Looking for beautiful, historic, and totally underrated places to explore in Toronto? Let me show you three stunning libraries — all in downtown and open to everyone (yes, even if you’re not a student). These are perfect spots for photos, quiet moments, or just escaping the city buzz for a bit.
🏛️ 1. The Great Library at Osgoode Hall
Why visit: This library feels like a scene out of Harry Potter. Located inside the historic Osgoode Hall, it’s known for its grand reading room with chandeliers, ornate ceilings, spiral staircases, and walls lined with legal books. It’s part of the Law Society of Ontario but is open for public viewing on weekdays.
What to know:
- 📍 Location: 130 Queen St W (enter through the east gates on University Ave)
- ⏰ Hours: Monday–Friday, typically 9am–5pm
- 🎟️ Cost: Free
- 🧭 Tip: Security may ask you to sign in. Be respectful — it’s still an active law library.
- 📸 Photo Tip: The reading room has the best natural light in the morning.
📚 2. Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library (University of Toronto)
Why visit: It houses some of the rarest texts in Canada — including Shakespeare’s First Folio (his first collected works, printed in 1623), Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica, and even medieval illuminated manuscripts. The library’s brutalist concrete architecture and floor-to-ceiling glass stacks are visually stunning.
What to know:
- 📍 Location: 120 St. George St, Robarts Library complex
- ⏰ Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (closed weekends)
- 🎟️ Cost: Free to enter, no student ID required
- 🧭 Tip: Bags must be left at the front desk. You can browse the open display, but rare materials require a request.
- 📸 Photo Tip: Shoot from the upper levels to capture the curved stacks and rare book vault.
🔍 3. Toronto Reference Library
Why visit: A five-story modern marvel near Yorkville with tons of reading space, an in-house Balzac’s café, exhibitions, and the hidden gem: the Arthur Conan Doyle Room. Designed like Sherlock Holmes’ Victorian study, it holds over 25,000 artifacts, rare editions, and letters related to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
What to know:
- 📍 Location: 789 Yonge St (near Bloor–Yonge Station)
- ⏰ Hours: Daily, 9am–8:30pm (closed Sundays in summer)
- 🎟️ Cost: Free
- 🧭 Sherlock Room: 5th floor, ask a librarian for access if the door is closed
- 📸 Photo Tip: The elevator atrium gives you a cool top-down shot for reels!
✨ Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a student to enjoy these incredible libraries — just a little curiosity. Whether you’re into legal history, ancient books, or Sherlock Holmes, Toronto has a library experience waiting for you.
🎥 Watch my full video tour here
📸 Follow me on Instagram @trudy.rd_travels for more content travel!
Trudy Travels 
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