Special Collections & Rare Books
Service Update
The Arthur Conan Doyle Room is currently closed. During building renovations, opens a new window, access to Special Collections materials is by appointment only as of August 19. Contact trlspc@tpl.ca ahead of your visit.
Toronto Public Library preserves and offers access to rare books, archives and special collections of local and global importance.
Only looking for digitized items? Explore our Digital Archive.
Marilyn & Charles Baillie Special Collections Centre
A large reading room on the 5th floor of Toronto Reference Library. It provides access to the four collections listed below. Staff are available to help with your research or answer questions. All are welcome!
One of the world's leading collections devoted to the author of Sherlock Holmes. Stop by its cozy room styled as Sherlock's study!
Historical manuscripts, books, ephemera, newspapers, maps and documentary art. Includes over a million Toronto Star photos.
A community-built archive focused on the Chinese Canadian community in the Greater Toronto Area.
Original performing arts materials, book art and other items related to visual arts. Includes a copy of Audubon's Birds of America.
Lillian H. Smith branch
A location with two major collections, each with its own reading room. Staff are available to help with your research or answer questions. All are welcome!
Canada's premier research collection of speculative fiction and sci-fi, and popular print culture in these areas.
Research collection of rare books, literary archives, ephemera and art related to children’s literature and publishing.
More collections
Research collection of rare books, literary archives, ephemera and art related to children’s literature and publishing.
Outstanding books for and about young people with disabilities. Part of the International Board on Books for Young People. Located at North York Central Library.
English-language materials about Judaism and Jewish culture. Items can be borrowed and taken home. Located at Barbara Frum and Armour Heights branches.
Current and historical maps of local and international locations. Located at Toronto Reference Library.
Puppetry resources such as books, journals and full puppet shows. Located at Lillian H. Smith branch.
Books, CDs, DVDs, as well as language-learning kits, by and about Indigenous peoples, with emphasis on First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in Canada. Located at Spadina Road branch, North York Central Library & Toronto Reference Library.
Books, movies and magazines of special interest to people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Items can be borrowed and taken home. Located at Yorkville branch.
Books, magazines, DVDs and CDs focused on the Black and Caribbean historical and cultural experience, with a Canadian emphasis. Located at: Malvern, Maria A. Shchuka, Parkdale & York Woods branches.
Multiple copies of almost 300 different plays — classic and contemporary. Items can be borrowed and taken home. Located at Yorkville branch.
Current issues of all major Toronto newspapers, as well as regional Ontario and international papers. Also, some historical newspapers. Located at Toronto Reference Library.