Timeline

History of the Lillian H. Smith Branch

1912
Chief Librarian George Locke recruits Lillian H. Smith, a professionally-trained children's librarian then working at the New York Public Library, to head Toronto Public Library's newly established Children's Department.

1913
The Dovercourt Branch opens on October 23, featuring the first children's room planned by Lillian H. Smith. Today, this library is called the Bloor/Gladstone branch.

1922
On September 27, Toronto Public Library opens a children's library in a renovated Victorian house at 40 St. George Street, just north of the Central Library. Called the Boys and Girls House, it is the first separate children's library in the British Commonwealth.

1928
A "Little Theatre" and story hour room is added to the back of Boys and Girls House. Children perform plays ranging from "The Three Little Kittens" to scenes from “Julius Caesar”.

1949
In recognition of outstanding children's services provided under the direction of Lillian H. Smith, Edgar Osborne donates his collection of over 2,000 historical British children's books to the Toronto Public Library.

1951
A new addition for the Boys and Girls House library and the Little Theatre is built behind the Central library. It opens May 30.

1963
The original Boys and Girls House is demolished. 

1964
Boys and Girls House rebuilt, 1951 addition retained. Murray & Fliess, Architects. 

1970
Judith Merril donates her collection of science fiction and fantasy to the Toronto Public Library. It is originally known as The Spaced Out Library and is located in a house at 566 Palmerston Avenue.

1975
The Spaced Out Library moves into 40 St. George Street, into the second floor of Boys and Girls House.

1992
The Spaced Out Library changes its name to The Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy. Land acquired on College St, southwest corner of Huron, for a new branch building designed by Phillip H. Carter, Architect.

1993
Construction of new facility begins.

1995
Boys and Girls House is closed on April 1. Its collections and services are relocated to a new Toronto Public Library branch for all ages, opened at 239 College Street and named in honour of Lillian Helena Smith (1887-1983), who was the head of children’s services at the Toronto Public Library for 40 years, 1912-1952. Lillian H. Smith Branch, including the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy, and the Osborne Collection of Early Children’s Books, opens 16 October. Phillip H. Carter Architect.

2003
Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) Award – Outstanding Achievement in Building Award.