Local History Publications
Books by our staff about the history of Toronto neighbourhoods and the library — including walking tours. View these publications online or find copies to borrow. Some are available to purchase.
"Pssst, wanna know a secret? The Toronto Public Library produces some of the best local history books around." – The Globe and Mail
Neighbourhood histories
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An Abridged History of the Township of Scarborough
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Summary
An abbreviated version of the highly-regarded A History of Scarborough.
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Publication details
Robert R. Bonis; 46 pages, 28 cm; Scarborough Public Library, [1969].
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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The Beach in Pictures 1793–1932
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Summary
Traces the development of this unique lakeside neighbourhood, highlighting the area's important personalities, institutions and landmarks. Includes origin of 28 street names. Received a Toronto Historical Board Letter of Commendation.
"a fascinating look at one of the city's oldest and most popular neighbourhoods." – Mike Filey, Sunday Sun
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Publication details
Mary Campbell and Barbara Myrvold; 44 pages, 48 black & white illustrations, 22 x 28 cm; 1988.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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Bloor Dufferin in Pictures
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Summary
Outlines the changes in this west end neighbourhood from its 19th century beginnings as a gentlemen's country retreat to one of the city's most multicultural areas.
"An admirable job [...] the text is agreeably interspersed with over thirty fascinating photographs and drawings." – John Harkness, Canadian Materials
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Publication details
Cynthia Patterson, Carol McDougall and George Levin; 36 pages, 36 black & white illustrations; 22 x 28 cm; Toronto Public Library, 1986. Local History Handbook No. 5. ISBN 0920601006.
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How to buy
$8
For sale at these branches (call ahead for availability):
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Cabbagetown in Pictures
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Summary
The history of Cabbagetown is traced from its initial settlement by impoverished Irish immigrants to the diverse community of the 1980s, with an emphasis on recollections of residents from 1900 to 1940.
"A delightful little treatise and a useful addition to the local history scene." – John Harkness, Canadian Materials
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Publication details
Colleen Kelly; 44 pages, 21 x 28 cm; Toronto Public Library, 1984. Local History Handbook No. 4. ISBN 0919486711.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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The Danforth in Pictures
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Summary
Includes an overview history of the east end neighbourhood bordering Danforth Avenue, along with articles and pictures of local families, churches, schools, businesses, industries and transportation.
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Publication details
Barbara Myrvold; 37 pages, 55 black & white illustrations, 23 x 29 cm; Toronto Public Library, 1979. Local History Handbook No. 3.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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A History of Scarborough
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Summary
A comprehensive history of Scarborough from Indigenous settlements to the 1960s. This is the "first-stop" for the general reader interested in Scarborough's past.
"Rev. Robert Bonis' book is considered the bible of borough history." – Scarborough Mirror
"[...] the publication has become the most common source of general information on the history of Scarborough currently readily available to the City's citizens." – Scarborough Historical Notes & Comments
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Publication details
Robert R. Bonis; enlarged edition; 387 pages, 270 black & white illustrations, 28 cm; Scarborough Public Library Board, 1968.
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How to buy
$8
For sale at these branches (call ahead for availability):
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Memories of Scarborough: A Bicentennial Celebration
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Summary
Twenty long-time residents record their recollections about growing up and living in Scarborough.
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Publication details
139 pages, 21 cm; City of Scarborough Public Library Board, 1997.
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How to buy
$10
For sale at these branches (call ahead for availability):
- Agincourt
- Cedarbrae
- Toronto Reference Library (main floor)
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The Mimico Story
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Summary
A history of the west-end waterfront neighbourhood, from Indigenous settlements to 1966. Includes sections on geology, early families, politics, transportation, education, religion and sports.
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Publication details
Harvey Currell; 2nd edition (revised); 46 pages, 170 pages; Town of Mimico & Mimico Library Board, 1967.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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North Toronto in Pictures 1889–1912
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Summary
Based on a display at the George H. Locke Memorial Branch. Includes "A Brief History of North Toronto" by Barbara Myrvold.
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Publication details
Barbara Myrvold; 32 pages, 42 black & white illustrations, 22 x 28 cm; Toronto Public Library, 1974. Local History Handbook No. 1.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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Parkdale in Pictures: Its Development to 1889
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Summary
Tracks the evolution of the Parkdale area from its beginning as an Indigenous portage route and French fur trading post to its annexation to Toronto in 1889. The book focuses on Parkdale's decade as an independent municipality, 1879–1889. Gives origins of 45 Parkdale street names.
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Publication details
Margaret Laycock and Barbara Myrvold; 64 pages, 71 black & white illustrations, 22 x 28 cm; Toronto Public Library, 1991. Local History Handbook No. 7. ISBN 092060112X.
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How to buy
$10
For sale at these branches (call ahead for availability):
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The People of Scarborough: A History
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Summary
A chronological overview of the many diverse peoples and cultures that have contributed to Scarborough's economic, cultural and social development. Received a Heritage Toronto 1999 Certificate of Commendation.
"[...] complements and expands the library board's ongoing commitment to both multiculturalism and local history." – Scarborough Mirror
"[...] filled with enough facts and tables to satisfy even the most erudite historical nit-pickers, it is the triumphs and struggles of the many settlers that make this volume interesting." – Carol Stimmel, Beach Metro News
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Publication details
Barbara Myrvold; 270 pages, 29 black & white illustrations; 24 cm, Scarborough Public Library, 1997.
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How to buy
$8
For sale at these branches (call ahead for availability):
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Signposts to Scarborough's Rural Past: A Photographic Journey
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Summary
A picture album documenting some fragments of Scarborough's past that managed to survive the sweeping changes in the half century following the Second World War. Readers are provided with clues for discovering remnants of the city's older landscapes.
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Publication details
George W. J. Duncan; 38 pages, 17 black & white illustrations; City of Toronto Economic Development, Culture & Tourism Department in partnership with the Toronto Public Library, 2000. ISBN 0920601448.
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How to buy
$8
For sale at these branches (call ahead for availability):
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St. Clair West in Pictures: A History of the Communities of Carlton, Davenport, Earlscourt and Oakwood
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Summary
The history of the communities that border St. Clair Avenue West between Oakwood Avenue and Old Weston Road. This third edition is more than 20 pages longer than earlier editions, with many more pictures and maps, as well as a detailed index. A new highlight tells about St. Clair's streetcars, part of the thoroughfare since 1913, and an updated history covers recent events. "Origin of Local Street Names" features the story of 43 streets. Heritage Toronto's Award of Merit winner in 1999.
"Just like the dozen other books Ms. Myrvold has been involved with for the TPL, this is a thoroughly researched document of a place that is all but gone. In this case, it's a mostly working-class area just like the kind almost everyone has lived in at one time but almost every publisher overlooks. […] Thanks to the Toronto Public Library, that's no longer the case." – Dave Leblanc, The Globe and Mail
"This is a rich portrait. [...] Byers and Myrvold take pains to cover every aspect of history, but do it with enough style to make the text entertaining, a kaleidoscope rather than an inventory. . . . Many a photographic jaw-dropper in this fine addition to a series that is itself one of the many outstanding contributions the TPL has made to life in old Toronto." – Ted Mumford, NOW
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Publication details
Nancy Byers and Barbara Myrvold; 158 pages, 141 black & white illustrations, 20.5 x 25.5 cm; Toronto Public Library, 2008. Local History Handbook No. 8. ISBN 07809206021624.
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How to buy
$20
For sale at these branches (call ahead for availability):
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Find a 2008 edition library copy
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Their Memories: A Collaborative Project of the North York Public Library and the North York Seniors Centre
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Summary
In this delightful collection of anecdotes, eight local residents recall life in North York in the 1920s and 1930s.
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Publication details
21 pages, 11 black & white illustrations, 21 cm; North York Public Library, North York Seniors Centre, 1987.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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Yorkville in Pictures 1835–1883
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Summary
Outlines Yorkville's history, buildings, and people, especially during its 30 years as a village prior to its 1883 annexation to Toronto.
"excellent pictures [...] each accompanied by a brief history, which together add up to a very readable story of the municipality whose toll gate at one time was the northern entry point for Toronto." – John McIntyre, York Pioneer
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Publication details
Stephanie Hutcheson; 32 pages, 42 black & white illustrations, 22 x 28 cm; Scarborough Public Library, 1978. Local History Handbook No. 2. ISBN 091948669X.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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Walking tours
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Historical Walking Tour of Deer Park
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Summary
Illustrates and documents the history of 27 sites in Deer Park, the Toronto neighbourhood flanking Yonge Street from the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks in the south to the old Toronto Belt Line Railway Bridge in the north. Received a Toronto Historical Board Letter of Commendation.
"Although intended as a guidebook [...] the lively text and numerous illustrations make it an enjoyable armchair tour as well." – John Marshall, York Pioneer Update
View tour map -
Publication details
Joan C. Kinsella; 60 pages, 56 black & white illustrations, 22 x 29 cm; Toronto Public Library, 1996. ISBN 092060126X.
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How to buy
$8
For sale at these branches (call ahead for availability):
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Historical Walking Tour of Kensington Market & College Street
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Summary
Includes 24 sites in and around Kensington Market. Gives origins of 24 local street names.br />
"This helpful booklet covers the area between Major Street and Palmerston Boulevard." – Ontario Historical Society Bulletin
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Publication details
Barbara Myrvold; 44 pages, 34 black & white illustrations, 22 cm; Toronto Public Library, 1993. ISBN 0920601189.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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Historical Walking Tour of Kew Beach
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Summary
Presents the history and 24 heritage sites of Kew Beach between Woodbine Avenue and Scarborough Beach Boulevard from Lake Ontario to the north side of Queen Street East.
"Kew Beach book is a winner." – Sheila Blinoff, Beach Metro News
View tour map -
Publication details
Mary Campbell and Barbara Myrvold; 56 pages, 34 black & white illustrations, 22 cm; Toronto Public Library, 1995. ISBN 0929691243.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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Historical Walking Tour of Lawrence Park
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Summary
Originally published in 1994, the 2007 edition features 33 stops highlighting 48 houses and other sites of architectural and historical interest. Includes an overview history of Lawrence Park: biographies of major architects and important residents and more than 50 illustrations of historic maps, archival photographs and drawings. Many of these historical images are from early promotional materials for Lawrence Park and are identified for the first time. One of the book's many new features is "Lost Lawrence Park", listing original houses that have been demolished and replaced with new buildings.
"[W]ell told and handily laid out... yet another useful offering from Barbara Myrvold and the Toronto Public Library's team of indefatigable historians." – John Bentley Mays, Globe & Mail
"The century-old history of the Lawrence Park community is back in print form, with a recent re-issue of a book highlighting some of the area's most notable sites." – Justin Skinner, Toronto City Centre Mirror
"[A] fascinating new booklet filled with old photos and interesting facts" – Mike Filey, Toronto Sunday Sun
View tour map (main route)
View tour map (extended route) -
Publication details
Barbara Myrvold and Lynda Moon; 66 pages, 4 colour illustrations, 50 black & white illustrations, 22 cm; Toronto Public Library Board in partnership with Lawrence Park Ratepayers’ Association and North Toronto Historical Society. Revised and expanded edition, 2007. ISBN 978092061594.
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How to buy
$10
For sale at these branches (call ahead for availability):
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Historical Walking Tour of North York Centre: Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of North York Central Library 1987–2012
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Summary
Discover one of Toronto's most interesting and surprising neighbourhoods in this walking tour featuring ten stops and 20 sites in the vicinity of North York Central Library at 5120 Yonge Street. Produced in partnership with the North York Historical Society, the North York Community Preservation Panel and Gibson House Museum.
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Publication details
Mary Ann Cross, Geoff Kettel and Barbara Myrvold; 30 pages, 12 coloured illustrations, 18 black & white illustrations; 28 cm; Toronto Public Library Board, 2012.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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Historical Walking Tour of the Danforth
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Summary
The route covers 22 stops in the Danforth area from the Prince Edward Viaduct east to Pape Avenue. Gives origin of 25 local street names.
"Hits the area's high spots from Broadview to Pape, with photos and anecdotes of mansions and bygone dignitaries, as well as the area's churches, banks and business landmarks." – Toronto's Mid-Town Voice
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Publication details
Barbara Myrvold; 32 pages, 28 black & white illustrations, 22 cm; Toronto Public Library, 1992.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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Library history & collection
A Bibliography of Canadiana
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Summary
An early catalogue with notes and indexes not available in TPL's online catalogue.
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Publication details
Multiple authors across its editions. Published in 1934, it was supplemented in 1957 and 1985–1989.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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A Century of Ontario Broadsides 1793–1893
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Summary
A broadside is a sheet of paper printed on one side only. Today we call this a poster or an announcement. These samples from Toronto Public Library's collections include government notices, election posters, advertisements and announcements. They are valuable not only for historical purposes, but to document the development of printing in the province.
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Publication details
Edith G. Firth; 20 pages, 51 black & white facsimiles, 21 x 28 cm; Toronto Public Library, 1965.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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A Century of Service: Toronto Public Library 1793–1893
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Summary
This illustrated, popular history looks back at the events and people that shaped the library. A chronology provides dates of all library buildings and key services. Produced for Toronto Public Library's centennial in 1983.
"Dr. Penman has managed to epitomize the development and impact of Toronto's library system during its first 100 years, relating the facts in a lively and interesting fashion [...] This history should appeal to the general reader as well as to the scholar." – John A. Wiseman, Canadian Library Journal
"[A] massive in-house research project was turned into an economical, yet flavourful, well-written narrative [...] The excellent illustrations are well integrated, drip with nostalgia and contribute as much to the final result as does the text." – Al Bowran, OLA Focus
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Publication details
Margaret Penman; 102 pages, 110 black & white illustrations, 21 x 28 cm; Toronto Public Library, 1983.
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How to buy
$5.50
For sale at these branches (call ahead for availability):
- Toronto Reference Library (main floor)
- Northern District
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Early Toronto Newspapers 1793–1867
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Summary
Annotated catalogue which names the publisher and describes the political orientation of 82 newspapers published in Toronto from its beginnings to Confederation.
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Publication details
Edith G. Firth; 32 pages, 50 black & white facsimiles, 22 x 28 cm; Baxter Publishing Company in cooperation with the Toronto Public Library, 1961.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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Landmarks of Canada: A Guide to the J. Ross Robertson Canadian HIstorical Collection in the Toronto Public Library
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Summary
Descriptive catalogue of over 4,000 paintings, drawings, prints and photographs of Canadian scenes and peoples, from the 18th century to 1918. The collection is especially rich in material relating to Toronto.
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Publication details
Illustrated Reprint Edition of Volume I (1917) and Volume II (1921) with a consolidated index; 383 pages, 66 black & white illustrations, 23 x 27 cm; Toronto Public Library, 1967.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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The Most Attractive Resort in Town: Public Library Service in West Toronto Junction 1888–2009
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Summary
This chronicle goes back to 1888, when library service was introduced to the area by the West Toronto Junction Mechanics’ Institute. It extends to 2009, the 100th anniversary of the opening of Toronto Public Library’s Carnegie-funded branch on Annette Street. New edition features more illustrations and detailed index. Overviews key personalities, major community events and trends that influenced the library’s growth. A special section is provided on Ellis and Connery, the architectural firm who planned the Carnegie library as well as more than 50 other local buildings.
" [...] as much a history of the Junction as it is a history of the impressive library on Annette Street. [...] And now, thanks to Ms. Myrvold's book, the secret of the Junction's colourful history, characters and architecture is as close as the nearest library." – Dave LeBlanc, The Globe & Mail
"[...] this profusely illustrated book describes the history of the public library in the West Toronto Junction area of our city from the opening of the community's original Mechanics' Institute in 1888." – Mike Filey, Toronto Sun
"Overall, this is one of the best micro library histories produced in Canada to date and it can be used to document broader studies." – Lorne Bruce, Libraries Today Blog
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Publication details
Barbara Myrvold; 2nd edition (expanded); 82 pages, 126 black & white illustrations, 28 cm; Toronto Public Library Board, 2009.
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How to buy
$20
For sale at these branches (call ahead for availability):
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Recording Toronto
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Summary
A catalogue of selected pictures of early buildings and street scenes in the Town of York and the City of Toronto from the John Ross Robertson Historical Collection and other picture collections of the Toronto Public Library.
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Publication details
Elspeth Smith; 36 pages, one coloured illustration, 50 black & white illustrations; Toronto Public Libraries, 1960.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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Toronto and Early Canada
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Summary
This is a supplement to Landmarks of Canada and includes information on 1,000 images.
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Publication details
63 pages, 31 black & white illustrations, 21 x 28 cm; Baxter Publishing Company in cooperation with the Toronto Public Library, 1964.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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York, Upper Canada, Minutes of Town Meetings and Lists of Inhabitants 1797–1823
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Summary
The earliest Colonial record of the residents of the area that is now the City of Toronto.
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Publication details
Christine Mosser (editor); 185 pages; Metropolitan Toronto Library Board, 1984. ISBN 0887730280.
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How to buy
No longer available for purchase.
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