Aliu IsaI have to admit–whenever I’m craving some adventure, a trip to the library is not the first thing that comes to mind.
“What’s so fun about endless shelves littered with the names of dead authors I’ve never heard of?”, I used to think. But then I realized that libraries don’t have to be boring!
Let’s skip the cold halls or the cranky hawk-eyed librarians who constantly hover over us. Smack in the middle of Toronto’s busy streets lie a few curious libraries hidden in plain sight.
These lesser-known sanctuaries aren’t just about flipping through books—they’re a journey on their own!
Either sink in and enjoy a good book or just admire the architecture and snap a few pictures for the gram (I really won’t judge!). Libraries should be enjoyed by everyone in any way they choose—without disturbing the other librarygoers, of course.
Whether you’re a nerd seeking to elevate your literary experience or just a curious person looking for something to do, you’re bound to find something here that fits your fancy.
1. Osgoode Hall’s Great Library
Media credit: concretelibraries
Website: https://www.lso.ca/about-lso/great-library
Address: Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen Street West
Phone: 416-947-3300, ext. 2510, or 1-800-668-7380, ext. 2510
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM-5 PM for public users
Hidden inside Osgoode Hall, the Great Library feels like it came straight out of a Harry Potter book. Walking through it is like being transported to Hogwarts!
I was blown away by how amazing it looked inside—totally different from the plain exterior. It really makes you wonder how such a hidden gem could stay unnoticed.
If you’re someone who loves to take pictures, you’re in luck! Photography is allowed inside the Great Library (unfortunately, no videos). You’re sure to leave the space with something for your next IG story.
It’s a bummer that it’s mostly a private spot for legal pros. So, studying here isn’t really an option (unless you’re into legal research).
But it’s still a cool place to check out, so go see it for yourself! You can access Osgoode Hall through the main entrance north of Queen Street West or the Law Society of Ontario entrance on the east side, facing Nathan Phillips Square.
Pro Tip:
You can enter the Toronto Courthouse at 361 University Avenue directly through a connecting tunnel from here!
2. Arthur Conan Doyle Room
Media credit: torontolibrary
Address: Toronto Reference Library, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Rooml, 789 Yonge Street
Contact: 416-393-7158
Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9 AM-8:30 PM
Saturday: 9 AM-5 PM
Sunday: 1:30 PM-5 PM
Maybe like me, you’ve always wanted to visit 221B Baker Street and thought “Gee, that’s all the way in London.”
Well, if you’re lucky enough to be in Toronto, there’s one alternative that’s much closer to home.
What’s more fun than a hidden library? Elementary, my dear Watson! A library decked out to look like Sherlock Holmes’ apartment.
Hidden on the top floor of the Toronto Reference Library is a room dedicated to the genius who wrote the famous detective series we all love.
The Arthur Conan Doyle Room is styled with Victorian-era furnishings and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. I was so fascinated I had to remind myself I wasn’t there to solve a mystery.
Even better, the books aren’t just for display! You can (carefully) browse and flip through them. No strict museum rules here.
You’re free to explore and check out the materials, just like a real detective. The true crime is how more people don’t know about this place!
Pro Tip:
Check out the room’s awesome chess set with pieces carved to resemble Sherlock Holmes and other characters from the beloved series.
3. Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
Media credit: uoftlibraries
Website: https://fisher.library.utoronto.ca/about-us
Address: University of Toronto, Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, 120 St George Street
Contact: 416-978-5285
Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9 AM-5 PM
Nestled within the U of T, the Thomas Fisher Rare Books Library has the largest collection of publicly accessible rare books and manuscripts in the country.
This library’s name really says it all. Who could resist checking out rare books you won’t find anywhere else?
They’ve got pieces from Aristotle, Darwin, and Kant (totally no big deal). It’s hard not to feel awestruck by everything around you.
Walking into this place was one of the coolest experiences ever. Imagine shelves upon shelves of rich history.
Plus, the staff were super helpful. They’re happy to show you around and answer any questions you have, and trust me, you’ll have a lot.
The library is open to the U of T community and the public. With so many rare books in one place, it offers a unique experience you can’t replicate anywhere else.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to look for their materials from Shakespeare! These were donated by Sidney and Charles Fisher, Thomas Fisher’s own great-grandsons.
4. Hart House Library
Media credit: concretelibraries
Website: https://harthouse.ca/spaces/venue/hart-house-library
Address: University of Toronto, 7 Hart House Cir
Contact: 416-978-7758
Hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 9:30 AM-4 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM-4 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM-4 PM
A library that dares you to question its existence? Say less!
The Hart House at the U of T encourages you to “Deconstruct the Library” by asking these 10 questions when you enter.
Their message is clear: literature is power. Let that sink in as you explore the space and maybe rethink a few things.
Besides being a great place to read, they aim to make our idea of libraries more inclusive and diverse. Just check out their extensive social justice reading list!
It’s also a haven for book lovers looking for a quiet spot. Although it’s smaller than other libraries on our list, its cozy atmosphere offers a more personal browsing experience.
The library is meant to be a reader’s space, not a study space. While you can’t check out the books, you’re welcome to read them there!
Personally, I love places that make you think. Whether you’re diving into their rich collection or finding a quiet corner to ponder, you’re sure to leave with a deeper appreciation for literature.
5. Lillian H. Smith
Media credit: transactionswithbeauty
Website: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/lillianhsmith/
Address: Toronto Public Library – Lillian H. Smith Branch, 239 College Street
Contact: 416-393-7746
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM-8:30 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM-5 PM
- Sunday: 1:30-5 PM
Library-hoppers, rejoice—this is the third spot on our list that’s located at the U of T, right at the college intersection!
And guess what? You can actually study here. It’s ticking all our boxes.
It’s named in honor of Lillian H. Smith, the British Empire’s first children’s librarian. She was all about giving “the right book, to the right child, at the right time.”
Though I’m just a kid at heart, I couldn’t help but feel giddy exploring the library’s eclectic collections. It’s a treasure trove of quirky finds, like the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation, and Fantasy.
From a Sailor Moon Role-Playing Game Book to a Game of Thrones Pop-Up Guide of Westeros, the nerd in me was absolutely thrilled!
Pro Tip:
Ever seen the “World’s Smallest Book”? Look out for their copy here!
You might need really sharp vision though because this book is only visible under a microscope.
