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Accessing our collections
The resources of the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library may be used by all scholars and researchers, whether or not they are members of the University of Toronto community. A University of Toronto Library card is not necessary to access the collections, but onsite registration is required.
Hours
The Fisher Library is providing limited reference, scanning and research services. Information on accessing those services. We continue to be closed to the general public.
Mon-Fri.: 9am - 5pm
Sat & Sun: closed
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120 St. George St.
MapNews
Seltzer Lecture to be broadcast via Zoom on Nov. 5
Margaret E. Schotte will speak on "For Merchants and Mariners: The Business of Nautical Manuals." Registration information available.
Margaret E. Schotte will speak on "For Merchants and Mariners: The Business of Nautical Manuals." Registration information available.
Seltzer Lecture to be broadcast via Zoom on Nov. 5
New Video Podcast: Between the Pillars
Launching on Friday Oct. 23, learn more about the Fisher's collections and its staff in a relaxed and comfortable chat setting.
Launching on Friday Oct. 23, learn more about the Fisher's collections and its staff in a relaxed and comfortable chat setting.
New Video Podcast: Between the Pillars
Pathy Lecture by Thomas Keymer now available
The first Friends of Fisher lecture was broadcast on Sept. 24. It's now available via the Fisher's YouTube channel.
The first Friends of Fisher lecture was broadcast on Sept. 24. It's now available via the Fisher's YouTube channel.
Pathy Lecture by Thomas Keymer now available
Newest issue of the Halcyon now available
Fisher staff share some of their favourite items in the collections
Newest issue of the Halcyon now available
Fisher Resources to Visit While We Are Closed
While the Fisher Library is physically closed, our online resources remain open at all times
While the Fisher Library is physically closed, our online resources remain open at all times.
Fisher Resources to Visit While We Are Closed
Fisher Library closed as of Monday March 16
In order to support community efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we will close for an indefinite period.
In order to support community efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we will close for an indefinite period. Please watch our web site for when we will re-open
Fisher Library closed as of Monday March 16
Postponement annoucement: Katz Lecture on April 16
Lecture featuring Dr. Michael F. Suarez Director of Rare Book School and Professor of English, University of Virginia will be postponed until a later date.
Lecture featuring Dr. Michael F. Suarez Director of Rare Book School and Professor of English, University of Virginia will be postponed until a later date.
Postponement annoucement: Katz Lecture on April 16
Latest issue of The Halcyon now available online
The Dec. 2020 issue of the Friends of Fisher newsletter is now freely available for download from the web site
The Dec. 2020 issue of the Friends of Fisher newsletter is now freely available for download from the web site.
Latest issue of The Halcyon now available online
Black History Month Open House - February 20
The Fisher will be showcasing various materials to celebrate Black History Month
Please visit between 3 and 6 pm to view materials that celebrate February's Black History Month.
Black History Month Open House - February 20
Holiday cards now on sale!
The Fisher is again offering cards featuring images from our collection. They can be purchased by visiting the reference desk.
The Fisher is again offering cards featuring images from our collection. They can be purchased by visiting the reference desk.
Holiday cards now on sale!
Fisher Open House: November 7
The Fisher will again be opening its doors to the public to view recently acquired material
The Fisher will again be opening its doors to the public to view recently acquired material. Please join us between noon and 5 pm.
Fisher Open House: November 7
New Flickr Set: Luggage Labels
A new album is now up on our Flickr site featuring samplings from our collection of Luggage Labels from the late 19th century to WWII.
The collection is a set of 3,550 beautifully drawn and painted labels by famous artists and printers that were collected over a 25-year period. The collection features famous cities, political parties and hotels.
New Flickr Set: Luggage Labels
20th Century Feminist Periodicals at the Fisher
These periodicals chronicle important social issues as they developed and inform today’s political climate. The Pedestal: A Woman’s Liberation Paper, for example, illuminates some critical days in the movement for equitable abortion access.
These periodicals chronicle important social issues as they developed and inform today’s political climate. The Pedestal: A Woman’s Liberation Paper, for example, illuminates some critical days in the movement for equitable abortion access.
20th Century Feminist Periodicals at the Fisher
Fisher joins Bloor St. Culture Corridor
It is joining the city's most diverse arts and culture district that features twenty-two organizations.
It is joining the city's most diverse arts and culture district that features twenty-two organizations.
Fisher joins Bloor St. Culture Corridor
New Flickr set: Italian decorated papers
A sampling of the Fisher's Italian decorated papers from the 17th to 20th century, many with decorated papers, is available on our Flickr site
A sampling of the Fisher's Italian pamphlets from the 17th to 20th century, many with decorated papers, is available on our Flickr site.
New Flickr set: Italian decorated papers
New acquisition: 15th-century illuminated manuscript from an important voice in the history of women’s literature
New acquisition: 15th-century illuminated manuscript from an important voice in the history of women’s literature
The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is pleased to announce the acquisition of a 15th-century illuminated manuscript of Christine de Pizan’s Livre de paix New manuscript at the Fisher by one of the first women in the West to earn a living by her pen
December issue of the Halcyon now out
The latest issue of the Friends of Fisher newsletter features a special donors section, who write about their collecting. It is available for download.
The latest issue of the Friends of Fisher newsletter features a special donors section, who write about their collecting. It is available for download.
December issue of the Halcyon now out
New Acquisition: A Meruaylous Discourse vpon the Lyfe, Deedes, and Behauiours of Katherine de Medicis, Queene Mother
Book attributed to Henri Estienne, the great 16th century French Protestant printer on his (less-than complimentary) feelings about the dowager Queen of France.
New Acquisition: A Meruaylous Discourse vpon the Lyfe, Deedes, and Behauiours of Katherine de Medicis, Queene Mother
New holiday cards on sale
We have new holiday card designs available for sale. Some older designs are also on sale.
Looking for a unique card to send out this holiday? We have two new designs available for sale. Please visit the Fisher to purchase.
New holiday cards on sale
Fisher Open House: Thursday November 15
Once again, the Fisher will be displaying some of our recent acquisitions to the public. The open runs from noon to 6 pm.
Want to see some of our latest acquisitions? Please visit us when we hold our semi-annual Open House between noon and 6 pm.
Fisher Open House: Thursday November 15
Audio from McLuhan symposium now online
All of the audio from the recent Many McLuhans symposium can be accessed online
The complete audio from September's Many McLuhans Symposium honoring the UNESCO designation can be streamed from McLuhan Centre's web site.
Audio from McLuhan symposium now online
New Audio Content Available
We've added some new audio content: the last Friends of Fisher lecture is now online, and there's a self-guided audio tour of the current exhibition on monsters
We've added some new audio content: the last Friends of Fisher lecture is now online, and there's a self-guided audio tour of the current exhibition on monsters.
New Audio Content Available
Culinary exhibition featured on CBC's Metro Morning
Co-curators Liz Ridolo and Irina Mihalache were interviewed by CBC Toronto's morning program on the Fisher's current exhibition, Mixed Messages. It is available online.
The audio of the segment featuring co-curators Liz Ridolo and Irina Mihalache is available online to stream.
Culinary exhibition featured on CBC's Metro Morning
New issue of the Halcyon now available online
The June 2018 issue of the Friends of the Fisher is available as a downloadable PDF. This issue focuses on recent purchases made by the library
New issue looks at recent purchases made by the library.
New issue of the Halcyon now available online
Take a Tour of Sacred Books
CBC Radio's Tapestry visited the Fisher Library
CBC Radio's Tapestry visited the Fisher Library
Take a Tour of Sacred Books
Exceptional acquisition of books designed and illustrated by Czech artist and writer Josef Čapek
Among the newest acquisitions of Josef Čapek’s work are his book covers and illustrations to translated works by Gustave Flaubert, Tristan Corbière, , W.B. Yeats, H.G. Wells, Francis Jammes, Jean Vignaud, Rose Macaulay, Georges Duham
Experimental artist found his artistic voice above all in designing books
Exceptional acquisition of books designed and illustrated by Czech artist and writer Josef Čapek
Oldest English-language book in Canada now at Fisher
William Caxton's 1481 publication of Cicero has been added to the Fisher's holdings.
William Caxton's 1481 publication of Cicero has been added to the Fisher's holdings.
Oldest English-language book in Canada now at Fisher
Canada in Print exhibition catalogue wins prestigious award
The Fisher is honoured by the Katharine Kyes Leab and Daniel J. Leab "American Book Prices Current" Exhibition Award in the Division Two Category
The Fisher is honoured by the Katharine Kyes Leab and Daniel J. Leab "American Book Prices Current" Exhibition Award in the Division Two Category.
Canada in Print exhibition catalogue wins prestigious award
Kiddell Lecture now online
Prof. Peter Blayney's Lecture on "How Many Printers Does It Take to Change a Liturgy?" can be viewed online or downloaded
Prof. Peter Blayney's Lecture on "How Many Printers Does It Take to Change a Liturgy?" can be viewed online or downloaded
Kiddell Lecture now online
New student blog for current culinary exhibition
Students share their personal experiences working with Canadian culinary materials and assisting with the various components of the exhibition process.
Students share their personal experiences working with Canadian culinary materials and assisting with the various components of the exhibition process.
New student blog for current culinary exhibition
Fisher Digital Collections have a new look!
Fisher Digital Collections have a new look!
The University of Toronto Libraries' Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library and Information Technology Services (ITS) department are pleased to announce the re-launch of four digital collections! Four digital collections have an all new look!
Ginsberg Photo Exhibition Now Open
The exhibition features over 100 photos from the largest collection of Ginsberg photographic prints in the world.
Ginsberg Photo Exhibition Now Open
Marshall McLuhan collections added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register!
Marshall McLuhan collections added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register!
The Marshall McLuhan collections held at the University of Toronto and Library and Archives Canada have been recognized as being of international significance Marshall McLuhan collections at UofT and LAC recognized by UNESCO
Cosmopolitanism in the Archive
Fascinating new web exhibition brings together graduate students and scholars to highlight 18th century holdings from the Fisher!
Fascinating new web exhibition brings together graduate students and scholars to highlight 18th century holdings from the Fisher!
Cosmopolitanism in the Archive
New Flickr set - early photographs of Rio de Janeiro
View a collection of eight albumen prints of photographs from Marc Ferrez, the greatest photographer to emerge from Brazil in the late-nineteenth century
A set of 8 beautiful albumen prints can be viewed on our Flickr
New Flickr set - early photographs of Rio de Janeiro
Students tell the stories of objects in "Finding Myself in the Archives"
Examining historic objects with a connection with migration, movement and travel
Students tell the stories of objects in "Finding Myself in the Archives"
June issue of the Halcyon available
The newest issue of our newsletter the Halcyon is now available online
June issue of the Halcyon available
UofT Showcase 150
View snapshots from the last 150 years seen through UofT's archives and special collections on a new digital timeline
UofT Showcase 150
Scholars in Residence visit Fort York
A group of Jackman Humanities Institute Scholars in Residence who are working with the Fisher's culinary collection had the opportunity to experience the Foodways Program at Fort York
Scholars in Residence visit Fort York
Fisher Library Shakespeare catalogue wins prestigious Leab Award
The catalogue from the Fisher Library's recent exhibition "So Long Lives This: A Celebration of Shakespeare’s Life and Works 1616-2016.” has won an RBMS award for excellence
Fisher Library Shakespeare Catalogue wins prestigious Leab Award
Fisher Library Shakespeare catalogue wins prestigious Leab Award
New Flickr Album: Brazilian "cordel" woodcut illustrations
We’ve added a new album to our Flickr page: a selection of woodcut illustrations featured on the covers of Brazilian “cordel” chapbooks – or, the tradition of popular pamphlet poetry
We’ve added a new album to our Flickr page: a selection of woodcut illustrations featured on the covers of Brazilian “cordel” chapbooks
New Flickr Album: Brazilian "cordel" woodcut illustrations
Fisher event profiled on the CBC
Linda LeGeyt discusses Canadian Wildflowers ahead of her Katz Memorial Lecture "Where Art Meets Science: Traditions in Canadian Botanical Art."
Fisher event profiled on the CBC
New Flickr Set: Canadian booksellers, newspapers, and printing ephemera
The collection, dating from the 1830s to the 1920s, consists mostly of company billheads, but also contains letters, envelopes, memorandums, and receipts from various Canadian companies.
The collection, dating from the 1830s to the 1920s, consists mostly of company billheads, but also contains letters, envelopes, memorandums, and receipts from various Canadian companies.
New Flickr Set: Canadian booksellers, newspapers, and printing ephemera
Protecting treasured books - CityTV went behind the scenes of the Fisher Library condensation control project
The Fisher's interim department head PJ Carefoote spoke to CityTV about the library's building project.
Fisher Librarian PJ Carefoote was featured on CityTV News to discusss the library's building maintenance project. Please not the west stairs leading to the library are now closed.
Protecting treasured books - CityTV went behind the scenes of the Fisher Library condensation control project
New Issue of The Halcyon now available
The December 2016 issue of the Friends of the Fisher newsletter is now available, both in print and online.
New Issue of The Halcyon now available
Announcing the Fisher's Summer Seminar Series!
Next June, the Fisher is launching its first seminar series workshop: a three-day workshop course on the history and identification of book illustration.
Announcing the Fisher's Summer Seminar Series!
Holiday cards for sale
The Fisher is again selling greeting cards for the coming holiday season. They go fast, so come inside to purchase them. It's $15 for 10 cards.
Holiday cards for sale
Fisher Library Condensation Control Project
We are renovating the Fisher Rare Book Library to improve the thermal performance of the exterior, which will prevent condensation inside the building.
Fisher Library Condensation Control Project
New Acquisition: First World War Notebook
This unpublished manuscript notebook contains first-hand accounts of stories from the battlefield collected from thirty soldiers recivers in a British Army hospital, by an American-Canadian nurse from August to October of 1915.
New Acquisition: First World War Notebook
Centenary of the Irish Easter Rising
While the Fisher Library does not hold considerable collections from the Easter Rising, the Alfred De Lury Collection contains several unique items from and after the rising.
the Alfred De Lury Collection, that includes mostly literary and poetical material of writers from the Anglo-Irish renaissance, contains several unique items from and after the rising.
Centenary of the Irish Easter Rising
Richardson Family World War I Letters
The Fisher Library has acquired a remarkable collection of letters written during World War I, by three brothers from Ingersoll, Ontario: Ted, Reg, and Harry Richardson, who fought with the British Army during the war.
Richardson Family World War I Letters
New Flickr Set: Canadian bookplates
A selection of of ex-libris plates is now freely available on the Fisher's Flickr site.
New Flickr Set: Canadian bookplates
French Mazarinades pamphlets
Library has recently catalogued 229 Mazarinades that date exclusively from 1649, from the period known as the Parliamentary Fronde
The Fronde was a series of civil wars that occurred in France between 1648 and 1653.
French Mazarinades pamphlets
On Display: Celebrating 50 Years of the University of Toronto Archives, 1965-2015
This month, we celebrate the golden anniversary of the University Archives
On Display: Celebrating 50 Years of the University of Toronto Archives, 1965-2015
Maximum Imaginativeness exhibition now open!
The video provides an introduction and overview of the exhibition featuring modern Czech book design.
Maximum Imaginativeness exhibition now open!
Extended hours begins today (Sept. 17)!
We will again be open until 8 pm on Thursdays during the academic year.
Extended hours begins today (Sept. 17)!
Latest issue of the Halcyon now available
The June 2015 issue of the Friends of the Fisher newsletter can be downloaded from our web site
Latest issue of the Halcyon now available
New Flickr Set: Bookplates
This selection showcases the hundreds of different bookplates spread across our collections
New Flickr Set: Bookplates
New Flickr Set: Stereo Views of Niagara Falls
These images were created on glass by Platt D. Babbitt between 1855 and 1860
New Flickr Set: Stereo Views of Niagara Falls
Vesalius Catalogue Wins Prestigious Award
Vesalius at 500 wins the ACRL/RBMS Katherine Keyes Leab and Daniel J. Leab Exhibition Award for 2014
Vesalius Catalogue Wins Prestigious Award
Retrieval request form now linked from catalogue records
Patrons can now link directly to the online retrieval form straight from the record in the online catalogue
Retrieval request form now linked from catalogue records
Richard Landon's book of essays now out
A Long Way from the Armstrong Beer Parlour, A Life in Rare Books has been released by Oak Knoll Books.
Richard Landon's book of essays now out
New Flickr Set Added: Bindings of Victorian Natural History Collection
Bindings with beautiful designs and decorations blocked in gold and other colours speaks to the playful, popularized version of science encouraged in the Victorian Natural History movement.
New Flickr Set Added: Bindings of Victorian Natural History Collection
Manzoni, Verdi, and the Project of Nation Building
Verdi's Requiem for Manzoni and the context of its composition tell us something about Italian history in the late 19th century.
Manzoni, Verdi, and the Project of Nation Building
I Romani nelle Gallie and its Annotations
Annotated version of this libretto, online on the Internet Archive, lifts the veil on its past.
I Romani nelle Gallie and its Annotations
Opera and the Popular Consciousness: Donizetti’s Il Furioso
The Fisher holds a copy of the libretto from the opera's opening night featuring the baritone Giorgio Ronconi.
Opera and the Popular Consciousness: Donizetti’s Il Furioso
Libretti Digitization Project Launched
The Fisher holds an extensive collection of Italian libretti printed before 1900, and the collection offers a singular insight into the origin and development of opera.
Libretti Digitization Project Launched
McLuhan Library Collection now available
Marshall McLuhan's personal library is now available for public access
McLuhan Library Collection now available
U of T Libraries Acquire General James Wolfe's Historic Letters
The correspondence is candid and offer a glimpse into Wolfe's personality and his legendary military career.
U of T Libraries Acquire General James Wolfe's Historic Letters
Andreas Vesalius’s De humani corporis fabrica
The Fisher is home to a unique 1555 copy of this landmark anatomy book - annoted by Vesalius himself.
Andreas Vesalius’s De humani corporis fabrica
Rare Audio and Film of Sir Frederick Banting
Film is part of the extensive archival material related to the discovery of insulin held at the Fisher Library.
Rare Audio and Film of Sir Frederick Banting