Actually, the real Lillian H. Smith (1887-1983) would be turning 128 this year, but we celebrated two decades of Lillian H. Smith branch at 239 College Street on Saturday, October 17. It was a fun and festive day, with good vibes travelling over all five floors of the library. Many people came for the Book Sale. And […]
Photo Credit: Toronto Public Library Digital Archive; Boys and Girls House (1922-1963), St. George St., w. side, between College & Russell Sts. Christina Wong, Toronto Public Library staff, is passionate about collecting stories. City landmarks may change over time, but the spirit of a place is made boundless by its memories. To honour the 20th […]
Photo Credit: Zohar Manor-Abel on a CC License There is a cost associated with everything, from our fashion sense to our appetite. The Globe and Mail's Nathalie Atkinson wrote about a worthwhile subject in kids’ books: responsible consumerism. She speaks mainly about the fashion business, but extends the idea of socially conscious kids’ books to food […]
If you went to school in the 90’s, you would remember that almost every child went through a Pokémon, Tamagotchi or Pogs craze. Even though some of these fads have faded, Pikachu remains a common household word. Pokémon continues to capture the attention of many kids and adults today. Some of our readers might remember […]
Want to show off your child’s secret talent? Why not register for the Junior Orchardviewers Talent Show at Northern District Branch this summer? Whether your child is an amazing singer or can juggle exceptionally well, consider asking him/her to perform at the library. Come show off their talent in music, singing, dancing, aerobics, or anything they […]
photo: Christina Wong Do you remember going to the Boys and Girls House, either before 1964 or after? Or the gas station and car park – the site that the Lillian H. Smith branch is built on? Were you at the opening of the library? Have you lived in the Kensington-China Town neighbourhood for a long […]
Photo Credit: Allan Turner Clowns don't need make-up to make you smile (but sometimes a little bit doesn't hurt.) Clowning stems from within and anyone can learn. Get in touch with your inner performer at Lillian H. Smith Branch. We invite kids ages 8-12 to participate in clowning games, drama exercises, silliness and improv. Let […]
Did you ever discover the perfect word for something you didn't know you needed to describe? Well, I found one today while combing through the shelves at Lillian H. Smith Branch: Friluftsliv is a Norwegian word that roughly translates as "open air life." In practical terms, it means "get outside and enjoy nature!" which is a perfect command […]
Photo Credit: Jamelah E. on a CC License Some books demand a rereading. What books have you met that you need to see again? What book is so dear to you that it would never wind up at your garage sale? Author and columnist Stephen Marche hits the nail on the head when he says that […]
Photo courtesy of Stokpic on a CC License. Sometimes it’s hard to accept our love lives won’t be like the romances in the fictional stories we’ve read. Not everyone has a childhood friend or a high school sweetheart who conveniently becomes “the one.” Not everyone knows a firefighter who is single and looking. Not everyone […]