Fifteen years in Toronto, countless walks on Bloor Street, and I never noticed the Japan Foundation.
I had the opportunity last night to visit JFT (Japan Foundation Toronto) last night and oogle their library and “Orgamic Architecture” exhibit. If you’re interested in Japan, Japanese culture, or just interested in libraries (and I think you might be), I’d recommend stopping by 131 Bloor Street W the next time you’re in downtown Toronto.
Sadly, the library at JFT is noticing that the number of visitors are decreasing as are circulation stats so spread the word to anyone you know who’s looking to learn about Japan or maintain ties with the Japanese community in Toronto. The library is open to the public and issues library cards to anyone residing in the city for a minimum of three months. What’s the collection like? Imagine a small branch of the TPL – now imagine that the majority of the materials are in Japanese. Worry not, there’re also materials in English (fiction, non-fiction, multimedia) and French (Japanese novels translated into French). And an enviable collection of popular culture (manga, J-pop, films). Add to that mental image extremely friendly staff, a well-lit space, and comfortable seating – that’s the JFT library.
5 responses so far ↓
Sandra Herber // Feb 5th 2010 at 7:10 AM
What a wonderful find, Amena. Those photographs of paper cutouts are amazing.
Sandra Herber // Feb 5th 2010 at 7:10 AM
What a wonderful find, Amena. The library sounds like a little gem and those photographs of paper cutouts are amazing.
Amena // Feb 7th 2010 at 1:34 AM
Goal: find more hidden public libraries in the city :]
Rachel Peters // Feb 8th 2010 at 9:37 AM
This is so neat Amena! I spent a week in Japan in 2008 and loved it. I will have to check out the library for sure the next time that I am in Toronto! Thanks for posting this information!
Amena // Feb 8th 2010 at 8:37 PM
Hi Rachel! I hope you get the chance to check out the oragamic exhibit :]