A person smiles at the camera while standing at a Toronto Public Library service desk. A library staff member sits behind the desk at a computer. Signs on the counter include information about the "1000 Reads Before Kindergarten" program and library tote bags.

This is part of my #100Branches project, in which my goal is to visit all 100 branches of the Toronto Public Library (as well as any other library I can find). Read my About page or check My Library Project on my website.

Nearest intersection to TPL's Wychwood branch: Bathurst Street and St. Clair Ave. West.
Note: You can find updated info about this branch at TPL’s Wychwood Branch page, including accessibility features.

Just a few features of interest to those looking for a good place to write: laptop bars, reading terrace on 2nd floor (open when weather allows), lots of tables and chairs.

Date visited: Aug. 29, 2025, just before meeting up with my friend Elfine; Elfine was the one who encouraged me to check out this branch. Above: I enjoyed meeting Kinda at the front desk, who is cheering me on re: my Library Project.

View from the upper level of a library looking down at a central spiral staircase, bookshelves, reading areas, tall windows, and a fireplace at the far end of the room.

Wow, Elfine was right. Gorgeous interior! This branch finished a major renovation in 2022. According to the History archives (see the Wychwood branch page), the library was originally established in 1898 (!!!) as was known as Bracondale Public Library. You can browse photos of the Wychwood Branch in TPL’s digital archives.

Black-and-white photo of children seated and standing in the Boys and Girls Room of the Wychwood Branch of the Toronto Public Library. Bookshelves and tall windows are visible in the background. The image includes a caption identifying the location and date as March 18, 1939.

You can read more about the major renovation in this Azure magazine article, “A Revamped Toronto Library Pays Homage To History.” According to the article, Shoalts and Zaback Architects wanted to ensure that the renovation preserved the integrity and history of the original design. I love that they felt that building a library represents the world we would like to have, a place where everyone is welcome.

I worked on my middle grade novel on the top floor:

A person smiles at the camera while sitting at a wooden table with an open laptop on the upper level of a library. Bookshelves, tall windows, and exposed wooden beams are visible in the background.

For more information, read my About page or check My Library Project on my website.

Illustration of a smiling girl holding the book I Want to Read ALL the Books in front of a blue background featuring the Toronto Public Library logo. The hashtags “#100Branches #AllTheLibraries” appear at the top, with “Debbie Ridpath Ohi - DebbieOhi.com” at the bottom.