TD Gallery at Toronto Reference Library
TD Gallery is our main exhibit space at Toronto Public Library. We curate multiple free exhibitions each year, showcasing our Special Collections and beyond.
Toys Alive!
COMING SOON | May 30 to September 6, 2026
About the exhibit
Ever wonder what toys get up to when you’re not around? We dove into the toy box to find out.
From teddy bears searching for honey to toy soldiers on patrol, this joyful all-ages exhibit brings together literary treasures from the late 1800s to today, drawn from our world-renowned Osborne Collection of Early Children’s Books. Explore archival materials, book-related art, toys, manuscripts and first editions—all tied to stories where toys come alive.
Highlights include:
- Early editions of Winnie-the-Pooh, The Velveteen Rabbit and Pinocchio
- Pinocchio-inspired puppet stage photo op
- Interactive station to “make and take” your own wooden peg doll
- Stories by Hans Christian Andersen, Robert Louis Stevenson, E. Nesbet and Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Raggedy Ann books and other doll tales
- Rare pop-up books for children
- Illustrations by Arthur Rackham (reproductions)
Programs
Guided tours
Tours every Tuesday at 3 pm (plus a few on Thursdays at 5 pm). Contact us to schedule tours for your class or group. Please let us know of any accessibility requirements and we will do our best to accommodate. Or feel free to visit on your own anytime during open hours. Learn more and register (optional).
Movie - Toy Story (1995)
June 18 at 12 pm | Toronto Reference Library
To celebrate our exhibit, we will be doing a showing of the film Toy Story (1995) followed by an informal tour of the exhibition. Register now.
Plan your visit
Location
Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). Main floor, across from elevators.
Hours
- Monday to Friday: 9 am to 8:30 pm
- Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
- Sunday: 12 to 5 pm
Admission
- Free
Accessibility
- Our space is wheelchair accessible and we welcome service animals.
Contact
Past exhibits
View a list of past TD Gallery exhibits going back to 1999. View past exhibits.
Book TD Gallery for your next event
TD Gallery can be rented for private events.
See booking details.
