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Toronto Public Library Pilgrimage of 100 Branches

Malvern Library (2005): Scarborough at Its Best!

The first time I visited this beautiful branch, the flanks of Malvern Library reminded me of old-fashioned silver ice-cube trays turned on their sides to drain.

2012

In addition to the silvered straight lines of the portico, the triangle above the entrance made a strong geometrical impression. In fact, the exterior lines seemed so formal that I was unprepared for the warmth and organic spaciousness of the interior. When I walked into the library on my 2009 visit, I felt like I’d just taken off my parka and stepped into a scholarly wooden chalet.

2012
2012

To support the high central ceiling, long planks fanned out from stone pillars, creating a strong overhead structure with artistic flair. As I admired the ceiling, imagining it as the skeleton of an upended ark-in-progress, my stationary reverie created an obstacle to browsers.

2012

Below the ark, a fleet of windows summoned sunlight to nourish patrons and tall potted palms alike. I also loved the flowing patterns of light that draped the interior by the windows.

As I wove between the aisles, I noticed shelves of books in Urdu, Tamil, Hindi, Tagalog, Punjabi, Gujurati, and Chinese. In addition, I saw a three-dimensional castle puzzle (fully completed) on top of a bookshelf in the children’s section

Near the castle puzzle was a much larger one: a fort for young readers to defend themselves against boredom. This structure contained seats in turrets and large portals for studious knights and ladies to crawl through. A long carpeted reading bench was the perfect place to recharge for the next joust.

2012

The final details of Malvern that gladdened my heart were the extensive window seats in the southeast corner and a black armchair with cat ears and green eyes. No wonder children were literally running to the doors of this fun branch!

2012

All in all, Malvern Library impressed me as an outstanding example of public resources well-spent. I loved how it challenged stereotypes of crime-ridden, stigmatized Scarborough.

The next person who teases me about living in Scartown or declares that Pape Station is their easternmost limit is going to get a firm invitation to visit Malvern Library. If they could expand their narrow  map of Toronto and spend time at Malvern, Cedarbrae, and Kennedy/Eglinton Libraries (and many others), they would experience the beautiful way these branches serve communities under pressure. And they would better understand why I’m proud to live in Scarborough.

3 replies on “Malvern Library (2005): Scarborough at Its Best!”

Hi Catherine,

The library staff are very pleased to see you blogging about the Toronto Public Library. I have read some of your blogs and in branches where I have worked out, I marvel how well you’ve captured the heart of each branch. You’ve described the inner most soul of each location, which I find quite fascinating, since you’ve only visited for a short time, rather than worked in a place for months to feel the atmosphere out.

Thank you for blogging Malvern and St. James Town, two branches I have worked out. I love the photographs, they are beautiful!

Just note, there is a typo: “libaries” is missing an “r” in the sentence below.
If they could see what I see when I visit Malvern, Cedarbrae, and Kennedy/Eglinton Libaries (and many others), they would experience the beautiful way these branches serve communities under pressure. – Malvern branch

Thanks

Susan

Thank you for introducing me to the Malvern branch. I have not been to this branch (yet) but love our libraries.

Beautiful job with the pictures. And well done TPL on creating such a wonderful place for learning, sharing and escaping the every day. Just gorgeous. Can’t wait to visit in person.

Sharlene

Hi Susan! Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. It’s really heartening and encouraging to have the support of TPL. When I first started the blog in 2007, it didn’t have many readers, and it means a lot to me when I get feedback like yours. Thank you, too, for pointing out the typo, which I have corrected. Best wishes, Catherine

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