This guide lists Anishinaabemowin resources available in the Toronto area. It includes the following:

Library books, Web sites, Licensed online materials  

Please note that not all of the books listed in this guide are available from a Toronto library. You may have to purchase them or use your library's inter-library loan service.

First Nations House Resource Centre

The Resource Centre, located at First Nations House, University of Toronto, maintains a growing collection of printed materials, and audiovisual resources that represent a wide range of Aboriginal topics. The coordinator is very knowledgeable in Aboriginal/Indigenous issues and is available to assist students with research and identifying sources. The centre also supports the Aboriginal Studies Program, making available texts, readings and other course materials used by instructors.

University of Toronto Libraries

The University of Toronto has many libraries. When you click on the word "University of Toronto Libraries" under a title, it will connect to the U of T library catalogue. The catalogue will tell you which library the book is in, and what the call number is. To find out where the specific library is, click on its name in the catalogue.

Everyone can go into the libraries at the University of Toronto to read their books. However, you will need a library card to borrow them. See the instructions for getting a library card. Members of the general public are called Research Readers. Most libraries also have photocopiers.

Robarts Library has the largest collection of current Ojibwe language material. It is at 130 St. George St., at the corner of Harbord St. It looks like a big grey turkey. Most Anishinaabemowin language books are on the 13th floor, under the PM call number. Only people with library cards can go into the book stacks at Robarts Library. People who do not have a card must ask for the book to be brought down for them to read. Check the schedule to plan your visit.  

Licensed books online. The University of Toronto has some licensed online books, which have restricted access. If you are a University of Toronto faculty, staff, or student, you can use your UTORID and password to access the book. Other people can only access the books if they are in the library, at one of the LIRA computers. You will need identification to use a LIRA station.

Toronto Public Library

The Toronto Public Library has many branches throughout Toronto. The public library is free for anyone who lives, works goes to school, or owns land in the city of Toronto. You will need a library card to use it. With your library card, you can put a hold on books in the Toronto Public Library catalogue, and have them brought to your local branch to pick up. Please note that some Anishinaabemowin titles are in a reference collection and cannot be borrowed. answerline@torontopubliclibrary.ca

The Spadina Road branch of the Toronto Public Library has a Native People's Resource collection which includes Anishinaabemowin materials that can be borrowed. It is at 10 Spadina Road, just up from the Native Centre. 416-393-7666

The Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, 5th floor, has a large Anishinaabemowin collection, including rare publications from the 1970s and 1980s. It is a reference collection that must be used in the library. Many books are kept in storage. Ask for them at a public service desk on the 5th floor. (416) 393-7157

Other Libraries

The libraries listed below are not covered in this guide. Brief information is provided about their collections with links to their library catalogues so that you can look up what they have. To get a general picture of what each library has, you can look up the keywords "ojibwa language." 

Inter-Library Loan

If a book that you want is not available in your library, your library's inter-library loan department may be able to borrow it from another library for you. Ask your library for information about their inter-library loan services.

York University Libraries

The York University Library collects selected Anishinaabemowin books, largely academic works such as linguistic studies and texts. To find out if York has a title, look it up in the York Universities Library catalogue.

Ryerson University Library

The Ryerson University Library has a small collection of Anishinaabemowin books, largely academic works such as linguistic studies and texts. To find out if Ryerson has a title, click look it up in the Ryerson Library Catalogue.

Humber Libraries

The Humber libraries have a small, current collection. See their library catalogue for details.

In order to read and write in syllabic fonts, you will need to download the font and the keyboard. Languagegeek is one option.