-
Toronto Public Library - Lillian H Smith Branch
Architecturally speaking, this children's library is worth a peek for its fairy-tale interior and bronze griffins flanking the front door. Special collections archive precious picture books, sci-fi novels, original artwork and manuscripts, poetry, letters and early movable (pop-up) books. Storytime and puppet shows are free.
Read more about Toronto Public Library - Lillian H Smith Branch
-
Toronto Reference Library
More cultural centre than somber reading room, this snappy modern space was designed by architect Raymond Moriyama. Amongst millions of books, The library runs writers' workshops, storytelling sessions, film studies, drawing classes, open-mic 'face-offs' and 'How to do graffiti' classes. Oh, and there are some somber reading rooms too.
-
Toronto Tours
Narrated harbor cruises depart hourly in April, May, September and October; every 30 minutes between June and August. This is a great way to check out the Toronto Islands if you're not visiting them under your own steam, and they also run various city/harbor tour combos (some including the CN Tower). The departure dock is at the foot of York St. Online booking discounts available.
-
Toronto's First Post Office
Dating from the 1830s, the old post office is now a living museum. After you've written your letter with a quill and ink, seal it with wax and send it postmarked 'York-Toronto 1833' for a small fee. Famous folks like William Lyon Mackenzie and the Baldwins once rented postal boxes here.
-
University Of Toronto - St George Campus
Campus life rotates around the grassy/muddy expanse of King's College Circle, where students study on blankets, kick soccer balls around and dream of graduation day in domed Convocation Hall. Dating from 1919, sociable Hart House is an all-purpose art gallery, music performance space, theatre, student lounge and café. Soldiers' Tower next door is a memorial to students who lost their lives during WWI and WWII.
-
Yorkville Library
One of 99 library branches around town, this one is 100 years old - the oldest, and definitely the best looking. A sandstone Palladian façade leads into a lofty lemon and white interior housing many shelves, a theatre, gay and lesbian resource centre, 130 magazine titles and small gallery at the back exhibiting local artists' work.
