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Books & Lit

Italian Books, Magazines Accessible Again

Posted by Tim / October 26, 2008

Italian Books TorontoWhere's the largest collection of Italian books and magazines in Toronto? It just might be the brand new Dufferin/St. Clair branch of the Toronto Public Library. Set to open this Tuesday after more than a year of renovations, the library also features free WiFi, 23 computers and accessible and state of the art everything.

The heritage building which first opened in 1921 has undergone extensive renovations that have helped restore many of its original features while at the same time upgrading the facilities with all the latest tech and modern conveniences. I took a sneak peak earlier this week and was amazed to see the restoration of murals that date back to the 1920s.

Library Murals

Those who remember what this library was like before construction commenced last July will probably be a bit surprised to see them since they've been covered up since an ill-conceived "upgrade" back in the 1960s when they were unceremoniously painted over.

But now they're back, and along with an electric fireplace and some comfy chairs they'll provide the perfect backdrop for a mid-afternoon browse of some glossy Italian fashion mags.

More photos of the new space:

Kids Library

Dufferin St. Clair Library

Discussion

8 Comments

Equalizer101 / October 27, 2008 at 12:08 am
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Wow, great timing considering that the whole area should now be called little South America. And the only noticeable Italians are the small gaggle of old men who inhabit the McDonalds in the early morning like it's an old cafe back home.
Equalizer101 / October 27, 2008 at 12:19 am
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Aargh please delete if possible. Thanks.
o_O / October 27, 2008 at 12:55 am
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This reno looks great....But I think Equalizer should go into that branch because when ever I'm in there there are old Italian men reading Italian newspapers.
misstdot / October 27, 2008 at 11:55 pm
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I've just bought a loft in the area. And can't wait for the opening ! !
daniel / November 11, 2008 at 01:06 pm
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@Equalizer101

Posting 101. Think before you post.

Who cares what this area should now be called. Its a Toronto Public Library for all of us... They hold the largest number of italian books, but you can one of them shipped/delivered to any branch that you want to take it out of. Why are you commenting on old italian men at McDonalds? what does that have anything to do with this library or thier homeland. Shove it.
Avazo / April 28, 2009 at 11:14 pm
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Alex / June 30, 2009 at 11:22 am
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Where can I find an English/Friulan dictionary?
evelyne / November 28, 2010 at 12:25 pm
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would you know a bookstore that sells Italian books in Toronto or Montreal I have A 81 year old Friend . of 50 years of friendship who would love to buy from this author LIALA .some books. could you direct me of a bookstore that sells Italian books in those two cities

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