Glad Day Bookshop Toronto: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Historical Sites
Date: 03/07/2025
Introduction
Glad Day Bookshop is a cornerstone of Toronto’s LGBTQ+ culture, recognized as the world’s oldest surviving LGBTQ+ bookstore. Established in 1970 by activist Jearld Moldenhauer, it has evolved from a clandestine operation into a vibrant, accessible hub for queer literature, activism, and community engagement. Whether you’re a local, a literary enthusiast, or a visitor interested in Toronto’s LGBTQ+ history, Glad Day offers a unique and immersive experience. This detailed guide covers Glad Day Bookshop’s historical journey, practical visiting information, events, accessibility, and nearby attractions.
Historical Overview
Founding and Early Years (1970–1980s)
Glad Day Bookshop began in 1970, founded by Jearld Moldenhauer after his dismissal from the University of Toronto for his activism. Operating initially from Moldenhauer’s home, the bookshop quickly became a haven for queer literature—at that time rare, censored, and hard to access. It also served as the original office for The Body Politic, an influential gay liberation newspaper (BlogTO; GCN).
During its early years, Glad Day operated discreetly, serving as both a resource and a gathering place amid a climate fraught with discrimination and threats of violence (BlogTO).
Expansion and Legal Challenges (1980s–1990s)
As Glad Day grew, it relocated to commercial spaces, including 138 Seaton Street and later 648A Yonge Street. The store faced frequent police raids and customs seizures, notably when authorities confiscated The Joy of Gay Sex in 1985. Moldenhauer’s legal victories set key precedents for LGBTQ+ literary freedom in Canada (GCN). Despite these challenges, Glad Day solidified its role as a community pillar and a catalyst for activism.
Becoming a Community Hub
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Glad Day was more than a bookstore; it became a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ individuals, a site for collective mobilization during events like the 1981 bathhouse raids, and a launchpad for cultural milestones such as Greg Louganis’s coming-out memoir (BlogTO).
Survival, Collective Ownership, and Modern Transformation (2010s–2020s)
Facing financial pressures and the rise of online retail, Glad Day was saved in 2011 by a collective of 22 community members. This shift to community-ownership ensured the bookstore’s survival and fostered a spirit of collective resilience (BlogTO; GCN). In 2016, the store moved to 499 Church Street—a larger, accessible space that welcomed a broader range of programming and community events (Life @ U of T).
Recent Developments and Ongoing Legacy
In response to pandemic-related challenges and rising rents, Glad Day relocated in 2025 to 32 Lisgar Street, a fully accessible and modern space in Toronto’s Queen West neighborhood. Despite adversity, the shop remains a beacon for LGBTQ+ literature, activism, and cultural celebration, hosting events such as drag brunches, book launches, and performances. Notably, it continues to support queer artists and authors, paying nearly $120,000 to 2SLGBTQ+ creatives over the past decade (GCN; CBC).
Visiting Glad Day Bookshop: Practical Information
Location
- Current Address: 32 Lisgar Street, Toronto, ON M6J 0C7
(Queen West neighbourhood; easily accessible by TTC streetcar and close to Trinity Bellwoods Park)
Note: The former Church Street location (499 Church Street) will operate until June 30, 2025 (Glad Day: The Next Chapter).
Visiting Hours
-
Lisgar Street (as of July 2025):
- Typical Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 12 PM – 7 PM
- Sundays and holidays: Check official website or Instagram for updates
-
Church Street (until June 30, 2025):
- Monday–Saturday: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Hours vary during holidays and special events. Always check the website or social media for the latest schedule.
Admission and Tickets
- General admission: Free (no ticket required)
- Events: Some special events (e.g., drag brunches, author readings, workshops) require tickets or advance registration. Find event info on Eventbrite or the events calendar.
Accessibility
- The Lisgar Street location is fully accessible, with step-free entry, accessible restrooms, and gender-neutral washrooms.
- Staff are trained to create a safe, inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds (LGBTQ Oral History Digital Collaboratory).
Book Selection and Shopping
Glad Day offers a curated collection of LGBTQ+ literature, including works by Two-Spirit, trans, BIPOC, and Indigenous authors. The shop features new releases, classic queer books, zines, art prints, and pride-themed merchandise (Books and Bao).
Café and Social Spaces
The café counter serves coffee, tea, light refreshments, and alcoholic beverages. Communal lounges and an outdoor park area provide space for reading, conversation, and events.
Events and Programming
Glad Day hosts a diverse array of events:
- Drag brunches and performances
- Author readings and book launches
- Workshops, open mics, and poetry slams
- Art exhibitions and pop-up markets
The shop is especially lively during Pride Month and other LGBTQ+ calendar highlights. Event programming is regularly updated on the official website.
Cultural and Community Significance
Glad Day Bookshop is more than a bookstore; it is a site of LGBTQ+ resilience, activism, and cultural memory. It played a crucial role during the 1981 bathhouse raids, supported the founding of The Body Politic, and continues to amplify marginalized voices (Thrillist). The shop’s collective ownership and fundraising efforts reflect community commitment, with recent campaigns raising over $200,000 to keep the doors open (CBC; Glad Day fundraising goals).
Glad Day has also pioneered paid event programming, supporting local artists and providing a platform for emerging queer talent.
Supporting Glad Day Bookshop
As a non-profit and community-owned space, Glad Day relies on book sales, café purchases, event attendance, and donations. Ongoing fundraising supports inventory expansion, artist payments, and operational costs (WhatNow Toronto).
Support Glad Day by:
- Purchasing books or merchandise
- Attending events and donating
- Volunteering or spreading the word
Nearby Attractions and Neighbourhood Guide
- Queen West: Trendy area with independent shops, galleries, and diverse dining
- Trinity Bellwoods Park: Popular green space for relaxation and events
- Church-Wellesley Village: Toronto’s historic LGBTQ+ neighbourhood, especially during Pride
- Other bookstores: Queen Books, Another Story, Bakka-Phoenix (Books and Bao)
Safety and Community Guidelines
Glad Day is a safe space for LGBTQ+ guests and allies. Visitors are expected to respect the shop’s policies emphasizing inclusivity, consent, and anti-discrimination. Photography is permitted with permission, especially during events.
Visuals, Media, and Virtual Resources
Explore Glad Day’s atmosphere through photos and virtual tours on its official website and social media. Images feature the bookstore’s vibrant interior, art displays, and community events, each with descriptive alt text for accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are Glad Day Bookshop’s visiting hours?
A: Hours vary; check the official website or Instagram for current information.
Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, general admission is free. Tickets or donations may be required for special events.
Q: Is Glad Day Bookshop fully accessible?
A: Yes, the Lisgar Street location is fully accessible.
Q: Are children welcome?
A: Yes, Glad Day is family-friendly and offers children’s literature.
Q: Can I bring pets?
A: Only service animals are permitted inside.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Limited street parking; public transit is recommended.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: No formal tours, but staff are happy to share information and resources.
Conclusion
Glad Day Bookshop stands as a testament to Toronto’s LGBTQ+ activism, culture, and literary achievement. Its journey from a hidden operation to an accessible, vibrant community hub reflects decades of resilience and innovation. Visitors can expect an inclusive space rich with history, literature, and ongoing cultural engagement. Supporting Glad Day means sustaining a vital part of Toronto’s queer heritage.
For the latest visiting hours, events, and ways to support Glad Day, consult the official website and follow their social media channels. Plan your visit to this unique landmark and become part of a living legacy.
Official Sources and Further Reading
- Fascinating History of Toronto’s Oldest Bookstore Glad Day, BlogTO
- Glad Day: The World’s Oldest LGBTQ+ Bookshop, GCN
- Glad Day Bookshop, Wikipedia
- Glad Day Bookshop: A Safe Space to Study and Research, Life @ U of T
- Glad Day Bookshop Toronto Relocation and Fundraising, CBC News
- Glad Day fundraising goals
- Glad Day fundraising
- Glad Day Lit at Lisgar
- Glad Day Events
- Eventbrite: Glad Day Bookshop
- Books and Bao: Best Toronto Bookstores
- WhatNow Toronto: Glad Day Bookshop Relocating
- Toronto.com: The World’s Oldest LGBTQ+ Bookshop is in Toronto
- LGBTQ Oral History Digital Collaboratory
- Green and Spiegel Blog: The Crucial Role of Safe Spaces
- Thrillist: Toronto LGBTQ Scene Guide – Glad Day Bookstore