Toronto Reference Library Blog

"What one man can invent another can discover." - The Adventure of the Dancing Man by Arthur Conan Doyle

Did you know that you can step back in time into 1893 and visit Sherlock Holmes’ study on the 5th floor of Toronto Reference Library? And while there, you might have a chance to learn something new about the iconic character and his creator from the Friends of the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection.

The Friends of the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection is a non-profit, independent group that helps the library maintain and enhance the Collection by fundraising and securing donations for special acquisitions. The Friends also carry out and promote programs and activities that raise awareness of the Collection’s existence and its unique contents.

On Saturday, May 2, members of the Friends group were available in the Victorian-style room to answer questions and chat about any aspect of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s life or his works. The free drop-in program attracted both those well-versed in the writings of the prolific author, as well as those wishing to learn more.

Some key items from the collection were showcased and discussed:

A Study in Scarlet

Beeton’s Christmas Annual (1887) is one of the rarest magazines in the world. It features A Study in Scarlet, Sherlock Holmes’ first appearance in print.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902)

This novel was set as a prequel to Holmes’ death ten years before. It was much anticipated in its day as it brought back the beloved detective and eventually led to his revival in the series.

Angels of Darkness (ca. 1889-90)

This manuscript play was written around the same time as A Study in Scarlet, and includes many of the same characters, such as Dr. Watson, although Sherlock Holmes is absent. The play was never performed or published until 2001 when Toronto Public Library and The Baker Street Irregulars co-published a facsimile.

If you would like to learn more and have missed out on this program, please check back soon. The library will be offering more sessions in the near future. Call 416-393-7156 for more information.

In the meantime, you’re welcome to attend another free program offered by the Friends of the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection. See below for details. 

"What one man can invent another can discover." - The Adventure of the Dancing Man by Arthur Conan Doyle

Did you know that you can step back in time into 1893 and visit Sherlock Holmes’ study on the 5th floor of Toronto Reference Library? And while there, you might have a chance to learn something new about the iconic character and his creator from the Friends of the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection.

The Friends of the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection is a non-profit, independent group that helps the library maintain and enhance the Collection by fundraising and securing donations for special acquisitions. The Friends also carry out and promote programs and activities that raise awareness of the Collection’s existence and its unique contents.

On Saturday, May 2, members of the Friends group were available in the Victorian-style room to answer questions and chat about any aspect of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s life or his works. The free drop-in program attracted both those well-versed in the writings of the prolific author, as well as those wishing to learn more.

Some key items from the collection were showcased and discussed:

A Study in Scarlet

Beeton’s Christmas Annual (1887) is one of the rarest magazines in the world. It features A Study in Scarlet, Sherlock Holmes’ first appearance in print.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902)

This novel was set as a prequel to Holmes’ death ten years before. It was much anticipated in its day as it brought back the beloved detective and eventually led to his revival in the series.

Angels of Darkness (ca. 1889-90)

This manuscript play was written around the same time as A Study in Scarlet, and includes many of the same characters, such as Dr. Watson, although Sherlock Holmes is absent. The play was never performed or published until 2001 when Toronto Public Library and The Baker Street Irregulars co-published a facsimile.

If you would like to learn more and have missed out on this program, please check back soon. The library will be offering more sessions in the near future. Call 416-393-7156 for more information.

In the meantime, you’re welcome to attend another free program offered by the Friends of the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection. See below for details.