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A screenshot of a digital article. The article title in the top left of the image reads "Robarts Library, An Architectural Oral History." To the left of the article title is a black and white photo of a large concrete building under construction. The body text of the article begins below the photograph.

Robarts Library, an Architectural Oral History

This project celebrates the 50-year history of Robarts Library and its architectural and cultural role in Toronto throughout its history.

A screenshot of a digital article. The article title in the top left of the image reads "Robarts Library, An Architectural Oral History." To the left of the article title is a black and white photo of a large concrete building under construction. The body text of the article begins below the photograph.
Robarts Library Spacing article, November 30, 2023. Nominee for the 2024 Heritage Toronto Public History Award. Courtesy of Spacing Toronto.

Robarts Library Spacing article, November 30, 2023. Nominee for the 2024 Heritage Toronto Public History Award. Courtesy of Spacing Toronto.

Daylight landscape view of a Robarts Library. The tall building stands with a glass attachment. The addition has multiple stories, and floor to ceiling glass windows.
Robarts Common. Image by Doublespace photography. Courtesy of Diamond Schmitt.

Robarts Common. Image by Doublespace photography. Courtesy of Diamond Schmitt.

Project Leads: Jesse Carliner and Tys Klumpenhouwer

Publisher: Matthew Blackett, Spacing

Project Website 

Date of Release: November 30, 2023

As Robarts Library celebrates its 50th anniversary, architecture, urban, and library experts were interviewed as part of a Robarts Library oral history project, culminating in an article published by Spacing in November 2023. Participants discussed the evolution of Robarts Library and its place in Toronto’s urban landscape, including how critics and design aficionados have pushed for a reappraisal of Robarts Library, making the case for a better appreciation of its architectural and cultural value. 

Since Robarts Library is part of the University of Toronto campus, it naturally engages youth and the diverse student population. This was a project led and researched by librarians — by teaming up with Spacing, the project was given a larger platform to reach beyond the university community.

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