Special Collections & Rare Books
Toronto Public Library preserves and offers access to rare books, archives and special collections of local and global importance.
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!
Arthur Conan Doyle Collection
One of the world's leading collections devoted to the author of Sherlock Holmes. Stop by its cozy room styled as Sherlock's study!
Baldwin Collection of Canadiana
Historical manuscripts, books, ephemera, newspapers, maps and documentary art. Includes over a million Toronto Star photos.
Chinese Canadian Archive
A community-built archive focused on the Chinese Canadian community in the Greater Toronto Area.
Special Collections in the Arts
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!
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Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation & Fantasy
Canada's premier research collection of speculative fiction and sci-fi, and popular print culture in these areas.
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Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books
Research collection of rare books, literary archives, ephemera and art related to children’s literature and publishing.
More collections
Arts Department
Unique collections in visual arts, theatre and music. Located at Toronto Reference Library.
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IBBY Collection for Young People with Disabilities
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.
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Jewish Mosaic Collection
English-language materials about Judaism and Jewish culture. Items can be borrowed and taken home. Located at Barbara Frum and Armour Heights branches.
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Map Collection
Current and historical maps of local and international locations. Located at Toronto Reference Library.
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Marguerite G. Bagshaw Collection
Puppetry resources such as books, journals and full puppet shows. Located at Lillian H. Smith branch.
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Native Peoples Collection
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.
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The Pride Collection
Books, movies and magazines of special interest to people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Items can be borrowed and taken home. Located at Yorkville branch.
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Rita Cox Black and Caribbean Heritage Collection
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 & Downsview branches.
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Theatre Play Sets
Multiple copies of almost 300 different plays — classic and contemporary. Items can be borrowed and taken home. Located at Yorkville branch.
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Toronto Star Newspaper Room
Current issues of all major Toronto newspapers, as well as regional Ontario and international papers. Also, some historical newspapers. Located at Toronto Reference Library.