Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives

The E.P. Taylor Library & Archives is a leading Canadian centre for research in art.

The AGO Library & Archives is open to the public on Wednesdays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and by appointment on Thursdays and Fridays. Access to rare and artists’ books, archives and special collections is always by appointment. Through our public programs, visitors can engage with our specialized collections and staff. The Library & Archives is open free of charge to the public. Our collections do not circulate.

To book an appointment for access to rare books, archives and special collections, please send an email to [email protected]

Search Library Collections

Please use the online library catalogue to search for book titles in advance of your visit.

SEARCH LIBRARY COLLECTION

Search Archives and Special Collections

AGO Archives and Special Collections holdings may be searched and browsed using our Archival Description Database. Some finding aids are not yet searchable in the database but can be accessed on request – please contact us for more information.

SEARCH ARCHIVES & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

What's in our Collection?

Learn about the Library & Archives collection areas and view collection highlights.

LEARN MORE

Digitized AGO Publications

A growing collection of digitized AGO publications and exhibition catalogues is available through the Internet Archive library.

ACCESS DIGITIZED PUBLICATIONS

Library Hours

Harmful language in cataloguing and collections

The collections and information systems of the Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives reflect the deep biases of the institutional and cultural context in which we work.

Archival and library cataloguing practice compels us to maintain the historical language of documents and publications in its original form, in order to preserve the context of creation and allow for critical assessment by contemporary researchers. Book and exhibition titles from the past are examples of language we cannot change, but we acknowledge that some of this language is offensive and hurtful.

Standardized cataloguing terms and descriptive practices are shaped by the same biases, but we have greater power and responsibility to change these. The staff of the Library & Archives is working steadily to revise our cataloguing practices using respectful and inclusive language, and to incorporate anti-bias principles in our work going forward. Ongoing efforts include monitoring changes to Library of Congress terms, the development and addition of local subject headings, and policy development for harmful language in archives.

We actively welcome feedback from all sources so we can listen, learn, and adjust our practices.

SUBMIT FEEDBACK

Donations to the Library & Archives Collection

The Library & Archives gratefully considers offers of gifts-in-kind to our rare books, artists’ books and archival collections. All gifts will be assessed in relation to the existing strengths of our collections and our capacity to care for and provide access to the collections as they grow. Please contact us at [email protected].

Kindly note that we no longer accept gifts-in-kind to the Main library collection, i.e. general art books.

Upcoming Programs & Events

Library & Archives programs provide opportunities for members of the public to have meaningful encounters with the library and its collections.

Black and white photo of young white woman with long hair and glasses reading a book between library shelves. From the 1980s
Library & Archives Open Hours
Wednesdays, 1PM to 5PM

The Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives reading room is open to everyone, and we’d love for you to visit! Join us every Wednesday afternoon between 1 to 5 pm to explore our collections, browse new arrivals, or simply spend some quiet time with our materials.

During open hours, you’re welcome to:

More Info

Past Programs & Events

Black and white photo of young white woman with long hair and glasses reading a book between library shelves. From the 1980s
Library & Archives Open Hours
Wednesdays, 1PM to 5PM

The Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives reading room is open to everyone, and we’d love for you to visit!

More Info
a photo of 4 images from the Heliconian artist file featuring drawings, photgraphs, and handwritten notes.
Special Events
Library & Archives Unshelved: Artists of the Heliconian Club
Friday April 10, 2026, 6-8PM (drop-in)

This drop-in series, hosted by AGO librarians and archivists, offers visitors a first-hand glimpse of highlights from the AGO Library & Archives collections.

More Info
assortment of ephemera related to Joyce Wieland including sides, exhibition invitations, and newpaper articles
Special Events
Library & Archives Unshelved: Joyce Wieland Has Her Way (With the AGO)
Wednesday June 18, 7-8:30PM (drop-in)

This drop-in series, hosted by AGO librarians and archivists, gives visitors a first-hand glimpse of treasures from the 

More Info
Henry Moore in profile and William Withrow standing in front of Large Two Forms.
Special Events
Library & Archives Unshelved: Henry Moore in Toronto
Wednesday December 4, 1 - 8 pm (drop-in), 2024
More Info
image shows an an artist's studio with a table covered in jars of paint, paper, canvas, and other art supplies, as well as an overflowing ashtray
Talks
In the Archives: The Genesis of the Jack Bush Catalogue Raisonné
Wednesday November 27, 2024 7PM

This fall marks the publication of the Jack Bush Catalogue Raisonné, a pinnacle of Canadian art publishing that includes a comprehensive accounting of every p

More Info
image shows the gilded spine of a leather bound book
Special Events
Library & Archives Unshelved: Bound By Her Hand
Wednesday June 26, 2024 6-8PM (drop-in)

This drop-in series, hosted by AGO librarians and archivists, gives visitors a first-hand glimpse of highlights from the Edward P. Taylor Libr

More Info
page from a notebooks with an drawing of a mock up for a trade fair booth. also pictures a contact sheet of black and white photos of the real life booth
Special Events
Library & Archives Unshelved: From the Drawing Board
Wednesday March 6, 2024, 6 - 8 pm drop-In

This drop-in series, hosted by AGO librarians and archivists, gives visitors a first-hand glimpse of highlights from the Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives collection.

More Info
two hands in purple nitrile gloves hold a pile of black and while photographs of sculptures. FIle folder in the background.
Workshops
Workshop: Introduction to Archival Research
Wednesday February 7, 2024 6-8 PM

Join the AGO’s archivists for an approachable workshop that will introduce participants to the basics of archival research.

More Info
wires run from two potatoes to a digital clock which reads HELP across its screen
Special Events
Library & Archives Unshelved: Multiverse of Multiples
Wednesday November 29, 2023 6-8 PM (drop-in)

This drop-in series, hosted by AGO librarians and archivists, gives visitors a first-hand glimpse of highlights from the Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives collection.

More Info
two hands in purple nitrile gloves hold a pile of black and while photographs of sculptures. FIle folder in the background.
Special Events
Introduction to Archival Research
Wednesday, October 25, 6-8 PM

Join the AGO’s archivists for an approachable workshop that will introduce participants to the basics of archival research.

More Info
page from a notebook including sketches and notes for a lesson by Rolph Scarlett
Special Events
Library & Archives Unshelved: Back to School: Artists as Teachers and Students
Wednesday September 20, 6 - 8 pm drop-In

This drop-in series, hosted by AGO librarians and archivists, gives visitors a first-hand glimpse of highlights from the Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives collection.

More Info

 

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