Cultural Hotspot Comes to South Scarborough! - Non-Fiction Reading List

Residents of south Scarborough may have heard of the City of Toronto’s inaugural Cultural Hotspot initiative in 2014, namely Hotspot East – south Scarborough, comprising the area “bordered by Lawrence Avenue East south to the lake, Victoria Park Avenue east to Highland Creek Village. This Hotspot is home to a diverse cultural scene, engaged community, growing economy, green spaces and unique local history.” The City of Toronto has produced a Program Guide called “This Spot is Hot: Culture, Creativity, Community: May-October 2014” that lists a variety of signature projects and other activities in which to get involved such as the Legacy Project (an online and in-print information collection to be developed that will provide access, exploration, and enjoyment opportunities in culture, art, business, and history for residents and visitors alike) and the Cultural Loops (South Scarborough has been subdivided into three (3) cultural loops to showcase local arts, culture, business, and history opportunities.).

Toronto Public Library is a community partner amongst many organizations of the Cultural Hotspot East initiative with 12 library branches located in the designated area. Albert Campbell District Branch, Cliffcrest and Taylor Memorial Neighbourhood Branches all fall within Loop 1. In Loop 2, one can find Cedarbrae District Branch (location of the Scarborough Historical Collection) as well as Bendale, Eglinton Square, Kennedy/Eglinton, and McGregor Park Neighbourhood Branches. Or, follow Loop 3 in southeastern Scarborough in which one can visit Guildwood, Highland Creek, Morningside and Port Union Neighbourhood Branches. Visit any one of these 12 library branch locations to pick up a free copy (Please note: while supplies last!) of the booklet “Toronto Public Library and the Cultural Hotspot East..: Library Guide Reading List”. The booklet includes a page called “Your Passport” on which you can get stamps from each of the 12 library branch locations. If you visit all 12 designated library branches to get “Your Passport” stamped 12 times, ask library staff for a ballot for a chance to win a gift basket. Enjoy exploring public library branches in the Cultural Hotspot East – south Scarborough area! Or, download the PDF (Portable Document Format) file version of the booklet here.

 

The booklet’s reading list includes a variety of titles available for borrowing from Toronto Public Library collections. Here is the list of non-fiction titles subdivided by areas of interest:

 

Art & Architecture:

Celebrating Life: The Art of Doris McCarthy

William Moore and Stuart Reid, 1999

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection produced this exhibition catalogue in 1999, highlighting the work of Artist of Honour Doris McCarthy who also served as artist-in-residence in 2000. 

 

Doris McCarthy: Roughing It in the Bush

Doris McCarthy, 2010

Enjoy viewing the exhibition catalogue of the Doris McCarthy Gallery at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). 

 

Doris McCarthy: Ninety Years Wise

Doris McCarthy, 2004

Written by the author at age 94, the now-late painter Doris McCarthy (1910-2010) focused on a recent summer (two years before) spent at her Georgian Bay cottage painting and connecting with friends. Photographs (including some of the artist’s work) complement the story of this memoir. 

 

Home Sweet Scarborough

Richard Schofield, 1996

The Scarborough Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (LACAC) presents architectural profiles of various historic buildings in Scarborough, including different churches and the Scarboro’ Centennial Memorial Library.

 

Signposts to Scarborough’s Rural Past:  A Photographic Journey

George W. J. Duncan, 1999

Read the story of Scarborough’s earliest building dating from the pioneer era, the log cabin located at 191 Guildwood Parkway, along with stories and photographs of other Scarborough landmarks. 

 

Those interested in Scarborough-based arts and architecture should also consider watching the following episodes from the Rogers Television program Structures, available for borrowing in DVD format, from Toronto Public Library collections:

Structures. 2006 Episode 8 (DVD)

The Scarborough Golf Club & Country Club. Cliffside Neighbourhood.

Rogers Television, 2006

Learn about historic sites in Cliffside neighbourhood and at the Scarborough Golf Club and Country Club.

 

Structures. 2009-2010 Episode 1 (DVD) 

Highland Creek

Rogers Television, 2010

Take a tour of Highland Creek neighbourhood in eastern Scarborough to appreciate its architecture, environment, and history.

 

Structures. 2009-2010 Episode 6 (DVD)

University of Toronto Scarborough Campus

Rogers Television, 2010

Learn about older and newer buildings at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. 

 

General History: Scarborough & Scarborough Neighbourhoods:

 

Fact & Folklore: Highland Creek, Hillside, Port Union, West Hill

John P. Spilsbury, 1998 – available in eBook  format through ourroots.ca

 

Take a look back at southeast Scarborough through settler families, general stores, transportation by stage coaches and railroads, churches and cemeteries, hotels and inns, a mechanics institute library, and the establishment of community associations such as the Centennial Community and Recreation Association (CCRA) in 1949. 

 

A History of Scarborough

Robert R. Bonis, 1968 – Also available in eBook format

 

This groundbreaking book set the historical stage for the transformation of Scarborough and its component villages into a more industrialized, urban municipality following World War Two. Follow the life of pioneer families through recreational activities such as plowing matches, horseshoe throwing, and spelling bees through to the construction of Scarborough’s first high school in the early 1920s (now R.H. King Academy) to the development of community centres (such as Heron Park), the Scarborough General Hospital, the Scarborough Board of Education and the Scarborough Public Library Board in the mid-1950s. 

 

The History of the Guild Inn

Carol M. Lidgold, 2000

Read about the love story of Rosa and Spencer Clark and their dream to build an arts-based co-operative community through the Guild Inn. Follow brief biographies of various artists, and explore a guide to the sculpture garden. 

 

Memories of Scarborough: A Bicentennial Celebration

City of Scarborough Public Library Board, 1997 – Also available in eBook format

Scarborough residents reflect upon yesteryear and the development of their lives and their communities over time. One essay explores the history of recreational chess clubs in Scarborough. 

 

The People of Scarborough: A History

Barbara Myrvold, 1997 – Also available in eBook  format

This book tracks the people of Scarborough from the beginning – i.e. Aboriginal peoples before and after contact with Europeans – through to early European settlement (1796-1815), immigration and settlement (1815-1861), rural population decline (1861-1910), suburban development and population growth (1911-1945), suburban population explosion (1945-1971), and multicultural city (1971-1996) – with a focus on various ethnocultural groups, including their activities and organizations. 

 

Scarborough Then and Now

Richard Schofield, 1996

Track the development of Scarborough and its services from 1796 to 1996, including the board of education, the public library board, and parks and recreation. 

 

Natural History & Walking Tours:

 

Along the Shore: Rediscovering Toronto’s Waterfront Heritage

Jane Fairburn, 2013 – also available in eBook  format

Follow the historical journey from past to present by focusing on specific areas of Toronto’s waterfront, namely from east to west: the Scarborough Bluffs, the Beach, the Island (i.e. Toronto Islands), and the Lakeshore (encompassing New Toronto, Mimico, Humber Bay, and Long Branch). Learn how residents in these communities of yesteryear relied upon the proximity of Lake Ontario for their survival, whereas the opportunities for recreation have increased in importance over time. 

 

The Rouge River Valley: An Urban Wilderness

James Garratt, 1999 – also available in eBook  format

Environmentalist James Garratt offers the reader two decades of his ecological examination and personal observations on the Rouge River Valley, a wilderness occurring within an urban setting. The author looks at the diverse, natural habitat forced to deal with the specter of urban sprawl and continuing development. Contrast this with the more recent announcement of this area being turned into an urban-based national park. 

 

Stroll: Psychogeographic Walking Tours of Toronto

Shawn Micallef, 2010 – also available in eBook  format

The senior editor of Spacing magazine includes Scarborough-based walking tours for Rouge Park, Kingston-Galloway and Guildwood Village, Scarborough City Centre and Bendale, and Dorset Park. 

 

Toronto’s Ravines: Walking the Hidden Country

Murray Seymour, 2000

The author introduces the reader to 34 ravine walks accessible by public transit within the City of Toronto. People in Scarborough can explore the eastern stretches of the Taylor-Massey Creek watershed in western Scarborough as well as the Highland Creek valley and the Rouge River area in southeastern Scarborough.

Immigrant Diversity Week: Information for Newcomers on Employment Success and More

Immigrant Diversity Week is on now and continues until Friday May 3.

Free events, put together by the Employment, Education, and Training Action Group of the Toronto East Quadrant Local Immigration Partnership, are happening throughout the east end of the city, and many are taking place at library branches in the Scarborough community.

If you are new to Canada, drop in to your local library branch to find out what resources are available to you!

Photo of TTC subway tile by Marc Falardeau via Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license.

On Tuesday April 30, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., visit the McGregor Park Branch to get information from local agencies such as the ASCA Newcomers' Centre, which has been providing services for newcomers such as translation, interpretation, counseling, and employment-related services in the community for over 35 years.

On Wednesday May 1 join us for job-related workshops at Albert Campbell Branch. Find out about Canadian workplace culture and the essential communication skills you need to succeed in a diverse and competitive workplace from an employment counsellor from Goodwill Employment Services. Participants will learn about they key aspects of culture and communication, including non-verbal forms of communication, the expectations and assumptions of Canadian colleagues, and more. Or get information about resumes from an expert from Centennial College Job Connect, who will offer instruction on how to create effective resumes and cover letters. If you already have a resume or cover letter, bring it with you to receive feedback and tips for improvement. Useful handouts and skills lists will be distributed. Please call 416-396-8890 to register for one of these free workshops. Both workshops take place from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Visit the Kennedy/Eglinton Branch on Wednesday May 1, from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m., to get information about services for immigrants from the Catholic Crosscultural Services, which provides settlement and immigration services for all newcomers regardless of religion. 

On Thursday May 2, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Catholic Cross Cultural Services will be back at the Kennedy/Eglinton Branch to present a free resource information workshop for newcomers on immigration and refugee issues, settlement plans, and more. Register by phone, 416-396-8924, or drop in!

If you would like to practice your English communication skills, come to the Albert Campbell Branch on Thursday May 2nd at 3:00 p.m. for our English Conversation Circle. Learn about Canadian culture and improve your spoken English in an encouraging and supportive environment with other newcomers. To register, call Lakhbir Dhillon at 416-757-7010 ext. 212 or email [email protected], or just drop in!

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Can't make it to an Immigrant Diversity Week event? Don't worry - resources for newcomers are available at the library all year long. For more information, check out our webpage Find Your Way if You're New to Canada.

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Are you a newcomer looking for work? Here is a selection of books on how to achieve employment success, especially for job-seekers who are new to Canada (click on the picture for more information about the book and to place a hold):



Staff Pick

Room: a novel by Emma Donoghue        

Imagine being born and raised in an 11 X 11 foot converted shed where you spend every minute of every day.  Imagine not knowing what fresh air feels like.  That is reality for five-year-old Jack who has spent his entire life in a small enclosed space consisting of a tiny kitchen, bathtub, toilet, bed, wardrobe, and television.  This is all Jack knows of the world.  To him everything he sees on TV is fantasy, and the only people who exist in the “real” world are himself, Ma, and Old Nick.  In Jack’s universe food appears magically during the night, “Sundaytreat” is the highlight of the week, and gym class consists of running around a coffee table.

What Jack doesn’t know is that Ma has another name and was once a young college student with her whole life ahead of her.  Then one day she is abducted and held captive for seven years in an outdoor bunker.  After learning that Old Nick has been unemployed for months and experiencing his extreme cruelty in cutting off the electricity to the shed and not bringing food for days, Ma decides that immediate action must be taken to escape their horrific situation.  Waiting for Jack to get older and stronger is no longer an option.  She devises an elaborate plan to escape Old Nick, but is not prepared for how difficult life is in the outside world for her and especially for Jack, whose life is turned upside down by all the change.

Room by Emma Donoghue is both disturbing and inspiring, and will leave readers with a new appreciation for the everyday freedoms we take for granted.   The book is written from the perspective of Jack.  His childish innocence makes the book all the more heartbreaking for readers.  Listening to Jack describe hiding in the wardrobe while Old Nick visits his Ma at night and having to “count till he makes that gaspy sound and stops,” is extremely difficult as a reader.  Despite the sadness inherent to the narrative, Donoghue is somehow able to balance the horrifying aspects of the story with uplifting moments.  Jack’s triumph is saving himself and his Ma, and his determination to try to understand the outside world makes this book a memorable and emotionally-satisfying read. 

Staff Picks

 

The Race by Clive Cussler  

The race is an exciting novel which takes place at the turn of the century. Isaac Bell is one of the top agents for the Van Dorn Detective Agency which has been hired by newspaper publisher Preston Whiteway to protect Josephine Frost from her husband while she flies in a fifty day race across America. The year is 1910 and aviation is in its infancy and with a first prize of $50,000 for the winner. A number of aviators enter the race along with Josephine, who happens to be the only woman in the race, as well as Preston’s love interest.

Frost, Josephine’s violent-tempered husband, has murdered her lover and has tried but failed to kill her as well. This time he has vowed to finish the job. Along with hired thugs, murderers, thieves in every city along the way, and planes that are being sabotaged, the race is fraught with danger. Isaac likes driving fast cars and now has to learn how to fly an airplane in a few weeks without lessons in order to protect Josephine from sabotage during the race.

Isaac had tangled with Frost when he was just a young agent and lost to this giant of a man and has vowed not to lose again. Frost will stop at nothing to kill Josephine and anyone close to her as revenge for her betrayal with her murdered lover. Clive Cussler delivers a fun-filled adventure in his fourth novel featuring Isaac Bell and his fellow agents at the Van Dorn Detective Agency. This novel is thoroughly enjoyable, and will appeal to readers who like suspense, drama, and interesting characters.   

Welcome to the Albert Campbell District Blog!

Welcome! 

It is our pleasure to unveil this new blog for the Albert Campbell District.  Now you may be asking yourself, “What is the Albert Campbell District?”  This district is a group of four Toronto Public Library branches located in close proximity to one another and it includes the Albert Campbell, Eglinton Square, McGregor Park, and Kennedy/ Eglinton branches.  More information including the addresses and hours of operation for each branch can be found on the Toronto Public Library’s website.

What is this blog about? 

The Albert Campbell District blog will feature information on new books and resources in the branches, staff favourites and recommendations for good reading materials, special programs and events happening in the district and anything else we think may be of interest to you.  It is a place where you can keep up-to-date and involved with what is happening in your library.  We encourage you to help us make the blog an interactive space by sharing your thoughts and replying or posting comments on the blog.

We look forward to hearing from you!