Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Toronto Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of the University of Toronto campus, the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is one of Canada’s foremost cultural and scholarly institutions. Home to an extraordinary collection of rare manuscripts, early printed books, and unique Canadian archives, the library offers visitors a window into centuries of global and Canadian history, literature, and the arts. Recognized both for its architectural significance and public programming, the Fisher Library is a must-visit for researchers, students, history enthusiasts, and travelers exploring Toronto’s rich cultural landscape (magazine.utoronto.ca; Doors Open Ontario).

This guide details the library’s history, architecture, collections, visitor information (including hours and tickets), accessibility, and nearby attractions—ensuring you make the most of your visit to one of Toronto’s most significant historical sites.

Introduction
History and Development
Naming and Founding
Architectural Highlights
Collections and Institutional Role
Visitor Information
Exhibitions and Public Programs
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
Sources

History and Development

The origins of the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library reach back to the late 19th century. After the devastating St. Valentine’s Day fire of 1890 destroyed much of University College’s library, the surviving rare materials were preserved in what was known as the “Art Cupboard” (fisher.library.utoronto.ca). Over the following decades, the university’s rare book collection grew significantly, incorporating medieval manuscripts, early printed books, and notable gifts such as Queen Victoria’s donation of a set of Pyne’s Royal Residences (1819) (magazine.utoronto.ca).

By the mid-20th century, the collection had outgrown its makeshift storage. In 1955, the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections was formally established, with Marion E. Brown as its first head, charged with organizing and caring for the university’s growing trove of rare materials (fisher.library.utoronto.ca).

Naming and Founding

The library is named for Thomas Fisher, a prominent early settler and merchant-miller who immigrated to Upper Canada in 1821. In 1973, his great-grandsons, Sidney and Charles Fisher, made a landmark donation: their extensive private collection, including Shakespearean works and etchings by Wenceslaus Hollar, formed the nucleus of the library’s holdings and catalyzed the construction of a dedicated rare book facility (fisher.library.utoronto.ca).

Architectural Highlights

Brutalist Design and Integration

Part of the Robarts Library complex, the Fisher Library is a striking example of Brutalist architecture, designed by Mathers and Haldenby in partnership with Warner, Burns, Toan & Lunde (features.library.utoronto.ca). Construction began in 1968, and the library opened in 1972, with the Robarts complex completed in 1973 (exhibits.library.utoronto.ca). The building’s hexagonal, multi-level design features a dramatic atrium, exposed concrete, and glass elements that create a cathedral-like reading space (cntraveler.com).

Visitor Experience

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by soaring book stacks, mezzanines, and a warm, contemplative atmosphere. The library’s design balances preservation with public engagement, offering exhibition spaces flooded with natural light (fisher.library.utoronto.ca).

Barrier-free access is available through the Robarts Library entrance at 130 St. George Street (utarms.library.utoronto.ca).

Collections and Institutional Role

With approximately 800,000 volumes and thousands of linear metres of manuscripts, the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is Canada’s largest publicly accessible rare book repository (wikipedia.org). Its holdings include:

Medieval manuscripts and incunabula (books printed before 1501)
The world’s foremost archive of General James Wolfe’s papers (collections.library.utoronto.ca)
The Banting and Best papers documenting the discovery of insulin
The original draft of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale
Extensive Canadian, Caribbean, and Indigenous language collections (huronresearch.ca)
Archives of prominent Canadian writers and cultural figures

Collaborations with institutions such as the John M. Kelly Library and the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies expand access to rare manuscripts and archival materials (PIMS Special Collections).

Visitor Information

Hours and Admission

General Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Special Collections Reading Room: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
- Hours may vary during holidays and special events; check the official website for up-to-date information.

Admission is free, and no tickets are required for general entry or exhibitions. Registration at the front desk is required upon arrival. Special events or guided tours may require advance booking.

Accessibility and Getting There

Address: 120 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A5 (Fisher Library Contact)
Barrier-free access: Via Robarts Library at 130 St. George Street (utarms.library.utoronto.ca)
Transit: A short walk from St. George subway station on Line 2
Parking: Limited campus parking and public lots nearby

The building is wheelchair accessible, with elevators and accessible washrooms. Service animals are welcome, and staff are available to assist visitors with disabilities.

Tours and Events

Guided tours are available by appointment and during special events such as Doors Open Toronto (Doors Open Ontario). These tours highlight the library’s architecture, history, and collection treasures. Regular exhibitions, lectures, and workshops are open to the public; check the library’s events page for schedules.

Handling Rare Materials

Researchers and visitors may consult rare materials in the Special Collections Reading Room. To do so:

Submit a request via the online catalog.
Obtain a reader card (photo ID required; University affiliation not necessary).
Handle materials as directed by staff; food, drink, pens, and bags are not permitted.
Photography is restricted and only allowed with permission (Special Collections Access).

Etiquette and Best Practices

Maintain silence in reading rooms.
Use only pencils or laptops for note-taking.
Follow all staff instructions for handling materials.
Lockers are provided for personal belongings.

Exhibitions and Public Programs

The Fisher Library curates rotating exhibitions showcasing rare items from its collections. Themes include Canadian literary history, the history of science and medicine, and the art of the book. Virtual exhibitions and collection highlights are also available via Facebook, YouTube, and Flickr.

The library is a popular filming location, notably serving as the “eternal archive” in Star Trek: Discovery (utoronto.ca).

Nearby Attractions

Make the most of your visit by exploring nearby Toronto historical and cultural sites:

Robarts Library
Hart House
Royal Ontario Museum
Bata Shoe Museum (Bata Shoe Museum)
University of Toronto’s historic St. George campus grounds

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library’s visiting hours?
A: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Special Collections Reading Room: Mon–Thu, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; closed weekends).

Q: Is there an admission fee or do I need tickets?
A: Admission is free; no tickets required.

Q: Can I handle rare books?
A: Yes, with a reader card and under staff supervision in the reading room.

Q: Is the library accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, with elevators, accessible washrooms, and barrier-free entry.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment or during special events such as Doors Open Toronto.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Restricted in most areas; ask staff for permission.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is a vital institution preserving and celebrating Canada’s literary and cultural heritage. Its distinctive Brutalist architecture, world-class collections, and welcoming public programs make it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, literature, or architecture. Plan your visit today by checking the latest information on the official website, and enhance your cultural journey by downloading the Audiala app for guided tours and exclusive content.

For further information, follow the library’s social media channels and explore related posts on Toronto’s historical sites to deepen your appreciation of the city’s vibrant heritage.