A Riverside Cornerstone: Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter Branch

Did you know that the Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter branch first opened in 1979 on the south side of Queen Street East, just west of Saulter Street? A year later in 1980, it moved and settled in at its current location — inside the Ralph Thornton Community Centre, 765 Queen Street East – historically the building was ‘Postal Station G’, a heritage building originally constructed in 1913.

Photo credit: Toronto Public Library (website)

More than an essential community resource, Riverside’s very own public library at 765 Queen St E is a neighbourhood landmark; a piece of history. In celebration of the Toronto Public Library’s 142nd anniversary (which was on March 6, 2026), we’re shining the spotlight on the Queen/Saulter Branch and its programs that inspire creativity, foster learning and support community.

Let’s look at a few of the several events running at the Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter Branch:

Pawsitively Pets

One of Queen/Saulter’s March Break programs, Pawsitively Pets is a hands-on animal educational program happening on Tuesday, March 17th (2pm-3pm). Limited space, no group registration. 10 walk-in participants, tickets will be available 30 minutes before the event starts.

Arts and Crafts

Queen/Saulter hosts several arts and crafts-based workshops for all ages. There’s Crafternoon and Storytime & Craft for the little ones, and Cozy Craft for participants aged 18+. These are great if you want to unwind and show off your creativity! Several dates are available.

Robot World

Curious about coding? Participants can learn the basics of robotics by programming robots to navigate mazes, complete obstacle courses and solve challenges. All materials are provided.

Tech Support

From Introduction to Linux to Computer Skills Classes (Drop-in) to Tech Help in English & Cantonese, Queen/Saulter has workshops perfect for those who want to be more tech-savvy and learn how to maximize their gadgets.

Personal Development for Adults

Queen/Saulter also hosts personal development-focused programming for adults like Combating Misinformation & Disinformation, Maintaining Cognitive Health and Managing Stress with Aging (with Dr. Danielle D’Amico), and Employment Law & Workers’ Rights Workshop.

Aside from their regular lineup of programs, the Queen/Saulter Branch is also participating in this summer’s Game On East End event series!

Game On East End: ​W​orld in a City Programming and Workshops

As part of ‘Game on East End’ programming, eEnjoy free public programming with sports-themed book displays and cultural workshops, including a Chinese Brush Painting Workshop (June 27th, 2pm-3:30pm) and Henna Workshop (July 17th, 10:30am-12:30pm). Stay tuned for registration opening up and learn about more about Game On East End via our webpage!

Check out the Toronto Public Library website and @torontolibrary on Instagram for more information and regular updates on the Queen/Saulter’s programs and schedules!

Stock images from Pexels

In case you didn’t know, we’re doing a blog series on community programming in Riverside in anticipation of Clean Queen East Together on April 24th! 

We’ve got a couple more blog posts coming, so stay tuned and visit the Riverside Blog regularly. In the meantime, read our feature on Fontbonne Ministries’ Mustard Seed location in Riverside!

BLOG: Compassion in Action: How Fontbonne Ministries Supports Community

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