Public Library opens on the ground floor of the new North York Memorial Community Hall, Yonge Street, south of Park Home Avenue. By 1997 it has grown into a system of 19 library locations, providing a tiered model of service with a central library, and regional and satellite branches.
  Image:
  North York Memorial Hall, 1956

• Image:
  Construction of new Forest Hill Village Library and Municipal Building, 1962

  1954

  Forest Hill Public Library Board is established, with assets transferred from an earlier association library. A new library opens in the village's municipal building built in 1962.
  Image:
  Construction of new Forest Hill Village Library and Municipal Building, 1962

• Image:
  Scarborough Public Library bookmobile, 1956

  1955

  Scarborough Public Library Board is established, bringing together the Agincourt, Highland Creek and Scarboro library associations, and opening the Golden Mile Branch in 1956. By 1997, it has developed into a system of 19 libraries including neighbourhood and community branches, and three district libraries.
  Image:
  Scarborough Public Library bookmobile, 1956

• Image:
  Don Mills Branch, North York Public Library, about 1961

  1960s

  Twenty-four new libraries open in Metropolitan Toronto: Jones (1962), Parkdale (1964), City Hall (1965) and Charles R. Sanderson (1968, named for the chief librarian, 1937-1956) in Toronto; Eatonville (1964) and Albion Mall (1965) in Etobicoke; Evelyn Gregory (1968) in York; McGregor Park (1960), Bendale (1961) Taylor Memorial (1962), Cedarbrae (1965) Morningside (1968) in Scarborough; S. Walter Stewart (1960) and Todmorden (1961) in East York; Don Mills (1961), Bathurst Heights (1962), Downsview (1963), Woodview Park (1964), Bayview (1966) Centennial (1966), Amesbury Park (1967), Victoria Village (1967), Black Creek (1968) and Brookbanks (1968) in North York. In addition, the old Carnegie library at Mimico is replaced with the Mimico Centennial Library.
  Image:
  Don Mills Branch, North York Public Library, about 1961

• Image:
  City Hall Branch, 1965

  1965

  City Hall Branch opens in Toronto's new city hall. As well as a circulating library it houses a business and municipal reference collections.
  Image:
  City Hall Branch, 1965

• Image:
  TPL logo

  1967

  Public library boards at Forest Hill (est. 1954) and Swansea (est. 1923) are amalgamated with Toronto Public Library Board, when their municipalities became part of the City of Toronto.
  Image:
  TPL logo

• Image:
  East York Public Library logo

  1967

  Township of East York and the Town of Leaside are amalgamated to form the Borough of East York. The East York Public Library Board is established, amalgamating the public library boards of the former Township of East York (est. 1946) and the Town of Leaside (est. 1944). By 1997 it had five branch locations.
  Image:
  East York Public Library logo

• Image:
  York Public Library logo

  1967

  Borough of York Public Library is formed bringing together library facilities from York Township and the Town of Weston; by 1997 it had six branch libraries.
  Image:
  York Public Library logo

• Image:
  Etobicoke Public Library logo

  1967

  With the amalgamation of the Township of Etobicoke with the towns of Mimico, New Toronto, and Long Branch, the Etobicoke Public Library Board is formed. Its ten branch locations increase to 13 by 1997.
  Image:
  Etobicoke Public Library logo

• Image:
  Metropolitan Toronto Library Board Logo, 1987

  1967

  Metropolitan Toronto Library Board is established. The Central Library collections and other special collections were transferred from the Toronto Public Library to the new Metro Board.
  Image:
  Metropolitan Toronto Library Board Logo, 1987

• Image:
  Fairview Branch, 1976

  1970s

  Eighteen new branches are opened in Metropolitan Toronto: Palmerston (1971), Northern District (1975), Spadina Road (1977), Perth/Dupont (1977) and Queen/Saulter (1979) in Toronto; Albert Campbell (1971), Cliffcrest (1972), Guildwood (1974), Port Union (1974), Bridlewood (1976) and Woodside Square (1977) in Scarborough; Thorncliffe Park (1970) in East York; York Woods (1970), Fairview (1972), Humber Summit (1974), Hillcrest (1975), Pleasant View (1975), and Flemingdon Park (1978) in North York.
  Image:
  Fairview Branch, 1976

• Image:
  Book from the Merril Collection

  1970

  Judith Merril donates her collection to the Toronto Public Library, the beginning of the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy.
  Shut-in Service is inaugurated at Toronto Public Library, and in Etobicoke in 1971.
  Image:
  Book from the Merril Collection

• Image:
  Toronto Reference Library, 1977

  1977

  New Metropolitan Toronto Library opens at 789 Yonge Street at Asquith Avenue.
  Image:
  Toronto Reference Library, 1977

• Image:
  St. Clair/Silverthorn Branch, 1981

  1980s

  Twelve new branches are opened in Metropolitan Toronto: St. Clair/Silverthorn (1981), St. Lawrence (1982), College/Shaw (1984), Davenport (1988) and Danforth/Coxwell (1989) in Toronto; Malvern (1982), Maryvale (1982), Steeles (1987) and Kennedy/Eglinton (1988) in Scarborough; Armour Heights (1982) and Jane Sheppard (1989) in North York; and Elmbrook Park (1988) in Etobicoke. In addition, North York Central Library opens in a new facility in 1985.
  Image:
  St. Clair/Silverthorn Branch, 1981

• Image:
  Oakwood Village Branch, 1997

  1990s

  Four new branches are opened in Metropolitan Toronto before amalgamation: Goldhawk Park (1992) in Scarborough; Northern Elms (1991) and Humberwood (1996) in Etobicoke; and Oakwood Village (1997) in York. In addition, several branches are replaced or renovated.
  Image:
  Oakwood Village Branch, 1997

• 1997

  The City of Toronto Act (Bill 103) is passed by the Ontario Legislature, amalgamating the seven exisiting municipal governments of Metropolitan Toronto.

• Image:
  Toronto Public Library logo

  1998

  Seven library boards in Metropolitan Toronto are united into one library called the Toronto Public Library. With 97 locations, it is the largest public library system in North America serving a population of 2.3 million.
  Josephine Bryant is appointed as the first City Librarian of the newly-amalamaged Toronto Public Library.
  Burrows Hall is the first branch opened by the new Toronto Public Library Board.
  Image:
  Toronto Public Library logo

• Image:
  Virtual Reference Library

  1999

  Integrated online catalogue of the Library's collections is completed, giving unified access to nine million books, magazines, CDs, CD-ROMs and other materials in a hundred different languages.
  Virtual Reference Library is launched, providing Internet access to information on key subject areas through a series of gateways, digitized collections and research databases.
  Image:
  Virtual Reference Library

• Image:
  Computer Learning Centre, Riverdale Branch, 1997

  2000

  Installation of more than 400 Internet workstations acquired through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
  Image:
  Computer Learning Centre, Riverdale Branch, 1997

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  Toronto Public Library Strategic Plan 2000-2003

  2000

  First strategic plan of the amalgamated Toronto Public Library is prepared to guide the library into the new millennium.
  Image:
  Toronto Public Library Strategic Plan 2000-2003

• Image:
  Historicity Toronto Then and Now

  2001

  Toronto Public Library becomes the world's second most used public library by circulation after Hong Kong.
  Launch of Historicity: Toronto Then and Now, an award-winning Internet gateway to the history of Toronto and its neighbourhoods.
  Image:
  Historicity Toronto Then and Now

• Image:
  Leaside Branch rendering, 2000

  2002

  Leaside Branch, officially reopens on June 11, 2002, replacing the old Leaside Branch (1950).
  Image:
  Leaside Branch rendering, 2000

• Image:
  ALA Toronto Logo

  2003

  Toronto Public Library hosts the American Library Association Conference, June 19-25.
  Image:
  ALA Toronto Logo

• Image:
  Toronto Public Library Strategic Plan, 2004-2007

  2004

  Toronto Public Library launches its second strategic plan for 2004-2007: Urban Stories: The Next Chapter.
  Image:
  Toronto Public Library Strategic Plan, 2004-2007

• Image:
  St. James Town Branch, 2004

  2004

  St. James Town, Toronto Public Library's 98th branch, opens October 14.
  Image:
  St. James Town Branch, 2004

• Image:
  Beaches Branch renovation, 2005

  2005

  Beaches (January 20), Malvern (January 28), Northern Elms (April 16), Runnymede (June 8) and Long Branch (September 27) all officially reopen after extensive renovations.
  Image:
  Beaches Branch renovation, 2005

• Image:
  Pape/Danforth Branch renovation, 2006

  2006

  Morningside Branch reopens after relocation and reconstruction, May 30.
  Pape/Danforth Branch reopens after a major renovation, August 29.
  A site is acquired for Toronto Public Library's 100th Branch at Bathurst Street and Fort York Blvd. Project is expected to commence in 2008.
  Image:
  Pape/Danforth Branch renovation, 2006

• Image:
  Woodside Square Branch, 2007

  2007

  Woodside Square Branch reopens after relocation and expansion, April 30.
  Yorkville Branch, Toronto Public Library's oldest building, celebrates 100 years of service, June 16.
  Image:
  Woodside Square Branch, 2007

• Image:
  Jane Pyper, appointed new City Librarian, 2008

  2008

  Three branches reopen after major renovations: Jane/Dundas (February 4), S. Walter Stewart (May 28) and Dufferin/St.Clair (October 28), and Cliffcrest Branch reopens after a relocation and an expansion. (April 3).
  Josephine Bryant announces her early retirement on February 21 and Jane Pyper is appointed as the new City Librarian, September 2.
  Toronto Public Library publishes its third strategic plan since city amalgamation for 2008-2011, Our Shared Stories.
  Image:
  Jane Pyper, appointed new City Librarian, 2008

• Image:
  Jane Sheppard Rendering

  2009

  Jane/Sheppard Branch closes for relocation on January 31 and reopens in new location, April 2.
  Two branches reopen after major renovations and expansions: Kennedy/Eglinton (June 25) and Bloor/Gladstone (July 23).
  Toronto Public Library Foundation launches a five-year, $34 million revitalization of the Toronto Reference Library.
  The Bram and Bluma Appel Salon is opened in Toronto Reference Library, September 17.
  Annette Street Branch celebrates 100 years of service in the Carnegie building, September 12.
  Image:
  Jane Sheppard Rendering

• Image:
  Cedarbrae Branch, 2010

  2010

  Public consultation begins for a new library branch, Scarborough Centre, February 17.
  Two branches reopen after major renovations and expansions: Thorncliffe (Apr 13) and Cedarbrae (Dec 6).
  Brentwood Branch closes for a major renovation & expansion, September 25.
  Riverdale Branch celebrates 100 years of service, October 2.
  Image:
  Cedarbrae Branch, 2010

• Image:
  Fort York/Bathurst, Rendering

  2011

  Public consultation begins for a new library branch, Fort York/Bathurst, May 10.
  Urban Affairs collections and services are relocated to the Toronto Reference Library (Sep 15) and a new glass entrance cube opens as part of a 5-year $34 million revitalization of the Toronto Reference Library, December 24.
  Image:
  Fort York/Bathurst, Rendering

• Image:
  Brentwood Branch, 2012

  2012

  Brentwood Branch reopens after a major renovation, November 2.
  Fairview Branch closes for a renovation, October 6.
  Image:
  Brentwood Branch, 2012

• Image:
  Mount Dennis Branch, 2013

  2013

  Mount Dennis Branch reopens after a major renovation, March 11.
  Public meetings are held to begin to plan the major renovation of Albion Branch, the exterior renovation of Northern District Branch and the relocation of Bayview Branch.
  Image:
  Mount Dennis Branch, 2013

• Image:
  Fort York, 2014

  2014

  Fairview Branch reopens after an extensive renovation, January 10.
  Toronto Public Library's City Librarian Jane Pyper resigns, March 19.
  Fort York, Toronto Public Library's 99th branch, opens, May 29.
  Toronto Reference Library completes a five year revitalization, September 19.
  Weston branch celebrates 100 years of operation in the present building, November 22.
  Image:
  Fort York, 2014

• Image:
  Scarborough Civic Centre, 2015

  2015

  Vickery Bowles is appointed Toronto Public Library's new City Librarian, January 5.
  Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd. donates its photographic archive of more than 1 million press photographs from 1900-1999 to Toronto Public Library, April 14.
  Toronto Public Library opens its 100th branch, Scarborough Civic Centre, May 20.
  Image:
  Scarborough Civic Centre, 2015

• Image:
  North York Central Library, Rendering

  2016

  Beaches, High Park and Wychwood branches all celebrate a century of service to Toronto.
  North York Central Library begins a five year renovation, June 1.
  Eglinton Square branch closes for renovation, June 27.
  Image:
  North York Central Library, Rendering

More library history

• Toronto's Carnegie Libraries
• History of Children's Services
• Lillian H. Smith (Head of Children's Services, 1912–1952)
• George H. Locke (Chief Librarian, 1908–1937)