Blackstone Foundation Library

Quiet halls and closing bells are admirable, but we champion the reading or listening experience that transports you—anytime, anywhere.

Whether you’re reading Octavia E. Butler’s 'Kindred' or S.A. Cosby’s 'Razorblade Tears', we've got you covered. Explore more titles in our digital library - thebfl.org/access-digital…

Chapter 2 highlights the Engrossed Reader: that moment when you are so completely absorbed in a story that you transcend both time and place. Our 24/7 digital catalogue ensures your quest for knowledge isn't bound by a "Closed" sign.

Quiet halls and closing bells are admirable, but we champion the reading or listening experience that transports you—anytime, anywhere.

The transatlantic slave trade was a crime against humanity that struck at the core of personhood, broke up families & devastated communities. Let us reject the false narrative of racial difference & fully commit to human rights, equality & the inherent worth of every person.

Join us this Saturday, 2-4 PM, at the Clark Centre for the Arts! Explore career paths for young BIPOC artists and the launch of the new Report on Racial and Gender Barriers to Employment in Community Arts & Culture. Register: forms.gle/DfosyhWhtFDCa3…

We’re here to help. The Student & Family Support Office provides students, parents, and caregivers with another direct way to raise concerns, access support, and find solutions. Learn more: tdsb.on.ca/supportoffice

Better late than never - just like that book sitting on your nightstand. Find all the digital titles in the Blackstone Foundation Library catalogue: thebfl.org/access-digital…

Kicking off our new series, Typical Library Behavior, with a post that is. . .well, slightly OVERDUE. We may have missed the exact date for International Women’s Day, but honoring the “History’s Heroines” on our shelves is a year-round job.

DISCLAIMER - This is our #InternationalWomensDay post. Well, sort of. They say librarians are sticklers for punctuality, but we’re just leaning into the theme.

The library will make Afrocentric reading material, resources, and programming more accessible to youth in the Greater Toronto Area. Big thanks to all who have supported the Foundation thus far. Visit thebfl.org to learn more about our mission.

On September 21st 2024, we celebrated a grant received from the @ONTrillium and @ONgov and introduced our digital library to the public with @Aris_Babikian, @JeanYip3, @TorontoPolice Constable Lance Waddell and community members at a grand reopening ceremony at Chester Le Centre.

Young, Black & Lit Book Club (12-17 years) starts Oct 9 at 365 Bay Mills Blvd. Join in for discussions, dinner and a free copy of "Frying Plantain" by Zalika Reid-Benta. Register by scanning QR code or calling Athena (647)472-6791. Visit thebfl.org to learn more.

Registration Link - forms.gle/aG3RBNFiYsRnUF…

Join the Black Women Book Club starting Oct 8 for 8 weeks. Enjoy discussions, dinner, and a free book, "All About Love" by bell hooks. Scan the QR code or call Athena at (647)472-6791. Visit thebfl.org for details.

Join our book clubs for an exciting 8-week experience. Young Black & Lit (12-17-years) starts Oct 9. Black Women Book Club starts Oct 8. Scan QR code or call Athena (647)472-6791 to secure your spot now. Visit thebfl.org to learn about our mission and more.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Blackstone Foundation on the Grand Reopening of its Chester Lee Community Library. It is truly inspiring to witness their continued dedication to making Afrocentric reading and learning materials accessible to Black communities across Scarborough-Agincourt and beyond. I am especially heartened that they are the proud recipient of Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Community Resilience Fund (RCF) grant of $199,700. This significant support from our government will undoubtedly help the Chester Lee community to provide invaluable services through their flagship library, pop-up programming, and enhanced technology and loaning systems. The unwavering commitment to empowering individuals, particularly the youth, through access to culturally relevant literature and fostering mentorship opportunities is an inspiration to us all. The Blackstone Foundation Library’s work plays a pivotal role in nurturing knowledge of self and creating positive reform within our community. @BlackStnLibrary @ACSAtoronto @TPS42Div @TPS42DivAux #ScarboroughAgincourt #ONPoli #ScarbTo #scarborough

Visit thebfl.org to discover more about our mission to address cultural literacy gaps in the Black community within the GTA today.

Meet Barbarella Bishop-Croft, dedicated Blackstone Foundation Library Board Member and Treasurer with over a decade of experience in customer service and tour management. Join us in celebrating our exceptional leaders. Visit thebfl.org to learn more about our work.

Meet Khalil Prescod, an experienced individual with a strong background in research, program coordination, and community support work. Khalil's valuable contributions and dedication to various organizations reflect his commitment to making a meaningful impact.

We're happy and honoured to have Josué Sulubika join us as a Youth Board Member! His passion for social justice and business expertise will be invaluable as we work towards creating a more just and equitable society. Learn more about our work at thebfl.org.