Arts & Culture

Our reproduction service lets you order prints of historical images of Toronto and beyond — all from Toronto Public Library’s collections.

Many of these images can be explored on our Digital Archive.

Our Digital Archive has over 160,000 digitized items. These include historical maps, photos, paintings, posters, drawings and ephemera (items not intended to last for a long time).

Plus, we add new items almost daily!

How do I order an image from our Digital Archive?

1. Explore our Digital Archive for one or more images to order
2. For each image, note its “Call Number / Accession Number” near the bottom of each record (see screenshot below). You’ll use this in the next step.
3. Fill out Print Order Reproduction Form (PDF)
4. Email form to [email protected] with the subject “Print Reproduction Order Form”. Or deliver it in person or by mail to the Toronto Reference Library.

Payment will be charged to the credit card listed on your completed form or paid by cash if picked up in person. Check our size and price chart.

Can I order a print of an image from the library not on the Digital Archive?

Yes! Public domain items from our collections may be digitized and ordered. You can find these items by searching our library’s catalogue or exploring our collections in person at the Toronto Reference Library.

What sizes can I order?

Our prints come in several sizes ranging from 8 x 10 inches all the way up to 42 x 60 inches. Check our size and price chart.

Can I order framed prints?

Sorry, we don’t offer framed prints.

Where should I start to find an image?

If you’re not sure what to search on our Digital Archive, below is some inspiration.

Many of our oldest international maps are among our most visually striking items. What about these 16th- and 17th-century maps of the north pole and western hemisphere, respectively?

Theatrvm orbis terrarvm, 1592. (Call number / Accession number: 37131055487276)

A map of the North-Pole and the parts adjoining, 1680. (Call number / Accession number: 912.98 P39 (Arctic map drawer))

Want something more local? Check out early Toronto maps such as a topographical map of the city (1851) and a colourful map of Toronto Island (1903).

Topographical plan of the city of Toronto, 1851. (Call number / Accession number: T1851/4Mlrg)

Toronto Island, plan of park improvement and proposed water ways to accompany a report of commissioner of parks, dated Dec. 15th, 1903. (Call number / Accession number: T 1903/5 Large)

Our collection also includes First World War posters and Second World War posters — as well as some items commemorating the Canada’s war efforts.

Buy Victory bonds, 1943. (Call number / Accession number: 1939-45. Victory bonds. Item 8. L)

In Flanders' Fields, 1918. (Call number / Accession number: 1918. McCrae. SB)

One of our most valuable items are the Birds of America drawings by naturalist John J. Audubon. We’ve got hundreds of illustrations you could order. They could even be printed at their actual, huge size. (Want a Canadian alternative: check out the works of William Pope.)

Barn Owl, 1833. (Call number / Accession number: AUD-Plate-171)

Blue Jay, 1827. (Call number / Accession number: AUD-Plate-102)

How about a reproduction of on of our photos capturing turn-of-the-century views of your neighbourhood or street? (Tip: try searching for your neighbourhood or major intersection.)

Huntley Street bridge, north of Bloor Street, 1885. (Call number / Accession number: E 4-79d)

Danforth Avenue, north side, west from Dawes Road; group portrait of some inhabitants of Little York, 1900. (Call number / Accession number: 966-2-31a)

St. Lawrence Market. North Market (1850-1904), Front Street East, north side, between Market & Jarvis Streets., showing east side, before alterations, 1898. (Call number / Accession number: B 4-9a)

Crosse & Blackwell Factory, Lakeshore Boulevard West, south east corner of Bathurst Street, 1926. (Call number / Accession number: 942-1-1)

Finally, you could order a print of items of fine art that highlight the City of Toronto and surrounding areas.

York from Gibralter Point (Toronto), 1828. (Call number / Accession number: JRR 195 Cab III)

Gooderham & Worts, Limited, Toronto, 1896. (Call number / Accession number: 981-25 Cab III)

Toronto Port Lands looking north west to Toronto skyline in left background, 1899. (Call number / Accession number: 959-4-1 Cab II)

Toronto, 1838. (Call number / Accession number: JRR 1840 Cab IV (Bartlett))

Browse the Digital Archive to find something that you — or a friend or loved one  — might like. For more information about all types of orders, visit Special Collections Reproduction Service.