Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library

One of the best public spaces in downtown Toronto for studying, reading, and research. The building is spacious, bright, well organized, and with plenty of seating across multiple floors. Especially suitable for students or anyone who needs a quiet place to work.nIt aslo has extensive collection of books, newspapers, digital resources, etc. There are also computers, study areas, exhibitions, and public events. The central location near Yonge and Bloor makes it easy to reach by subway.nIt becomes crowded during afternoons and weekends, and finding a good seat may take some time. But it is an excellent free public facility with a calm academic atmosphere and impressive resources.

Just this past Saturday, a Matcha Workshop was held in the basement of the Reference Library. To get down there, you need someone with a key fob to let you in via elevator.nnThe actual workshop experience was good. There was a PowerPoint presentation about the history of matcha, the different kinds of matcha, how to tell the difference between Chinese and Japanese matcha, etc. Then came the live demo and the part where we get to make our own matcha the liquid foamy version -- forgot what it's called.nnLearned how to make/mix it, including set up the tools/workspace and take care of said tools. The matcha itself tasted butter/creamy due to the foam.nnOverall, nice workshop found on Eventbrite. An additional ticket cost was that you could get a matcha making kit included. Took quite a bit a photos and videos.

I really love this TPL branch in Yorkville. The atmosphere is quiet, clean, and very welcoming. The staff are always kind, professional, and helpful whenever I need assistance. It’s a perfect place for studying, reading, or simply spending some peaceful time.nnThe location is also amazing, right in the heart of the Toronto Downtown, Close to subway and very convenient to access. One of the best TPL library branches I’ve visited. Highly recommended!

The Toronto Public Library is one of the world’s biggest and busiest public library systems, with nearly 45 million annual visits to our branches and online. The library is the largest public reference library in Canada with an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, microfilm, and other items. Most items in its collection are designated for reference-use only; the public is unable to borrow these items for use outside the library. In addition to providing access to its collection, the library also hosts a number of public reading events, as well as provide technical access and services to the public.nnThe reference library is the most visited branch of Toronto Public Library, with the Toronto Reference Library averaging more than 1.5 million visitors each year. The library provides members of TPL with access to its collections, event and study rooms, the workstations and computers in the library, and seating; of which there is approximately 1,250 seats available in the Toronto Reference Library.nnIt addition to access to its collections, the library also provides a number of technical services and facilities to the public. As of June 2018, the library operated three 3D printers available for use for TPL members. The library also has a printing press for self-publishing paperbacks, green screen room for photography and sound/video recording. The reference library also hosts a number of reading events at its 575-seat theatre, free to the public.nnSpecial thank you to Arlene Chan, author, Chinatown historian, president of the Jean Lumb Foundation and an advisor for Toronto Public Library’s Chinese Canadian Archive and to Ruby Hay-Lam Yuen , Special Collections Archivist Chinese Canadian Archive for accepting my family archives here at the The Toronto Public library - Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

As a wedding photographer, I always enjoy photographing weddings at the Toronto Reference Library. It’s one of the most unique and non-traditional wedding venues in the city.nThe architecture of the building creates incredible opportunities for photography. The open atrium, geometric lines, and multiple levels allow you to capture the wedding day from many different angles, which makes the images feel dynamic and creative.nThere are also endless spots for photos inside the building, and the surrounding city streets provide great options for urban portraits nearby.nFor couples who want something different from a traditional ballroom wedding, the Toronto Reference Library offers a truly memorable setting and an unforgettable experience for their guests.