The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room
Service Update
From March 2025 to early 2026, we’re replacing exterior windows on the northeast side of the building (floors 2–5). The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room will be closed for this period. Please speak to staff if you need support.
Location and Hours
The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room is open to the public and located on the 4th floor of the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street) in the Languages and Literature department. For current hours of operation, visit our Toronto Reference Library page.
About the Space
The room features include:
- A bright and accessible space to read, write, study, collaborate and create
- Jack Rabinovitch's Giller collections and memorabilia donated by the Rabinovitch family
- Canadian literature related programming, including author talks, panel discussions, residencies and special events
- The Writer in Residence program, access to the Writers' Suite and unique opportunities for aspiring writers to develop their craft and connect with each other.
Programming
A variety of programming is presented in The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room, including author talks, residency programs and special events.
Writer in Residence
The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room houses the Writer in Residence program, which will be expanded and enhanced thanks to the new space. Writers are invited for a two-month residency to create their own work as well as mentor other writers. The program provides a co-working environment for up-and-coming writers to focus on their work alongside the Writer in Residence. Valuable services provided include the popular one-on-one manuscript review and an opportunity to participate in author readings.
About Jack Rabinovitch and His Collection
Canadian businessman and philanthropist Jack Rabinovitch created the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 1994 to honour his late wife Doris Giller. The celebrated award recognizes excellence in Canadian fiction, and over the years, Jack assembled an extensive personal library of books, including all Giller Prize authors. He built a diverse and important collection of Canadian literature and with Jack's passing in 2017, this collection was donated to Toronto Public Library.
About the Room
Award-winning architects from Moriyama & Teshima Architects (MTA) designed the 2500-square foot space. Raymond Moriyama was the original architect hired to build the Toronto Reference Library, which opened in 1977.
Enjoy a quick tour of The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room:
The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room was made possible thanks to the generosity of exceptional donors who collectively contributed to the creation of this incredible space.
The TPL Foundation acknowledges Visionary Donors:
George & Martha Butterfield
The Elizabeth & Tony Comper Foundation
Ira Gluskin & Maxine Granovsky Gluskin
Hal Jackman Foundation
Gerald Sheff & Shanitha Kachan
Allan Slaight
Gregory & Kate Sorbara