Tuesday Treasures

June 2019 - Toronto ON

With a large bronze griffin, a mythological protector of treasures and priceless possessions, and a winged lion guard the arched entrance to the library, Lillian H. Smith is not your typical library. In fact, it has two exceptional world-class collections in rare children's books and science fiction.

Inside is a spacious cylindrical atrium ringed by a staircase.

Lillian Helena Smith (17 March 1887 — 5 January 1983) was the first British Empire children's librarian. During her career, Smith set up library spaces for children in Toronto schools. She also created a children's literature library classification that was used in Toronto libraries until the late 1970s. The Lillian H. Smith Toronto Public Library branch was posthumously named and opened after Smith in 1995.

"The love for a good story, well told, lies deep in every human heart." - Lillian H. Smith

Established in 1962 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the inauguration of children’s libraries in Toronto by this distinguished pioneer. The Lillian H. Smith Collection comprises creative books of literary and artistic merit, published in English since 1911, including picture books, fairy tales, fiction and poetry. The collection includes manuscripts, letters and book related original art together with extensive resource material.

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The Merril Collection of Science Fiction features a remarkable collection of 57,000+ items including out of print materials, original sci-fi and fantasy art and the first edition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. 

Stepping back outside we take a closer look at the sculptures.
The creatures are the work of Toronto artist Ludzer Vandermolen, modeled after designs by Phillip Carter. Smaller animals are tucked around each sculpture, including a mouse, an owl, and a fox.