Mischief and Mirth: The Wonderful World of Fairies
About the exhibit
Visit our enchanting exhibit on the myth and magic of fairies in rare books, artwork and more from TPL's Special Collections. (Includes a scavenger hunt for kids!)
Learn about the origins of these magical creatures, how our understanding of them has changed over time and where they can be found today — both on and off the page. You'll discover books, prints, writing and original artwork from TPL's Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books, Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation & Fantasy and Arthur Conan Doyle Collection.
Also see fairy costumes from The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty in Toronto Reference Library's entrance display, just before you enter the lobby doors. On loan from The National Ballet of Canada.
Virtual exhibit
Can't visit in person? Check out over 50 items from the exhibit online.
Programs & tours
Guided tours
Drop in for an in-person, staff-led tour on one of the following Tuesdays. Meet at the TD Gallery.
December 13, 3 pm
December 20, 3 pm
January 3, 3 pm
January 10, 3 pm
January 17, 3 pm (led by Katie Wilson, Archivist of The National Ballet of Canada)
January 24, 3 pm
January 31, 3 pm
February 7, 3 pm
February 14, 3 pm
February 21, 3 pm
February 28, 3 pm
March 7, 3 pm
March 14, 3pm
Reading lists
Borrow books from TPL — handpicked by curators of Mischief and Mirth.
Colouring pages
Download a fairy-themed colouring book (PDF 8 MB) with trivia from the exhibit.