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Massey College

History & Overview

About the Robertson Davies Library

Since 1963, the Robertson Davies Library at Massey College has curated distinguished collections on the history and craft of the book, with a focus on printing, illustration, typography, papermaking, and binding from the late 18th to mid-20th century.

In 1981, the Library was named for the Founding Master, the Canadian novelist Robertson Davies, who had a particular interest in printing and the book arts and strongly supported the development of a library at Massey College. A special area of the library houses copies of most of the editions and translations of his work.

Researchers can access detailed catalogue descriptions  by searching the University of Toronto Libraries online catalogue. Those interested in consulting the collections are requested to email the library department.

Statue of Robertson Davies', The Founding Master of Massey College

Important Information

  • Hours

    Monday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
    Tuesday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
    Wednesday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
    Thursday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
    Friday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
    Saturday: Closed
    Sunday: Closed

    *The Library is open by appointment only. Please email library@masseycollege.ca to schedule a visit.

  • The Book History & Print Culture (BHPC) Collaborative Specialization

    The Book History & Print Culture Collaborative is an interdisciplinary graduate specialization at the University of Toronto, based at Massey College, focused on the history, material culture, and transmission of books, manuscripts, print, and digital texts. It brings together students and faculty across disciplines to explore authorship, reading, collecting, and textual culture. To learn more, click here. The Robertson Davies Library’s teaching collection supports this graduate program by providing access to rare and representative materials in book history and print culture.

  • Class Field Trips

    If you are not part of BHPC but you’d like to bring your class to the Robertson Davies Library as part of a field trip, this can be arranged. Please email the library department early in the term with your class name, which items you’d like to see, or the background of the discipline so we can tailor materials from the collection to best fit your visit. Please note that spots are limited.

  • Become a Friend of the Library

    Join the Friends of the Robertson Davies Library to stay connected with the Library’s activities throughout the year, receive early invitations to events, and support our collections. When you make a gift, you become part of a community that shares a passion for knowledge, history, and discovery. Your support helps us acquire rare books and manuscripts, conserve and digitize fragile materials, improve access through cataloguing projects, and present exhibitions, lectures, and publications that bring the collections to life for teaching, research, and public engagement.

    Click Here to Join