Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books
A world-leading research collection of rare and notable children’s books.
Our 90,000+ items include book-related art, toys, games and archival items on authorship and promotion of books for young readers. The collection has four parts:
- The Osborne Collection (items before 1910)
- The Lillian H. Smith Collection (items after 1910)
- The Canadiana Collection (items related to Canada)
- The Jean Thomson Collection of Original Art (items by Barbara Reid, Maurice Sendak and more)
Jump to collection details & highlights.
Explore the collection
Come in person to view everything. A portion of full items are digitized and many books are searchable in TPL's catalogue.
View catalogued print books (tip: to search just this collection, replace "ALL" in the search at top of page with new search terms)
Plan your visit
Using the collection
All welcome! Walk in to see exhibits or ask questions.
To access items, you simply need to fill out a brief form and show one piece of identification or your library card when you arrive.
Items are non-circulating. You can view them in the Osborne's reading room.
Location
Lillian H. Smith Branch (239 College Street), 4th floor.
Hours
Monday to Friday: 9 am to 8:30 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 12 to 5 pm
Class or group visits
Contact us to schedule talks and tours for groups and classes (Grade 4 to Grade 8, High School, college and university classes).
Contact
Exhibits & events
Upcoming Events
Support the collection
Friends of the Osborne Collection of Early Children’s Books
Established in 1966, the Friends support acquisitions, conservation, digitization and outreach for the Osborne Collection through fundraising and special events.