Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives

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

The AGO Library is now open to the public on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Appointments will no longer be necessary for use of the main library collection. Access to rare books, archives and special collections is still by appointment. We strongly encourage researchers to wear a mask in consideration of other researchers and staff sharing the space. However, masks are not strictly required and we cannot guarantee a fully masked environment during public hours. 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 our online catalogue

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

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What's in our Collection?

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

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Library Hours

Library & Archives

Sunday

CLOSED

Monday

CLOSED

Tuesday

BY APPOINTMENT

Wednesday

1:00 PM

5:00 PM

Thursday

1:00 PM

5:00 PM

Friday

1:00 PM

5:00 PM

Saturday

CLOSED

Using Archives and Special Collections

Detailed finding aids are available at the Library & Archives for most of the AGO’s institutional archives.

Special Collections holdings may be searched using our AGO AtoM database. This search tool is a work in progress and includes links to detailed online finding aids (in PDF format) where available. Please be aware that many finding aids remain in hard copy only. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.

Upcoming Programs & Events

Library & Archives programs provide opportunities for members of the public to have meaningful encounters with the library and its collections. Past programs have included Wikipedia edit-a-thons, reading groups, displays and tours of archival materials, lectures, and hands-on workshops. All library programs are free of charge, and participants do not require a general admission ticket.

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Past Programs & Events

New!

over of My Mother's Collection of Photographs, © Michael Snow 2022

Talks

Michael Snow: My Mother's Collection of Photographs

Wednesday, July 20, 6 - 8 pm

Join Michael Snow, Jean Gagnon and special guests for the launch of Snow's artist's book My Mother's Collection of Photographs.

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Artist Vanessa Dion Fletcher and an audience member seated next to each other look at a book together. Vanessa holds the book open in her lap while the audience member points at something in the book.

Special Events

AGO Library X Tangled Art + Disability X Bodies In Translation Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon

January 20-22, 2022

Join the Edward P.

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New!

Agnes Fitzgibbon (1833-1913), “Nymphaea Odorata and Nuphar Advena” from Canadian Wild Flowers, John Lovell, 1868. Gift of Larry Pfaff in memory of Janet E. Hutchison, 2017

Talks

Close Looking: Canadian Wild Flowers

Monday, February 8, 11 am

Join Amy Furness, Rosamond Ivey Special Collections Archivist and Head, Library & Archives, as she discusses the AGO’s early editions of Catharine Parr Traill’s Canadian Wild Flowers (

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Postponed

painting of the Art Gallery of Toronto from 1914

Special Events

Library & Archives Unshelved: Highlights from the AGO Archives

Wednesday April 1, 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 Ed

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Postponed

Special Events

Indigenous Arts Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon

Saturday March 28, 12 - 5 pm (talk and tutorial at 12:30)

Please join the Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives and friends for a Wikipedia edit-a-thon on Indigenous arts and artists.

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Postponed

Special Events

Wednesday March 25, 6 - 8 pm

Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers, OCADU, 3rd Floor, Rosalie Sharp Pavilion, 115 McCaul

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Two people embracing under a cherry tree.

Special Events

Library & Archives Unshelved: Love-In

Wednesday February 26, 6 - 8 pm (drop-in)

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

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Special Events

Artist File Fair with EMILIA-AMALIA, no. 2

Saturday November 30, 2019, 1 - 3 pm

In keeping with E-A’s year-long inquiry, this File Fair event is centred on inviting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour), womxn and trans artists to start a file at the library, archive their contributions within Canadian art history and contribute to institutional memory.

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Special Events

Library & Archives Unshelved: Highlights from the Rare Book Collection

Wednesday November 27, 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