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Toronto Public Library Pilgrimage of 100 Branches

North York Central’s Third Floor: Society and Recreation

IMG_7997When I arrived on the third floor, I was immediately drawn to the artwork on the walls near the large Native People’s collection. I especially liked a print by Jamasie near the first study booth on the north wall. My favourite detail of “Camp at Kangiak” was a face peering from the entrance to a tent.

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“Camp at Kangiak” by Jamasie (Print of stone-cut)

As I walked beside the study cells, booth #5 suddenly became free, and I lit inside without thinking. Primal scholarly instincts had kicked into high gear, for I didn’t want to miss this rare chance to occupy one of the most coveted study spaces in the library.IMG_7991

Settling in more deeply, I placed my backpack and canvas bag on a high wooden shelf. Then I breathed in the pleasure of briefly owning this quiet, private room designed for concentration and productivity.

I reflected that the very name “Study Booth” was an ideal to live up to. If I played games on my phone or painted my nails, it would disrespect a cell devoted to cramming, brainstorming, or crafting compositions. And with the door and its wall made of glass, my study behaviour was also on display as an example to passersby.

After I reluctantly emerged from my booth, I headed over to the large newspaper collection. Over the racks was a prominent sign that showed a pair of scissors imprisoned by a thick red circle and a diagonal slash mark. Brazen article-clippers, Be Ye Warned!

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2013

On the alert for naughty scissor-wielders, I descended to the second level, Language and Literature, taking some time to admire the overhead and underfoot views of the library.

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