Local History Publications
Books by our staff about the history of Toronto neighbourhoods and the library published between 1934 and 2012. View these publications online or find copies to borrow.
Neighbourhood histories
The Beach in Pictures 1793–1932
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. Published in 1988.
Bloor Dufferin in Pictures
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. Published in 1986.
Cabbagetown in Pictures
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. Published in 1984.
The Danforth in Pictures
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. Published in 1974
Memories of Scarborough: A Bicentennial Celebration
Twenty long-time residents record their recollections about growing up and living in Scarborough.
The Mimico Story
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. Published in 1967
North Toronto in Pictures 1889–1912
Based on a display at the George H. Locke Memorial Branch. Includes "A Brief History of North Toronto" by Barbara Myrvold. Published in 1974.
Parkdale in Pictures: Its Development to 1889
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. Published in 1991
The People of Scarborough: A History
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. Published in 1997
Signposts to Scarborough's Rural Past: A Photographic Journey
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. Published in 2000.
Their Memories: A Collaborative Project of the North York Public Library and the North York Seniors Centre
In this delightful collection of anecdotes, eight local residents recall life in North York in the 1920s and 1930s.
Yorkville in Pictures 1835–1883
Outlines Yorkville's history, buildings, and people, especially during its 30 years as a village prior to its 1883 annexation to Toronto.
Walking tours
Historical Walking Tour of Deer Park
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. 1996. View tour map (PDF).
Historical Walking Tour of Kensington Market & College Street
Includes 24 sites in and around Kensington Market. Gives origins of 24 local street names.
Historical Walking Tour of Kew Beach
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. View tour map (PDF).
Historical Walking Tour of Lawrence Park
Features 33 stops highlighting 48 houses and other sites of architectural and historical interest. Includes an overview history of Lawrence Park: biographies of important architects and residents and over 50 illustrations of historic maps, archival photos and drawings. Many of these historical images are from early promotional materials for Lawrence Park. The section "Lost Lawrence Park" lists original houses that have been demolished and replaced with new buildings. Published in 1995, revised and expanded in 2007.
Historical Walking Tour of North York Centre: Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of North York Central Library 1987–2012
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.
Historical Walking Tour of the Danforth
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.
Library history & bibliographies
A Bibliography of Canadiana
An early catalogue with notes and indexes not available in TPL's online catalogue.
A Century of Ontario Broadsides 1793–1893
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.
A Century of Service: Toronto Public Library 1793–1893
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.
Early Toronto Newspapers 1793–1867
Annotated catalogue which names the publisher and describes the political orientation of 82 newspapers published in Toronto from its beginnings to Confederation.
Landmarks of Canada: A Guide to the J. Ross Robertson Canadian HIstorical Collection in the Toronto Public Library
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.
The Most Attractive Resort in Town: Public Library Service in West Toronto Junction 1888–2009
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.
Recording Toronto
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.
Toronto and Early Canada
- This is a supplement to Landmarks of Canada and includes information on 1,000 images.
York, Upper Canada, Minutes of Town Meetings and Lists of Inhabitants 1797–1823
The earliest Colonial record of the residents of the area that is now the City of Toronto.