As the central library for the City of Toronto, and the largest public reference library in Canada, the Toronto Reference Library (TRL) houses some two million books, renowned special collections and vital community services. Originally designed in the 1970's by firm founder, Raymond Moriyama, Moriyama Teshima Architects completed a renovation and expansion of the building beginning in the late 1990's, transforming TRL from an introverted, research-oriented institution into a vibrant and contemporary gathering place, cultural venue, ideas exchange, and renewed heart of the community. The revitalization of TRL presented an opportunity to create a library of the future for Torontonians — a technologically advanced public space and archive to meet a growing need for innovation, research, and collaboration.

The renewed Toronto Reference Library brings together an internationally significant collection in one central facility and streamlines its accessibility to the general public. Located in central downtown Toronto, the TRL is the largest public reference library in Canada and holds the Marilyn & Charles Baillie Special Collections Centre at its heart. This predominant three-level climate controlled section of the library totals 13,000 SF and houses the library’s rich and varied special collections, including the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection, Baldwin Collection of Canadiana, Maps Collection, Picture Collection, Performing Arts Collection, and the Rare Books & Archives. The Special Collections are entirely accessible to the public – a rare feature that makes its design exceptionally unique.

The building redefines the traditional library experience with state-of-the-art design and technology through innovative, custom designed study pods, learning labs, and meeting rooms — a complete reconfiguration of the library’s stacks enhance and simplify the research process.