In the constellation of spaces that make up the University of Toronto’s library system, the Downsview preservation facility feels like a universe unto itself.

Located about a half hour drive (or 40 min transit trip) from U of T’s downtown campus, the massive facility was founded in 2005 to address the ways academic libraries (and their users) were evolving: students needed more library space to study and collaborate, and library staff needed a venue to safely store and preserve the overflow.

The solution was Downsview --- a temperature controlled, sustainably run preservation space that could properly house low-use books and materials. While it’s not open for public browsing, Downsview is one of the most important sites in the library ecosystem, providing a new way of envisioning materials, preservation, and spaces.

On a windy afternoon in early May, U of T library staff and donors gathered at the facility to celebrate its biggest milestone to date – the shelving of its four millionth book. Staff gathered around a yellow cart, using Sharpies to sign the cardboard tray that would contain the book as it got ferried to its new home.

Over the past 20 years, the facility has come a long way, expanding once (with a second expansion in progress). With more than 200,000 items from U of T’s many libraries swiftly processed each year, and more items coming weekly, it’s safe to say the system is a well-oiled machine. (Users can request Downsview titles through the library website and it will be in your hands within 24 hours if you pick it up from Robarts).

Downsview’s collections have also expanded far beyond the U of T environment: as of 2013, six Canadian universities all store their low-use holdings at the facility as part of the Keep@Downsview partnership. They include McMaster University, the University of Ottawa, Queen’s University, Western University, Memorial University (who joined in 2021) and most recently, York University, who will align its holdings with existing Downsview materials as the program’s first “Share Only” partner model.

For those lucky enough to visit the facility in person, the expansiveness of its holdings is a sight to behold, with shelves 35 feet high and 150 feet wide filled with books, audiovisual material, journals and more, spanning as far as the eye can see.

As guests, including former Head of User Services Lari Langford, wandered around the warehouse and strolled down the length of the shelves, they commented on how the chatter of voices on the opposite end grew muffled and eventually disappeared, leaving one cushioned in silence; alone with the books.

University Chief Librarian Larry Alford addressed the group in the warehouse, standing in front of the cart holding the four millionth title, safely ensconced in its tray: volume one of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, contributed by the University of Ottawa.

As Alford explained, its inclusion provided an opportunity for a nuanced moment of reflection. For libraries, he explained, there’s always more work to be done to serve principles of reconciliation with respect, care and an openness to learning.

“(The shelving of the Final Report) is not just symbolic; it is deeply meaningful,” Alford said. “It stands as a reminder of the responsibility we carry as libraries – not only to preserve knowledge, but to steward it thoughtfully, respectfully, and with a commitment to the truth.”

Alford stepped aside and Downsview’s senior high density access and retrieval associate Taylor Nisbet took over, rolling the four millionth book and its cart onto a Raymond high capacity reach truck. After buckling herself in, Nisbet directed the truck to a nearby shelf, expertly sliding the book tray and the Final Report into its new space. A tour led by Downsview Coordinator Kyla Everall followed to get staff and new guests acquainted with the nuances of the space, its capacity and operations, and details about the forthcoming expansion.

It was a moment that felt particularly significant at this juncture in Downsview’s history – an act that symbolized the library’s valued partnerships, shared stewardship of materials and intentional approaches to preservation, and a testament to the people behind the stacks, working hard to best support the evolving needs of their community.

“When Downsview first began, it had the practical goal of freeing physical space at Robarts while still allowing accessibility to materials as needed – and was entirely a U of T initiative,” said Caitlin Tillman, Associate Chief Librarian, Collections and Materials Management. “It’s a space that has truly grown in importance through our valued Keep@Dowsnview partnerships with libraries across Ontario and Canada, and more than that, it shows how we’re modernizing and adapting to envision new types of library spaces for students and faculty. At the same time, we’re staying true to the most fundamental library values - preserving materials and driving access to knowledge.”

Learn more about the Downsview preservation facility.

Learn more about the Keep@Downsview partnership.

Four million volumes and counting at Downsview

Learn more

UTL at Downsview