Introducing
The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room Introducing
The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room

Visit this incredible space Visit this incredible space

Expanding the Reach of Canadian Literature

The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room is a beautiful and inspiring space located on the 4th Floor of the Toronto Reference Library. After Jack’s passing in 2017, his family donated his personal collection of books and memorabilia to Toronto Public Library, and the TPL Foundation, along with generous donors, reached the $1 million fundraising goal to create this fitting tribute to Jack’s legacy.

Jack Rabinovitch was a businessman, philanthropist and founder of the Scotiabank Giller Prize, a celebrated award that recognizes excellence in Canadian fiction.

This incredible space at TPL will provide a permanent home for Jack’s diverse and extensive collection as well as host the Library’s Writer in Residence program, and be a destination where anyone can come and read, relax and participate in Author Talks and panel discussions with a focus on Canadian literature. (Image: Margaret Atwood and Jack Rabinovitch)

From Jack’s Family

“My sisters and I gave a lot of thought to where all of our father’s books could go, and we know we have found the perfect home for them at Toronto Public Library. Our dad believed that Canadian literature should be celebrated and easily accessible, for free, and the Library does just that. I am grateful to library staff for ensuring that our father’s legacy will live on in such an exciting and meaningful way.” – Noni Rabinovitch

,

Scotiabank Giller Prize shortlist announcement at Toronto Reference Library

September 27, 2022 – Toronto Public Library hosted the announcement of the Scotiabank Giller Prize shortlist in the Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room at the Toronto Reference Library. The event, which was livestreamed on the Giller Prize Facebook page and on CBC, was a wonderful opportunity to show off this beautiful new space, dedicated to Canadian literature. Explore this year’s list of Giller-nominated titles on the library’s website.

2022 Donor Reception

In June, the Foundation hosted its first in-person donor reception to celebrate the room’s grand opening and bring together the Rabinovitch family and the donors who helped make The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room at the Toronto Reference Library a reality. (Photo left: Shanitha Kachan, TPLF Board Member and Visionary Donor)

View photos from event

From the Collection

Throughout his lifetime, Jack built a diverse and important personal library including first edition copies of the past Scotiabank Giller Prize winners like Margaret Atwood.

The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room will house close to 1,000 titles from Jack’s extensive book collection, many signed by authors and inscribed with special messages to Jack or his wife Doris.

View Collection

Exclusive Virtual Tour

Enjoy a tour of this beautiful new space.

View Video

Special thanks to our Donors

The Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room was made possible thanks to the generosity of exceptional donors who collectively contributed towards the creation of this incredible space.

Our Donors