Closer to Pickering than to downtown Toronto, Port Union Library is the most easterly branch in the TPL system. In fact, fifty one kilometres separate it from its westernmost counterpoint, Alderwood Library.
I liked the small-town atmosphere of Port Union Community Recreation Centre, which welcomed visitors with a display of hand-crafted baby clothes. Occupying the west wing of the community centre, the entrance to Port Union branch was just to the left of the knitting exhibit.
At first glance, the library was an impressionistic collection of red triangles and slanted wooden beams. Though small, Port Union’s tall windows, long side aisles, and unexpected corners made it seem much larger.
The entire room resembled a Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation den that had expanded with a flush of capital in the 1980’s. (I’m indebted to Douglas Copeland’s Souvenir of Canada for teaching me about CHMC housing).
What distinguished this den, however, were two large portholes that encouraged soulful gazing for extended meditative periods.
Not far from the portholes, an open door led to a program room. It was already set up for the coming evening’s Book Discussion Group, and I was touched by the care that had gone into the preparations. Each seat contained a copy of What’s On (Programs and Events at Your Library: January-March 2011) and a bookmark. In addition, the front table supported many copies of The Swinging Bridge by Ramabai Espinet, name tags, a meeting agenda, and a bell in case of verbal rowdiness.
The library was still decorated for Christmas, so after exiting the program room I took a moment to admire the tree and one of the faux gifts underneath. As I crouched to take a picture of the shiny present, I studied the gold-ferns-aflame carpet at close range. It might not have been to everyone’s taste, but I found it festive.
Warmed by wooden ceilings and blessed by portholes, I left the building after I checked out a CD by Yael Naim and a French book which narrated the back story of Georges Seurat‘s acrobat.
Port Union called me back in 2015, and I enjoyed visiting it in spring as much as I had in the depths of winter. Having appreciated the portholes from the interior perspective, it was time to focus on the exterior before driving back to Scarborough Junction.
Port Union, I’d like to end this post by complimenting the stunning flowers that grow in the reflection of your portholes! Like you, they are cheerful, uplifting, and contemplative.