When I first saw this vintage photograph of a young black woman, circa 1890s, by Florida photographer Alvan S. Harper, it spoke to me of middle class aspirations, beauty, elegance, self-confidence, propriety and … a fine sense of hat fashion. The simplicity of the dress versus the exuberance of that hat spoke to a person […]
I knew podcasts had hit the mainstream when I called my mom one day and asked "how are things going" and she responded "I'm listening to a podcast." If you're interested in knowing a bit more about podcasts and also podcasting (tap into that inner creativity!) then Toronto Public Library has you covered. Let's Talk […]
As we approach Labour Day it's fitting to honour and celebrate the life of labour and civil rights activist Bromley Armstrong who died recently. 1992 Toronto Star Archives photo of Bromley Armstrong Armstrong was born in Jamaica and came to Canada in 1947 when he was 19 years old. He became the first Black welder […]
I don't think it's blasphemy to say I first knew Aretha Franklin from the John Belushi cult film the Blues Brothers and her number in that film. Maybe because my family owned a greasy spoon type restaurant that it rang true to my lived experience of strong waitresses, dirty aprons and sax playing line cooks. Or, […]
It is a truth universally acknowledged that librarians are not only good looking but also renowned for their style and fashion sense. So . . . it makes sense that during September our tie in to the Toronto Fashion Week is a great line up of programs. Fashion Meets Technology: Innovation and Trends in […]
This is my dog Rufus and yes, he’s a good boy! Dogs bring a lot of joy into the lives of their human ball throwing, treat giving, neck scratching servants. So I thought to myself, why not share some interesting dog reads during the dog days of summer? Travels with Charley is a lesser know […]
Let's make beautiful music together … or at least share lunch and listen to some. Come join us on Fridays for the Summer Music at the Library series, free weekly concerts from noon – 1pm in the Toronto Reference Library Atrium on the main floor. If you're interested in music, did you know that there […]
It's almost July, school is out, heat alerts are happening, summer vacations are approaching and there are too many darn noisy outdoor bar and cafe patios around. Why not come indoors into the Library where it's cool and enjoy some interesting arts programming? We've got the architectural history of the Annex and Old City Hall […]
Last week I wrote a blog about resources for those left behind after a suicide, prompted by the deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. In the media coverage afterwards, an article and then interview by Kirsten Powers of CNN really seemed powerful and hopeful. She talked about her own suicidal experiences and the steps […]
The recent suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain have highlighted one of society's unspoken secrets. The back-to-back deaths of these two well known cultural figures is helping shine a bright light on suicide and by doing so, hopefully taking away some of the judgement, stigma and shame. At the same time, very sadly, there […]