Our Toronto local library tour

Last winter we decided to take on the challenge of visiting a different outdoor skating rink every week. At the end of the winter we had made our way all around the city, we had spent time outdoors playing and we had created some pretty awesome memories. We loved this challenge so much that when the summer was approaching I asked my girls what they thought about visiting a different library in our city every week. The girls loved the idea…so, off we go! Last week we found our little free library. That was the perfect start to our library adventure.

This week we hopped on the bus and the subway and made our way to the Pape & Danforth library branch. We had never been to this branch before, we didn’t even really know where it was. In fact, we went the wrong direction on Pape Avenue! When we finally saw the sign we were delighted with what we found.

The Pape & Danforth branch first opened it’s doors in 1929. In 2006 the space was renovated and in 2009 the building was awarded the City of Toronto’s 2009 Urban Design Award of Excellence for a Public Building in Context. From the outside the library looks like a city row house. When you step inside it is a bright and clean space, filled with natural light. We quickly made our way to the kids section. We find the best design is for the children’s area to be on the main level…no need to take a stroller on the elevator!

I love the low bookcases filled with picture books that line the perimeter of the room. My girls rolled around on the huge flower shaped floor cushion/couch. The girls were so excited to see all of their favourite chapter books clearly labelled and grouped together on the bookcases. There were simply rows and rows of kids books.

The Pape & Danforth branch made an amazing first stop on our library tour. It was wonderful to discover a part of the city that we visit often, but really never knew existed.

HOT LIBRARY TIP: If you have a Toronto Public Library card then you can take books out from any branch and you can return your books to any branch. This might be true in the city where you live…check it out. So, don’t be afraid to get out and explore!

Let’s break it down…

parking – taking transit is your best option, the library is located steps from the Pape station on the Danforth subway line…if you do drive you’ll find paid meter parking on Danforth and Pape.

washrooms – conveniently located in the children’s section

children’s collection/programs – large, kid-friendly layout of books…they host many children’s programs including puppet shows

bonus features – this branch has speedy self check-out lanes…if you are looking for a cup of tea and a snack when your trip to the library is done, you will find many coffee shops along Danforth Avenue.