Programs

Take a journey back in time to see how the Gerrard/Ashdale Library and the surrounding area have changed over the past 100 years. We will have photographs and historical material on display, including Gerrard/Ashdale's photo albums from decades past.

For more information, please contact the branch at 416-393-7717.

If you identify as a person with a disability and require an accessibility accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Accessibility Services by email, accessibleservices@tpl.ca, or voicemail, 416-393-7099, to make a request. Please contact us at least three weeks in advance.

Are you curious about local history and the stories that shaped our community? Local historian Joanne Doucette will be hosting an "Ask a Historian" table on our 2nd floor, as part of Gerrard/Ashdale Library's 100th Birthday Celebration.  

No registration required. For more information, please call the branch at 416-393-7717

If you identify as a person with a disability and require an accessibility accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Accessibility Services by email, accessibleservices@tpl.ca, or voicemail, 416-393-7099, to make a request. Please contact us at least three weeks in advance.

Join local historian Joanne Doucette for an interesting presentation on the history of the Gerrard/Ashdale Library, as part of our branch's 100th birthday celebration. Joanne Doucette is a local legend, who weaves storytelling into her detailed descriptions of the history of our neighbourhood. 

No registration required. For more information, please call the branch at 416-393-7717.

If you identify as a person with a disability and require an accessibility accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Accessibility Services by email, accessibleservices@tpl.ca, or voicemail, 416-393-7099, to make a request. Please contact us at least three weeks in advance.

In this engaging presentation and workshop, acclaimed author Kathy Kacer will take students on a fascinating journey through history, focusing on the events of the Second World War and the Holocaust. Kacer will begin by introducing her work as a writer of historical fiction and non-fiction, providing background and synopses of the book(s) she will be discussing. She will read excerpts and present a captivating slide show using a presentation, which features historical images that bring her stories to life. Throughout the presentation, students will be encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts, creating an interactive and dynamic learning experience. For children and young adults, Grades 4-9.

Kathy Kacer is a passionate and dedicated author who brings history to life for young readers. With a deep love for sharing knowledge and engaging with curious minds, Kacer is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences for students. In addition to her work with students, Kacer also offers professional development workshops for teachers and educators, focusing on strategies for teaching sensitive material, such as war and genocide, to young people. 

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This event is part of our new Jewish Heritage programming series, presented in partnership with the Miles Nadal JCC.

This series represents the first of two new heritage series, along with Islamic Heritage (coming this fall). These series, alongside our established Black History, Asian Heritage, and Indigenous Celebrations series, aim to showcase the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our city.

By providing a platform for learning, discussion, and celebration, we hope to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the Jewish community's invaluable contributions to our shared history and identity.

Join us in celebrating the diversity that strengthens our community and makes our city a more vibrant and inclusive place for all.

Accessibility at Toronto Public Library

If you identify as a person with a disability and require an accessibility accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Accessibility Services by email, accessibleservices@tpl.ca, or voicemail, 416-393-7099, to make a request. Please contact us at least three weeks in advance.

It's the big day! Gerrard/Ashdale branch is turning 100 years old on Wednesday May 15! 

At 3:45pm, enjoy the sweet voices of the Equinox Roden Primary Choir.

At 4pm, see the official unveiling of our commemorative plaque and hear from local dignitaries.

After the ceremony, stay for a slice of birthday cake, sign our anniversary guestbook and view our fascinating historical photo display. 

For more information, please call the branch at 416-393-7717.

If you identify as a person with a disability and require an accessibility accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Accessibility Services by email, accessibleservices@tpl.ca, or voicemail, 416-393-7099, to make a request. Please contact us at least three weeks in advance.

In the 18th century, there was a radical change in burial practices with the introduction of the park style of cemetery. Virginia Van Vliet, former Toronto Public Library librarian and Cabbagetown community activist is going to discuss how these changes affected the development of St. James Cemetery, The Necropolis and Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The presentation is also going to look at a number of the famous, not so famous and infamous people buried there.

Registration required. Please register in person at the Mount Pleasant Branch or by calling 416-393-7737. 

If you identify as a person with a disability and require an accessibility accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Accessibility Services by email, accessibleservices@tpl.ca, or voicemail, 416-393-7099, to make a request. Please contact us at least three weeks in advance.

La Bibliothèque publique de Toronto s'est engagée à assurer l'accessibilité. Veuillez nous appeler ou nous envoyer un courriel si vous êtes sourd(e) ou avez un handicap et souhaitez demander des mesures d'adaptation pour participer à ce programme. Veuillez nous en informer le plus tôt possible et nous ferons de notre mieux pour répondre à votre demande. Un préavis d'au moins trois semaines est préférable. Composez 416-393-7099 ou contactez-nous par courriel accessibleservices@tpl.ca

In this engaging presentation and workshop, acclaimed author Kathy Kacer will take students on a fascinating journey through history, focusing on the events of the Second World War and the Holocaust. 

Kacer will begin by introducing her work as a writer of historical fiction and non-fiction, providing background and synopses of the book(s) she will be discussing. She will read excerpts and present a captivating slide show using a presentation, which features historical images that bring her stories to life. Throughout the presentation, students will be encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts, creating an interactive and dynamic learning experience. For children and young adults, Grades 4-9.

Kathy Kacer is a passionate and dedicated author who brings history to life for young readers. With a deep love for sharing knowledge and engaging with curious minds, Kacer is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences for students. In addition to her work with students, Kacer also offers professional development workshops for teachers and educators, focusing on strategies for teaching sensitive material, such as war and genocide, to young people. 

***

This event is part of our new Jewish Heritage programming series, presented in partnership with the Miles Nadal JCC.

This series represents the first of two new heritage series, along with Islamic Heritage (coming this fall). These series, alongside our established Black History, Asian Heritage, and Indigenous Celebrations series, aim to showcase the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our city.

By providing a platform for learning, discussion, and celebration, we hope to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the Jewish community's invaluable contributions to our shared history and identity.

Join us in celebrating the diversity that strengthens our community and makes our city a more vibrant and inclusive place for all.

Accessibility at Toronto Public Library

If you identify as a person with a disability and require an accessibility accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Accessibility Services by email, accessibleservices@tpl.ca, or voicemail, 416-393-7099, to make a request. Please contact us at least three weeks in advance.