Summer is here, and with fewer classes needing to use our space, the pace at the library slows down. But it never completely stops, as evidenced by the number of researchers in our reading room daily. We're also in the planning stages for some upcoming and exciting events at the library.

First off, we have two more curator-led tours of the library's current exhibition, Popular Culture in Early Modern English Household Print, 1660-1800: July 9 and August 13. Both tours begin at 5pm and will run for approximately 45 minutes. There's no need to register in advance: simply meet in the library's main exhibition area.

Later in July, to coincide with the city's annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival (more commonly known as Caribana), we will be holding a special Caribbean Literatures and Cultures open house on Friday July 31, from noon to 7pm. It will feature a display of books, periodicals, prints, posters, and archives, along with special readings by Jamaican-Canadian poet and University of Toronto Libraries' Senior Preservation Associate Rudy Fearon at 1PM.

Two more events to mark on your calendar for September:

The Fisher's popular Summer Seminar Series is scheduled for September 17 and 18 focusing on the theme of independent publishing. Information and registration for this year's summer seminar.

The library will be also be hosting on Saturday September 19 its biennial Fisher Small & Fine Press Fair, featuring around twenty printers, book artists, and publishers.

Please note that the library will be closed between August 17 to September 7 so that staff can prepare for the 2026/27 academic year.

Summertime in Rare Books and Special Collections