Spaced Out: 50 Years of the Merril Collection
About the exhibit
An exhibit showcasing some of the exciting, strange and wonderful things held by our Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation & Fantasy.
The Merril Collection dates back to 1970, when science-fiction author and editor Judith Merril donated 5,000 books to Toronto Public Library to found what was at first called the "Spaced Out Library".
Visit the exhibit to learn more about the collection and speculative fiction, the literature of the "what-if." This kind of literature explores the outer reaches of human imagination — our most spectacular dreams and darkest fears.
Download a large-print version of the exhibit text. (DOCX 63kb)

Virtual tour

Reading list
Books you can borrow from TPL. This list features 50 books across 18 subgenres of speculative fiction.
Related Programming
How Do You Build An Imaginary World, Anyway?
Wednesday, December 15, 2021 | 7 to 8 pm
Join our virtual program with Canadian writer and editor, Ed Greenwood, creator of The Forgotten Realms. Learn about worldbuilding the settings of fantasy and science fiction stories.