Located at the centre of our city - at Yonge and Bloor - the Toronto Reference Library resides at the heart of the city-wide Toronto Public Library branch system.
 

At 400,000 square feet, and with over 50 miles of stacks, the Toronto Reference Library first opened its doors on November 2, 1977. Its modern design and sweeping 10-storey atrium led Canadian Architect magazine to call it "...one of this country's most important 20th century buildings."
 

Today, the Toronto Reference Library is one of the best-used public institutions in the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario. As the only public Reference Library in Canada, it is also unique. No other public institution does more to support the lifelong learning ambitions of its residents. The Toronto Reference Library's multilingual collections, community programming, Special Collections and staff expertise have resonated with users since its doors opened. Every year, more than 1.4 million visitors – children, students, scholars, writers, artists, new Canadians, seniors, historians – use its vast resources. They rely on the Library to help them create art, write books, complete school assignments, conduct research, improve literacy skills, e-mail
grandchildren, learn English, create resumes, find jobs and start new businesses. They flock to the Library's author readings, performances, debates and appearances by great minds and leading cultural figures.
 

Throughout its history, the Toronto Reference Library has contributed to the cultural, economic and social well-being of the City of Toronto.
 

As part of a five-year $34 million revitalization which is currently underway, the Toronto Reference Library opened the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon in 2009 which has quickly emerged as one of the city’s premiere venues for high-profile cultural programming. Other elements – including a new Glass Entrance Cube, an expanded Gallery Space and a revitalized Browsery – will be opening soon.
 

The Foundation is currently undertaking re:vitalize – Toronto Reference Library Campaign in support of the $34 million revitalization.

Visit www.revitalizeTRL.ca  to see how you can help.

KidsStops are exciting innovative tactile learning environments where parents and caregivers can learn and play independently with children birth to five. KidsStops transform the Library into a destination for young families. The Library becomes not only a place to pick up books quickly but also a place to stay for an extended time, sharing books and other literacy-based toys and material. The centres also enable staff to share ideas with parents and caregivers on how to create literacy-rich home environments. KidsStops are available at S. Walter Stewart and Dufferin/St. Clair branches and will soon be available at Thorncliffe and Cedarbrae branches.

KidsStops are supported in part by Sophie’s Studio.