Toronto Public Library - Fort York Branch

Need a break from the sun? (Or maybe the snow, if you’re a bold winter traveller?) Head to one of the city’s excellent libraries. The City of Toronto has actually invested quite heavily in its library network, including building a few beautiful new modern spaces. Two new gems include the Scarborough Civic Centre, connecting wooded views with high rises in a broad, glassy, rustic style, and the Fort York library, built in the heart of a rising condo area. Both are sleek and fun to just walk through or relax in for a bit. If you prefer something more 20th century, check out the Toronto Reference Library, whose sweeping staircases and cool neutral tones are a wonderful example of mid-century modern architecture.