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Toronto Public Library Pilgrimage of 100 Branches

Armour Heights (1982): Home Away from Home at Avenue and Wilson

2012

Consisting of one square room in a community centre near Avenue and Wilson, Armour Heights had a warm domestic vibe thanks to its humble size and a brick fireplace on the east wall. (On my second visit in 2012, I noticed the fireplace had been papered over, but it was reassuring to know it still existed).

2012

A low reading bench spanning the length of the fireplace was covered with cushions, teddy bears, and other assorted animals, including Minnie Mouse. Completing the cozy scene was a wooden chest with Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig decals topped by sleeping tigers.

Not far from the tigers, intense sunlight warmed a padded seat set into the middle of the north wall. The opening hours etched on the glass were hyper-illuminated, inviting a chorus of celestial music to celebrate the library. Ah-ah!

2012
2012

The wooden table in front of the window was the perfect place to study a book about cats from the small French collection. Other patrons nearby contentedly tapped on their laptop keyboards.After photographing several French books, I discovered a reading lounge that made for a calm northwest corner, and soon I had travelled the length and width of Armour Height’s compact dimensions.

On the Friday morning of my visit, I was heartened to see large numbers of patrons making themselves at home at this small branch with a big commitment to service. In the corridor outside the library, the notice board was overflowing with news of local events, and a couple of friends swung badminton rackets in anticipation of their next game.

2012

At this community-oriented hub, even the back entrance was animated. Cars drove up and parked momentarily to let passengers scurry in to return their library books. Squirrels rushed around the tree trunks. And the sun continued to bless and brighten this welcoming branch.

2012

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