Toronto Public Library - Lillian H. Smith Branch

Library · Kensington-Chinatown ·

Toronto Public Library - Lillian H. Smith Branch

Library · Kensington-Chinatown ·

Renowned children's book collections, sci-fi, unique architecture.

Information

239 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1R5, Canada Get directions

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Lillian H. Smith: Toronto Public Library

"With two large bronze griffins guarding the front entrance, Lillian H. Smith is not your typical library. In fact, it has two exceptional world-class collections in science fiction and rare children's books. The Merril Collection of Science Fiction features a remarkable collection of 57,000+ items including out of print materials, original sci-fi and fantasy art and the first edition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The Osborne Collection of Children's literature is so impressive that J.K. Rowling and Empress Michiko of Japan took time to tour the collection. This section of the library, located on the very top floor, holds a large volume of early and first editions of many modern children's classics. In addition, it features special exhibits all year round such as the 150th anniversary celebration of Alice in Wonderland. Before you leave, be sure to peek through the microscope to see the world’s tiniest book!" - Jacknife

https://onthegrid.city/toronto/downtown/lillian-h-smith-toronto-public-library

Toronto Public Library - Lillian H. Smith Branch

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

"Lillian H. Smith: Toronto Public Library, Downtown by Jacknife. With two large bronze griffins guarding the front entrance, Lillian H. Smith is not your typical library. In fact, it has two exceptional world-class collections in science fiction and rare children's books. The Merril Collection of Science Fiction features a remarkable collection of 57,000+ items including out of print materials, original sci-fi and fantasy art and the first edition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.The Osborne Collection of Children's literature is so impressive that J.K. Rowling and Empress Michiko of Japan took time to tour the collection. This section of the library, located on the very top floor, holds a large volume of early and first editions of many modern children's classics. In addition, it features special exhibits all year round such as the 150th anniversary celebration of Alice in Wonderland. Before you leave, be sure to peek through the microscope to see the world’s tiniest book!"

Toronto

Toronto Public Library - Lillian H. Smith Branch

Leonard

Google

Decent library. Not too big like the reference library nor spectacular or anything but it's a good spot to get some work done. 1st and 2nd floor are open, can bring drinks, talk whatever. They have computer stations and wifi and plugs as well. The 3rd and 4th floors are no drinks, no backpacks and quiet. The have collections up there so it's great for a more focused study.

Tati T.

Google

Good library with many books for kids/ teens and adults. This brunch runs business since 1995. I wish they can make updates/ renovations to make more inviting and cozy. I used to love going to libraries, read magazines, borrow books and spend time with my kids but Toronto libraries are not the same anymore…

Shivika S.

Google

Love the space, historical library. 3rd and 4th floor perfect quiet space to get work done. Amazing collection of old books up there! And the world smallest book visible under a microscope

K-Eh G (.

Google

Here is quite a good place to focus on it. But the manager can't control homeless people, so it's a bit uncomfortable when i went to visit here 😬

Jennifer P.

Google

This is my home branch and I have been coming here with my children for years. Through the years I've witnessed people sleeping in the stacks having to climb over them, public injection drug use, violence, disgusting behaviour etc. during these incidents security was either sleeping, on their phones or totally disinterested. Today, I was quietly sitting in the 100% empty family section at 230pm waiting for my child to finish school nearby so we could read some books after-school. I was questioned several times by 'security' if I had a child with me and what I was doing there. Usually I would understand keeping the family area for families only, but frankly after my past experiences in this branch with security totally IGNORING actual security concerns I found it comical that I was being harassed as a single non threatening female presence in the empty family section! It is a lot easier to harass someone who poses no threat to you than to do your job and actually handle the security threats in this branch! It has become an actual joke coming in here as it seems it's simply now a warming/cooling centre for the un-homed to bathe and inject their drugs in (which to be honest I don't even have a problem with), however when innocent tax payers causing no trouble get questioned and harassed for simply quietly sitting in the library...this is where I have the problem. Do better. Have some common sense. See photo of the totally completely empty section I was sitting in LMAO.

Barry A.

Google

New to the city, dropped by the other day during a slow day to inquire about some of the services offered by the TPL. Was met with a lot of hostility and general shortness from the desk staff. So rude! I have never met a librarian who got so visibly frustrated by a few well-meaning questions from a person who just earnestly wanted to sign out a few books.

Anita

Google

Helpful staff at this smallish library. Be sure to check out the science fiction, children's, and steam punk collections. Trivia: This library makes an appearance in the Netflix film, "The Umbrella Academy".

Ashok T.

Google

Iconic location of TPL with amazing collection! Even though it’s a small library but at a prime location adjacent to UofT St George campus, I loved my visits here.

Chuan C.

Yelp

The Lillian H. Smith public library is a large library with 2 floors. It is especially great for children's books, on the ground floor. One side has fiction and DVDs and the other side has non-fiction (including academic books). They have books that other libraries don't have. There ar plenty of seats for reading books on sight. They have self-serve terminals for checkout. They are more sophisticated that other branches in that you can actually login and make reservations and pay over-due fines (there is a credit card terminal along side each station). The entrance doors are self-opening. In front of the entrance are two impressive dragon statues. Just inside the entrance is an information plaque explaining the history of Lillian H. Smith. There is a large Chinese section as well. The librarians are courteous. There is free WiFi.

Jennifer K.

Yelp

The exterior of Lillian H. Smith Library is quite impressive! And those 2 dragon statues guarding the front door.. and more security guard inside to make sure we behave. The collections here are impressive.. especially for Chinese language books... have a lot recent best sellers and 7 days loan newer material. Lillian H Smith is different from other Toronto Public Library branches because it has special Children's collections that other branches doesn't have... With free Wifi everyone are happy... especially me!

John G.

Yelp

Lillian Smith is one of those branch that is questionable if you ever want to visit. On the plus I find it is one of better libraries to find resource, it has two great collection rooms. Science Fiction on the third and Children's on the 4th. Thou I don't think much people venture up past the third. The third floor is it computer room which is both good and bad. Sometime they don't monitor and regular it enough. Thou there is usually security guard just outside or in room. They have two security guard which is good, this branch has it concerns which I will address in the next section. The Bad This branch has it fair share of undesirable people that you wonder why are they here, I am taking about the homeless, the crazy and the drunks. Before Lillian Smith, I couldn't see this stuff happening but I was a regular for a few months and saw how often security was called to remove someone. The decent Staff are alright, might be a bit slow. Two security guard that are usually on top of issues. I like to pop in once in a while to find a book but I won't stay too long. Staff are pretty friendly

V. S.

Yelp

Did you know that Lillian H. Smith (born 1887) was a Canadian-born librarian largely responsible for improving the standard of children's literature worldwide? (Shut up, no you didn't.) This library features a few special collections in that vein including the Children's Literature Resource Collection and the Marguerite G. Bagshaw Collection of Puppetry Creative Drama and Theatre for Children. Smith had a profound influence on Children's Librarianship, and it is for her this library is named. [1] Enough boring facts. Opinion time: this library is A-OK. The books and magazine collection is not nearly as extensive as other branches. It does have a some Chinese and Vietnamese materials for loan, and if you happen to be a huge nerd, a stellar collection of science fiction and fantasy literature. I find seating can be hard to come by. "Colourful characters" often languish at the desk and computers, and U of T students take up the rest. An OK place to pick up holds and browse for new releases, best sellers, etc., but not as solid for serious work or research. Obligatory Title Pun: This library is worth CHECKING OUT. Menu Readability: There are some dragons out front. Need to mention: You can sign out pedometers here. Yeah! What this place teaches me about myself: I cite my sources, bishes. _______________ [1] http://www.amtelecom.net/~manchest/Lillian_Smith/smith.html

Alexander C.

Yelp

Sketchy bathrooms and poor WiFi connectivity. Selection of physical material is good, but if you're looking for that you should really consider the Yonge & Bloor location (reference library).

Truth Or Dare T.

Yelp

I've been recently re-introduced to the library scene and what they have to offer and I got to say wow, has the role of the library change. I was surprised to see they provide a lot of amazing services to both the local community and to new comers from abroad looking to learn and fit in. The library offers work shops hosted by local experts that volunteer their time for just about every topic from fixing and maintaining your bike to how to improve and manage your credit score. I have had the pleasure to witness some of the services being offered through the library system and see first hand the impact of some of these benefit to new comers as well as those just looking to know more. If you are not aware of the variety of programs being offered at your local library or feel that these libraries are dinosaurs and nothing but a drain on our government purse. Think again. The Toronto Public Library system is the great equalizer for those who want more out of their community and provide a much needed services to new comers. I'm one of those that thought libraries were dinosaurs and I typically like to see the role of government reduced and out of our lives but I can clearly see the benefits being offered here and I am quite impressed to see something being done right..

Lauren M.

Yelp

This is my current "go-to" library, since CityPlace is not getting their own branch until 2013! If you are a sci-fi/fantasy nerd than you will love it here. I was in heaven browsing the largest collection of these genres I've ever seen under one roof. The general fiction area is adequate too and I find the new releases are always available at this library, maybe no one is taking things out here. I went in search of Greek travel guides the other day and could barely believe my luck when I found 3 brand new guides in stock. Free wifi but not as many computers to use as some of the bigger locations. Nice layout with spacious foyer and spiral staircase connecting you to floors 2 and 3.

Allison T.

Yelp

I have a love-love relationship with this library. Yes, it has children running a muck occasionally (After all, it does have a children's lit focus) & yes, like a lot of public libraries - it is an occasional nesting area for the homeless. But: +1 - Free Wireless (Yes...FREE...) +1 - Great magazine collection +1 - Awesome statues outside! I like my libraries with a little ambiance. +1 - Sci-Fi/Fantasy Collection is housed here. Also, just like any TPL - you can put something on hold & they'll bring it to your local branch for *free*. No, I'm not a librarian - just an avid reader who gets her money's worth from TPL.

Jen S.

Yelp

Don't like this big space fool you, it's a dirty library. If you are in for some fun, try going up to the circulation desk and asking one of the uhh....surly....I mean public assistant for help looking for a book. First you will be redirected to speak to a librarian (even though you know the title and author of the book, you just want to put the item on hold...Really it's just that simple....not so fast... If you are going after regular business hours 5pm, prepare to wait.... Depending on the genre of your title, you may end up waiting by the libriarian's desk downstairs if it's a children's book or go upstairs for an adult title. Make the trek up to the second floor or otherwise wait for up to 20 minutes....When it's finally your turn they take less than a minute to put your item on hold and that's it..Service is minimal depending on the librarian that is serving you...Let me put it this way, helpful staff going out of their way to help you are far and few between. You've been warned. Oh and you would do well to take a bath right after you return from this library.

Mathieu L.

Yelp

I love the architecture of this building. I also love that the Science Fiction selection is amazing here. The only thing I dislike about this branch is the number of homeless people who lounge around all day long and just aimlessly wander the halls.

Cam E.

Yelp

I haven't been in a public library for almost ten years. I just went in to print because my printer broke. I'm at the computer and asked the guy next to me where the printer is and he started shouting and swearing. I reported it to the "librarian" downstairs and she wouldn't do anything it was like she hadn't heard what I said to her. I said "don't you care aren't you going to do anything" and she goes "well of course I care" and she just sat there. So I told the security guard and he didn't want to do anything, the other guard was sleeping on the second floor. Years ago, I was at a computer in this location and cockroach ran across the tables. There's too many street people and other undesirables that spend all day in here, that's why they have security, but the security don't do anything. You can get bedbugs from these people. Libraries used to be a great place but now they are a refuge for street people and other bums.

Joanna G.

Yelp

Renewed my childhood love for flip books here. Come on, who doesn't love flip books? At the top floor of this circular-shaped library is a room dedicated to the art of...you know... those books that you loved as a kid. The ones that you could turn, pull at tabs, and watch magically move. The ones you could spend hours poring over. The ones I did spend hours poring over, one rainy Saturday at Lilian H. Smith. They also boast tons of little artifacts behind glass walls, and a few old original copies of this-and-that from centuries ago. I didn't really pay attention. Good CD selection when I checked it out too.

Anna P.

Yelp

Good side about this library: -Nice architecture and design. Love the design of the entrance of the front doors -Free wifi. - near U of T -power bar on the table, enough electrical outlets to be share. -great book collection. -great kids activities from time to time -friendly staffs -open on Sunday and hours are longer than other public libraries in the area. - there are security guards Not so good side about this library: -it can be smelly in this library -there are some homeless and strange people in here sleeping, behave strangely and sometime noisy. ( I am Not discriminating them). -This library is very near several homeless shelters and located across from CAMH. -It can be noisy especially after school hours. The kids using the computers on the 1st floor-noisy from time to time. -people talking Skype or cell phone (worst when on open speaker)

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Lillian H. Smith: Toronto Public Library

https://onthegrid.city/toronto/downtown/lillian-h-smith-toronto-public-library

Toronto Public Library - Lillian H. Smith Branch

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

Toronto

Toronto Public Library - Lillian H. Smith Branch

Leonard

Google

Tati T.

Google

Shivika S.

Google

Love the space, historical library. 3rd and 4th floor perfect quiet space to get work done. Amazing collection of old books up there! And the world smallest book visible under a microscope

K-Eh G (.

Google

Here is quite a good place to focus on it. But the manager can't control homeless people, so it's a bit uncomfortable when i went to visit here 😬

Jennifer P.

Google

Barry A.

Google

Anita

Google

Ashok T.

Google

Iconic location of TPL with amazing collection! Even though it’s a small library but at a prime location adjacent to UofT St George campus, I loved my visits here.

Chuan C.

Yelp

Jennifer K.

Yelp

John G.

Yelp

V. S.

Yelp

Alexander C.

Yelp

Sketchy bathrooms and poor WiFi connectivity. Selection of physical material is good, but if you're looking for that you should really consider the Yonge & Bloor location (reference library).

Truth Or Dare T.

Yelp

Lauren M.

Yelp

Allison T.

Yelp

Jen S.

Yelp

Mathieu L.

Yelp

Cam E.

Yelp

Joanna G.

Yelp

Anna P.

Yelp

Toronto Public Library - Lillian H. Smith Branch

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On the Grid : Lillian H. Smith: Toronto Public Library

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On the Grid : Lillian H. Smith: Toronto Public Library